Canada is having a moment. With the US suffering from the “Trump slump” effect, European travellers seeking out the charms of the Americas are heading north of the border instead.
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And if you’d like to join them, we have good news: several new routes launched this summer, and there are plenty on the way in 2027.
In May, WestJet launched flights from Cardiff in the UK to Toronto, with routes to Glasgow and the Azores’ Ponta Delgada starting in May and June, respectively.
From its hub in Halifax, the airline also launched flights to three new destinations in Europe: Madrid, Lisbon and Copenhagen.
In summer 2027, Air Canada will also launch seasonal flights from Toronto to Oslo, Norway; Shannon, Ireland; and Nice, France in June.
The Canadian flag carrier will also serve Dubrovnik, Croatia and Basel, Switzerland, from Montréal in May and June next year, respectively.
While Ottawa might be Canada’s capital, Toronto is its biggest city. Known for its foodie credentials, tourists flock here to try classic dishes like poutine as well as the unique cultural mash-ups the city has produced, with unusual combinations like Jamaican-Italian cuisine or sushi pizza.
As for what to line up in your frame, the city’s skyline features the iconic CN Tower (which you can walk around the ledge of, if you’re feeling brave enough), and you can also explore neighbourhoods like Kensington Market or the Distillery District.
In the summer months – many of the new routes are seasonal – the Toronto Islands will be calling your name, particularly if you like to get out on the water. You can also take a day trip to Niagara Falls, or explore Muskoka Lakes.
Located in the French-speaking province of Quebec, Montréal was traditionally the country’s commercial capital.
Today, tourists flock here to wander around the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, to explore the underground city that protects you from the extremes of summer and winter, and to discover the many bars of its world-famous LGBTQ+ district. Essentially, make sure you pack some comfortable walking shoes.
As for Halifax, Nova Scotia’s coastal capital is a great base for exploring the wider province.
From here, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lunenburg, which is the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America; Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse; and the picturesque Mahone Bay.