Friday, July 18, 2025
Air Canada launches new routes to better connect Canadian travelers with the United States, Europe and South America to encourage tourism and offer new travel options, by linking Canada to popular destinations in: Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, Italy, Colombia and Guatemala. As Canadians made more than 33 million trips overseas in 2024 and spent over 41 billion travel dollars in countries around the globe – the company’s latest expansion is a courageous response to evolving travel needs away from the U.S. into culturally deep international destinations. These new routes one being relaunched and the others soon to be launched, not only provide easy access to new tourism markets, they also make Air Canada a major promoter of the recovery and growth of international travel.
Connecting Canada and the United States: More Routes, More Possibilities
The transborder network between Canada and the United States is growing stronger than ever, even as Canadian visits to the U.S. begin to slide. In 2024, over 20.4 million Canadian travelers crossed into the United States, spending more than US $20.5 billion. But in 2025, that trend reversed — with Canadian travel to the U.S. falling by 33% year-on-year in June, and flight bookings dropping 40% as early as February.
Air Canada responded by launching a nonstop route from Vancouver to Nashville in May, offering direct access from the Canadian West Coast to one of America’s most vibrant cultural and economic centers. Simultaneously, a year-round Montreal–Cincinnati route opened up, connecting Quebec to the American Midwest and fostering new trade and tourism ties.
Meanwhile, within Canada, new routes like Toronto to St. John’s (launched in June) and Ottawa to Calgary (starting in July) are bolstering regional connectivity, providing critical links between economic and political hubs across the country.
New Horizons in Europe: Sweden, Portugal, and Italy Added to the Map
As travel to the U.S. dips, Canadians are turning their sights to Europe. In early 2025, outbound air travel to overseas destinations rose by 8.1% in March and 9.1% in April compared to the same months the previous year. This renewed appetite is reflected in Air Canada’s new lineup of transatlantic routes.
In May, a Toronto–Stockholm service began operating four times per week, giving travelers direct access to Sweden’s design-driven, innovation-focused capital. Although individual 2024 Canadian arrival figures for Sweden aren’t publicly released, rising interest in Nordic countries is reflected in broader outbound growth.
The airline also debuted a seasonal Montreal–Porto route in spring, giving Canadians an easy way to explore Portugal, a country that has gained significant favor among travelers for its affordability, coastal beauty, and historic charm. Portugal has steadily climbed as a preferred destination among Canadian tourists seeking alternatives to more saturated markets.
For those craving a deeper taste of Italy, Air Canada launched a Montreal–Naples seasonal flight in spring, connecting travelers to the southern Italian coast — home to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and traditional Neapolitan cuisine. These destinations represent a growing trend among Canadian travelers seeking authentic, less-commercialized experiences in Europe.
Expanding into South America: Brazil and Colombia Now Within Reach
South America is fast becoming a top alternative for Canadians eager to escape traditional winter routes. Although exact Canadian visitor counts to Brazil and Colombia are limited, Colombia welcomed 2.2 million foreign tourists in 2024, and Canada has been identified as a growing source market.
In December, Air Canada is launching a Toronto to Rio de Janeiro flight, making it easier for Canadians to tap into Brazil’s rich cultural capital. The nonstop route will serve both leisure and business travelers seeking sun, samba, and expanding trade ties.
Also in December, a new Toronto–Cartagena service begins, giving Canadian tourists direct access to Colombia’s Caribbean jewel — a destination known for its colonial charm, island getaways, and lively street life. The new route is expected to draw strong demand from Canadians craving sun-soaked escapes with historic flair.
Central America Expansion: Direct Link to Guatemala
In a significant regional first, Air Canada will launch a Montreal to Guatemala City route in October, marking its first direct flight to Guatemala. While specific 2024–2025 Canadian arrival figures to Guatemala are not published, interest in Central America has been steadily rising among Canadian eco-tourists, adventure seekers, and heritage travelers.
This route provides a direct link to a country known for Mayan ruins, active volcanoes, and breathtaking natural beauty. It also reflects growing trade and development ties between Canada and Guatemala, expanding beyond leisure tourism into business and government cooperation.
Air Canada’s Broader Strategy: Travel Demand Meets Tourism Growth
The shift in Canadian travel behavior is clear. While the U.S. still attracts millions, its dominance is softening as travelers branch out toward culturally rich, lesser-explored destinations in Europe and Latin America. With 33.2 million outbound Canadian trips in 2024 — and over US $41.7 billion spent globally — Air Canada is aligning itself with the countries seeing the biggest shifts in demand.
Whether it’s the wine cellars of Portugal, the opera houses of Sweden, the sun-drenched coastline of Brazil, or the volcanic lakes of Guatemala, Canadians are traveling farther and deeper than before — and they want direct, seamless access.
Air Canada’s strategy removes the friction. With more nonstop flights to more global destinations, Canadians can bypass hubs and head straight to the heart of their chosen adventure.
Air Canada introduces new travel routes bringing Canadian travelers closer to the United States, Europe, and South America to boost tourism by expanding direct access to in-demand destinations like Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, Italy, Colombia, and Guatemala. This strategic move comes as Canadian outbound travel surges past 33 million trips, with travelers seeking richer international experiences beyond the U.S. market.
A Stronger Tourism Future for Canada and Its Global Partners
As these routes open, Canada’s tourism ecosystem stands to benefit, not just in terms of outbound numbers, but inbound growth as well. New connectivity brings more international visitors into Canadian cities, while giving locals expanded access to global culture, cuisine, and commerce.
With routes now bridging Canada to the United States, Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, Italy, Colombia, and Guatemala, Air Canada is more than expanding its map — it’s helping redefine global travel for a new era of curious, connected, and experience-hungry Canadians.
