Air Canada is expanding its Japan network once again, this time with a route that winter travellers have been quietly hoping for.
Starting in December 2026, the airline will operate the only nonstop flights linking North America with Sapporo (CTS), flying three times weekly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The new service connects Vancouver directly with Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS), opening up faster access to Hokkaido during peak winter season. Until now, travellers heading to northern Japan had to route through Tokyo (TYO) or Osaka (KIX). This removes that extra step entirely.
A New Gateway to Japan’s Winter Capital
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is globally known for its deep powder snow, world-class ski resorts, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Until now, getting there from Canada involved at least one connection via Tokyo or Osaka. Air Canada’s new nonstop service changes that entirely.
Flights will operate onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, featuring Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. According to Air Canada, using Vancouver as the departure point cuts more than two hours off the journey each way compared to typical one-stop routings, thanks to YVR’s geographic advantage as a trans-Pacific hub.
From a network perspective, this also reinforces Vancouver’s position as North America’s second-largest Pacific gateway, giving travellers access to more than 45 onward destinations across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
Schedule Details
The seasonal service will operate from December 17, 2026, through March 26, 2027, aligning neatly with Hokkaido’s winter tourism peak.
Flight times are subject to change, but seats are already available for sale through Air Canada and travel agents.
Why This Route Matters
The addition of Sapporo further strengthens Air Canada’s Japan network, which already includes year-round service to Tokyo International Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT), plus summer seasonal flights to Osaka (KIX). With this move, Air Canada now offers more nonstop destinations in Japan from the North American mainland than any other carrier.
For Aeroplan members, Sapporo becomes a much more practical redemption option, particularly for winter trips that involve skis or snowboards.
On Air Canada international flights, ski equipment is included as part of standard checked baggage allowances, except on Basic fares, which is a small but meaningful perk for this market.
Conclusion
Air Canada’s new Vancouver (YVR) – Sapporo (CTS) nonstop service is a smart, well-timed addition that fills a long-standing gap in the market.
It offers faster access to one of Japan’s most popular winter destinations, strengthens Vancouver’s role as a trans-Pacific hub, and gives Aeroplan members another compelling reason to look beyond Tokyo.
If winter Japan has been on your list, December 2026 just got a lot more interesting.
This story originally appeared on princeoftravel
