The biggest story about Canadians traveling to the Caribbean right now isn’t new resorts or new destinations.
There is no Cuba.
For decades, Cuba has been one of Canada’s major winter solar markets, with direct flights connecting cities across Canada and destinations across the island. Today, Cuba is not included in Canadian air itineraries, creating one of the most significant changes to Caribbean airlift in years.
Airlines responded by expanding service to other destinations across the region, with Jamaica emerging as one of the biggest winners.
now air canada We’re adding more flights to the island.
The airline has booked new seasonal nonstop service from both locations. Edmonton International Airport and Winnipeg Richardson International Airport to Montego Bay, JamaicaIt will expand winter capacity for 2026-2027 and provide Western Canadian travelers with more options to reach one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.
This move is another sign of Jamaica’s growth momentum in the Canadian market. This is especially true as airlines continue to redirect Caribbean capacity to destinations with high demand and established tourism infrastructure.
New direct flights to Montego Bay
Air Canada is Edmonton and Montego Bay From every day of the week From December 7, 2026 to April 4, 2027.
The airline is also launching non-stop services including: Winnipeg and Montego Bayin operation Sunday and Monday from From December 7, 2026 to April 5, 2027.
Flights are adding thousands of seats at the heart of the winter travel season as Canadian travelers head south for warmer weather and beach vacations.
For travelers in Alberta and Manitoba, the new service means direct access to Jamaica’s key tourism gateway, eliminating the need for connections through larger Canadian hubs.
The route also strengthens Montego Bay’s role as one of the busiest and most important airports in the Caribbean.
Jamaica is benefiting from massive airlift rotation
The removal of Cuban flights from Canadian airline schedules changed Caribbean travel patterns.
Aircraft that once operated routes to Cuba have been redeployed throughout the region, creating opportunities for destinations that already have strong tourism products and significant cabin inventories.
Jamaica was particularly well positioned.
The island combines an extensive resort inventory, widespread brand awareness among Canadian travelers, a strong airlift and a tourism sector that continues to attract investment.
This combination has helped Jamaica capture a larger share of Canada’s winter travel demand.
The recent Air Canada expansion is another example of how the airline is responding to changing travel patterns.
While destinations across the Caribbean are growing, Jamaica continues to stand out due to its ability to absorb additional visitors while offering a variety of accommodations and experiences.
Montego Bay remains Jamaica’s tourist hub.
Much of that growth continues to be concentrated in Montego Bay.
The city serves as Jamaica’s main tourist gateway and arrival point for millions of visitors each year. From the airport, travelers have easy access to Montego Bay’s resort corridor, the Rose Hall area and much of the island’s northern coastline.
Convenience is one of Jamaica’s greatest strengths.
Direct flights from Canada can get travelers to the beach within a short time of landing. This is an important consideration for vacationers looking to maximize their week-long vacation.
Montego Bay also remains one of the most established resort markets in the Caribbean, with a mix of luxury resorts, all-inclusive hotels, golf resorts and boutique properties.
This depth has helped Jamaica maintain its appeal across a variety of traveler segments, from families and couples to groups and luxury travellers.
New resort attracts Canadian travelers
Additional Air Canada flights arrive as Jamaica continues to expand hotel offerings.
The most important recent additions are: princess grand jamaica And for adults only Princess Sense the MangroveThis resort is adjacent to Green Island along Jamaica’s northwest coast.
The two hotels add more than 1,000 rooms to the destination and represent one of the largest resort developments Jamaica has seen in years.
princess grand jamaica It is aimed at families with a variety of swimming pools, spacious accommodation, water attractions and comprehensive services.
next door, Princess Sense the Mangrove It quickly gained attention for its adults-only concept, overwater villas, wellness facilities, restaurants and bars.
Resorts have become a major addition to Jamaica’s tourism product and are helping to attract travelers seeking new, all-inclusive experiences.
Visitors to Canada also continue to be attracted to existing properties, including: half moon, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, S Hotel Montego Bay and Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa.
The result is one of the most prolific resort listings in the Caribbean, offering travelers options to suit a variety of budgets and travel styles.
Western Canada continues to grow
The new route also highlights Western Canada’s growing importance to Caribbean tourism.
Toronto and Montreal remain Canada’s largest gateways for travel to the Caribbean, but as demand continues to grow, airlines have steadily increased service in cities such as Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg.
Winter is especially important.
Long winters, strong vacation demand and increased demand for direct flights have made Western Canada an increasingly attractive market for Caribbean destinations.
While the daily service from Edmonton represents a significant commitment from Air Canada, the Winnipeg flights provide another direct option for travelers in Manitoba and nearby regions.
These routes strengthen Jamaica’s position in a market that continues to generate significant winter travel demand.
What it means for travelers
The new Air Canada service gives travelers another direct route to one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.
It also highlights how quickly Caribbean aviation is developing.
With Cuba no longer included on Canadian airline schedules, airlines are directing more resources to destinations that can accommodate additional demand. Jamaica has emerged as one of the most obvious beneficiaries of this trend, attracting new routes, expanding services and increasing visitor numbers.
Starting December 2026, travelers departing from Edmonton and Winnipeg will have more opportunities to reach Montego Bay.
This is another vote of confidence in Jamaica from one of Canada’s largest airlines, and another sign that the island continues to gain momentum as the winter travel landscape in the Caribbean changes.
