by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:30 AM ET, Wed January 21, 2026
Air Canada has announced a new North American first: non-stop flights to Sapporo, Japan. The seasonal route will fly direct from Vancouver International (YVR) to Sapporo Chitose Hokkaido Airport (CTS), beginning in December, 2026.
Sapporo, in the mountainous Hokkaido prefecture is renowned for powder skiing, its namesake beer and the annual Snow Festival.
“By making it easier for travellers to experience world-class winter sports and tourism in both countries, this new connection will bring Canadians and Japanese closer together, strengthening long-standing people-to-people ties and creating new economic opportunities on both sides of the Pacific,” said His Excellency, Ian McKay, Ambassador of Canada to Japan.
Travellers headed for the hills will be pleased to note that on Air Canada’s international flights, ski bags and equipment are included as part of regular checked bag allowances (for all but Basic Economy fares).
The flights will operate three times weekly aboard Air Canada’s 737 Dreamliner aircraft. The seasonal service complements Air Canada’s existing year-round service to Tokyo-Narita and Tokyo-Haneda and summer seasonal services to Osaka-Kansai.
“With this new service, Air Canada is reinforcing its Vancouver hub as North America’s second largest Pacific gateway,” says Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo. “Whether people are avid snow enthusiasts, cultural or culinary connoisseurs, or global explorers, Air Canada’s new service will make discovering Japan’s vibrant northern regions more convenient than ever.”
Flights for the new route are now available to book.
Air Canada’s Sapporo schedule:
FlightFromToDepartsArrivesDays of OperationSeasonAC55Vancouver (YVR)Sapporo – Chitose (CTS)13:2515:35 + 1 dayMon, Thu, SatDec. 17, 2026-Mar. 25, 2027AC54Sapporo – Chitose (CTS)Vancouver (YVR)19:5511:10Tue, Fri, SunDec. 18, 2026-Mar. 26, 2027
*flight times are subject to change
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