Air Canada has announced a major expansion of its trans-Pacific network with the launch of nonstop flights to Sapporo beginning December 2026.
The new service will operate three times weekly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Sapporo’s Chitose Hokkaido Airport (CTS) through March 2027, making Air Canada the only carrier offering direct flights between North America and Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights will provide travelers with unprecedented access to one of Asia’s premier winter destinations. Passengers can experience world-class powder skiing, the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival, authentic hot springs and culinary adventures.
Skiing in Sapporo, Japan (Photo Credit: Air Canada/Adobe Stock)
The new route saves more than two hours of travel time compared to connecting flights, positioning Vancouver as North America’s second-largest Pacific gateway.
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the strategic importance of the route.
“This new service strengthens our Vancouver hub and capitalizes on strong leisure travel demand to Japan while providing our customers and Aeroplan Members with yet another sought-after destination,” Galardo said.
Air Canada now offers the most nonstop Japanese destinations from the North American mainland. The Sapporo service complements existing year-round flights to Tokyo-Narita and Tokyo-Haneda, plus seasonal summer service to Osaka-Kansai. The airline continues to enhance its Japan offerings through partnerships with Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto, whose creations feature on Signature Class menus across all Canada-Japan routes.
Sapporo, Japan (Photo Credit: Air Canada/Adobe Stock)
The new flights underscore Air Canada’s commitment to strengthening cultural and economic ties between Canada and Japan. Seats are now available for purchase at aircanada.com, through travel agents and Air Canada Contact Centres, with three cabin options: Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy.
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