Air Canada’s Latest Winter Expansion Includes Direct Flights to Tepic And Puerto Escondido: What Travelers Need To Know

Published on July 10, 2025

Puerto Escondido and Tepic have been added to the newest jewels on the globe’s travel map after Air Canada’s added winter routes for 2025-26. The airline is contributing its part to the growing popularity in holiday destination interest in Mexico and Latin America by adding non-stop service from Toronto to Puerto Escondido and Vancouver to Tepic, areas both with exclusive cultural appeal. The routes, including Montreal to Belize and Lima, Peru, mean chances for travelers to experience off-the-beaten-path places and legendary locations.

Air Canada’s Winter Network Expansion
Air Canada’s newest announcement solidifies its plans to offer more global connections under its “New Frontiers Strategy” to offer its leisure travelers, specifically those traveling to Latin America and Mexico, a superior experience. Not only do these additional network enhancements offer the traveling public within Canada convenient access to these fascinating territories, they offer the exciting opportunity for individuals traveling in Europe to access the culture-filled cities of the states of the Pacific and Oaxaca in Mexico.

Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the routes’ value in satisfying travelers’ needs for panoramic holiday locations and cultural activities. The new Puerto Escondido and Tepic routes, together with Central American services, arrive at the opportune time and in the appropriate strategic position to maximize demand and benefit from the culmination of extensive regional infrastructure developments.

A Closer Look at the New Destinations
Puerto Escondido, located in the coastal area of Oaxaca, is the paradise for travelers and surfers, where you will experience peace, excitement, and lots of culture. The relaxed environment and the world-renowned beaches make the city the relaxation and thrill personified. The one-stop Air Canada non-stop Toronto-Puerto Escondido service makes Puerto Escondido very convenient for the travelers from Canada with no transits or long stops, bringing to them the beautiful landscape of Mexico in its pristine form.

In Mexico’s west coast, Tepic in the Riviera Nayarit is increasingly becoming one of the most exciting destinations to visit. With rolling hills, white sandy shores, and cultural heritage, Tepic is the gateway to Mexico’s west coast. Easier to access than ever before now with the newly created Highway from Tepic to Puerto Vallarta, the region has unveiled its entire beauty to tourists who now flock to destinations like Sayulita, San Pancho, and Punta Mita.

The Vancouver-Tepic service to debut in December 2025 presents new opportunities for travelers to experience the beauty of the Pacific coast. It’s also the ultimate gateway to the burgeoning Riviera Nayarit, and the moment to experience Tepic and the cities surrounding it is now.

Expanding the Network for More Canadian Travelers
The latest route expansions are part of Air Canada’s broader strategy to increase flight options for Canadian travelers seeking vacation destinations. The carrier will now offer direct flights to more than 52 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean, reinforcing its position as a leading carrier for vacationers. With a projected 80,000+ seats per week, the airline is poised to meet the growing demand for flights to Latin American and Caribbean destinations.

Impact on Travel and the Local Economy
The direct flights to Puerto Escondido and Tepic will have significant positive impacts on the travel and tourism industries. For Canadian travelers, these new routes offer convenient, time-saving options that bypass longer layovers, making vacations more accessible. The development of these routes will also likely increase tourism to these areas, benefiting local economies by creating job opportunities and bolstering small businesses that rely on tourism.

For Mexico’s Oaxaca and Nayarit regions, the new Air Canada flights will bring in more international visitors, encouraging cultural exchange, furthering the tourism industry, and promoting these areas as prime destinations for leisure travel. With the addition of these flights, more Canadians will experience the charm of Mexico’s Pacific coastline, supporting growth in both tourism and cargo transport for local economies.

Air Canada’s Expanded Latin American & Caribbean Network
In addition to Puerto Escondido and Tepic, Air Canada has expanded its services to Lima, Peru, with twice-weekly flights from both Montreal and Toronto. These new options give travelers a chance to explore Peru’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders. Flights to Belize are also part of the winter network, providing an exciting option for travelers who wish to explore the legendary Belize Barrier Reef.

For 2025-26, Air Canada’s commitment to growth and expanding its network into these rapidly growing regions promises a dynamic future for travel, offering more choices and better accessibility for vacationers.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Winter Travel
Air Canada’s expanded winter routes to Puerto Escondido, Tepic, and beyond bring new opportunities for Canadians and international visitors to experience off-the-beaten-path destinations. With a commitment to diversifying travel options and supporting local economies, these routes represent a major leap forward in Air Canada’s network strategy. With direct flights to these popular destinations, travelers can expect to embark on exciting new adventures in 2025 and beyond.

Chart: Air Canada Winter 2025-26 Route Overview

This story provides an compelling snapshot of the Air Canada expansion plans and how they impact travelers and local economies, giving readers the exciting glimpse of where to explore next at the same time they remain informed about concrete traveling opportunities and local economic benefits.