Paris and More Can Gain Canadian Tourists as Air Canada Expands European Flights for 2027

Written By: Sarannya Acharya

Sarannya Acharya

Sarannya Acharya is a content writer with a strong academic and professional background in media and communication. She holds an M.Sc in Media Science and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Swami Vivekananda University, Barrackpore, with a specialization in Advertising. With over three years of experience in content writing, she brings a blend of research-driven insight and creative storytelling to her work. Alongside her professional role, she is actively engaged in academics, contributing to the field through teaching and scholarly involvement. Her expertise lies in crafting well-structured, engaging, and informative content, supported by a solid foundation in media theory and practical industry knowledge.

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September 7, 2026 11:34 PM

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Paris and more European destinations could gain Canadian tourists as Air Canada expands European flights for 2027. The new Air Canada routes could create more opportunities for Canadian tourists to explore Europe. Moreover, Paris and more cities may benefit as travellers build longer European holidays around new connections. Air Canada’s 2027 expansion includes Oslo, Shannon, Nice, Basel and Dubrovnik, while Toronto will gain additional access to Europe. Therefore, Canadian tourists can consider combining Paris with Nice or other European cities. Travel And Tour World urges readers to follow this major aviation development, as Air Canada’s European flights for 2027 could reshape Canadian travel choices across Europe.

Major International Expansion

Air Canada is preparing one of its largest intercontinental expansions for Summer 2027. The airline plans five new international destinations and seven new routes, alongside higher frequencies on established markets. Its network will include more than 125 international routes, with up to 169,000 weekly seats connecting Canada with over 85 destinations across the Atlantic, Pacific, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America and South America. Capacity in these regions will rise more than 8% from Summer 2026.

Asia Gains a New Guangzhou Connection

Vancouver will receive year-round nonstop service to Guangzhou from May 4, 2027. Boeing 787 Dreamliners will operate the route with Signature, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Flights will also provide connections through Vancouver to destinations across North America.

Europe Gets Five New Travel Choices

Toronto will launch seasonal flights to Oslo from June 2, Shannon from June 10, and Nice from June 16. Oslo services will operate four weekly flights, while Shannon will operate three. Nice will operate twice weekly.

Montréal will add Basel from June 16 and Dubrovnik from May 11. Basel flights will use Airbus A321XLR aircraft, while Dubrovnik services will use Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

London, Shanghai and Latin America

Toronto’s London Heathrow Day-tripper returns May 1 with daily daytime service. Shanghai becomes daily, while Toronto–Guatemala City becomes year-round from May 2027. Montréal services to Tenerife, Lima and Guatemala City will also become year-round.

What Travellers Should Expect

The expansion should make Canada a stronger gateway for international holidays. Air Canada expects the strategy to create over 1,500 direct jobs by 2028 and increase Canada’s annual GDP contribution by more than $7 billion. New Airbus A321XLR aircraft and Toronto-based Boeing 787-10 aircraft will support further growth.

For travellers, these additions mean more direct choices for European, Asian and Latin American journeys. However, several routes remain subject to government approval, and published schedules can change.

European Cities That Could Gain More Canadian Tourists From Air Canada’s 2027 Expansion

Air Canada’s 2027 network expansion could influence how Canadian travellers distribute their European holidays. The airline is adding Toronto–Oslo, Toronto–Shannon, Toronto–Nice, Montréal–Basel and Montréal–Dubrovnik services, while strengthening its wider international network.

The opportunity extends beyond the five new nonstop destinations. Canadian visitors can use major European gateways for multi-city journeys, rail trips and longer regional holidays.

Statistics Canada recorded 42.9 million Canadian visits abroad in 2024. Italy ranked fifth among all countries, with 784,000 Canadian visits. The United Kingdom recorded 829,000.

In 2023, Canadians made 36.2 million visits abroad. France was the third most visited overseas country, receiving 723,000 Canadian visits.

The demand is also becoming more valuable. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Canadians made 2.7 million overseas trips and spent C$6.2 billion abroad. Average spending reached C$2,299 per trip, with an average stay of 13.2 nights.

Canadian Overseas Travel Demand: Key Statistics

Sources: Statistics Canada.

1. Paris, France: The Strongest Gateway for a Longer European Holiday

Paris remains one of the clearest beneficiaries of stronger Canadian connectivity to Europe because travellers can combine the French capital with new Air Canada destinations such as Nice. Canadian demand for France is already substantial. Statistics Canada recorded 723,000 Canadian visits to France in 2023, making France one of the country’s leading overseas destinations.

Paris itself recorded 41.944 million hotel overnight stays in 2025, compared with 38.553 million in 2024, 39.638 million in 2023, 37.663 million in 2022 and 15.350 million in 2021. The French statistical office warns that 2021 covered only May through December, so that year is not directly comparable with normal full-year results.

The city is ideal for Canadian tourists wanting culture, food, shopping and history in one trip. A practical four-day plan can begin around the Louvre and Seine, continue through the Marais and Latin Quarter, and finish with Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur. Paris tourism authorities recommend exploring districts on foot or by bicycle and combining museums, monuments, cruises and neighbourhood experiences.

For accommodation, the Marais suits travellers wanting central access and restaurants. Saint-Germain-des-Prés works well for culture and cafés, while the Latin Quarter offers convenient access to historic attractions.

Food should form part of the itinerary. Travellers can explore traditional bakeries, brasseries, pâtisseries, cafés and modern restaurants. Paris tourism authorities describe the city as a major gastronomy destination with options ranging from street food to fine dining.

A particularly strong Canadian itinerary would be Toronto–Paris–Nice–Monaco–Provence, using Paris as the cultural gateway and Nice as the Mediterranean extension.

Paris Five-Year Tourism Benchmark

*2021 is incomplete and not directly comparable.

2. Rome, Italy: A High-Value Cultural Choice for Canadian Travellers

Rome is particularly important because Italy was the fifth most visited country by Canadians in 2024, recording 784,000 visits.

Italy also delivered record tourism results in 2024. The national statistical institute reported 139.6 million tourist arrivals and 466.2 million overnight stays. International arrivals increased 8.9%, while foreign overnight stays rose 8.4%.

Rome reached 22.2 million arrivals and 51.4 million overnight stays in 2024. Arrivals increased 5.63% from 2023, while overnight stays rose 4.5%.

The city then set another record in 2025. Official tourism data recorded 22.9 million arrivals, including 12 million international arrivals, and 52.92 million overnight stays.

For Canadians, Rome is ideal for a five-day cultural itinerary. Day one can cover the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Day two can focus on Vatican City and surrounding historic streets. Day three can explore the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain. Day four can move towards Trastevere and local markets. Day five can be reserved for archaeological sites outside the busiest central circuit.

Rome’s tourism authority recommends experiencing the city beyond its best-known historic centre. Its official food trail highlights traditional Roman cuisine and neighbourhood trattorias.

Travellers should try carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, supplì and Roman-style pizza. Accommodation around Monti suits visitors wanting restaurants and nightlife close to major attractions. Trastevere offers a more neighbourhood-oriented experience, while Prati works well for Vatican-focused itineraries.

A Canadian traveller could combine Rome–Florence–Venice over nine to ten days. Italy’s strong rail network makes the itinerary particularly suitable for travellers wanting several cities without adding multiple flights.

Rome Tourism Performance

Rome’s municipal statistics portal publishes annual tourism datasets for 2021 through 2024, while the city’s 2025 record was subsequently reported by Turismo Roma.

3. Barcelona, Spain: A Strong Choice for City, Food and Mediterranean Tourism

Barcelona could gain from Canadian travellers extending European holidays after arriving through larger European gateways. The city combines architecture, beaches, gastronomy, culture and cruise connectivity.

The Barcelona Tourism Observatory reported 16 million tourists in the city during 2025. The wider Destination Barcelona recorded 26.1 million tourists, including 10.1 million in the surrounding region. Direct tourism expenditure reached €14.041 billion.

Tourism accommodation recorded more than 56 million overnight stays across Destination Barcelona, increasing 1.6%. The city also recorded 57.4 million airport passenger movements, while the port handled 4 million cruise passenger movements and 1.8 million ferry passenger movements.

Canadian travellers can comfortably spend four to five days here. Start with the Sagrada Família and modernist architecture. Continue to Park Güell and the historic centre. A later day can focus on Barceloneta and the waterfront, followed by Montjuïc.

Food is a major reason to stay longer. Travellers can explore Catalan cuisine, tapas, seafood, pa amb tomàquet and local markets. The strongest experience comes from combining popular attractions with neighbourhood dining.

The 2025 visitor profile is also relevant. International visitors represented 86.9% of tourists visiting Barcelona city. Hotels were used by 55.5%, while the average stay was 4.5 nights. Air travel accounted for 80.3% of arrivals.

For accommodation, Eixample is convenient for first-time visitors and architecture enthusiasts. Gràcia offers a neighbourhood atmosphere, while the Gothic Quarter places travellers close to historic attractions.

A useful Canadian itinerary is Paris–Barcelona–Nice, or Barcelona–Rome–Dubrovnik, allowing travellers to combine major cultural cities with Mediterranean destinations.

Barcelona 2025 Tourism Indicators

4. Lisbon, Portugal: A Longer-Stay Alternative for Canadian Visitors

Lisbon offers Canadian travellers a different European experience, combining historic districts, Atlantic scenery, food, wine, culture and easy access to nearby coastal destinations.

Official Lisbon data show the city accounted for 6.46 million guests and 15.16 million overnight stays in 2023. Those figures represented 22% of Portugal’s guests and 20% of national overnight stays.

Portugal recorded 26.5 million non-resident tourist arrivals in 2023, 7.7% above 2019. The country’s accommodation sector recorded 32.5 million guests and 85.1 million overnight stays that year.

Lisbon is particularly suitable for a five-day Canadian itinerary. Day one can focus on Baixa and Praça do Comércio. Day two can cover Belém, the riverside and historic monuments. Day three can explore Alfama and traditional Fado culture. Day four can be reserved for Sintra. Day five can combine Cascais with coastal experiences.

The official Lisbon tourism authority highlights the city’s historic heritage, beaches, nature, food and public transport. The Lisboa Card also provides transport benefits and access to museums and monuments.

Canadian visitors should sample bacalhau, grilled fish, Portuguese pastries and regional wines. Alfama suits travellers seeking historic surroundings. Baixa and Chiado are practical for first-time visitors. Avenida da Liberdade provides an upscale base.

Lisbon is also valuable as part of a broader itinerary. Travellers can combine it with Porto, Madrid or Barcelona, creating a longer Iberian holiday instead of a short city break.

Lisbon Tourism Indicators

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands: A Smart Multi-City Extension for Canadians

Amsterdam is another strong candidate for longer Canadian European itineraries. It can be paired with Paris, Brussels, London, Basel or other continental destinations.

Amsterdam’s tourism authority estimated 24.1 million total visitors in 2024. Its high scenario projected 25.8 million visitors in 2025, including 19.1 million international visitors. The forecast represented 7.1% total visitor growth and 7.9% international visitor growth.

Nationally, the Netherlands recorded 22.3 million international guests in 2025, up 5% from 2024. Total guests across hotels, campsites and holiday parks reached 52.2 million.

Amsterdam works particularly well for a three- or four-day stay. Travellers can spend the first day around the canal belt and historic centre. The second day can focus on the Rijksmuseum and Museumplein. The third can explore Jordaan, De Pijp and lesser-known neighbourhoods. A fourth day can be used for nearby Dutch destinations.

The official Amsterdam tourism authority highlights museums, canal cruises, cycling, festivals, restaurants and neighbourhood experiences. The city has more than 800,000 bicycles, making cycling an important part of local mobility.

Food travellers can try bitterballen, stroopwafels, Dutch pancakes, herring and modern international cuisine. Amsterdam’s food scene includes traditional restaurants, street-food destinations and fine dining.

Jordaan suits visitors wanting a residential atmosphere. De Pijp is strong for food and nightlife, while the canal belt offers central access.

A practical Canadian route could be Amsterdam–Paris–Nice, allowing travellers to experience northern European culture before moving towards the Mediterranean.

Amsterdam Tourism Indicators

The Amsterdam figures are city visitor estimates rather than Canadian-only arrivals, while the Netherlands national figures are official Statistics Netherlands data.

Five-Year European Tourism Recovery: What the Numbers Show

The available official statistics show that Europe’s tourism market has recovered strongly since the pandemic, although individual cities publish different measurements.

Paris provides the clearest five-year city-level comparison. Its hotel overnight stays rose from 15.35 million in 2021 to 41.94 million in 2025. The 2025 result was approximately 9% above 2024 and more than 2.7 times the 2021 level.

Rome reached a record 51.4 million overnight stays in 2024 and 52.92 million in 2025. Barcelona recorded 16 million city tourists in 2025, while Amsterdam’s visitor volume was estimated at 24.1 million in 2024. Lisbon recorded 6.46 million guests in 2023.

At the broader European level, EU tourist accommodation recorded more than 3 billion nights in 2024. International guest nights increased 4.9%, demonstrating strong cross-border travel demand. Spain, Italy, France and Germany together represented 61.6% of EU accommodation nights.

Five-Year Tourism Data: Selected European Markets

*Paris 2021 covers May–December and is not comparable with a normal full year. Different cities also use different definitions, including arrivals, guests, overnight stays and total visitors.

Why Air Canada’s Expansion Could Spread Tourism Beyond New Routes

The most important opportunity is not limited to Oslo, Shannon, Nice, Basel and Dubrovnik.

The new routes can encourage Canadian tourists to build longer European holidays. A traveller arriving in Paris could continue towards Nice. A visitor arriving in Basel could explore Switzerland, France and Germany. Dubrovnik can become an entry point for wider Adriatic travel.

This matters because Canadians are already taking longer overseas holidays. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the average overseas trip lasted 13.2 nights and generated C$2,299 in average spending.

That spending pattern supports multi-city tourism.

Instead of flying to Europe for a single destination, travellers can combine two or three cities. This distributes accommodation, restaurant, attraction and transport spending across more communities.

Best Multi-City European Plans for Canadian Travellers

Traveller Takeaway

Air Canada’s 2027 expansion arrives when Canadian international travel is already showing strong momentum. Canadians made 42.9 million visits abroad in 2024, while overseas spending reached C$52.9 billion for the year.

The strongest opportunity for European tourism is therefore not simply more flights. It is the possibility of longer, more diverse journeys.

Paris can connect culture with the French Riviera. Rome can anchor an Italian itinerary. Barcelona can combine urban tourism with Mediterranean experiences. Lisbon can introduce Atlantic Europe, while Amsterdam can serve as a northern European gateway.

For Canadian tourists, the smartest approach is to compare the new nonstop destinations with onward rail and air connections before booking. Travellers should also check seasonal operating dates, because several of Air Canada’s new European services are seasonal.

The result could be a broader European tourism map for Canadian travellers in 2027, with more cities sharing the economic benefits of longer international holidays.