Credit: Air Canada Air Canada is opening a new gateway to Japan’s northern winter playground. Starting December 2026, the airline will operate the only non-stop flights from North America to Sapporo, giving travelers direct access to Hokkaido’s famed powder snow, the Sapporo Snow Festival, steaming hot springs, and authentic Japanese cuisine. This move strengthens Air Canada’s international network and solidifies its position as the North American carrier with the most direct flights to Japan.
Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo: “Air Canada’s global network is further strengthened by the addition of Sapporo, a premier winter leisure destination in Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture. With this new service, Air Canada is reinforcing its Vancouver hub as North America’s second-largest Pacific gateway, building on strong premium leisure and ongoing travel demand to Japan, while providing yet another sought-after destination for our customers and Aeroplan Members. 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 from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Sapporo’s Chitose Airport (CTS) will operate three times a week via Air Canada’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner with Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy options available.
International Signature Class. Credit: Air CanadaThe schedule is meant to minimize travel time, saving passengers over two hours compared with one-stop alternatives.
“Leveraging Vancouver’s geographic proximity, Air Canada’s new flights provide the fastest way to reach Sapporo, saving more than two hours travel time each way. For our customers in Hokkaido, Air Canada’s new flights provide the only non-stop and the fastest way to reach the North American continent, with connections to over 45 destinations across Canada, the United States and Mexico at our YVR hub,” Galardo added.
Canada and Japan also see benefits beyond leisure. “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, Canada’s Ambassador to Japan.
Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport, echoed the excitement: “As Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia, YVR is ready to welcome Air Canada's new direct service to Sapporo, Japan. This new route builds on YVR's strategy as a key Trans-Pacific hub, further strengthening the deep trade, economic, and cultural ties between Canada and Japan, and providing additional travel and cargo options to both countries and beyond.”
Seats are on sale now through the airline's website, travel agents, and Air Canada Contact Centres. Ski bags and equipment are included as part of regular checked baggage allowances, making this an effortless option for winter adventurers looking to explore the best of Japan’s north.