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When the temperature drops below minus 20 and the driveway needs shovelling again, millions of Canadians start dreaming about a beach. The good news: from Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or Vancouver, you can be on warm sand in four to six hours. The hard part is choosing where to go. This guide compares the most popular sun destinations for Canadians this winter, so you can match the trip to your budget, your travel style and the people you travel with.

1. Cancún and the Riviera Maya, Mexico

Cancún is the number one winter escape for Canadians, and for good reason. Direct flights leave from almost every major Canadian city, the choice of all-inclusive resorts is enormous, and the Caribbean water is turquoise all winter. South of Cancún, the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Akumal and Tulum) offers quieter beaches, cenotes for swimming and Mayan ruins for day trips.

Best for: first-time sun travellers, families, couples and groups who want lots of choice. Tip: seaweed (sargassum) can reach some beaches; resorts on Isla Mujeres or the bay side of Cancún are often less affected.

2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is the other giant of the Canadian winter market. Long white beaches, calm water protected by reefs and very competitive all-inclusive prices make it one of the best values in the Caribbean. Most of the action happens inside the resorts, so it is ideal if you want to relax, eat well and not think about anything.

Best for: value seekers, families and travellers who want a pure beach-and-pool holiday. Remember: the Dominican Republic requires a free online e-ticket for entry and exit, which you can fill out before your flight.

3. Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

On the Pacific side of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta combines beach time with a real town: a lively boardwalk (the Malecón), great restaurants and green mountains that drop into the ocean. Whale-watching season runs through the winter, which is a highlight for many visitors. It is especially popular with travellers from Western Canada thanks to shorter flights.

Best for: couples, food lovers and anyone who wants more than a resort.

4. Los Cabos, Mexico

At the tip of the Baja peninsula, Los Cabos offers desert landscapes, dramatic rock formations and upscale resorts. The ocean can be rough on many beaches, so choose a hotel with a swimmable beach or a great pool. Winter weather is dry and sunny, and flights from Vancouver and Calgary are quick.

Best for: luxury stays, golf, sport fishing and travellers from Western Canada.

5. Jamaica

Jamaica offers reggae, jerk chicken, waterfalls and some of the best adults-only resorts in the Caribbean. The island was hit hard by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Most hotels in Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios have reopened since, but a few properties have taken longer, so confirm that your resort is fully open before you book.

Best for: couples, honeymooners and travellers who want culture with their beach.

6. Aruba and Curaçao

Aruba sits outside the main hurricane belt and has one of the most reliable dry, sunny and breezy climates in the Caribbean. It is more expensive than Mexico or the Dominican Republic, but the beaches are spotless and the island is easy to explore. Neighbouring Curaçao offers colourful Willemstad and excellent snorkelling.

Best for: travellers who value guaranteed sunshine and are happy to pay a little more.

7. Florida

Florida remains a classic for Canadian snowbirds and families, especially for longer stays, theme parks or a road trip. Southern Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Keys) is the warmest in January and February; central and northern Florida can have cool days. Canadians staying 30 days or more should read up on the US registration rule first (see our snowbird guide).

8. Costa Rica

The Guanacaste region on the Pacific coast is in its dry season from December to April. Expect beaches, surf, volcanoes, zip-lining and wildlife, with direct winter flights from several Canadian cities into Liberia. It is a great choice for active travellers who get bored at a pool bar.

9. Barbados, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas

For a more upscale Caribbean holiday, Barbados offers British charm and excellent food, Turks and Caicos has Grace Bay, often ranked among the best beaches in the world, and the Bahamas are a short flight from Toronto and Montreal. Expect higher prices than Mexico, but fewer crowds.

A note on Cuba

Cuba has long been a budget favourite for Canadians, but in 2026 the Government of Canada raised its travel advisory because of fuel and power shortages, and Canadian airlines suspended service for long periods. Check the latest advisory on travel.gc.ca and confirm that flights are operating before planning a Cuban holiday.

How to choose

• Tightest budget: Punta Cana or Cancún outside holiday weeks.
• Shortest flight from Eastern Canada: Florida, the Bahamas, Cancún.
• Shortest flight from Western Canada: Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mazatlán.
• Most reliable weather: Aruba, Curaçao, Los Cabos.
• More than a beach: Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica, Jamaica.

Whatever you choose, compare flight and hotel packages against booking separately, and travel outside Christmas and March break if you can. You can compare winter prices for all these destinations on Expedia or with the search box below.