When you only have a week off, flight time matters. Four hours in the air means you are at the pool by mid-afternoon; seven hours with a connection can eat a whole vacation day. Below are typical non-stop flight times from Canada’s four biggest airports to the most popular winter sun destinations.
Times are approximate for non-stop flights and vary with the aircraft, winds and route. The return flight north is often a little longer because of headwinds. Not every route has a non-stop flight all winter, so check schedules for your dates.
From Toronto (YYZ)
| Destination | Approx. flight time |
|---|---|
| Orlando, Florida | 2 h 45 |
| Fort Lauderdale / Miami | 3 h |
| Nassau, Bahamas | 3 h |
| Montego Bay, Jamaica | 3 h 45 |
| Cancún, Mexico | 3 h 45 to 4 h |
| Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | 4 h |
| Aruba | 4 h 45 |
| Phoenix, Arizona | 4 h 45 |
| Barbados | 5 h |
| Liberia, Costa Rica | 5 h |
| Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | 5 h 15 |
From Montreal (YUL)
| Destination | Approx. flight time |
|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale / Miami | 3 h 15 |
| Orlando, Florida | 3 h |
| Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | 4 h |
| Montego Bay, Jamaica | 4 h |
| Cancún, Mexico | 4 h to 4 h 15 |
| Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic | 3 h 45 |
| Aruba | 5 h |
| Liberia, Costa Rica | 5 h 15 |
| Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | 5 h 45 |
From Calgary (YYC)
| Destination | Approx. flight time |
|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | 3 h |
| Los Cabos, Mexico | 4 h |
| Mazatlán, Mexico | 4 h |
| Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | 4 h 15 |
| Cancún, Mexico | 5 h |
| Orlando, Florida | 4 h 30 |
From Vancouver (YVR)
| Destination | Approx. flight time |
|---|---|
| Phoenix / Palm Springs | 2 h 45 |
| Los Cabos, Mexico | 4 h |
| Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | 4 h 45 |
| Cancún, Mexico | 5 h 45 |
| Honolulu / Maui, Hawaii | 6 h |
What this means for your trip
- Eastern Canada: Florida, the Bahamas, Cancún, Jamaica and Punta Cana are all within about four hours. You can leave in the morning and swim the same afternoon.
- Western Canada: the Mexican Pacific coast (Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mazatlán) and Arizona are the quickest escapes. The Caribbean is possible, but usually takes an hour or two longer, or a connection.
- Short trips (4 to 5 nights): choose a destination under four hours away so you do not lose a full day each way.
Tips for a smoother flight south
- Morning departures give you a full afternoon at the beach and are less likely to be hit by winter delays piling up during the day.
- Book non-stop when possible in winter: a missed connection because of a snowstorm can cost you a day of vacation.
- Charter and leisure airlines often fly to resort areas from smaller Canadian airports, which can save you a drive to a major hub.
- Check in online 24 hours ahead and arrive at least three hours before an international departure during peak weeks.
Want to know which destination fits you best? Read our guide to the best winter sun destinations for Canadians, then compare flights and hotels on Expedia.
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