Snow, ramen, beer: Air Canada unveils seasonal flights to Sapporo, Japan

Air Canada has announced the only non-stop flights from North America to Sapporo, the capital of the mountainous northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

The route will begin in December 2026 – just in time for travellers to experience Japan’s world-recognized winter activities and experiences.

Air Canada’s new service will bring travellers directly to Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture and the area's powder conditions, the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival, hot springs, and beer scene. 

“Air Canada’s global network is further strengthened by the addition of Sapporo, a premier winter leisure destination in Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture,” said Mark Galardo, executive vice president & chief commercial officer, and President, Cargo, in a release. “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, on sale now, will operate from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Sapporo’s Chitose Hokkaido Airport (CTS) onboard Air Canada’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner three times weekly from December 2026 until March 2027.

Air Canada’s Sapporo schedule:

Flight times are subject to change. 

Air Canada says it will be announcing additional details and new destinations for Winter 2026-27 in the coming weeks.

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