Costa Rica sees 'remarkable' 26.6% surge in Canadian arrivals
Costa Rican tourism authorities are continuing to offer Canadians sun, sand and sea along with sloths as well.
A country that first appeared on the tourist radar because of its eco-tourism opportunities has grown beyond that, now easily able to accommodate the sun-seeking crowd, says Jocelyn Black of VoX International, which represents Costa Rica in this country.
“Sun and beach remain the leading motivator for Canadian travellers, with approximately 73% citing beaches and coastal experiences as a key reason for visiting,” said Black, who joined VoX colleagues in arranging a recent Toronto event for a visiting Costa Rican delegation. “However, Costa Rica’s appeal goes far beyond traditional beach vacations. Nature and ecotourism experiences are also extremely important, with nearly 47% of visitors drawn by the country’s biodiversity, rainforests, volcanoes and wildlife.
“What makes Costa Rica unique is the ability to combine both experiences in a single trip. Travellers can spend time relaxing on the coast while also exploring cloud forests, waterfalls, national parks and adventure activities inland.
“Costa Rica offers a rare combination of accessibility, biodiversity, sustainability and lifestyle. Visitors can experience beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife, wellness and adventure all within a relatively small and easy-to-navigate country. The country’s ‘Pura Vida’ philosophy also sets it apart. It is more than a slogan — it reflects a way of life centered around wellbeing, balance, connection and appreciation for nature. Costa Rica has also become a global leader in sustainable tourism and conservation, which increasingly resonates with Canadian travellers.
“Beyond the scenery, visitors consistently connect with the warmth of the people, the country’s strong environmental values and the sense of rejuvenation they feel during their stay.”
Costa Rica is seeing very strong growth from the Canadian market. The January-April period of 2025 saw Costa Rica welcome 137,033 Canadian travellers. “During the same period in 2026, arrivals increased to 173,439, representing a remarkable 26.6% year-over-year increase,” Black added. “This growth reflects Canadians’ increasing interest in destinations beyond the United States, with Costa Rica’s combination of nature, adventure, wellness, sustainability and ease of access continuing to resonate strongly. With expanded airlift and growing demand, we are optimistic that Canada will remain one of Costa Rica’s fastest-growing international markets in 2026 and 2027.”
Costa Rica is recognized globally as a leader in conservation and sustainable tourism. More than 25% of the country’s land is protected through national parks, reserves and protected areas, while approximately 30% of its marine territory is also protected.
“This long-standing commitment to conservation is one of the reasons Costa Rica contains approximately 6.5% of the world’s biodiversity despite occupying less than 1% of the Earth’s surface,” Black added.
Black said most Canadian travellers explore multiple regions during their stay, rather than remaining in one destination. “While the beaches are a major draw, many visitors combine coastal stays with inland experiences such as volcanoes, rainforests, wellness retreats, wildlife viewing and adventure tourism. Costa Rica’s relatively compact size makes it easy to experience diverse landscapes within a single trip. Canadians stay an average of just over 14 nights, giving them time to explore several regions throughout the country.”
Among those who made the journey from San Jose for the Toronto event were Ireth Rodríguez Villalobos and Freddy Lizano (right) of the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism. They’re seen here with Robert Miller of Goway (middle) + Laura Marin (left) of Copa Airlines pictured with the Costa Rican Tourism Institute’s Ireth Rodríguez Villalobos.
The country’s Caribbean coast hasn’t seen the same sort of development as its Pacific coast has, with the Caribbean coast not having the large resorts that can be found in the likes of Guanacaste. But Black said the Caribbean coast has built a following nonetheless.
“Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast appeals to travellers seeking a more laid-back, authentic and culturally immersive experience,” she said. “The region is known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage, vibrant music and cuisine, lush rainforest landscapes and slower pace of travel.
“It is especially attractive to nature lovers, wellness travellers, surfers, couples and repeat visitors looking to experience a different side of Costa Rica beyond the more developed resort areas. Visitors will also appreciate the region’s wildlife, national parks, uncrowded beaches and strong connection to local culture and community.”
Meanwhile Black reported that air service between Canada and Costa Rica continues to expand significantly. Porter Airlines will launch flights from Toronto Pearson to San José beginning Dec. 2, operating four times weekly. Air Transat will also introduce a nonstop route from Quebec City to San José beginning Dec. 15. In addition, Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat continue to operate routes from key Canadian gateways. “With service now available from both Eastern and Western Canada across all four major airlines, Costa Rica has never been more accessible for Canadian travellers,” Black said.
