New nonstop Air Canada and Air Transat flights from Toronto and Quebec City make it more convenient for many Canadians to experience Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe has made a decisive move into the Canadian market this winter, anchored by a new nonstop Air Canada flight from Toronto. On December 20, 2025, the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board, together with SAGPC SA, welcomed the inaugural Air Canada flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Pointe-à-Pitre. The seasonal service operates every Saturday through April 11, 2026, significantly easing access to the French Caribbean archipelago for Canadian travellers.
The route is operated by a Boeing 737-800 MAX with 166 seats and launched at full capacity, underscoring growing Canadian interest in the destination. The Toronto service is part of Guadeloupe’s broader strategy to diversify its source markets, with Canada identified as a priority for supporting sustainable tourism growth.
Photos by EVE THOMAS
Often described as one of the Caribbean’s most underrated destinations, Guadeloupe is a six-island archipelago that blends French flair with Creole warmth. The butterfly-shaped main islands of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre offer striking contrasts: Grande-Terre is known for its white-sand beaches, lagoons and lively coastal towns, while Basse-Terre is defined by lush rainforests, waterfalls and the dramatic La Soufrière volcano. Smaller islands such as Marie-Galante, Les Saintes and La Désirade round out the experience with a slower pace and strong appeal for travellers seeking authenticity and relaxation.
Travel Courier visited Guadeloupe to experience the destination’s offerings firsthand. Nature-based experiences are a core draw, from rainforest trails and waterfalls to mangrove ecosystems. Cultural discovery is equally central, with Creole music, art and traditions visible in colourful markets and seaside villages. Guadeloupe’s gastronomy reflects its dual heritage, combining French culinary techniques with Caribbean flavours and local ingredients. The islands’ close relationship with the sea can be experienced through boating, paddleboarding and diving excursions.
Photos by AURELIEN BRUSINI
For Guadeloupe, the Toronto route represents a strategic gateway. Destination officials have emphasized the importance of Canada’s largest airport hub not only for point-to-point travel, but also for onward connections, particularly from the United States, helping to broaden access to the islands. Promotional efforts in Ontario throughout 2025 supported the launch, including television, digital and street-level campaigns, as well as press, influencer and travel agent initiatives.
The winter season adds further appeal for Canadian clients. The annual Carnival of the Islands of Guadeloupe is animating the archipelago with parades and celebrations across Grande-Terre, Basse-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Désirade and Les Saintes. Cultural offerings also include a major exhibition at the Mémorial ACTe Museum dedicated to Guadeloupean painter Guillaume Guillon Lethière, while rum enthusiasts can visit the Bologne Distillery, the world’s first organic rum distillery, located at the foot of La Soufrière.
Photos by AURELIEN BRUSINI
With direct access now available from Toronto, and a new Québec City route via Air Transat, Guadeloupe is emerging as a lesser-known, experience-rich alternative to more familiar Caribbean destinations. For Canadian travel advisors, it’s a destination that’s newly accessible and increasingly compelling.
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