Air Canada to Launch Exclusive Winter Seasonal Service to Sapporo

Air Canada has today announced that they will launch the only direct flight between North America and Sapporo in Japan.  Starting December 2026, the route will operate three times weekly from Vancouver.

From December 2026, Air Canada Will Launch New, Exclusive Seasonal Service Between Vancouver and Sapporo, Japan - Courtesy Air Canada

On Wednesday (January 21, 2026), Air Canada announced the launch of exclusive new winter seasonal nonstop service between Vancouver (YVR) and Sapporo in Japan starting December 2026.   The new service will bring travelers directly to Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture and the area’s exceptional powder snow conditions, the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival, relaxing hot springs, and authentic culinary adventures. This further boosts Air Canada’s extensive international network and positions the airline as the carrier with the most non-stop Japanese destinations from the North American mainland.

In Wednesday’s announcement, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo, Mark Galardo, said,

“Air Canada’s global network is further strengthened by the addition of Sapporo, a premier winter leisure destination in Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture. 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.

“Leveraging Vancouver’s geographic proximity, Air Canada’s new flights provide the fastest way to reach Sapporo, saving more than two hours travel time each way.  For our customers in Hokkaido, Air Canada’s new flights provide the only non-stop and the fastest way to reach the North American continent, with connections to over 45 destinations across Canada, the United States and Mexico at our YVR hub.”

Also commenting on the launch of service to Sapporo, Vancouver International Airport’s President and CEO, Tamara Vrooman, said,

“As Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia, YVR is ready to welcome Air Canada’s new direct service to Sapporo, Japan.  This new route builds on YVR’s strategy as a key Trans-Pacific hub, further strengthening the deep trade, economic, and cultural ties between Canada and Japan, and providing additional travel and cargo options to both countries and beyond.”  

Service between Vancouver (YVR) and Sapporo’s Chitose Hokkaido Airport (CTS) will operate with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins.  The route will operate three times weekly from December 2026 through March 2027.  The new winter seasonal service to Sapporo complements existing year-round services to Tokyo-Narita and Tokyo-Haneda, and summer seasonal services to Osaka-Kansai.

Sapporo, Japan - Courtesy Air Canada

Air Canada features Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto as part of their culinary panel. Chef Hashimoto’s creations are offered as part of Air Canada’s Signature Class dining menu on all Air Canada flights between Canada and Japan.  Additionally, on the carrier’s international flights, ski bags and equipment are included as part of regular checked bag allowances (T&Cs apply).

Source: Air Canada