Hokkaido is set to become easier to reach from Canada this winter, with Air Canada launching its first-ever seasonal service between Vancouver and Sapporo.
The new flights will operate three times a week between Vancouver International Airport and New Chitose Airport from December 2026 through March 2027, giving travelers a direct connection to Hokkaido during one of the region's most popular times of year.
Flights will operate aboard Air Canada's Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with Signature Class, Premium Economy, and Economy available. The airline says the Vancouver route will save travelers more than two hours of travel time each way compared with connecting through Tokyo.
For winter visitors, the timing is particularly appealing. Hokkaido is known for its powder snow and ski resorts, while Sapporo offers plenty to see beyond the slopes, including the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, hot springs, and a food scene that includes local specialties such as miso ramen and fresh seafood.
The new route also gives travelers from Hokkaido easier access to North America. Passengers arriving in Vancouver can connect to more than 45 destinations across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Air Canada already operates year-round services from Canada to both Tokyo-Narita and Tokyo-Haneda, as well as seasonal flights to Osaka-Kansai. The Sapporo service will add another option for travelers who want to head straight to Japan's northern regions rather than beginning their trip in Tokyo or Osaka.
Flights AC55 will depart Vancouver on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while the return AC54 service will operate Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The inaugural Vancouver-Sapporo service is scheduled for December 17, with flights continuing until March 25, 2027. Return flights begin December 18 and run until March 26.
With United Airlines also preparing to launch seasonal nonstop flights between San Francisco and Sapporo in December, Hokkaido is gaining new direct links with North America just in time for the 2026-27 winter season.
