Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a very sporty season, and that includes the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. “Major events like the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games really put the spotlight on what amazing city it is and drive awareness and inspiration for Canadians to visit not just Glasgow, but to explore the rest of Scotland as well,” says Cathy Stapells, Director, Canada for VisitBritain in this edition of Take 5. Getting to Glasgow will be easier than ever with WestJet’s seasonal YYZ-GLA flights taking off May 15.

1. What makes Glasgow an ideal vacation spot in Scotland?

“What’s not to love about Glasgow? Its gothic and Victorian architecture, a landlocked lighthouse, and the sleek silver lines of the Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum resting on the River Clyde all make it easy on the eye. Culture vultures can seek out top art or a stuffed elephant at the bohemian Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow is internationally recognized as Scotland’s music capital. Glasgow is quite rightly heralded as one of the UK’s top food and drink scenes and the city has some truly epic restaurants and bars.”

2. We hear there are new flights! What can you tell us about lift from Canada to Glasgow?

“We are absolutely delighted that WestJet is restarting its Toronto-Glasgow service. The inaugural flight from Toronto will take off on May 15, 2026 with service four times weekly until Sept. 18, 2026. Glasgow is an amazing and convenient gateway to explore the rest of Scotland.”

3. There’s a big event on this year’s calendar: the 2026 Commonwealth Games taking place July 23 – Aug. 2 in Glasgow. Even if Canadian travellers don’t attend the games, how does a high-profile event like this become a great hook for future vacation planning?

“Major events like the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games really put the spotlight on what amazing city it is and drive awareness and inspiration for Canadians to visit not just Glasgow, but to explore the rest of Scotland as well. With the Games on TV and social media, there will be tremendous visibility for the city.”

4. From Glasgow, what other must-sees should Canadian travellers put on their list for Scotland?

“Glasgow is an ideal gateway to explore other regions of Scotland including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and Inverness to the north, and Dumfries and Galloway to the south. And Stirling, just to the northeast, is known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’.

“There are plenty of things to see and do in the historic city of Stirling. Visit Stirling Castle and Battle of Bannockburn Experience, where one of Scotland’s most defining battles took place. Other highlights include the The National Wallace Monument, The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Dunblane Cathedral.

“For fans of Outlander who make Inverness a must-stop, the long-awaited opening of the Inverness Castle Experience is a must. The landmark castle is being transformed into a major cultural attraction. Once home to courts and a prison, the castle is reimagined as a storytelling destination that explores the landscapes, heritage and culture of the Highlands.

“In Paisley, just outside Glasgow, the Paisley Museum is undergoing a major redevelopment ahead of its reopening in late 2026. The revitalized attraction will showcase more than 350,000 objects, including an extensive collection of Paisley shawls along with ceramics and scientific instruments.

“Elsewhere, actor Sam Heughan, well-known from the Outlander series, has opened the Galloway Distillery in Dumfries and Galloway, which will continue expanding its visitor offerings over the next year. Near St Andrews, the Eden Mill Distillery has launched a new visitor centre featuring guided tours, tasting experiences and a rooftop cocktail bar overlooking the Eden Estuary.

“Scotland is also a leading destination for noctourism, with several officially designated dark sky locations offering exceptional stargazing opportunities. Among them are Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, and the Isle of Rum, designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2024. Other locations include Moffat, Europe’s first Dark Sky Town, and Tomintoul and Glenlivet within the Cairngorms National Park.

5. What resources does VisitBritain have for Canadian travel advisors looking to sell more Scotland?

“We value our work with the travel trade. We share news and updates through monthly trade newsletters. We work with Canada’s top tour operators to develop new products and itineraries, liaising with key Scottish suppliers. Throughout the year, we host travel agent workshops and webinars with key tour operator, airlines and Scottish partners as well as host select educational trips.”

Industry support for travel professionals including business development opportunities, news and resources can be found at VisitBritain.org. For destination inspiration go to VisitBritain.com. Also be sure to enter VisitBritain’s latest contest for a chance to win a prize trip for two to Scotland with WestJet and RIT.

Lead image caption: Cathy Stapells, Director, Canada, VisitBritain