NASSAU — Air Canada’s new nonstop flights from Halifax and Ottawa to Nassau have taken flight.
According to the tourism board, Ottawa travel to The Bahamas is up 54% year-over-year, and Nova Scotia has increased 85%.
“The Bahamas continues to strengthen its position as a favourite destination for Canadians, and expanding airlift is essential to keeping pace with this growing demand,” said I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “These new flights deepen our connection in Canada and make it even easier for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty, culture, and warm hospitality that define The Islands of The Bahamas.”
Alexandre Lefevre, VP Network Planning at Air Canada, said: “We’re thrilled to launch nonstop service from Nassau to Ottawa and Halifax, further connecting Canada with one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.”
The new routes complement existing airlift to The Bahamas from across Canada.
Air Canada’s scheduled service to Nassau includes …
- Toronto (YYZ): 6-7 flights per week (seasonal variations)
- Montreal (YUL): 3-4 flights per week (seasonal variations)
- Ottawa (YOW): New weekly Friday flights
- Halifax (YHZ): New weekly Friday flights
Right now The Bahamas is gearing up for the holiday season. A series of celebrations bring the islands’ culture to life, from sparkling street décor to island’s signature Junkanoo and can’t-miss New Year’s events.
Here’s a quick look …
Christmas in Downtown Nassau
Downtown Nassau is transformed into a Bahamian Christmas wonderland, with Bay Street and Arawak Cay brought to life by twinkling lights, decorations and a Christmas tree.
Junkanoo Parades – Boxing Day & New Year’s Day
Junkanoo is a joyous act of resilience that began when enslaved West Africans were given three days off at Christmas to celebrate their heritage. Thousands of dancers in hand-crafted costumes made of crepe paper, cardboard and feathers – some towering 15 feet – rush down Bay Street to the rhythm of goatskin drums, brass horns and cowbells. Nassau’s parades are the largest and most competitive, but Grand Bahama, Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma and Abaco host their own versions.
Junkanoo celebrations in The Bahamas
New Year’s Eve at Atlantis Paradise Island & Baha Mar
Two of the Caribbean’s biggest parties usher in the new year in style. Atlantis turns its entire resort into a neon wonderland with international DJs, celebrity performers and fireworks. Baha Mar counters with a black-tie optional gala, rooftop parties and a midnight firework show synchronized to live music.
Lead image caption: Celebrating with a festive Bahamian send-off at YHZ are (l-r) Bahamian music group Culture Shock; Marie Manning, VP, Business Development & CCO, HIAA; Mikala Moss, GM Sales and Marketing, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; Judy Munden, Key Accounts Manager, ACV; Brent Carnegie, VP, Canlink Travel Representatives (photo courtesy Mike Dembeck)
