MONTREAL — Air Canada has announced nonstop service between Vancouver and Sapporo, Japan.

Set to start in December 2026, the flights are currently the only nonstops scheduled between North America to Sapporo, famous for its excellent skiing and winter sports, not to mention its world-famous ramen and Sapporo Beer.

Air Canada’s new service will bring travellers directly to Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture and the area’s exceptional powder conditions. The city is also home to the Sapporo Snow Festival and hot springs.

Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo, said the new flights further boost Air Canada’s extensive international network and positions the airline as the carrier with the most nonstop Japanese destinations from the North American mainland.

“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,” said Galardo.

He added that the new flights leverage Vancouver’s geographic proximity, providing 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 nonstop 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,” said Galardo.

Flights will operate from YVR to Sapporo’s Chitose Hokkaido Airport (CTS) onboard B787 Dreamliner aircraft three times weekly from mid-December 2026 until late March 2027. Seats are available for purchase now.

Flight AC55 will depart Vancouver for CTS at 1:25 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, effective Dec. 17, 2026, arriving at 3:35 p.m. the next day.

On the return leg, effective Dec. 18, 2026, flight AC54 will depart CTS at 7:55 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving back in Vancouver at 11:10 a.m.

On Air Canada’s international flights, ski bags and equipment are included as part of regular checked bag allowances (except for Basic Economy fares).

Air Canada’s winter service to Sapporo complements existing year-round services to Tokyo-Narita and Tokyo-Haneda, and summer seasonal services to Osaka-Kansai. Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto is part of Air Canada’s culinary panel, and 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.