TORONTO — Copacabana Beach. Sugarloaf Mountain. Christ the Redeemer. And a raucous Carnival festival.

These are some of the iconic landmarks that come to mind with the famed seaside city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

With the return of Air Canada’s direct flight to Riogaleão International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro, just in time for the Canadian winter, there is much to celebrate.

This week, Air Canada, along with representatives from the Brazilian Consulate in Toronto, the Rio de Janeiro Tourism Board, and Riogaleão Airport, hosted a high-energy evening for travel trade professionals and media at the Westin Harbour Castle hotel in Toronto, showcasing the vibrant colours of the destination.

Launching in December, the new route from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) will make getting to Rio increasingly convenient for Canadians.

And according to Leonardo Enge from the Brazilian Consulate, ‘if you don’t know Rio yet, you don’t know what you’re missing’. He added, “Rio has much more to offer than people think. Yes, everyone knows about its history, culinary delights, and stunning beaches. But Rio also has nightlife, art and sophistication. As you learn more about the destination, I hope you’re left with a similar impression.”

RIO DELIGHTS

Rio is claiming its spot as a top-tier destination.

For Canadians with wandering eyes, this is good news given the country’s value proposition for Canadian travellers – not to mention Canadians’ openness to exploring new destinations.

With average temperatures ranging from 25-35 °C, a devalued currency that extends the purchasing power of the Canadian dollar, and minimal concerns about overtourism – drawing only 1.5 million international visitors a year (though this number is growing) – Brazil is an appealing destination.

The country is known for celebrating its diversity through street parties, with the largest and most significant being the Rio Carnival. This event officially takes place around New Year’s over four days and attracts over 117 nationalities.

Another wow-worthy event is the May music concert in Rio, which draws over 2 million people to Copacabana Beach. Last year’s performing artist was Lady Gaga.

The city also boasts a rich history and colonial architecture, a legacy of the Portuguese colonial era, while offering hiking, stunning beaches, a vibrant gastronomy scene, and more.

Ludy Pasilabban, Uniglobe Travel_ Christine Crump, The Travel Agent Next Door_ Christabel Sundram, Huntington Travel

When planning client travels to Rio, Leticia Santanna, from the Rio de Janeiro Tourism Board, points out, “We recommend advisors sell trips to Rio for at least five days. If clients stay longer, there are many other cities to explore.”

Good to know tip: Canadians require visas, which can be obtained through a simple online process.

Outside the city, the state of Rio is home to 92 municipalities. Visitors can escape and discover a range of landscapes, including countryside farms, beaches, mountains and more, as close as a two-hour drive.

GIG: BRAZIL’S SOUTH AMERICA GATEWAY

Priscila Cremer, Marketing Aviation Executive at RIOgaleão, attended the Toronto event to highlight some airport features that Canadian travellers can expect upon arrival.

Located within the city and under a 30-minute drive to the centre, the airport has two terminals and a capacity to handle 37million passengers per year. It also serves as a gateway to other destinations.

“If you fly Air Canada, you will be able to visit 25 domestic cities in Brazil, in addition to Rio, and 27 international destinations,” said Cremer.

“The airport is much more than just a place of departures and arrivals,” Cremer emphasizes. “We offer 85 shopping outlets featuring Brazilian brands, two airport hotels, meet-and-greet services, seven VIP lounges and luggage storage, to name a few.”

THE AIR CANADA CONNECTION

It’s now easier to reach Rio with Air Canada launching its nonstop winter seasonal service from Toronto-Rio starting Dec. 4, 2025 and running through March 25, 2026. The service will operate three times a week, offering Signature, Premium Economy and Economy class seats on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

All Aeroplan members will enjoy free WiFi, a benefit extended through 2026 on all international flights.

Flights depart Toronto at 11:30 p.m., arriving in Rio at 10:45 a.m. the following day. From GIG, flights depart at 9:30 p.m., arriving back in YYZ at 7 a.m. the next day.

Priscilla Cremer with RIOgaleao Aviation Marketing_ Leonardo Enge, Deputy Consul General of Brazil in Toronto_ Air Canada’s Ana Paula de Souza_ and TurisRio’s Sergio Ricardo de Almeida and Leticia Santanna