Canada’s Costa Rica Travel Boom: More Flights and Connections to Guanacaste
Canada’s love for Costa Rica keeps growing—and Guanacaste is at the centre of the momentum. More Canadians are choosing the country’s beaches, wildlife and outdoor adventures, while airline investment is expanding the ways travellers can reach the Pacific coast.
Canadian arrivals are up 24.6%
According to an October 18, 2026 report by Radio Monumental citing the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), Costa Rica welcomed 227,497 Canadian tourists by air from January through September 2026. That represents growth of 24.6% compared with the same period in 2025. Guanacaste Airport received 156,095 of those visitors, highlighting the importance of Liberia (LIR) as a gateway for the Canadian market.
For travellers, the appeal is easy to understand: a holiday can combine a beach stay with volcanoes, hot springs, nature and local experiences. For Guanacaste’s hotels, tour operators and transportation businesses, stronger Canadian demand creates an opportunity to serve visitors throughout their trip.
WestJet adds more opportunities to fly south
WestJet’s August 2026 winter schedule announcement includes additional weekly frequencies between Winnipeg and Liberia for winter 2026–2027. That follows the airline’s introduction of its Winnipeg–Liberia nonstop route for the previous winter season.
Extra flights can give Canadians more flexibility when comparing departure dates and planning a Guanacaste holiday. Travellers should check WestJet’s live schedule for the dates they want: seasonal operations and frequencies can change.
Porter strengthens Canada–Costa Rica connections
Porter’s arrival in the Liberia market added another airline choice for Canadian travellers, with service introduced from Toronto Pearson and Ottawa. Its current booking pages continue to offer Liberia itineraries, giving passengers more options when planning a Costa Rica escape.
The airline’s announced winter 2026–2027 expansion also includes Toronto Pearson–San José service beginning December 2, 2026, listed as subject to regulatory approval in the announcement. San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) are different gateways: check which airport best suits your hotel and itinerary before booking.
More connections from Western Canada
ICT has also announced seasonal Air Canada service between Vancouver and Guanacaste for winter 2026–2027. Together with established Canadian links and the investments by WestJet and Porter, this points to continued airline interest in connecting Canadians with Costa Rica.
Plan your arrival in Guanacaste
When comparing flights, look beyond the ticket price. Check the arrival airport, baggage allowance, connection time and total journey to your accommodation. For a stay in Tamarindo, Papagayo, Flamingo, Potrero, Playa Hermosa or Playas del Coco, plan your airport transfer alongside your flights and hotel.
Send Liberia Airport Shuttle Service your travel dates, flight number, passenger count and exact hotel or rental location to request transportation. Let us know about child seats, surfboards or extra luggage so we can plan the right vehicle for your group.
Ready for your Costa Rica trip? Contact our team at info@liberiacrairport.com or WhatsApp +506 8354 4787.
Flight information checked October 20, 2026. Confirm availability, operating dates and any approval conditions directly with the airline before making travel arrangements.
Comments