by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 11:35 AM ET, Mon December 8, 2025
With direct flights to Nassau launched from Halifax Stanfield (YHZ) and Ottawa (YOW) last week, tourism to the Bahamas from Canada is getting easier — and hotter.
"We're thrilled to launch non-stop service from Nassau to Ottawa and Halifax, further connecting Canada with one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations," said Alexandre Lefevre, Vice President of Network Planning at Air Canada. "These new routes offer our customers more choice and convenience for winter getaways, while strengthening our commitment to providing direct access to exciting leisure destinations."
The Caribbean destination has been in-demand from Nova Scotia and the capital region. Ottawa travel to The Bahamas is up 54 percent year-over-year and Nova Scotia has increased 85 percent. The new flights are expected to fuel this momentum. The weekly Friday flights from YHZ and YOW join Air Canada’s already established routes from Montreal-Trudeau (3-4 times per week) and Toronto Pearson (6-7 times a week).
"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 the Honourable 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."
Heat up the Holidays
Clients looking to celebrate the holidays in The Bahamas will have no shortage of opportunities to let loose and have fun. Suggestions from The Bahamas include:
Christmas in Downtown Nassau:A Bahamian Holiday Experience This holiday season Downtown Nassau will be transformed into a Bahamian Christmas wonderland, with Bay Street and Arawak Cay brought to life by twinkling lights, vibrant decorations, and a stunning Christmas tree. Residents and visitors can look forward to a festive atmosphere filled with local charm and holiday cheer.
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 spectacular versions.
New Year's Eve at Atlantis Paradise Island & Baha Mar Two of the Caribbean's biggest parties usher in the new year. 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 synchronised to live music. Both end with the sky painted in colour and the ocean reflecting a million sparks.
Topics From This Article to Explore
