Travelers in Canada’s capital will soon have a much easier way to reach Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Beginning this winter, WestJet will introduce a new nonstop service between Ottawa International Airport and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, eliminating the need for connections through Toronto or U.S. hubs that have long been part of the journey for many Eastern Canadian travelers.
The seasonal route launches on December 20, 2026, and will operate every Sunday through April 4, 2027. The once-weekly schedule is ideal for vacationers looking to enjoy a full seven-night getaway, allowing travelers to depart and return on Sundays while maximizing their time in Costa Rica instead of spending it in airports.
WestJet will operate the service with a Boeing 737 MAX 8, offering 174 seats each week. Flights are already available for booking following the airline’s announcement in late July. Travelers looking for a complete vacation package will also benefit from new options, as Sunwing Vacations is introducing Ottawa–Guanacaste holiday packages for the first time. These packages cover the 2026–2027 winter season and are now available for purchase.
The arrival of WestJet also gives Ottawa travelers something they have never had before: competition on the route. Porter Airlines already operates seasonal nonstop flights between Ottawa and Liberia, meaning travelers can now compare schedules, fares, baggage policies, and onboard services before making a reservation. With two airlines serving the same destination, passengers may benefit from more competitive pricing, although early booking remains advisable since both carriers operate only one weekly flight during the season.
The new service reflects the growing popularity of Costa Rica among Canadian travelers. According to Guanacaste Airport, Canadian arrivals increased by 28 percent during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, making Canada the country’s second-largest international visitor market after the United States. Until now, Ottawa represented an underserved market despite strong demand for direct access to Costa Rica’s northern Pacific region.
One of the biggest advantages of flying into Liberia is the convenience of reaching some of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations in a short drive. Visitors can quickly access the luxury resorts of the Papagayo Peninsula, the surfing beaches of Tamarindo, the relaxed atmosphere of Sámara, and the natural beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula, all without the lengthy ground transfer required when arriving through San José.
Travelers planning a trip should keep in mind that the service is seasonal, with the final flight departing on April 4, 2027. Since flights operate only on Sundays, vacation dates, hotel reservations, and rental car bookings should be planned accordingly to ensure everything aligns with the flight schedule.
For residents of Ottawa and the surrounding region, this new route represents one of the most convenient ways yet to escape the Canadian winter. Starting this December, travelers can board a nonstop flight on a Sunday morning and find themselves relaxing on the sun-soaked beaches of Guanacaste by the afternoon—no connections, no layovers, just a seamless journey from Canada’s capital to Costa Rica’s Pacific paradise.
Photo : ” Courtesy of Westjet”