Wales is about to get its first direct transatlantic air link in nearly 20 years – and the timing could not be better for a summer city break.
WestJet, Canada’s second largest airline, launches four weekly direct flights between Cardiff Airport and Toronto on 22 May – just three weeks away. It is the first time Wales has had a direct connection to Canada since 2008, and the airline has chosen Cardiff as its exclusive airport in Wales and England for the whole of 2026.
The last direct air link between Wales and Canada was operated by Zoom Airlines, which offered seasonal flights to Toronto before ceasing operations in 2008. Since then, travellers between Wales and Canada have had to rely on connecting services via London or other European hubs – making the WestJet service the first direct connection in nearly 20 years.
The flight time is around eight hours on a Boeing 737 MAX 8, making it a comfortable overnight trip that puts you in Toronto in time for breakfast. With four weekly departures, there is plenty of flexibility for both short breaks and longer stays.
Toronto itself is one of North America’s most visited and most liveable cities – a genuinely world-class destination that many UK travellers overlook in favour of New York. With a population of nearly three million and more than 200 languages spoken across the city, it is arguably the most culturally diverse city on the planet, and its food scene reflects that.
The city’s most iconic sight is the CN Tower – 553 metres tall, with observation decks, a glass floor and the EdgeWalk, billed as the world’s highest full-circle hands-free walk. But the real charm of Toronto lies in its neighbourhoods.
The Distillery District, a pedestrianised cobblestone quarter of repurposed Victorian industrial buildings, is home to galleries, breweries and independent restaurants. Kensington Market is cheaper and scrappier – vintage clothing, street food from around the world, and no chain restaurants in sight.
For the waterfront, the Toronto Islands are a short ferry ride from downtown and offer beaches, bike hire and sweeping views of the city skyline. Two to three days covers the highlights comfortably, with three to four days giving you room to breathe – and possibly a day trip. Niagara Falls is just 90 minutes away by car or tour bus, and the Blue Mountain ski and outdoor area is two hours north.
This summer is a particularly good moment to visit. Toronto is one of six host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States – with six group stage matches at BMO Field between 12 June and 2 July.
Tickets for the matches are not easy to come by, but the atmosphere across the city during the tournament is expected to be extraordinary, with fan zones, food festivals and events throughout the summer.
For those who want to go further, Toronto is also a gateway to the rest of Canada and North America. WestJet’s extensive network from Toronto Pearson International Airport includes onward connections to Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal – opening up the Rocky Mountains, the British Columbia coast and the French-speaking culture of Quebec to anyone flying via Cardiff.
Fares for the Cardiff to Toronto route are competitively priced, with one-way tickets available from around £300. Those flying during the World Cup period are advised to book accommodation well in advance – hotel prices in Toronto are expected to surge significantly during June and July.
The new WestJet service also arrives at a moment of renewed ambition for Cardiff Airport. Passenger numbers have been growing steadily toward one million a year, and the Welsh Government has committed long-term investment to strengthen the airport’s international links. The Toronto route is the most significant addition to the airport’s long-haul offering in a generation.
Whether you are planning a first visit to Canada, a long-awaited trip to see Niagara Falls, or simply want to spend a long weekend in one of the world’s great food cities – and with the government now acting to protect summer flights from disruption – the Cardiff to Toronto service makes transatlantic travel from Wales easier and more affordable than it has been for nearly two decades.
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