Air Canada Launches First-Ever Winter Seasonal Flights to Sapporo on 787 Dreamliners

Air Canada (AC) has announced the launch of its first-ever winter seasonal service to Sapporo, marking a strategic expansion of the carrier’s Asia–Pacific network and its growing focus on destination-driven long-haul travel. The service will connect Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver, with New Chitose Airport (CTS), Sapporo, beginning in the 2026–27 winter season, according to the airline’s official disclosure.

The route aims to capitalize on surging demand for winter tourism to Hokkaido, a region globally recognized for its ski resorts, culinary culture, and seasonal festivals. Air Canada stated that the service is designed to strengthen Canada–Japan connectivity while diversifying its winter long-haul portfolio beyond traditional sun destinations.

Air Canada Vancouver–Sapporo Route Details

The winter seasonal service will operate between Vancouver and Sapporo (airports), positioning YVR as a key trans-Pacific gateway for Canadian travelers heading to northern Japan. Air Canada confirmed that the route will operate during peak winter months, aligning with Hokkaido’s ski season and major cultural events.

Here are the flight details:

Attribute	AC55	AC54
Route	Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver → New Chitose Airport (CTS), Sapporo	New Chitose Airport (CTS), Sapporo → Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver
Departure time	13:25	19:55
Arrival time	15:35 (+1 day)	11:10
Days of operation	Monday, Thursday, Saturday	Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Operating season	December 17, 2026 – March 25, 2027	December 18, 2026 – March 26, 2027

According to the airline, the route complements existing services to Tokyo Haneda and Osaka Kansai, expanding geographic coverage in Japan while reducing reliance on metropolitan gateways alone.

Aircraft Type and Deployment on the Sapporo Service

Air Canada confirmed that the route will be operated using widebody aircraft from its long-haul fleet, optimized for trans-Pacific operations and winter reliability. Air Canada will operate the seasonal service with Boeing 787 Dreamliners, although the airline has not specified whether the 787-8 or 787-9 will be assigned to individual flights.

Sapporo serves as the primary gateway to Hokkaido, one of Asia’s most prominent winter tourism regions. The area is internationally recognised for its powder snow, ski infrastructure, and events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracts millions of visitors annually.

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer and President, Cargo, said the carrier’s global network is further strengthened by the addition of Sapporo, a premier winter leisure destination in Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture.

He added that the new service reinforces Air Canada’s Vancouver hub as North America’s second-largest Pacific gateway, while building on strong premium leisure and continued travel demand to Japan. Galardo also noted that the route will give customers and Aeroplan members greater access to a sought-after destination, making it easier for snow enthusiasts, cultural and culinary travellers, and global explorers to discover Japan’s northern regions.

Air Canada specifically highlighted culinary and cultural appeal — including ramen culture and regional beer heritage. Some of the offerings of Air Canada between Canada and Japan include:

• Air Canada has added Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto to its culinary panel.

• Chef Hashimoto’s dishes are featured in the airline’s Signature Class dining experience.