On January 21, 2026, Air Canada officially announced it's latest Japan route - a trailblazing new seasonal offering, which will connect Vancouver with Sapporo as of this December.
Though many Canadians will recognize Sapporo for its beer, the namesake city is also the capital of Hokkaido - Japan's northenmost region known as a Mecca of ski hills, snow festivals, seafood, and miso ramen.
Air Canada stated in their press release that they expect this new route to be a boon for seasonal skiiers and winter sports enthusiasts looking to enjoy Japan's world-renowned powder snow.
But rest assured, it's not all sports! Whether it's winter athletes scaling the slopes of Niseko, foodies exploring the fish markets of Hakodate, or learning about the indigenous peoples and customs, Hokkaido has something for Canadians of all stripes.
Flights will operate from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Sapporo’s Chitose Hokkaido Airport (CTS) onboard Air Canada’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner with a choice of Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy, three times weekly from December 2026 until March 2027.
Full details can be found on the table below:
Air Canada’s Sapporo schedule*:
| Flight | From | To | Departs | Arrives | Days of Operation | Season |
| AC55 | Vancouver (YVR) | Sapporo - Chitose (CTS) | 13:25 | 15:35 + 1 day | Mon, Thu, Sat | Dec. 17, 2026-Mar. 25, 2027 |
| AC54 | Sapporo - Chitose (CTS) | Vancouver (YVR) | 19:55 | 11:10 | Tue, Fri, Sun | Dec. 18, 2026-Mar. 26, 2027 |
*flight times are subject to change**except Basic Economy fares
**Air Canada will be announcing additional details and new destinations for Winter 2026/2027 in the coming weeks.
For more information, check out Air Canada's website.
