The launch of WestJet's new direct route from YVR to Liberia marks a significant milestone, offering our community the only non-stop flight to Central America. This new connection is important because it opens doors for our community to explore new cultures, build stronger ties with Central America, and creates opportunities for businesses and shared experiences.

With the addition of this new route, YVR will now provide non-stop service to 103 global destinations for the 2025/2026 winter season, reinforcing the airport’s strategy to provide more direct connections that enhance convenience, choice, and travel experiences for our passengers.

This direct connection to Costa Rica will strengthen opportunities for travellers seeking a sunny destination during the winter season, support tourism operators, and better serve the growing Latin American community in Metro Vancouver, offering an important way to maintain personal and cultural connections abroad.

Liberia, located in the Guanacaste region, is the gateway to Costa Rica’s stunning Pacific coast beaches, lush rainforests, and iconic volcanoes. Visitors can zip-line through the canopy, soak in natural hot springs, or explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park’s trails and waterfalls. Costa Rica is also celebrated for its rich biodiversity, with sea turtles, monkeys, and colorful birds just steps away from some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

WestJet’s new weekly non-stop flight to Liberia brings Costa Rica and “la Pura Vida” closer than ever.

Learn more and book at westjet.com.

For YVR, these new routes further strengthen regional connectivity and expand access across British Columbia. By adding more flights to Victoria and introducing direct service to Tofino, travellers now have even more seamless ways to link their journey to YVR’s global network, enhancing convenience, flexibility and choice for both residents and visitors. As travel options expand, YVR continues to serve as a global gateway connecting people, places, and communities throughout the province and beyond.  

With wheeled aircraft operating in a wider range of conditions, Harbour Air reduces weather-related disruption that can impact its floatplane operations, allowing for a more consistent and reliable service for travellers. This added reliability is especially valuable for travellers planning time-sensitive trips, whether commuting for work, attending family events, or making the most of a weekend escape 

Harbour Air flights between Vancouver and Victoria operate up to 19 times daily. The new Vancouver-to-Tofino flight offers four weekly departures. The flights will be operated by Harbour Air wheeled aircraft and can carry up to 19 passengers. 

Discover the destinations 

Victoria offers a seamless escape with 12 weekly flights from YVR, ideal for commuters, weekend travellers, and anyone visiting family or exploring the Island’s vibrant culture. British Columbia’s charming capital has something for everyone blending historic architecture, lush gardens, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. Families can explore the Royal BC Museum or wander Beacon Hill Park, while nature lovers enjoy coastal trails, gardens, and whale watching. And for film buffs, nearby Hatley Castle in Colwood might look familiar as it doubled as Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in the X-Men films. 

Tofino is one of British Columbia’s most iconic destinations, renowned for its rugged coastline, surf culture, and year-round natural beauty. Harbour Air’s new direct route unlocks easier access to the Island and makes spontaneous getaways even easier. From storm watching in winter to surfing in summer, this new connection supports local tourism, small businesses, and community travel, making it easier for residents and visitors to experience the magic of the west coast without the long haul. 

We are celebrating this exciting new route direct to the Philippines in a delicious way—by taking food lovers on a flavourful tour through the Lower Mainland with our Taste of the Philippines contest.  

Taste of the Philippines will invite participants to explore six Filipino restaurants, each offering an authentic experience of this Southeast Asia destination, known for its rich culinary heritage.  

At each location, participants can scan a QR code to enter for their chance to win roundtrip airfare for two, direct to Manila with Air Canada. 

YVR’s Taste of the Philippines food tour and contest highlights some of the best Filipino eateries in Metro Vancouver, each offering a taste of the country’s rich and diverse culinary traditions: 

• Kulinarya Filipino Eatery (Vancouver) – Known for its authentic home-style Filipino cooking, Kulinarya serves up favorites such as sizzling Sisig and a flavorful vegan Kare Kare.  
• Little Ongpin (Richmond) – A staple for Filipino cuisine, offering comfort food at its best with pancit (stir-fried noodles) and comforting arroz caldo (rice porridge). 
• Win Win Chick’N (Richmond) – A must-visit for those craving perfectly crispy Filipino fried chicken, seasoned to perfection and served with classic sauces, from a family-owned restaurant that brought its flavors from Manila to Canada. 
• Hapag Ihaw Ihaw (Vancouver) – Known for its signature dish, crispy pata—a crispy, deep-fried pork leg that quickly became a customer favorite—this dish was perfected by combining "his and hers" recipe versions into one. 
• Mr. Siopao De Langley (Langley) – Famous for its soft and fluffy siopao (steamed buns) filled with savory meats, alongside other Filipino baked goods. The restaurant setting is complemented by karaoke, adding an extra dose of fun to your dining experience. 
• La Meza Grill (Delta) – A family-owned restaurant dedicated to serving the comforting flavors of home since 2014. Offering a mix of traditional and modern Filipino dishes, its menu features favorites like kare-kare (peanut stew), seafood sinigang (sour tamarind soup), sizzling pork sisig, Cebu lechon, and halo-halo. 

How to Enter: To participate, visit any of the six featured restaurants, listed above as well as on the web app: HERE

Scan the QR code displayed at each restaurant and follow the onscreen instructions to check-in and be entered to win the grand prize: a pair of economy-class flight vouchers (valued up to $6,400 CAD) for a roundtrip journey from YVR to Manila with Air Canada. 

The more places you visit, the more entries you can receive. Be sure to scan the QR code at each restaurant for additional entries.  

This contest is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the flavors of the Philippines while celebrating Air Canada’s new direct route. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Filipino food, part of the Filipino community or trying it for the first time, Taste of the Philippines is your passport to discovering new flavors, supporting local businesses, and embracing the spirit of adventure. 

Start your culinary adventure today and taste your way to the Philippines! 

Contest terms and conditions are available here: YVR Taste of the Philippines Giveaway Contest | YVR