The “overshadowed” culturally rich state of Nayarit in Mexico will welcome its first-ever direct flights from Canada this December, with WestJet launching a new weekly route between Calgary and the Tepic/Riviera Nayarit International Airport and Air Canada set to do the same from Vancouver.
Located about 2.5 hours north of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast, Tepic opens a fresh gateway to the Riviera Nayarit and follows the completion of a new highway linking Tepic to Puerto Vallarta in October 2025. Oceanfront gems such as artistic San Pancho, surf-friendly Sayulita, and upscale Punta Mita will be within a convenient 30-minute to one-hour drive from Tepic’s airport.
The WestJet route will launch Dec. 13, with weekly Saturday flights and a capacity of 189 passengers per flight as follows:
Flight schedule:
- Calgary to Tepic/Riviera Nayarit (TPQ): Departs 10:30 a.m., arrives 3:34 p.m.
- Tepic/Riviera Nayarit to Calgary: Departs 4:45 p.m., arrives 9:52 p.m.
Air Canada service takes flight Dec. 17 with Wednesday flights through April 8:
- Vancouver to Tepic/Riviera Nayarit (TPQ): Departs 09:45 a.m., arrives 3:45 p.m.
- Tepic/Riviera Nayarit to Vancouver: Departs 4:45 p.m., arrives 10:45 p.m.
“(These) historic flights mark the first direct connection between Canada and the state of Nayarit, representing a major milestone in the expansion of international tourism to the region,” said Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero, governor of Nayarit, who noted that the region is typically not as well known by visitors as Riviera Nayarit beach destinations.”
The interior of the state, however, offers a completely different experience, featuring rich cultural heritage its “magical” towns, and stunning natural landscapes, such as volcanic lakes and pristine coastlines.
Gateway
Tepic is less than hour from Matanchen Bay, the sleepy seaside village of Aticama, and the crater lake of Santa María del Oro, a turquoise gem perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply unwinding by the water.
History buffs and culture lovers can explore the cobblestone streets of Compostela and Jala, both designated Pueblos Mágicos for their cultural richness and well-preserved heritage.
For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure 90 minutes distant, the “mystical” island town of Mexcaltitán – dubbed the “Venice of Mexico” is considered to be the legendary Aztlán, birthplace of the Aztecs.
Additionally, nature enthusiasts can head to Presa Aguamilpa, just 50 minutes from the capital, to fish, birdwatch, or take a boat ride among the verdant Sierra Madre landscapes.
And for those craving sun and surf, Platanitos, Chacala, and Guayabitos, are beachfront enclaves often overlooked by international tourists that are all reachable in under two hours by car.
Nayarat Adventures
To help visitors discover the newly accessible region, Nayarit Adventures has launched an immersive four-day, three-night package called “My Beautiful Nayarit.” Designed to showcase the state’s cultural depth and ecological wonders, the package includes hotel accommodations and guided tours for travellers flying into Tepic. For guests originating in other cities or states, the package also includes private transfers to Tepic.
The curated itinerary explores:
- San Blas: A historic port town with colonial architecture, mangrove estuaries, and spectacular sunsets.
- Coral Islands at Rincón de Guayabitos: A protected marine sanctuary offering excellent snorkeling and birdwatching.
- El Nayar: A journey into the traditions of the Cora and Huichol Indigenous communities, rich with ritual and handicrafts.
- Santa María del Oro: A day of leisure and adventure at the region’s iconic volcanic crater lake. Culinary and Cultural Riches
Gastronomy
Nayarit’s gastronomy is another draw for travellers. In Tepic, visitors will find local specialties like zarandeado fish, slathered in local spices and grilled over an open flame, and pacholas, a spiced meat dish served with handmade tortillas. Coastal towns offer fresh seafood pulled straight from the Pacific, while mountain villages produce cheeses, coffees, and sweets that reflect generations of artisanal expertise.
Meanwhile, festivals and religious celebrations like the Danza de los Mexicas or sacred Huichol ceremonies bring towns to life with colour, music, and centuries-old traditions.
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, Nayarit is a state of remarkable diversity. From surfing in Sayulita to birdwatching in San Blas, and the folkloric traditions of the Sierra to the boutique resorts of the coast, Nayarit delivers a wealth of experiences for every kind of traveller.
For more about the My Beautiful Nayarit package, visit nayaritadventures.com.
If this article was shared with you by a friend or colleague, you may enjoy receiving your own copy of Travel Industry Today with the latest travel news and reviews each weekday morning. It’s absolutely free – just CLICK HERE.