Canadians’ prospering pipeline to The Bahamas continues to gain steam with the launch of new Air Canada nonstop flights from Halifax and Ottawa to Nassau. The weekly flights come just in time for the holidays – a festive season that notably includes colourful Junkanoo celebrations throughout the islands.
Demand from both Canadian regions continues to surge – Eastern Ontario travel to The Bahamas is up 54% year-over-year, and Nova Scotia has increased 85% – and the direct flights are expected to accelerate that growth even further.
“The Bahamas continues to strengthen its position as a favourite destination for Canadians, and expanding airlift is essential to keeping pace with this growing demand,” said Bahamas deputy prime minister I. Chester Cooper. “These new flights deepen our connection in Canada and make it even easier for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty, culture, and warm hospitality that define The Islands of The Bahamas.”
The new routes complement the existing airlift from across Canada and add to the broad portfolio of nonstop options available to travellers this winter, as follows:
- Toronto (YYZ): 6-7 flights per week (seasonal variations)
- Montreal (YUL): 3-4 flights per week (seasonal variations)
- Ottawa (YOW): New weekly Friday flights
- Halifax (YHZ): New weekly Friday flights
Holiday happenings
The new flights come just in time for the holidays – which is always a festive time across many of 16 inhabitable islands (out of 700), not least the vibrant capital Nassau. Here’s a few highlights:
Christmas in Nassau: This holiday season Downtown Nassau will be transformed into a Bahamian Christmas wonderland, with Bay Street and Arawak Cay brought to life by twinkling lights, vibrant decorations, and a stunning Christmas tree. Residents and visitors can look forward to a festive atmosphere filled with local charm and holiday cheer.
Junkanoo Parades (Boxing Day & New Year’s Day): Junkanoo is a joyous act of resilience that began when enslaved West Africans were given three days off at Christmas to celebrate their heritage. Thousands of dancers in hand-crafted costumes made of crepe paper, cardboard and feathers – some towering 4.5 metres – rush down Bay Street in Nassau to the rhythm of goatskin drums, brass horns and cowbells. Nassau’s parades are the largest and most competitive, but Grand Bahama, Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma, and Abaco host their own spectacular versions.
New Year’s Eve at Atlantis Paradise Island & Baha Mar: Two of the Caribbean’s biggest parties usher in the new year: Atlantis turns its entire resort into a neon wonderland with international DJs, celebrity performers and fireworks, while Baha Mar counters with a black-tie optional gala, rooftop parties and a midnight firework show synchronised to live music. Both end with the sky painted in colour and the ocean reflecting a million sparks.
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