Craving a tropical island vacation? While you’re already familiar with popular travel destinations like Cuba and Jamaica, broadening your search to other Caribbean islands can save you money and expose you to fun new cultures, too! Plus, there are direct flights to many destinations that are probably more affordable than you think. So read on for some of the best Caribbean vacation spots for Canadians.
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Aruba
Do world-class beaches, always-perfect weather and an inviting culture sound good to you? Then a trip to the gorgeous island of Aruba might be just the ticket. Known for its stunning white sand beaches and year-round sunshine, Aruba is a constituent island country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Because of that, its capital city Oranjestad, is famous for its pretty Dutch colonial architecture. Pastel-coloured (and Instagram-friendly) buildings line the streets of the city, making for a seriously gorgeous backdrop for shopping and dining out. Aruba is a perfect option if you’re looking for a mix of both beach and city time on your trip.
You can catch nonstop roundtrip flights to Aruba from Toronto with Sunwing several times a week, for as low as $640. And the flight time clocking in at just over five hours.
Barbados
If your favourite part of traveling is getting a taste of different cultures, Barbados should definitely be at the top of your list. Recognized as the “birthplace of rum,” you’re sure to find delicious cocktails everywhere you go, along with an endless assortment of fresh seafood. Flying fish, swordfish and mahi-mahi are all popular choices on the island. You can enjoy them alongside cou-cou (a cornmeal and okra pudding that happens to be the country’s national dish), macaroni pie and rice and peas. In addition to the cuisine, Barbados offers endless brilliant white sandy beaches with calm waters perfect for snorkelling and diving in. Plus, you’ll find breath-taking nature in the form of dramatic caves and coves.
Both WestJet and Air Canada offer direct roundtrip flights to Barbados daily from Toronto for as low as $470 for a five-hour flight. From Montreal, Air Canada offers nonstop flights in the $700 range.
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Antigua
If sailing and yachting your way around the Caribbean Sea is your idea of the perfect vacation, Antigua is a must-visit. The country hosts its famous Antigua Sailing Week every year from late April to May, making it a hotspot for sailors all over the world. The country also has a rich maritime history, with its Nelson’s Dockyard being acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If sailing isn’t your whole family’s cup of tea, they can enjoy the island’s famed 365 beaches (one for each day of the year!) all featuring their signature stunning white sand and clear, turquoise waters.
Both Westjet and Air Canada offer direct weekly roundtrip flights to Antigua for as low as $620, with the flight being just under five hours. You can also find connecting flights from Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary in a similar price range.
Bahamas
Featuring 100,000 square miles of the world’s clearest water, it’s hard to beat the gorgeous beaches of the Bahamas. Plus, it’s home to some seriously unique attractions. Nassau is the most affordable destination for Canadians to fly to, but from there you can easily take ferries or short plane rides to nearby islands. For a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience, head to Exuma for their world-famous swimming pigs. You’ll be able to swim right along with the adorable pigs who call the island home and snap some sweet pictures along the way. For another experience you won’t find anywhere else, spend a day at the famous Pink Sands Beach. This famous beach on Harbour Island is known for its special pink-hued sand.
Daily direct roundtrip flights to Nassau, Bahamas are available from Toronto via Westjet and Air Canada for as low as $485. Flights from Calgary via Air Canada start at $500, and from Montreal starting at $600. Bonus: the flight from Toronto is just over three hours!
Punta Cana
If an all-inclusive vacation with all the amenities is more your speed, you’ll find endless affordable options to choose from in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Known for its long stretches of white sand (Punta Cana boasts 21 miles of warm, sandy beaches!), the is a thrill-seeker’s paradise: from snorkelling to ziplining to buggy racing, there’s no activity too exciting for the island. Plus, after you’ve spent the day adventuring, you can enjoy the island’s famous nightclub scene. Get ready to immerse in live music and shows that can last until dawn.
Flair, Air Canada, Air Transat Arajet and WestJet all offer direct roundtrip flights from Toronto for as low as $375. Similarly priced direct flights from Montreal via Arajet and Air Canada, and from Calgary via Air Canada and WestJet.
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