TORONTO, CANADA (April 14, 2026) – Travel between Canada and Antigua and Barbuda will be more flexible this summer with expanded nonstop flight options. WestJet’s Wednesday service returns for the months of July and August, adding to its year-round Sunday route from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to VC Bird International (ANU) and complementing non-stop Sunday service from Air Canada.
Antigua also serves as a convenient hub for onward travel throughout the Caribbean, offering accessible connections to neighbouring islands for those looking to explore further.
Director of Tourism for Canada, Tameka Wharton, said the additional flight will allow visitors and diaspora alike to enjoy many of the cultural activities which take place in the destination during the summer.
“Antigua and Barbuda’s calendar is full of relaxed, family-friendly events all year long, and this is especially true in the summer with our Antigua Carnival, the Urlings Seafood Festival, ANUCON, and CPL T20 Cricket,” she said. “Having a midweek flight gives visitors more flexibility for spontaneous summer getaways, like pink sand spotting in Barbuda, while also allowing travellers to take advantage of non-peak season rates. Visit to unpack your perfect Christmas in July.”
Visitors traveling during this period can immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of Antigua Carnival, the Caribbean’s “Greatest Summer Festival.” Held annually, this year from July 25 to August 4, Carnival is a dynamic celebration of music, culture, and heritage, featuring colorful parades, elaborate costumes, high-energy steel pan and calypso competitions, and a full calendar of fetes and community events that showcase the spirit of the destination.
Food lovers will delight in the August 9 Urlings Seafood Festival, a community-driven event that celebrates the island’s rich fishing heritage and coastal cuisine. Held in the seaside village of Urlings, the festival brings together local chefs, fishers, and vendors to showcase a wide variety of freshly prepared seafood dishes, complemented by live entertainment in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
For those seeking a more niche cultural experience, ANUCON on August 16 offers a unique blend of pop culture, gaming, and creativity. This growing convention attracts fans of comic books, anime, and cosplay, providing an interactive space for locals and visitors to connect through exhibitions, competitions, and live entertainment.
Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy the excitement of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 Cricket, one of the region’s premier sporting events held August through September annually. Featuring top international and regional players, CPL matches deliver fast-paced, world-class cricket, combined with music, food and a party atmosphere that reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s signature flair.
The Wednesday service will operate once weekly in July and August, complementing WestJet’s existing Sunday service from Toronto, along with Air Canada’s non-stop Sunday service from Toronto.
With increased airlift and competitive fares currently available for summer travel, the additional service presents a timely opportunity for Canadians to experience one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations during a season rich in cultural events and local celebrations. Travellers are encouraged to book early to secure preferred dates and take advantage of current pricing.
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ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only continuously working Georgian era dockyard in the world, and a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua Racing Cup, Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Find information on Antigua and Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on
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FOR ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Adrienne Harry, Aldeen Consulting
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