Toronto getting new flights to island known for its golden beaches and sand dunes

Travellers out of Toronto will soon have another sunny European getaway option to choose from to escape the cold this upcoming winter.

Montreal-based airline Air Transat is preparing to launch a direct service to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from Toronto as part of its winter 2026-2027 program, marking one of the first-ever non-stop connections between Canada and Spain's Canary Islands.

The new route comes just a few weeks after Air Canada announced a direct service from Toronto to Tenerife, which is the largest and most-visited destination in the Canary Islands, welcoming over seven million tourists each year.

Air Canada's flights to Tenerife are set to launch on Oct. 25, 2026, and will operate on Thursdays and Sundays.

Gran Canaria, which is located just off northwestern Africa, is known for its dramatic landscapes, sand dunes, golden beaches, and rich volcanic history. Las Palmas, which is located in the northeastern part of the island, is a joint capital of the Canary Islands and is renowned for its year-round sun, Playa de Las Canteras beach, colourful streets, and historic Vegueta neighbourhood.

"Las Palmas offers the best of both worlds: the sunshine and mild climate of the Canary Islands combined with Europe's charm and cultural richness," said Sebastian Ponce, Chief Revenue Officer at Transat.

“With ideal year-round weather, spectacular beaches, and a thriving culinary scene, it's a destination that perfectly meets the expectations of travellers seeking something new."

Air Transat's new service is set to launch on Dec. 13 in Toronto and will run until April 4, 2027. Flights will depart from Toronto Pearson Airport once weekly on Sundays, taking off at approximately 7 p.m. and landing in Las Palmas at 7:20 a.m., local time.

Flights back to Toronto depart on Mondays at 8:50 a.m., and arrive in Toronto at 12:55 p.m., local time.

The upcoming service builds on Air Transat's presence in Spain, which includes services to Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, and Valencia.

Flights to Las Palmas are already available for booking online, and the airline will continue to roll out its winter program over the next few weeks.