Thunder Bay-Punta Cana route returns as airline adds Panama City, Havana, Tepic and more to winter options

Thunder Bay – Travel – While heading south in July might not be something most people consider, it is never too early to start winter vacation planning. There are lots of options for people flying with Westjet.

WestJet has revealed its 2025/2026 winter schedule, and it’s good news for sun-seeking Canadians — especially travelers from Thunder Bay, where the popular weekly route to Punta Cana returns this December. The airline’s new slate features five new sun destinations, increased connectivity across Latin America and the Caribbean, and a boost to international service to Asia.

In total, WestJet will operate 305 routes serving 62 sun destinations, offering both flight-only options and vacation packages through Sunwing Vacations Group. Though departures are set to increase by 3% year-over-year, seating capacity will remain consistent due to aircraft reconfigurations following WestJet’s full integration of Sunwing and Swoop.

“Canadians want value while escaping the cold, and WestJet’s winter schedule delivers on both affordability and choice,” said John Weatherill, EVP and CCO at WestJet Group.
“71 per cent of WestJet’s non-stop services are currently priced lower than in 2024.”

New Destinations for Winter Sun Getaways

WestJet is adding the following five new destinations to its winter lineup:

• Calgary – Panama City, Panama (4x weekly) – Dec 13, 2025 – Apr 25, 2026

• Calgary – Guadalajara, Mexico (2x weekly) – Dec 7, 2025 – Apr 12, 2026

• Calgary – Tepic (Nayarit), Mexico (1x weekly) – Dec 13, 2025 – Apr 25, 2026

• Montréal – Managua, Nicaragua (1x weekly) – Dec 18, 2025 – Apr 2, 2026

• Toronto – Havana, Cuba (2x weekly) – Dec 18, 2025 – Apr 23, 2026

Thunder Bay–Punta Cana Returns

WestJet is bringing back a direct Thunder Bay–Punta Cana route, operating once weekly from December 16, 2025, to April 7, 2026. This flight provides convenient access for Northwestern Ontarians to one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after beach destinations.

Other new and returning seasonal routes include:

• Calgary – Cozumel, Puerto Plata

• Vancouver – Liberia

• Montréal – Samaná

• Québec City – Montego Bay

• Winnipeg – Liberia

International Growth: Tokyo and Latin America

WestJet is also significantly expanding its international reach, including daily flights from Calgary to Tokyo (Narita). This move supports 18% year-over-year growth in intercontinental travel and boosts cargo capacity for high-value goods like seafood and electronics.

Latin America and Caribbean service will grow 6% in seat capacity, targeting popular destinations like Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

More Than Just Flights: Economic Impact and Tourism Growth

Local and international tourism officials have praised WestJet’s route expansion:

• Panama’s Minister of Tourism, Gloria De León Zubieta, welcomed the Calgary–Panama City route as a key connection for economic and cultural exchange.

• Nayarit’s Governor, Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero, celebrated the first-ever direct flight from Canada to Tepic as a game-changer for tourism in western Mexico.

WestJet’s expanding reach is not only fuelling tourism but also boosting cargo operations, enhancing trade routes across the Americas and Asia.

Booking Details

WestJet’s full winter 2025/26 schedule will be available for booking starting July 14, 2025. Whether you’re looking to thaw out on the beaches of Punta Cana or explore the cultural landscapes of Havana and Guadalajara, WestJet is offering Canadians more affordable options to escape winter.