Cheap flights to Canada

From the rugged peaks of the Rockies and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Louise to the multicultural bustle of Toronto and the laid-back charm of Vancouver, Canada offers an unforgettable escape. Whether you are chasing powder on the ski slopes, exploring vast national parks, or indulging in poutine and maple syrup, booking flights to Canada is your first step toward an adventure in the Great White North.

Flight time to flight to Canada

Flight times vary depending on your departure city, destination and whether you choose a direct service. Here are some of the more popular route and their flight times.

Flights to Vancouver

• Sydney to Vancouver: 14 hours, 30 minutes (direct)
• Brisbane to Vancouver: 13 hours, 40 minutes (direct)
• Melbourne to Vancouver: 15 hours
• Adelaide to Vancouver: 17 hours, 25 minutes
• Perth to Vancouver: 20 hours

Flights to Toronto

• Sydney to Toronto: 20 hours, 45 minutes
• Brisbane to Toronto: 20 hours, 15 minutes
• Melbourne to Toronto: 22 hours, 40 minutes
• Adelaide to Toronto: 26 hours
• Perth to Toronto: 25 hours, 25 minutes

Flights to Montreal

• Sydney to Montreal: 21 hours, 15 minutes
• Brisbane to Montreal: 20 hours, 35 minutes
• Melbourne to Montreal: 23 hours, 15 minutes
• Adelaide to Montreal: 28 hours, 10 minutes
• Perth to Montreal: 27 hours

Airlines flying direct to Canada

Currently, two major carriers operate direct flights from Australia to Canada, landing primarily in Vancouver.

• Air Canada: As the country's flag carrier, Air Canada offers the most frequent direct options and seamless connections to over 50 destinations across Canada from their Vancouver hub.
• Qantas: The Flying Kangaroo provides direct service from Sydney to Vancouver, offering premium service and the familiarity of an Australian crew for the long-haul journey.

Where you can fly direct to Canada from

Direct flights to Canada depart from Australia's east coast major capitals.

• Air Canada: Flights depart from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
• Qantas: Flights depart from Sydney.

Where are the major airports in Canada?

While Canada has many international airports, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the primary gateway for flights arriving from Australia and the only destination in Canada you can fly to directly from Australia. Located on Sea Island in Richmond, it is approximately 12 kilometres from downtown Vancouver. The most convenient way to reach the city is via the Canada Line rapid transit rail, which connects the airport to downtown in under 30 minutes. Taxis and ride-share services are also readily available outside the arrival terminals.

Other major airports in Canada include:

• Toronto: Located roughly 22 kilometres from the city center, Pearson is most efficiently accessed via the UP Express train, which whisk passengers to downtown’s Union Station in just 25 minutes.
• Montreal: Situated about 20 kilometres from the city's heart, Montréal-Trudeau is serviced by the 747 Express bus, offering 24/7 transit to the downtown core.
• Calgary (YYC): Located 17 kilometres from the city, the Route 300 BRT (Airport-City Centre) is the most popular public transit option, reaching downtown in approximately 30 minutes.
• Edmonton (YEG): Situated about 30 kilometres south of the city, travelers can take tbStation and then transfer to the LRT (Light Rail Transit) for a total travel time of roughly one hour to the downtown core.
• Ottawa (YOW): Canada's capital airport is 13 kilometres from the center. The OC Transpo Route 97 bus provides frequent service to the heart of the city in about 30 minutes.
• Halifax (YHZ): As the gateway to the Maritimes, Stanfield International is 35 kilometres from downtown. The MetroX Regional Express 320 connects the airport to the city center in about 50 to 60 minutes.

Full list of airports in Canada

While direct flights are only available to Vancouver, there are dozens of destinations you can go to with a connection or two, from the Rockies on the west coast, to the charming towns of Newfoundland on the east.

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador

Northwest Territories

Nova Scotia

Nunavut

Ontario

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskatchewan

Yukon

Cheapest time to fly to Canada

To secure the best fares, consider booking flights to Canada during the shoulder seasons, particularly November or late February. These months avoid the peak summer rush (June to August) and the expensive December holiday period. Travelling during these cooler months often yields significantly lower ticket prices, fewer crowds at major attractions, and the chance to enjoy winter activities without paying peak-season premium rates.

Passport and visa requirements when flying to Canada

Australian passport holders generally do not require a visa for short tourist visits but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying. The eTA costs $7 CAD and is easily applied for online, usually approved within minutes.

How early to arrive at the airport in Australia when flying to Canada

For international long-haul flights to Canada, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure time to clear security and immigration leisurely.

Once you have your flights sorted, don't forget to book your hotel, car hire, or holiday activities with Traveloka to complete your Canadian getaway.