Good news for Canadian travelers — and for anyone looking to escape the Manitoba winter.
Starting December 14, 2026, WestJet will operate a new nonstop service between Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. The route runs once weekly and makes Winnipeg the third Canadian city with a direct connection to Belize, joining Toronto and Calgary.
For travelers in Manitoba and the surrounding prairie provinces, this means no more connecting through another city to get here. You board in Winnipeg and you land in Belize.
Why This Matters
Canada is one of Belize’s strongest international markets, and the demand has been there for a while. What was missing was the airlift. Direct flights change the calculation for a lot of travelers who were willing to make the trip but not willing to add a connection and several hours to get here. A nonstop from Winnipeg removes that friction entirely.
WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill framed it simply — the airline is responding to growing demand for leisure travel in Mexico and the Latin Caribbean, and Belize is part of that expansion. The timing, launching in December ahead of the winter season, is deliberate. Winnipeg winters are long. Belize is warm.
The new Winnipeg service complements WestJet’s existing nonstop flights from Toronto and Calgary, giving Canadians travelers even greater access to Belize’s diverse tourism experiences, from the Belize Barrier Reef and world-class diving to ancient Maya sites, lush rainforests, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.
When to Book
The Winnipeg service starts December 14, 2026 and runs through the winter season. December through April is peak season in Belize — the weather is dry, the visibility underwater is excellent, and the island is at its liveliest.
Where to Stay on Ambergris Caye
Once you land in Belize City, the most popular next step for reef-bound travelers is the 15-minute domestic flight or water taxi to Ambergris Caye — Belize’s largest island and the base for most visitors heading to the barrier reef.
SunBreeze Suites sits on Barrier Reef Drive in the heart of San Pedro Town, a short walk from the water taxi dock, local restaurants, and the tour operators who run reef trips daily. The property has 21 full kitchen suites across three categories — Ocean Front, Ocean View, and Pool View — which works particularly well for Canadian travelers coming for a week or more. Having a kitchen means you can keep your own food and drinks, eat out when you want to, and settle in without the cost of three restaurant meals a day.
Ambergris Caye in December through April is the island at its best. Dry season, calm seas, excellent visibility on the reef, and warm temperatures that feel like a different planet from a Winnipeg winter.
Take Advantage of Our Winter Warmer Special
Trading a Winnipeg winter for a week on the Caribbean is already a good decision. We are making it easier to say yes.
Book 4 or more nights at SunBreeze Suites and save up to 20% off your stay. A 5-night stay starts at under $1,000 USD — that is a full week in the sunshine!