Something quietly significant has just happened for travellers across Wales and the West of England. For the first time in years, long-haul travel has become genuinely local again.
Why Toronto should be your next long-haul escape. now you can fly direct from Cardiff Airport!
With new direct flights from Cardiff Airport to Toronto, Canada is no longer a journey that begins with a trek to London, but one that starts just down the road.
A smoother start to your journey
From 23 May 2026, direct flights from Cardiff Airport with WestJet will connect South Wales to one of North America’s most exciting cities. With return fares from around £425, the route opens up a world of possibilities, whether you are planning a cultural city break, a longer Canadian adventure, or a multi-stop trip across North America.
There is something refreshingly simple about flying from your local airport. No early train to London, no long queues at major hubs, just a more relaxed and straightforward start to your journey.
A city that rewards curiosity
Toronto is a city that feels alive in a way that is hard to replicate. Its skyline is dramatic, its neighbourhoods are full of personality, and its energy comes from a constant sense of reinvention.
Areas such as Queen West, Riverside and the Distillery District offer a glimpse into the city’s creative heartbeat, where independent shops, galleries, breweries and live music venues sit side by side. It is the kind of place where you can spend a morning exploring design studios and an evening discovering a tucked-away jazz bar.
A food scene shaped by the world
Toronto’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and nowhere is this more evident than in its food. In a single day, you can move from Chinatown dumplings to Little Italy trattorias, from Caribbean street food to contemporary chef-led dining.
Venture just beyond the city and you will find Ontario’s wine regions and a growing number of farm-to-table experiences, making it easy to combine urban exploration with something a little more relaxed.
City and nature, side by side
One of Toronto’s greatest surprises is how easily it connects you to nature. A short ferry ride takes you to the Toronto Islands, where sandy beaches and quiet paths offer a complete contrast to the city skyline.
Further afield, lakes, forests and hiking trails are all within easy reach. And then there is Niagara Falls, just 90 minutes away, offering one of the most iconic natural spectacles in the world and an easy addition to any itinerary.
A city in the global spotlight
In 2026, Toronto will be firmly in the international spotlight as one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup. The atmosphere, energy and global attention that come with the tournament will add another dimension to an already dynamic destination.
More than a destination
Toronto is also one of North America’s best-connected cities, making it an ideal starting point for further exploration. From here, it is easy to continue on to Montreal, Ottawa or Quebec City, or even cross into the United States to visit cities such as New York, Chicago or Boston.
For travellers who like to build a journey rather than simply take a trip, it is a gateway that opens up countless possibilities.
Travel Life tip
If you are planning a trip, it is worth comparing flight options early, particularly around key dates such as the World Cup period. Direct routes from Cardiff are likely to prove popular, and booking ahead will give you the best choice of fares and travel times.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or solo, Toronto offers a rare combination of culture, cuisine, nature and opportunity. With direct flights now available from Cardiff, it is closer, easier and more appealing than ever.
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Cardiff Airport
www.cardiff-airport.com
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Before you fly!
Cardiff Airport is half an hour from Cardiff with excellent bus and train links. It is near Rhoose, Wales’ most southerly village, in The Vale of Glamorgan (affectionately known as the garden of Cardiff). If you wish to find out more about the Vale, then check out Vale Life magazine (the premier independent lifestyle magazine for the Vale of Glamorgan) or visit their website at www.valelife.co.uk
Visiting Cardiff?
Then Vale Life’s sister website, City Life, might also be worth a visit.
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