8 warm winter destinations Canadian passport holders can access visa-free, a short flight away
One of the perks of holding a Canadian passport is the opportunity to travel to many warm and sunny climates without the hassle of visas.
From Caribbean beaches to Latin America’ cultural gems, Canadian citizens have plenty of incredible destinations to choose from.
So, if you’re looking to swap snow for sand during the upcoming winter months, here are ten inviting visa-free getaways just a short flight from home.
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Cancun, Mexico
Entry: Visa-free for up to 180 days.
Flight time: 4 hours (Toronto to Cancun)
Winter weather: 20-27°C (68-80°F)
Mexico offers an enticing mix of sunny beaches, fascinating history, and vibrant culture. The Yucatán Peninsula, especially Cancún and the Riviera Maya, is famous for its powdery white-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts that cater to sunseekers. If you’re craving adventure, Mexico won’t disappoint – from snorkelling in cenotes (natural sinkhole pools) to zip-lining over jungle canopies. Foodies will also delight in authentic Mexican cuisine, from tacos al pastor to fresh ceviche.
Cartagena, Colombia
Entry: Visa-free for up to 90 days (you need to complete an electronic immigration form before travelling)
Flight time: 5 hours 20 minutes (Toronto to Cartagena)
Winter weather: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Cartagena is brimming with colonial buildings draped in bougainvillea, lively plazas, and centuries-old churches at nearly every corner. Food-lovers can enjoy the fresh ceviche and tropical fruits, while music lovers will love rhythms of Colombian cumbia and salsa in the evenings. When it’s time to cool off, Cartagena also serves as a gateway to beautiful beaches – the city’s own Bocagrande district offers urban beaches, but even better are the offshore Rosario Islands and Barú (home to Playa Blanca’s powdery sands) reachable by a short boat ride.
Florida, USA
Entry: Visa-free (Canadians can visit the US for up to 6 months without a visa)
Flight time: 3 hours (Direct flights from Toronto to Florida)
Winter weather: 15-21°C (59-71°F )
Florida is a classic winter escape for Canadians, offering a mix of sun, beaches, and family attractions. With loads of popular spots like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Naples, and more, there is plenty to see and do. South Florida is known for its beaches, while Orlando draws families year-round to its world-famous theme parks. Whether you’re looking to relax on a golf course or take an airboat ride in the Everglades, Florida’s diverse attractions make it a top choice.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Entry: Visa-free for up to 90 days
Flight time: 4 hours long (Toronto to Montego Bay)
Winter weather: 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is famous for its white-sand beaches. Many Canadians flock to Montego Bay or Negril for the array of all-inclusive resorts and the laid-back atmosphere. Beyond the beach, Jamaica’s lush interior offers adventures like hiking to waterfalls or exploring the Blue Mountains, known for coffee plantations and panoramic views. Jamaica’s culture is another highlight, with incredible food, music and cultural tours available.
Nassau, Bahamas
Entry: Visa-free, for up to 8 months
Flight time: 3.5 hours (flights from Toronto to Nassau)
Winter weather: 18-27°C (64-80°F)
The Bahamas, an archipelago of 700 islands, offers a slice of island life within easy reach. Many visitors start in Nassau on New Providence Island – a city famed for its pastel-colored colonial buildings and vibrant history as a onetime pirate haven. Nassau combines beach fun with cultural sites like the forts of the old town, plus the lively Nassau Straw Market for souvenirs.
Oranjestad, Aruba
Entry: Visa-free for up to 30 days
Flight time: 5 hours (flights from Toronto to capital Oranjestad)
Winter weather: 27-30°C (81-86°F)
Aruba is a sun-soaked island in the southern Caribbean that delivers almost guaranteed sunshine during the Canadian winter. If you’re looking for reliable “sun, sea and sand” with low chances of rain and plenty of resort options, Aruba fits the bill.
Most visitors base themselves around Palm Beach or Eagle Beach, where you’ll find high-rise and low-rise resorts, waterfront restaurants, and easy access to snorkeling, sailing and sunset cruises. You can also wander through Oranjestad’s compact downtown with its colourful Dutch-Caribbean facades.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Entry: Visa-free for up to 30 days
Flight time: 4.5 hours (Toronto to Punta Cana)
Winter weather: 22-28°C (73-82°F)
The Dominican Republic is a sun-drenched Caribbean nation known for its beach resorts and lively culture. Punta Cana, on the eastern tip of the island, has become synonymous with winter getaways; it’s packed with all-inclusive resorts lining palm-fringed beaches. The country boasts picturesque waterfalls and lush national parks in its interior. January to March is also the best time for whale watching in Samaná Bay.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Entry: Visa-free for visits of up to 180 days.
Flight time: 4.5 hours (non-stop flights from Toronto to capital San Juan)
Winter weather: 21-28°C (70-83°F )
If you’re seeking warm weather, cool buildings, great food, and good beaches, Puerto Rico is the perfect place. The capital, boasts Old San Juan, a charming historic quarter filled with pastel colonial architecture, centuries-old forts, and cobblestone streets. By day, you can wander the fortresses of El Morro and San Cristóbal, and by night, enjoy delicious Puerto Rican cuisine in open-air cafes. Beyond the city, the island offers tropical adventure and pristine white-sand beaches.
About the Canadian passport
The Canadian passport consistently ranks among the world’s most powerful travel documents.
In the most recent Henley Passport Index, Canada placed ninth globally out of 198 passports, giving Canadian citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations as of October 7, 2025.
While Canada has slipped slightly compared to earlier years, its passport currently outperforms many others – including the U.S. – and remains a major advantage for Canadians who want to explore the world.
To get a Canadian passport, you must be a Canadian citizen. You can be a Canadian citizen by birth, by descent* or by naturalization.
*Canadian citizenship by descent has a First-Generation Limit, although a recently-passed bill seeks to amend that.
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