Canadian travelers will soon gain unprecedented access to one of Mexico’s most overlooked and authentically preserved coastal regions. Starting in December 2025, Tepic/Riviera Nayarit International Airport (TPQ) will launch its first-ever direct flights from Canada, positioning it as the newest international travel hub for tourists seeking a tranquil alternative to Mexico’s overcrowded resort cities.
Two major Canadian flag carriers have confirmed new weekly services: nonstop flights from Calgary will begin on December 13, 2025, followed by Vancouver service commencing December 17, 2025. These new air connections will usher Canadian tourists directly into the heart of Riviera Nayarit, a Pacific coast treasure offering untapped beaches, volcano-rimmed lakes, and culturally rich towns that are typically overshadowed by Puerto Vallarta’s packed terminals and resorts.
This marks the first time in history that Tepic Airport will host direct international flights from Canada, a move that aligns with the broader industry trend of decentralizing travel flows from over-touristed destinations. With the Canadian winter travel season in full swing by December, Tepic’s warm, scenic, and low-density appeal will serve as an attractive draw for snow-weary travelers.
Expanding International Access From the U.S.
Tepic is also expanding its reach across the border. According to Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT), a Mexican airline will inaugurate nonstop service from Los Angeles (LAX) on July 16, 2025, followed by a U.S. carrier launching twice-weekly flights from Houston (IAH) beginning December 20, 2025.
These international routes place Tepic in an increasingly strategic position among Pacific Mexico airports, enabling it to serve as a new access point to Riviera Nayarit’s rapidly evolving tourism corridor. The Nayarit state government has confirmed that Tepic Airport is undergoing an expansion and modernization project to support international arrivals, including upgraded customs and immigration facilities, according to official statements from Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP).
Riviera Nayarit: A Low-Crowd Coastal Retreat
Unlike Puerto Vallarta or Cancún, Riviera Nayarit remains largely unspoiled by mass tourism. Tepic’s proximity to several off-the-beaten-path treasures makes it ideal for eco-conscious, culturally curious travelers. Within 30 to 90 minutes of the airport, tourists can reach destinations like:
- Matanchen Bay: A 30-minute drive offers top-tier surfing and seaside seafood spots.
- Aticama: A relaxed coastal village ideal for morning coffee and evening strolls.
- Santa María del Oro: A volcanic crater lake perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
- Compostela & Jala: Designated Pueblos Mágicos known for colonial charm and historical richness.
- Mexcaltitán Island: An island canal town often referred to as the “Venice of Mexico” or the legendary origin of the Mexica civilization.
- Platanitos, Chacala & Guayabitos Beaches: Quiet tropical beaches ideal for disconnecting.
Tepic’s lesser-known location is quickly becoming one of its greatest assets. Instead of offering an all-inclusive vacation in a high-rise resort, the area provides rich cultural immersion, unspoiled nature, and genuine community interaction — aligning with modern travelers’ shifting values.
A Broader Tourism Strategy for Sustainable Travel
As international tourism rebounds, Mexican officials are eager to guide tourists beyond traditional hot spots. The Secretary of Tourism of Nayarit (Sectur Nayarit) has unveiled multiple campaigns in recent years aimed at promoting Tepic and its surrounding areas as a sustainable tourism destination. Key focuses include preserving indigenous heritage, promoting artisanal crafts, and protecting local ecosystems such as the Aguamilpa Dam and Nayarit’s Pacific lagoons.
Airlines are also responding to growing demand for travel that is more meaningful and less congested. By launching flights to Tepic, both Canadian and American carriers are actively contributing to tourism decentralization, offering travelers access to lower-density, experience-driven destinations.
The development also feeds into broader Canadian travel trends. According to Destination Canada, more than 2 million Canadians visited Mexico annually before the pandemic, mostly to Cancún and Puerto Vallarta. Tepic’s emergence offers a refreshing shift — a chance to embrace new regions that maintain both ecological and cultural integrity.
Tepic’s Promise as Mexico’s Next Coastal Gateway
With upcoming connections from Vancouver, Calgary, Los Angeles, and Houston, Tepic is poised to become a rising star in Pacific Mexico’s tourism map. Supported by airport enhancements and state-led tourism planning, this cultural capital of Nayarit offers more than just an escape from winter — it offers access to a new type of travel rooted in sustainability, exploration, and serenity.
Whether kayaking in a volcanic lake, walking through cobblestone towns, or sipping local coffee in an untouched village, visitors can experience a version of Mexico that remains authentic, affordable, and refreshingly free of crowds.
As the 2025-2026 winter travel season approaches, Tepic’s newfound global connectivity places it among Mexico’s most exciting emerging destinations for Canadian and American travelers alike.
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