The weeks that cost the most
- Christmas to New Year's is the most expensive stretch of the winter.
- March break is the other big peak. Dates vary by province, so prices stay high for most of March.
- Long weekends such as Family Day in February also push prices up.
The best-value windows
- Early December and January after the first week are often the cheapest times for a winter getaway.
- Late April, after Easter, can be great value while the weather is still warm.
- For the cheapest fares of the year, late August to November is lowest for many beach destinations, but it's hurricane season, so book flexible options and watch the forecast.
Where to look
- Mexico: Cancún has the most flights from Canada and often the lowest fares; from the West, compare Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos.
- Caribbean: Punta Cana and Montego Bay are popular all-inclusive spots with frequent flights. From Montreal, Havana is often good value.
- Costa Rica: compare San José and Liberia; Liberia is closer to the Pacific beaches.
Other ways to save
- Compare packages with booking separately. An all-inclusive package can be cheaper, but check a separate flight and hotel too.
- Fly midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Check entry requirements. For example, the Dominican Republic uses a free online e-Ticket form, and Cuba requires a tourist card, which is sometimes included with packages.
Check live prices
See the lowest fares and cheapest months
Toronto → CancúnYTO–CUNToronto → Punta CanaYTO–PUJToronto → Montego BayYTO–MBJToronto → KingstonYTO–KINMontreal → CancúnYMQ–CUNMontreal → Punta CanaYMQ–PUJMontreal → HavanaYMQ–HAVVancouver → Puerto VallartaYVR–PVRVancouver → Los CabosYVR–SJDVancouver → CancúnYVR–CUNCalgary → CancúnYYC–CUNCalgary → Puerto VallartaYYC–PVROttawa → CancúnYOW–CUNOttawa → Punta CanaYOW–PUJToronto → San José, Costa RicaYTO–SJO
Each page shows the lowest fares travellers found in the last 48 hours and a month-by-month price chart. Or search any route.