Puerto Vallarta Gains Ground With Canadian Tourists

Puerto Vallarta is solidifying its position as a favorite destination for Canadian travelers, boosted by rising visitor numbers, new air routes, and a major sustainable airport modernization project.

Canadian tourism continues to favor Mexico’s Pacific coast, drawn by growing air connectivity, expanding infrastructure, and a diverse range of experiences. From January to June 2025, arrivals of Canadian tourists increased about 11.8% compared with the same period in 2024, reaching 1.6 million visitors.

According to Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism, the country received 45 million international tourists in 2024, a 7.4% increase over 2023. Of that total, 2.64 million visitors arrived by air from Canada, representing a 7.1% annual increase. Puerto Vallarta ranked among the five Mexican airports with the highest international passenger traffic, handling 3.9 million foreign travelers in 2024, up 0.9% from the previous year.

The trend is set to continue with the upcoming arrival of Porter Airlines, which will launch direct routes from Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton during the 2025–2026 winter season. With these new routes, Puerto Vallarta International Airport will serve 17 Canadian cities and a total of 56 destinations across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, reinforcing its role as a key international gateway.

The airport is undergoing a MX$9 billion modernization program, which includes construction of a new 74,000m2 terminal (NET) with 15 additional gates, 4,000m2 of access roads, and LEED Gold certification for sustainable building practices. The project, expected to be completed by 2027, will double the airport’s operating capacity while improving energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.

The growing connection with Canada has become one of the main engines of development for the Puerto Vallarta–Riviera Nayarit tourism corridor. The city’s airport ranked second nationwide in arrivals of Canadian travelers. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta and less than an hour from Punta Mita and Sayulita, it offers convenient access to some of the most attractive destinations on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

With these advances, Puerto Vallarta is strengthening its position as the gateway to Mexico’s Pacific, a region increasingly favored by Canadian travelers seeking everything from seaside luxury to cultural and nature-based tourism experiences.

A MX$9 billion airport modernization project, featuring a LEED Gold–certified terminal, will double capacity by 2027 and strengthen Puerto Vallarta’s role as a key international hub.