Cardiff has been named the number one trending destination for 2027 by Skyscanner, with searches up 1,046% year on year. The Welsh capital sits well clear of second-placed St George’s in Grenada (+156%) and Tivat in Montenegro (+149%).
The list comes from Skyscanner Canada, so this is Canadian travellers discovering Cardiff in big numbers. For those of us who live and work here, it is very welcome news. Croeso i Gaerdydd: welcome to Cardiff.
Here is why Cardiff is suddenly on Canadian radars, what to expect when you land, and where to stay once you are here.
Why Cardiff? A direct flight from Toronto
The big change is WestJet’s direct route from Toronto Pearson to Cardiff Airport, which landed for the first time in May 2026. It ran four times a week through the summer on a Boeing 737-8 MAX, and it is the only direct flight between North America and Wales.
It is also the first direct link between Canada and Wales since 2008, when Zoom Airlines stopped flying. Cardiff Airport has confirmed the route returns in May 2027.
Skyscanner’s own reasons go beyond the flight. It highlights how easy Cardiff is to explore on foot, and says prices here are kinder than London’s. We would add that the coast is a short train ride from the castle, and that nowhere sings louder on match day.
What does +1,046% actually mean?
Skyscanner compared return flight searches made between 1 January and 17 June 2026 with the same period in 2025. Before May 2026 there was no direct way to fly from Canada to Wales, so searches started from a very small base.
Put simply, Canadians found out they could fly straight to Cardiff, and they went looking. That interest is now a ranking, and the route is coming back.
Arriving from Toronto: your first morning in Wales
The flight takes around eight hours. On the 2026 schedule it left Toronto at 10.10pm, so you land at Cardiff Airport in Rhoose the following morning, UK time.
Cardiff Airport is in the Vale of Glamorgan, just west of Barry. That makes it a quieter, smaller arrival than Heathrow or Gatwick, and you can be at the seaside or in the capital the same morning.
After an overnight flight, the first thing most people want is a shower and somewhere to leave their bags.
Why an apartment works for a long-haul trip
Nobody flies eight hours for a weekend. Transatlantic visitors usually stay a week or more, often with family, and jet lag means breakfast at 4am is a real possibility.
A serviced apartment gives you room to spread out and a kitchen for whenever your body clock decides it is hungry.
Your first few days in Cardiff and the Vale
Start in the centre. Cardiff Castle sits right in the middle of the city, and Bute Park runs north from its walls along the River Taff. The Principality Stadium is a short walk away, and a stadium tour is worth it even without a match.
Cardiff Bay is the city’s waterfront, home to the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament. It is an easy evening out once the jet lag lifts.
Then head west into the Vale of Glamorgan. Barry Island has the beach and the chips, and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast has the cliffs. Castell Coch, the fairytale castle in the woods north of the city, makes a good half-day trip.
One thing Canadian visitors may find familiar: every sign is bilingual. Welsh and English sit side by side, and a “diolch” (thank you) goes a long way.
Planning a 2027 trip
The Toronto route returns in May 2027 and runs through the summer, so that is the window to plan around. Seasonal flights tend to fill up fastest around big weekends, so book flights and accommodation together where you can.
If you are flying in for a concert or a match, our event stays page explains how to make the most of a big night in the city.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct flight from Canada to Cardiff? Yes. WestJet flies direct from Toronto Pearson to Cardiff Airport in summer. The route first ran in 2026 and returns in May 2027.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Cardiff? Around eight hours, flying overnight from Toronto and landing in Wales the next morning.
Why is Cardiff a trending destination for 2027? Skyscanner Canada recorded a 1,046% rise in searches for Cardiff, driven by the new direct route from Toronto. It names Cardiff its top trending destination for 2027.
Where should I stay near Cardiff Airport? Goodstay in Barry is our closest property to the airport.
Is Cardiff cheaper than London? Skyscanner describes Cardiff as more affordable than London.