WestJet Archives - OFFSHORE

Discover Timeless Havana with WestJet Vacations

January 13, 2026

In Cuba's capital, colonial grandeur meets contemporary sophistication—and new direct flights from Toronto make this cultural treasure more accessible than ever.

With its baroque facades, vintage Cadillacs, and the infectious rhythm of salsa spilling from every doorway, Havana feels like stepping into a living museum where time moves to its own beat. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers an intoxicating blend of revolutionary history, architectural splendour, and refined experiences that few Caribbean destinations can match.

This season, WestJet Vacations makes Cuba’s crown jewel more convenient to reach with new direct flights from Toronto, opening the door to one of the Caribbean’s most culturally rich destinations.

Where Time Stands Beautifully Still

Havana’s magnetism lies in its remarkable preservation of five centuries of architectural evolution. In Old Havana, cobblestone streets wind past restored colonial palaces, now housing boutique hotels and world-class restaurants. The Gran Teatro de La Habana hosts world-renowned ballet performances, while the newly renovated Capitolio building stands as testament to the city’s renewed commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Sophisticated Comfort Redefined

Cuba’s hospitality landscape has evolved dramatically, with historic properties now offering convenient modern-day amenities. Boutique hotels occupy colonial mansions, like the Mystique Habana by Royalton, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers impressive views in the city’s historic center. For a more modern experience in the historic city centre, stay at Royalton Habana, featuring five on-site restaurants and an infinity pool overlooking the sea.

Authentic Encounters Await

For sophisticated travellers seeking authentic cultural engagement, Havana delivers experiences that go far beyond typical tourist attractions. Private tours of Ernest Hemingway’s preserved estate offer insights into the Nobel laureate’s Cuban years, while exclusive access to recording studios provides encounters with musicians carrying forward Cuba’s legendary musical traditions.

The Perfect Escape

What sets Havana apart isn’t just its undeniable charm or its cultural richness, but the way refinement and authenticity intertwine seamlessly. Here, mornings might begin with expertly crafted café cubano on a private terrace overlooking the harbour, followed by guided explorations of architectural gems, and evenings that flow naturally from sophisticated dining to impromptu salsa sessions in atmospheric jazz clubs.

In Havana, premium experiences aren’t about opulence—they’re about access to moments that money can’t typically buy, delivered with the warmth and artistry that defines Cuban hospitality.

Discover this remarkable destination with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations.

Discover Authentic Mexico in Tepic

October 20, 2025

In Nayarit’s capital city, vibrant traditions meet Riviera luxury — and WestJet makes it easier than ever to experience both.

With its lively plazas, centuries-old artistry, and colourful markets, Tepic is Mexico at its most authentic. This capital city of Nayarit remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism, offering travellers a rare opportunity to connect with Indigenous traditions, colonial heritage, and a thriving culinary scene. And when it’s time to unwind, the Riviera’s golden beaches and luxury resorts are just a short drive away.

This winter, WestJet Vacations brings Tepic within easier reach than ever before, with new direct flights from Calgary.

A City Steeped in Story

Begin in Tepic’s historic centre, where leafy plazas open onto cobblestone streets lined with pastel façades and neoclassical architecture. The soaring Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption commands the skyline, while the Casa de Amado Nervo — birthplace of one of Mexico’s most celebrated poets — invites a quieter pause.

Culture here feels alive, woven into daily rhythms rather than packaged for visitors. In nearby Huichol villages, artisans create beadwork and yarn paintings of dazzling precision, each design a spiritual narrative passed down through generations. At the Centro Cultural de los Cinco Pueblos, you’ll see how Huichol, Cora, Tepehuan and Mexicanero traditions continue to shape the region’s identity.

Beyond the city, remarkable adventures await. The Islas Marías, once a remote penal colony, has been reborn as a protected cultural and natural reserve, where guided tours pair fascinating history with untouched beaches. Closer to town, Tepic’s bustling markets spill over with handwoven textiles, rustic pottery and culinary treats — from smoked marlin tacos to candied pitaya — each flavour and craft a direct link to Mexico’s heritage.

Part of Tepic’s allure is its easy connection to the coast. Within a couple of hours, the cultural capital gives way to Riviera Nayarit’s surf breaks, palm-fringed beaches, and luxurious resorts.

At Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, expect AAA Five Diamond indulgence, including the SE Spa’s new Chakra Healing Sessions that blend ancient Mexican practices with contemporary wellness techniques. Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort offers adults-only tranquillity with a rooftop infinity pool gazing over Banderas Bay, while Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort blends family-friendly programming with sleek design. Multi-generational groups will find thoughtful extras at Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa, where the exclusive Family Selection program delivers personalized touches for every age.

A Culinary Crossroads

For many travellers, food is Tepic’s most unforgettable calling card. In its markets, cooks prepare recipes unchanged for generations, while contemporary chefs reinterpret regional flavours with creative flair. The city also provides a gateway to Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, one of Mexico’s premier culinary festivals, where Michelin-starred chefs share kitchens with local innovators. Hands-on cooking classes and artisanal tequila tastings offer another lens into the region — one where tradition, geography and craft converge in every bite and sip.

The Best of Both Worlds

What makes Tepic extraordinary isn’t only its cultural depth or its coastal proximity, but the way the two worlds intertwine. Here, a morning of Huichol artistry can flow into an afternoon of spa treatments by the sea, and evenings might mean sipping tequila in a buzzing plaza or watching the sun sink into the Pacific.

In Tepic, you don’t have to choose between authenticity and indulgence — you can have both, often in the very same day.

Plan your escape with a flight and hotel package from WestJet Vacations, and experience the best of Mexico’s heartland and Riviera luxury in one unforgettable journey.

New route lets you finally fly from Calgary to Iceland

May 15, 2024

The WestJet Group today celebrated the takeoff of its highly anticipated service between Calgary and Reykjavik (Keflavik).

The exclusive service, linking the Group’s global hub in Calgary to Iceland, not only bolsters the airline’s efforts to enhance YYC Calgary International Airport’s connectivity but reinforces the city’s standing as the best connected mid-sized city in North America.

WestJet’s service to Reykjavik (Keflavik) will be propelled by its growing 737 MAX fleet, operating four times weekly through to Oct.13, 2024.

As WestJet executes upon its growth strategy, delivering an expansive network of convenient domestic connections into its global hub in Calgary, WestJet’s impressive European network, is made easily accessible for Canadians across the country.

With the inclusion of Iceland to its network, guests travelling from or through Calgary will gain access to seven transatlantic connections via WestJet’s network this summer.

For full details on WestJet’s service between Calgary and Europe, visit WestJet.com.