Latest news with #KevinJackson
Time Out
08-08-2025
- Time Out
Three U.S. resorts just ranked among the best luxury hotels in the world
Each year since 2023, travel experts from Robb Report have scoured the globe to identify the 50 best luxury hotels in the world —a list now considered the gold standard for high-end travel. This year, Rosewood Amsterdam topped the list, followed by properties in locations including Spain, Indonesia, New Zealand and St. Barts, but three U.S. hotels held their own among the elite. The twist? None are in New York or L.A. Instead, America's most celebrated stays are deep in the wilderness—where luxury meets wide-open space. Topping the North American entries is Blackberry Farm, the iconic East Tennessee retreat that pioneered five-star farm stays long before they were trendy. Spread across 4,200 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, this Relais & Châteaux property offers just 68 rooms, but delivers on every front: service, cuisine and setting. "They've redefined farm-to-table,' says Robb Report Travel Master Kevin Jackson, pointing to the legendary wine cellar, chef-driven dining and meticulous attention to detail. But what truly sets it apart is the warmth. Guests rave about the staff's Southern hospitality and a deeply rooted sense of place that no copycat has managed to replicate. A newer entry, Smith Fork Ranch in Colorado, delivers pure exclusivity. Set in a million-acre national forest, this historic dude ranch now operates as a buyout-only experience. This is billionaire-style privacy featuring six restored log cabins, a six-suite lodge, a chef's kitchen and a gym, all reimagined for 2025. With only 19 bedrooms total, the ranch caters to families, corporate retreats or ultra-private getaways. The buzz has been swift: Bookings for 2025 are nearly gone, and guests can look forward to luxe glamping options and custom outdoor adventures rolling out next year. Rounding out the U.S. destinations is Big Sur's legendary Post Ranch Inn. Once a humble motel on the Pacific Coast Highway, the property has evolved into a 40-room sanctuary perched 1,200 feet above the ocean. Rooms come with private hot tubs and floor-to-ceiling views, but it's the raw, natural beauty of the cliffs and sea that make this place unforgettable. The restaurant leans into refined Californian fare, and GM Tim Lee is known for handling every guest need with grace.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-10-items-professional-hikerscampers-never-forget-to-pack-tout-86b51a39ce7c474a9195bfc52bd74644.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
31-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
10 Items Professional Hiking Guides Who Have Hiked All Over the World Never Forget to Pack—From $10
I was shuffling through Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah, when my foot struck something hard in the sand. I saw something shiny and bent down to uncover a Grivory knife. 'That's a great brand,' my guide said, before continuing, 'You should always hike with something like this, it can help you in the craziest scenarios.' I was on a camping trip with EXP Journeys, a luxury travel company that offers privately guided itineraries. As a city girl spending my first prolonged time in nature, I was learning so much. And, luckily, since I was with the professional guides of EXP Journeys, I didn't have to worry about the outdoor essentials I didn't pack for this multi-day trip, as they came prepared (I was just fortunate that my few days of hiking as a kid inspired the correct garments and layers for this trip). My adventures with EXP Journeys motivated me to spend more time outdoors, but when I returned home, I realized I needed a compact list of professional hiker-approved essentials to pack, whether I'm taking a day hike or heading out on a longer journey. Below, my expert guides, Kevin Jackson and Maxie Johnson, share these key items, ranging from the seemingly obvious, like a water purifier, to the wonderfully bizarre, like duct tape. $150 at Amazon $180 $90 at Backcountry First, you need something to carry your gear in. Jackson, who is the founder of EXP Journeys, recommends the Black Diamond Pursuit Pack as 'it is large enough to fit all my personal gear with a great hip belt and side pockets.' For a longer journey, Johnson is impartial to his Osprey Aether pack for its airscape back panels, floating lids, and signature Fit on the Fly adjustments. Further, he appreciates Osprey's customer loyalty. 'I used an Osprey Aether backpack on the Appalachian and Pacific Trails and many miles in between before the seams finally gave way and the hipbelt fell apart," he explained. "Osprey took that 12-year-old backpack in for repairs, told me it was beyond fixable, and shipped me a brand-new Aether with a note thanking me for being a loyal customer.' Cutting rope, building a fire, and repairing gear are just a few of the many practical uses of a Grivory knife, which is preferred by hikers for its strength and durability against environmental factors, and can fold up to safely fit in your pocket for use at a moment's notice. This is the type of knife I found at the sand dunes—a similar style to the knife my guide proudly presented to me only moments after I found it, to showcase how he doesn't lead a trip without it. If $200 is a bit steep, hikers have also given the Gerber StrongArm Serrated Fixed Blade Knife, $150, and the Civivi Mini Praxis Folding Pocket Knife, $35, their stamps of approval. 'Even if I am heading out on a hike at 8:00 a.m. I still always have a headlamp in my pack,' Jackson, who's guided over 600 days in the Southwest and its National Parks alone, not counting solo hiking journeys, told me. He said his headlamp has come in handy more times than he can remember, like the time when he went on a big day hike with plans to be back by 4 p.m. at the latest. 'We ended up taking the wrong trail and had to hike another five miles, putting us back to our vehicle closer to 7:30 p.m.," he recalled. "It was dark, so having the headlamp allowed me to maintain the trail and safely make it back to the trailhead.' During my time in the Southwest, I unexpectedly used my rain jacket every single day, if not for the passing rain shower, to protect from the winds. 'I always have a lightweight waterproof jacket packed away in my pack even if the forecast calls for sunny and clear skies,' Jackson said. 'Anyone who has hiked in the backcountry knows the weather can change on a dime, so having the ability to add that water windproof layer will be able to keep you warm and dry.' Arc'Teryx's Gamma Rain Jacket is a hiker-favorite for its weather- and abrasion-resistant design that delivers four-way stretch and air flow for long-lasting comfort, but you can achieve the same durable, lightweight, and thoughtful design in Outdoor Ventures' top-rated Packable Rain Jacket, $63, Marmot's Men's Precip Eco Rain Jacket, on sale for $82, and Columbia's Arcadia Ii Jacket, $75, for less. This may sound like an obvious tip, but Jackson advises even day hikers to pack a water purification system. 'Having the ability to clean water should you have issues with your supply can actually save your life,' he stressed. 'There are several examples of day hikers, particularly in the Southwest, who set off with minimal water, thinking it's only 4 miles, and they get lost or go off-trail." Since the sun can be intense, water can quickly become critical, he continued: 'There are often small springs or seeps in the rocks that could be used for water if they are treated, but without a purifier, it's too dangerous to drink.' Katadyn BeFree Water Bottle has a built-in filtration system for on-the-go cleansing, as does the Go Series Water Bottle from LifeStraw, the brand behind the best-selling water-filtering straw. Hikers have also given the portable Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System, $30, more than 35,000 five-star ratings at Amazon. When I think of neck gaiters, I think about snowboarding, but after EXP provided me with a gaiter for our day hike, I was delighted to realize its role as lightweight, carefree sun and insect protection. 'When hiking in the desert, I use my neck gaiter as a cooling towel as well as protection from the sun,' Jackson explained, noting it's an essential in any climate (on cold-weather trips, the neck gaiter can keep you warm under your beanie). In fact, a few years back, Jackson was guiding a family on a hike in the Southwest; it was a surprisingly hot day, and he had a few bottles filled with ice in his backpack. 'When it was really feeling hot," he recalled, "I asked the group to dunk their neck gaiter and wear them on their heads. It immediately cooled us all down, and as soon as the dry air dried them off, we kept doing it, and it made the hike much more palatable." 'I always wrap duct tape around my water bottle or trekking pole, and can say I pretty much use it on every single trip I do,' Jackson said about this unlikely essential for hikers. 'I have used it for blisters, repairs in tents, to close rips in down jackets, and even to secure sticks to make a pan handle.' While he says the pan handle might not be the best use for duct tape, it's undoubtedly a multifaceted tool to make a myriad of situations that much easier and safer. 'This humble square is the hardest-working item in my kit,' prefaced Johnson, who is the lead guide at EXP Journeys. 'I hardly leave the house without a bandana, much less go on a backpacking trip without one (or four). He lists the bandana's multiple uses as a camp towel, pot grabber, makeshift sling, water filter, trail marker, or—on one dramatic occasion in the Rocky Mountains—a tourniquet: 'It is the cheapest and most versatile item in my packout, and every season, I discover at least one novel way to put it to use." It might sound obvious, but you're going to get dirty on a hike, and if you're trekking for multiple days at a time with no luxury campsite to refresh at each night, you need to pack your own supplies. 'Dr. Bronner's Camp Soap [is famous] in the backpacking world and for good reason; it is great for so much more than washing hands,' Johnson said. 'When I hiked the Appalachian Trail, this tiny bottle of concentrated biodegradable soap not only cleaned my dishes but also rinsed off trail dust and even served as my toothpaste (I used the peppermint one, to be exact!).' It's not just for hygiene, either, as Johnson exemplifies a recent use when a client hugged a ponderosa pine and needed the sap scrubbed off. 'A little goes a long way,' he says. There's a reason why contestants on Survivor are allowed to bring a 'luxury item' with them to remote locales like a desert island. 'Simply having something special that I can look forward to every day is a magical and uplifting experience, and it helps to weather the less-than-ideal times,' Johnson explained. He suggests something 'useful but indulgent,' like a pair of merino cashmere socks, only to be worn at camp after a long day on your feet (save your cushioned, sweat-wicking, and odor-resistant wool socks for the trails). Whatever you choose, Johnson stressed that the item shouldn't take up too much space in your pack so you can: 'Carry the essentials but reward yourself a little as well." Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
National Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Porter Airlines Welcomes the Sun With Service to Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica
Article content New southern routes from Toronto Pearson, Ottawa and Hamilton Article content TORONTO — Porter Airlines is announcing its first flights to sun destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica this winter. Travellers can choose from five destinations and 13 routes originating from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Ottawa International Airport and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. Article content The line-up of destinations includes Cancun, Mexico (CUN), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR), Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS), Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM), and Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). Article content 'These are Porter's first routes outside of our longtime presence throughout Canada and the U.S., and we're starting off in a big way by introducing five distinctly different destinations,' said Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines. 'This is a significant development for anyone who wants to fly with Porter to more places and experience our award-winning service that focuses on making flying enjoyable for economy travellers. Recognizing that many passengers prefer Porter's approach to economy travel, we have seen other Canadian airlines mimic our unique service in other regions where we already fly, such as by adding free beer and wine, and we anticipate that our competitors will do it again as we enter new sun destinations. But our loyal passengers know that the feeling of flying Porter can't be matched. It's intangible elements, like our caring people and generous service, that continue setting us apart. That's why people love Porter, and why they are going to enjoy flying with us to the sun.' Article content The initial winter schedule is below. Article content Porter is the only airline offering service from Ottawa to Grand Cayman and Liberia, as well as Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta and Nassau. Article content The schedule complements Air Transat's network in the region – as Porter's joint venture partner, this provides travellers additional choice for destinations, travel dates and flight frequency. VIPorter loyalty program members can redeem their VIPorter points for travel on Porter and Air Transat flights to sun markets for as low as 10,000 points one way. Article content Passengers will travel in style with Porter's elevated economy experience onboard the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. With a two-by-two configuration, there are no middle seats on any Porter flight. Complimentary Canadian premium snacks, and free beer and wine, served in glassware, are included in every fare. Passengers also enjoy free, fast WiFi, with speeds capable of supporting the use of multiple devices and the ability to curate your own entertainment through personal streaming subscriptions. Priority check-in, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available with the all-inclusive PorterReserve fare or for purchase à la carte with PorterClassic. Article content Full schedule details can be found at Article content 'ASUR is delighted to welcome Porter Airlines in Cancun. It is great to have your prestigious brand in our airport and destination. We are certain that you will be very successful, and your customers will enjoy this wonderful piece of paradise and all that it has to offer. Cheers to our Canadian friends!' Article content – Alejandro Vales Lehne, Customer and Route Development Director, ASUR 'We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to the Cayman Islands this winter with its inaugural non-stop service from Toronto and Ottawa. We extend our sincere thanks to the Porter and CIDOT development teams for making this possible. Porter is a favourite among Canadian travellers, celebrated for its exceptional service and comfort. These new routes deepen our valued connection with our cherished Canadian visitors and offer even more convenient access to our breathtaking beaches, rich culture, outstanding cuisine, and signature Caymanian hospitality.' Article content – Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism 'The arrival of Porter Airlines to Guanacaste is the result of ongoing efforts to strengthen the relationship between Costa Rica and Canada. During our recent tour of several Canadian cities, we confirmed that the interest in our country is growing, and these new routes from Toronto and Ottawa represent opportunities for more Canadians to discover the natural and cultural riches of Guanacaste and the rest of the country.' Article content – William Rodriguez Lopez, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism 'We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines new nonstop service to The Bahamas. Canada is an important market. This new airlift perfectly aligns with our marketing strategy to continue to expand air connectivity in key markets.' Article content – Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, The Bahamas 'We are very pleased with the growth of the Canadian market in Jalisco. This is a key moment to strengthen our ties, highlight the closeness and affinity we share, and make it clear: in Jalisco, we welcome Canadians with open arms. That's why we have been receiving more and more Canadian visitors across our destinations, from Guadalajara and Chapala to Puerto Vallarta, Costalegre, and our Pueblos Mágicos. And we will keep doing so. Thanks to the increased connectivity we have announced with several airlines linking Jalisco to more than 17 airports across Canada. Today, we proudly celebrate the arrival of these new routes with Porter, one of Canada's most important airlines.' Article content – Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Minister of Tourism of the State of Jalisco 'We're excited to celebrate the launch of sun destinations by Porter from Hamilton International this winter, another milestone in our shared commitment to growth and to enhancing travel options for travellers across the Southern Ontario region. These routes provide more convenient access to warm-weather getaways, and we're particularly delighted about the service to Nassau, Bahamas, another airport in the Vantage Group with equally high guest experience expectations. Together, Porter, Hamilton International and Vantage Group are delivering a more seamless, comfortable, and elevated travel experience.' Article content – Peter Tong, CEO, TradePort and Vantage Group executive 'We congratulate Porter Airlines on their expansion to Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica from Toronto Pearson, providing yet more customer choice. Canadian travellers are seeking more global connectivity, and we are pleased to see Porter provide more choices from Pearson.' Article content – Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Toronto Pearson 'We're thrilled to see such a significant expansion of Porter's winter schedule, bringing even more sun destinations within easy reach for our community. These added flights mean more choice, more convenience, and more opportunities for Ottawa-Gatineau passengers to escape the cold and enjoy some well-deserved warmth next winter. Grand Cayman and Costa Rica are brand new destinations for YOW, making the announcement even more exciting.' Article content – Susan Margles, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority About Porter Since 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit Article content Article content Article content Article content
Associated Press
25-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Porter Airlines Welcomes the Sun With Service to Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 25, 2025-- Porter Airlines is announcing its first flights to sun destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica this winter. Travellers can choose from five destinations and 13 routes originating from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Ottawa International Airport and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Porter Airlines is announcing its first flights to sun destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica this winter. Travellers can choose from five destinations and 13 routes originating from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Ottawa International Airport and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. The line-up of destinations includes Cancun, Mexico (CUN), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR), Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS), Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM), and Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). 'These are Porter's first routes outside of our longtime presence throughout Canada and the U.S., and we're starting off in a big way by introducing five distinctly different destinations,' said Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines. 'This is a significant development for anyone who wants to fly with Porter to more places and experience our award-winning service that focuses on making flying enjoyable for economy travellers. Recognizing that many passengers prefer Porter's approach to economy travel, we have seen other Canadian airlines mimic our unique service in other regions where we already fly, such as by adding free beer and wine, and we anticipate that our competitors will do it again as we enter new sun destinations. But our loyal passengers know that the feeling of flying Porter can't be matched. It's intangible elements, like our caring people and generous service, that continue setting us apart. That's why people love Porter, and why they are going to enjoy flying with us to the sun.' The initial winter schedule is below. Porter is the only airline offering service from Ottawa to Grand Cayman and Liberia, as well as Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta and Nassau. The schedule complements Air Transat's network in the region - as Porter's joint venture partner, this provides travellers additional choice for destinations, travel dates and flight frequency. VIPorter loyalty program members can redeem their VIPorter points for travel on Porter and Air Transat flights to sun markets for as low as 10,000 points one way. Passengers will travel in style with Porter's elevated economy experience onboard the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. With a two-by-two configuration, there are no middle seats on any Porter flight. Complimentary Canadian premium snacks, and free beer and wine, served in glassware, are included in every fare. Passengers also enjoy free, fast WiFi, with speeds capable of supporting the use of multiple devices and the ability to curate your own entertainment through personal streaming subscriptions. Priority check-in, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available with the all-inclusive PorterReserve fare or for purchase à la carte with PorterClassic. Full schedule details can be found at Additional quotes 'ASUR is delighted to welcome Porter Airlines in Cancun. It is great to have your prestigious brand in our airport and destination. We are certain that you will be very successful, and your customers will enjoy this wonderful piece of paradise and all that it has to offer. Cheers to our Canadian friends!' - Alejandro Vales Lehne, Customer and Route Development Director, ASUR 'We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to the Cayman Islands this winter with its inaugural non-stop service from Toronto and Ottawa. We extend our sincere thanks to the Porter and CIDOT development teams for making this possible. Porter is a favourite among Canadian travellers, celebrated for its exceptional service and comfort. These new routes deepen our valued connection with our cherished Canadian visitors and offer even more convenient access to our breathtaking beaches, rich culture, outstanding cuisine, and signature Caymanian hospitality.' - Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism 'The arrival of Porter Airlines to Guanacaste is the result of ongoing efforts to strengthen the relationship between Costa Rica and Canada. During our recent tour of several Canadian cities, we confirmed that the interest in our country is growing, and these new routes from Toronto and Ottawa represent opportunities for more Canadians to discover the natural and cultural riches of Guanacaste and the rest of the country.' - William Rodriguez Lopez, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism 'We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines new nonstop service to The Bahamas. Canada is an important market. This new airlift perfectly aligns with our marketing strategy to continue to expand air connectivity in key markets.' - Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, The Bahamas 'We are very pleased with the growth of the Canadian market in Jalisco. This is a key moment to strengthen our ties, highlight the closeness and affinity we share, and make it clear: in Jalisco, we welcome Canadians with open arms. That's why we have been receiving more and more Canadian visitors across our destinations, from Guadalajara and Chapala to Puerto Vallarta, Costalegre, and our Pueblos Mágicos. And we will keep doing so. Thanks to the increased connectivity we have announced with several airlines linking Jalisco to more than 17 airports across Canada. Today, we proudly celebrate the arrival of these new routes with Porter, one of Canada's most important airlines.' - Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Minister of Tourism of the State of Jalisco 'We're excited to celebrate the launch of sun destinations by Porter from Hamilton International this winter, another milestone in our shared commitment to growth and to enhancing travel options for travellers across the Southern Ontario region. These routes provide more convenient access to warm-weather getaways, and we're particularly delighted about the service to Nassau, Bahamas, another airport in the Vantage Group with equally high guest experience expectations. Together, Porter, Hamilton International and Vantage Group are delivering a more seamless, comfortable, and elevated travel experience.' - Peter Tong, CEO, TradePort and Vantage Group executive 'We congratulate Porter Airlines on their expansion to Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica from Toronto Pearson, providing yet more customer choice. Canadian travellers are seeking more global connectivity, and we are pleased to see Porter provide more choices from Pearson.' - Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Toronto Pearson 'We're thrilled to see such a significant expansion of Porter's winter schedule, bringing even more sun destinations within easy reach for our community. These added flights mean more choice, more convenience, and more opportunities for Ottawa-Gatineau passengers to escape the cold and enjoy some well-deserved warmth next winter. Grand Cayman and Costa Rica are brand new destinations for YOW, making the announcement even more exciting.' - Susan Margles, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority View source version on CONTACT: Media contact: Porter Airlines [email protected] KEYWORD: COSTA RICA BAHAMAS MEXICO CARIBBEAN LATIN AMERICA CENTRAL AMERICA CAYMAN ISLANDS NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER TRAVEL DESTINATIONS TRAVEL VACATION LIFESTYLE CONSUMER AIR TRANSPORT SOURCE: Porter Airlines Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/25/2025 10:06 AM/DISC: 06/25/2025 10:06 AM
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Porter Airlines Welcomes the Sun With Service to Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica
New southern routes from Toronto Pearson, Ottawa and HamiltonUp to 13 routes, five destinations, from three Canadian airports TORONTO, June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Porter Airlines is announcing its first flights to sun destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica this winter. Travellers can choose from five destinations and 13 routes originating from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Ottawa International Airport and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. The line-up of destinations includes Cancun, Mexico (CUN), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR), Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS), Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM), and Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). "These are Porter's first routes outside of our longtime presence throughout Canada and the U.S., and we're starting off in a big way by introducing five distinctly different destinations," said Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines. "This is a significant development for anyone who wants to fly with Porter to more places and experience our award-winning service that focuses on making flying enjoyable for economy travellers. Recognizing that many passengers prefer Porter's approach to economy travel, we have seen other Canadian airlines mimic our unique service in other regions where we already fly, such as by adding free beer and wine, and we anticipate that our competitors will do it again as we enter new sun destinations. But our loyal passengers know that the feeling of flying Porter can't be matched. It's intangible elements, like our caring people and generous service, that continue setting us apart. That's why people love Porter, and why they are going to enjoy flying with us to the sun." The initial winter schedule is below. To From Peak weekly departures Start date Cancun Toronto Pearson 7 Nov. 5, 2025 Ottawa 3 Dec. 17 , 2025 Hamilton 4 Dec. 17, 2025 Puerto Vallarta Toronto Pearson 3 Nov. 14, 2025 Ottawa 2 Dec. 13, 2025 Hamilton 2 Dec. 18, 2025 Nassau Toronto Pearson 7 Nov. 26, 2025 Ottawa 1 Dec. 13, 2025 Hamilton 2 Dec. 14, 2025 Grand Cayman Toronto Pearson 3 Dec. 16, 2025 Ottawa 1 Dec. 19, 2025 Liberia Toronto Pearson 3 Dec. 4, 2025 Ottawa 2 Dec. 17, 2025 Flights to Costa Rica and Grand Cayman remain subject to receipt of government approval. Porter is the only airline offering service from Ottawa to Grand Cayman and Liberia, as well as Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta and Nassau. The schedule complements Air Transat's network in the region - as Porter's joint venture partner, this provides travellers additional choice for destinations, travel dates and flight frequency. VIPorter loyalty program members can redeem their VIPorter points for travel on Porter and Air Transat flights to sun markets for as low as 10,000 points one way. Passengers will travel in style with Porter's elevated economy experience onboard the 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. With a two-by-two configuration, there are no middle seats on any Porter flight. Complimentary Canadian premium snacks, and free beer and wine, served in glassware, are included in every fare. Passengers also enjoy free, fast WiFi, with speeds capable of supporting the use of multiple devices and the ability to curate your own entertainment through personal streaming subscriptions. Priority check-in, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available with the all-inclusive PorterReserve fare or for purchase à la carte with PorterClassic. Full schedule details can be found at Additional quotes "ASUR is delighted to welcome Porter Airlines in Cancun. It is great to have your prestigious brand in our airport and destination. We are certain that you will be very successful, and your customers will enjoy this wonderful piece of paradise and all that it has to offer. Cheers to our Canadian friends!" - Alejandro Vales Lehne, Customer and Route Development Director, ASUR "We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines to the Cayman Islands this winter with its inaugural non-stop service from Toronto and Ottawa. We extend our sincere thanks to the Porter and CIDOT development teams for making this possible. Porter is a favourite among Canadian travellers, celebrated for its exceptional service and comfort. These new routes deepen our valued connection with our cherished Canadian visitors and offer even more convenient access to our breathtaking beaches, rich culture, outstanding cuisine, and signature Caymanian hospitality." - Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism "The arrival of Porter Airlines to Guanacaste is the result of ongoing efforts to strengthen the relationship between Costa Rica and Canada. During our recent tour of several Canadian cities, we confirmed that the interest in our country is growing, and these new routes from Toronto and Ottawa represent opportunities for more Canadians to discover the natural and cultural riches of Guanacaste and the rest of the country." - William Rodriguez Lopez, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism "We are thrilled to welcome Porter Airlines new nonstop service to The Bahamas. Canada is an important market. This new airlift perfectly aligns with our marketing strategy to continue to expand air connectivity in key markets." - Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, The Bahamas "We are very pleased with the growth of the Canadian market in Jalisco. This is a key moment to strengthen our ties, highlight the closeness and affinity we share, and make it clear: in Jalisco, we welcome Canadians with open arms. That's why we have been receiving more and more Canadian visitors across our destinations, from Guadalajara and Chapala to Puerto Vallarta, Costalegre, and our Pueblos Mágicos. And we will keep doing so. Thanks to the increased connectivity we have announced with several airlines linking Jalisco to more than 17 airports across Canada. Today, we proudly celebrate the arrival of these new routes with Porter, one of Canada's most important airlines." - Michelle Fridman Hirsch, Minister of Tourism of the State of Jalisco "We're excited to celebrate the launch of sun destinations by Porter from Hamilton International this winter, another milestone in our shared commitment to growth and to enhancing travel options for travellers across the Southern Ontario region. These routes provide more convenient access to warm-weather getaways, and we're particularly delighted about the service to Nassau, Bahamas, another airport in the Vantage Group with equally high guest experience expectations. Together, Porter, Hamilton International and Vantage Group are delivering a more seamless, comfortable, and elevated travel experience." - Peter Tong, CEO, TradePort and Vantage Group executive "We congratulate Porter Airlines on their expansion to Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica from Toronto Pearson, providing yet more customer choice. Canadian travellers are seeking more global connectivity, and we are pleased to see Porter provide more choices from Pearson." - Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Toronto Pearson "We're thrilled to see such a significant expansion of Porter's winter schedule, bringing even more sun destinations within easy reach for our community. These added flights mean more choice, more convenience, and more opportunities for Ottawa-Gatineau passengers to escape the cold and enjoy some well-deserved warmth next winter. Grand Cayman and Costa Rica are brand new destinations for YOW, making the announcement even more exciting." - Susan Margles, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority About PorterSince 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. View source version on Contacts Media contact:Porter Airlinesmedia@
