Canada Becomes Costa Rica’s Fastest-Growing Tourism Market in 2026

Canada Emerges as Costa Rica’s Fastest-Growing Major Tourism Market in 2026

Updated August 28, 2026

Canada Costa Rica tourism 2026 data point to a notable shift in the country’s visitor mix. Official figures from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) show Canadian air arrivals rising far faster than the United States and other large source markets through July, with the strongest gains at Guanacaste Airport (LIR).

Quick Answer

From January through July 2026, Costa Rica received 210,375 Canadian tourists by air, up 25.1% from the same period in 2025. Growth was strongest at Guanacaste Airport, where Canadian arrivals rose 31.0%. The trend reinforces Canada’s role as Costa Rica’s second-largest source market and highlights Guanacaste’s growing importance for Canadian travel.

Key Facts

• Costa Rica recorded 2,001,660 international tourist arrivals by all routes from January through July 2026, up 6.4%.

• Canada contributed 220,691 arrivals by all routes, up 24.4%.

• Canadian air arrivals reached 210,375, up 25.1%.

• Guanacaste Airport received 145,351 Canadian tourists by air, up 31.0%.

• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) received 65,020 Canadian tourists, up 13.7%.

• ICT reported 260,347 Canadian air arrivals in full-year 2025, making Canada the second source market.

• Air Canada’s announced Vancouver–Guanacaste seasonal service is scheduled to begin December 13, 2026.

Canada Costa Rica Tourism 2026: What the Data Show

Total international arrivals across all entry routes increased 6.4% in the first seven months of 2026. Canada grew 24.4%, compared with 4.3% for the United States and 7.3% for Mexico.

By air, Costa Rica recorded 1,853,430 international tourist arrivals through July, up 7.0%. Canadian air arrivals increased 25.1%, while U.S. arrivals increased 4.3%.

Some smaller source countries posted percentage increases comparable to or above Canada’s rate. Describing Canada as the fastest-growing major tourism market is therefore more precise than calling it the fastest-growing country without qualification.

Guanacaste Is Driving the Canadian Surge

Guanacaste Airport (LIR), commonly called Liberia Airport, received 145,351 Canadian tourists through July, up 31.0%. SJO received 65,020, up 13.7%.

This suggests roughly seven in ten Canadian air arrivals entered through LIR. That is an analytical inference based on ICT airport totals and reinforces Guanacaste’s importance for Canadian leisure travel.

Connectivity is expanding as well. ICT and Guanacaste Airport announced Air Canada seasonal service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and LIR from December 13, 2026, through April 12, 2027, with two weekly flights. ICT also promoted Costa Rica in Canada during 2026 through an activation at ski resorts in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta.

What the Trend Means for Travelers

Choosing the arrival airport can materially affect the first travel day. LIR is generally more practical for many northern Pacific destinations, while SJO remains important for the Central Valley and routes toward other regions.

Travelers arriving through Guanacaste can review routes from Liberia Airport. Those landing near the capital can compare routes from San Jose Airport SJO. The Costa Rica Travel Planning Guide 2026 can help match airports, destinations and transportation before flights are booked. All three pages were opened and verified.

The likely transportation effect is higher seasonal demand for airport-to-hotel transfers in Guanacaste. Travelers who want a vehicle reserved around their flight can review private transportation in Costa Rica. Scheduled shared shuttle services may also work when the route and departure time match the itinerary.

What Does This Mean for Costa Rica Tourism?

Canada’s growth diversifies a tourism market still heavily dependent on North America and strengthens Guanacaste’s position as an international gateway. The long-term impact will depend on whether the higher growth rate continues and whether announced seasonal air capacity converts into sustained demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Canadian tourists visited Costa Rica in 2026?

ICT recorded 220,691 Canadian tourist arrivals by all routes from January through July 2026. Of those, 210,375 arrived by air. These are year-to-date figures, not a full-year total.

How fast are Canadian arrivals to Costa Rica growing?

Canadian arrivals by air increased 25.1% through July 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Across all entry routes, arrivals from Canada increased 24.4%.

Which Costa Rica airport receives the most Canadian tourists?

Guanacaste Airport (LIR) received 145,351 Canadian tourists through July 2026, compared with 65,020 at SJO. LIR also recorded stronger Canadian growth, at 31.0%.

Are there new flights from Canada to Costa Rica?

Yes. Air Canada has announced seasonal nonstop service from Vancouver (YVR) to Guanacaste Airport (LIR), scheduled from December 13, 2026, through April 12, 2027, twice weekly.

Should Canadian travelers fly into LIR or SJO?

It depends on the itinerary. LIR is often more convenient for Guanacaste and the northern Pacific, while SJO can be more practical for the Central Valley and many central, southern or Caribbean routes. Compare the final hotel location before choosing flights.

Conclusion

Canada Costa Rica tourism 2026 data show a clear acceleration in Canadian demand, with Guanacaste capturing the largest share of that growth. Travelers should choose the airport that best matches the itinerary and arrange onward transportation around the actual arrival time and destination.

For airport and inter-destination planning, explore The Costa Rica Shuttles’ verified route pages before finalizing the trip.