Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, located approximately 145 kilometres south of Florida. It is a popular destination for Canadian travellers due to direct flight connections from major Canadian cities and its reputation for beautiful beaches, warm weather, and affordable all-inclusive resorts.

Varadero on the northern coast is the main beach resort area, with a long peninsula of white-sand beach and a concentration of large all-inclusive resorts. Havana, the capital, offers a unique cultural experience with its colonial architecture, vintage cars, and vibrant music scene.

Note: Cuba has a distinct political and economic context that affects travel. The tourism infrastructure is well-developed in resort areas, but conditions outside resorts can vary significantly.

Best time to visit: November through April is the dry season with the best weather.

Getting there: Direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver to Varadero (VRA) and Havana (HAV) are available from several Canadian carriers.

Practicalities: Canadian citizens do not require a visa for tourist travel to Cuba (a tourist card is required, which can be purchased at the airport). The Cuban peso and the Cuban convertible peso are the official currencies, though Canadian dollars and euros are accepted at many resorts.