Overview: WestJet has launched a new seasonal direct flight connecting Toronto Pearson and Cardiff Airport, marking the first direct connection between Canada and Wales in nearly two decades. The route facilitates access to local spirits and culture, including visits to Hensol Castle Distillery and Daffodil Gastropub. Seasonal service runs four times weekly from late May to early September.
The Full Story
Travel advisors and tour representatives arrived at Cardiff Airport for a Walesfam following WestJet’s new direct flight from Toronto. The air inside the terminal does not carry the frantic, post-flight exhaustion typical of major global hubs. Within precisely two minutes of clearing passport control, the group had retrieved luggage and entered the gentle drizzle of the Welsh morning. This ease of entry is part of what makes the non-stop route a game-changer for Canadian travel advisors and their clients. The flight is already locked in to return for the 2027 season, giving agents a reliable option for U.K.-bound travellers looking to dodge the London crush.
Stephen Nase of Visit Wales noted that Wales really is a hidden gem. In Welsh, there is a word—hwyl—which means a moment of pure joy that can only be had in Wales. John Fallon, sales manager at RIT Vacations, added that one meets actual locals everywhere they go. It is genuine and very homey for Canadians who want something comfortable and unique.
The immersion began immediately in the heart of the capital at Cardiff Castle. This architectural tapestry features Roman foundations, medieval fortifications and opulent Victorian Gothic Revival rooms. Outside, the sprawling green grounds were explored, and historic tunnels built directly inside the castle’s massive stone walls were visited. These tunnels had served as shelters during World War II. A short stroll from the castle gates brought the group to Cardiff’s famous Edwardian shopping arcades. As dusk settled, the group gathered for dinner at Daffodil, a casual but stylish downtown gastropub that champions local Welsh suppliers. The menu celebrates regional ingredients with elevated comfort food like traditional Welsh lamb cawl, Carmarthen ham and indulgent Welsh rarebit croquettes paired with local craft beers and spirits.
On day two, the group ventured into the Vale of Glamorgan to visit the Royal Mint in Llantrisant. The official maker of British coinage moved to Wales in 1968. Coin collectors and aficionados will be in heaven on the guided tour, which walked through the centuries-old history of coin production. Displays were packed with ancient and rare coins and a peek behind the curtain at the intricate machinery on the factory floor was taken. The next stop was Hensol Castle. This 400-year-old, Grade I-listed Gothic Revival estate is nestled in lush, landscaped grounds. It has a rich lineage of deep-pocketed owners, from the Jenkins family in the 1400s to the “Iron King” Crawshay family in the 1800s, and it has even served as a filming location for famous BBC shows like Doctor Who and Sherlock.
Hensol Castle houses a gin distillery in its historic cellars. During a guided tour, which started and ended with a custom cocktail, the group took part in a tutored gin tasting and learned all about the history of “Mother’s Ruin” in the U.K.
What This Means
For Canadian travel agents, the direct YYZ–CWL connection provides a smart, cost-effective alternative for clients who want to experience a lesser-known version of the U.K. Cardiff is also a short train ride or drive from London, and there are two ferries to Ireland if clients want to hit the classics, too. Adding to its budgetary appeal, admission to all national museums across Wales, including the National Museum Cardiff and St Fagans National Museum of History, is completely free.
Consumer Takeaway
The direct flight takes the accessibility barrier off the table. Travelers avoid the long immigration lines at major hubs, step off the plane, and in minutes are right out into the culture, coastline, and countryside. Whether it’s exploring UNESCO-listed slate landscapes, riding heritage steam trains through national parks, tasting artisan cheeses in coastal villages or cosying up in historic pubs, Wales packs an extraordinary wealth of history, dramatic scenery and culture into a remarkably compact country. With WestJet’s direct connection returning next year, Canadian advisors have the ultimate tool to unlock one of Britain’s best-kept secrets.
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