Mystery Peru
← All articles

Air Canada's direct flights from Canada to Lima are back: 2026-2027 schedules and fares

· 4 min read

Map of the Americas with the Toronto and Montreal route to Lima, a photo of Machu Picchu and the Mystery Peru logo

Air Canada is flying nonstop between Canada and Lima again. After a three-year pause, the airline brought back its direct routes from Toronto and Montreal for the 2026-2027 season, and that single change makes a Peru holiday noticeably easier to plan. Here is everything that matters: routes, frequencies, schedules, the aircraft, how much a ticket costs, what changes in 2027, and the Air Transat alternative.

Air Canada returns to Lima after three years

On 26 October 2026, Air Canada resumed its direct flights between Lima and the Canadian cities of Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL), restoring the nonstop link between Peru and Canada that had been suspended since March 2023. For most of that time, Air Transat was the only carrier connecting the two countries. Every flight operates to and from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima.

Routes and frequencies

The season started with two weekly frequencies on each route, four flights a week in total. According to Peru's Ministry of Transport and Communications, each route steps up to three weekly flights from 1 December 2026. The southern-summer season runs until 27 March 2027.

Flight schedules

Air Canada has not published the exact 2026-2027 timetable in the press yet, so the times below follow the airline's most recent published schedule and are a reliable reference. Always confirm the exact days and times on aircanada.com before you book.

  • Toronto → Lima, AC86: departs 22:10 and lands in Lima at 06:10 the next morning, about 8 hours.
  • Lima → Toronto, AC87: departs 08:00 and lands at 15:55.
  • Montreal → Lima, AC88: departs 18:00 and lands at 02:15 the next morning, about 8 hours 15 minutes.
  • Lima → Montreal, AC89: departs 08:00 and lands at 16:20.

The pattern is easy to remember: you fly south overnight and come home on a morning departure. In the Canadian winter, Toronto, Montreal and Lima share the same clock, so there is virtually no jet lag.

The aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

Both routes are operated with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the quietest and most efficient long-haul jets, with better cabin pressure and humidity that reduce fatigue on intercontinental flights. Its 255 seats are split across three cabins:

  • 20 seats in Signature Class (business)
  • 21 seats in Premium Economy
  • 214 seats in Economy

How much does a ticket cost

Fares change daily, so treat these as a reference rather than a quote. For a round-trip economy ticket on the nonstop route, searches for travel between December 2026 and February 2027 land in these ranges:

  • From about USD 820-900 round-trip in economy, direct.
  • Base economy fares from around USD 673 on select dates.
  • From about CAD 1,285-1,541 round-trip.

Compare exact dates on the official site, and book earlier for the Canadian winter peak.

What's next in 2027: Montreal goes year-round

The headline for next year: from April 2027, the Lima. Montreal route stops being seasonal and operates year-round, with three weekly flights (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday) on a larger Airbus A330-300 seating 297 passengers. Air Canada has pointed to load factors that topped 90% on several occasions and is weighing extra frequencies if demand holds. No new Canadian cities are being added to the Lima network for now.

The alternative: Air Transat

If you want more options, Air Transat also connects Canada with Lima seasonally from Montreal and Toronto. On the Montreal. Lima route it flies an Airbus A321neo (flights TS150 / TS151, about 8 hours 15 minutes in the air), plus connections through its hubs. Comparing both airlines by date often turns up the best fares. For a fuller breakdown of every nonstop option, see our guide to direct flights from Canada to Peru.

You've landed in Lima, now what?

Lima is the perfect gateway: world-class food, the historic centre and bohemian Barranco. From here, Peru opens up, the scenic flights over the Nazca Lines, Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Arequipa and the Colca Canyon. With a direct flight home, building a 7- to 12-day circuit is easier than ever. A good first day after an overnight flight is a short one: rest, a gentle city walk, and save the early-start Nazca day for later in the week. Browse our Nazca Lines tours, and tell us your flight number so we can match every transfer: write to us to plan a private trip.

Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines in southern Peru
A scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, one of the highlights of Peru's southern desert.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Does Air Canada fly direct from Canada to Lima?

Yes. Since 26 October 2026 it operates nonstop flights between Lima and the cities of Toronto and Montreal.

How many flights a week are there?

Two frequencies per route at the start of the season, rising to three per route from 1 December 2026.

Which aircraft do they use?

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner during the season, and the Airbus A330-300 on the Montreal route from April 2027.

How much does a ticket cost?

As a reference, a round-trip economy fare on the nonstop route starts from around USD 820-900, with lower base fares on select dates. Prices vary by date and how far ahead you book.

Is there another airline with a direct flight?

Yes, Air Transat connects Lima with Montreal and Toronto on a seasonal basis.

How long does the season last?

Until 27 March 2027. The Lima. Montreal route then goes year-round from April 2027.

Related articles