Canadian Travelers Are Flocking To Aruba

By: - October 19th, 2025
aruba canadians
Baby Beach in Aruba.

Canadians are flocking to Aruba right now. The island welcomed 41,754 visitors from Canada in the first half of 2025, according to newly released data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. That represents an 8.2 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 – and it’s one of the highest growth rates from Canada for any destination in the Caribbean this year.

The growth reflects a broader strengthening of travel demand from Canada to the Caribbean, buoyed by expanded airlift and steady winter sun interest. Aruba’s combination of reliable air service, year-round warm weather and established tourism infrastructure continues to make it one of the most popular destinations for Canadian vacationers.

The country has long been a strong source market for Aruba — and the latest numbers suggest that demand is not slowing down.

That momentum has been reinforced by added lift from WestJet, which increased its Toronto–Aruba service to five weekly flights during the peak summer season and announced a 33 percent capacity increase for 2025. That expanded schedule reflects a strategy to meet growing Canadian demand, particularly during key vacation periods.

Hotel investment is also keeping pace with the rising airlift. New properties like the soon-to-open Iberostar Aruba are drawing interest from Canadian travelers familiar with the brand from other sun destinations, while the island’s established resort corridor continues to evolve with new amenities and upgrades.

Together, more flights and fresh hotel inventory are setting the stage for a strong winter season, solidifying Aruba’s position as one of the leading Caribbean getaways for Canadian travelers.

It’s also a testament to Aruba’s all-around growth, with the Dutch Caribbean hotspot seeing growth from a number of markets beyond its traditional wheelhouse in the US — including Latin America.

About the author

Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.
News

Virgin Atlantic Launches New Nonstop Flight to Cancún

cancun riu

There’s something about arriving in Cancún that feels like the start of a story. The light hits different as the plane descends over the turquoise water; the horizon stretches toward the Riviera Maya; and the energy of the Mexican Caribbean seems to build before your feet even touch the sand. This Sunday, more travelers from […]

News

George Town, Grand Cayman Is Getting Its First Luxury Hotel

one gt

George Town has always been the beating heart of Cayman Islands — a compact waterfront capital defined by its financial core, lively harbor and its role as the island’s front door. But it’s never really been a place to stay. That’s about to change. Early next year, the city will welcome its first full-scale luxury […]

News

These 25 Caribbean Beaches Feel Like They Were Designed for Honeymoons

honeymoon beaches

There are beaches built for honeymoons. Beaches where everything you need is right there — your room, your view, your pool, your dinner, your rum punch at sunset. Where you never have to leave the sand if you don’t want to. These are the places where couples disappear for a week and come back changed. […]


Caribbean Photo of the Week: Sunset in Cole Bay, St Maarten

This week’s Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Lisa Norman, who took this lovely shot of Cole Bay in St Maarten. Have you taken a great photo in the Caribbean? Make sure to send it to us at news@caribjournal.com, with CPOTW in the subject line, including your first and last name and the location […]

The Countdown Is On for the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth

Rare rums. Beach days. Pairing dinners under the stars. In less than a month, the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth returns to Saint Barth, bringing together the world of fine rum with the island’s unmatched glamour and laid-back beachside charm. This year’s festival runs Nov. 11–15, uniting distillers, rum experts, bartenders and travelers for five […]

The Only "Blonde" Rum on the Market Is a Caribbean Blend With a Hemingway Pedigree

This week’s Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Lisa Norman, who took this lovely shot of Cole Bay in St Maarten. Have you taken a great photo in the Caribbean? Make sure to send it to us at news@caribjournal.com, with CPOTW in the subject line, including your first and last name and the location […]

20 Caribbean Hotels Made for Reef, Rainforest, and Adventure

There’s a wilder side to the Caribbean. A rainforest path that leads to a Mayan temple. A rugged hike to the edge of a boiling lake. A plunge into a perfect blue hole. Far beyond the soft beaches and turquoise water, the Caribbean is one of the world’s great adventure playgrounds — a region of […]