All-inclusive vacation packages from Canada
Quick answer
An all-inclusive vacation package bundles your flight, airport transfers, hotel room, meals, drinks and most activities into one price. From Toronto, the most popular all-inclusive destinations are Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Punta Cana, and Aruba, each about 4 to 5 hours away by direct flight.
What is included in an all-inclusive vacation?
Most packages sold in Canada include the items on the left. The items on the right are the ones that surprise people.
| Usually included | Usually extra |
|---|---|
| Return flight from a Canadian airport | Seat selection and extra bags on some airlines |
| Airport transfers to and from the resort | Private transfers |
| Hotel room for the length of stay | Room upgrades and ocean views |
| Buffet and most a la carte restaurants | Premium restaurants at some resorts |
| Local drinks, beer, wine and cocktails | Top-shelf liquor at some resorts |
| Non-motorized water sports and evening shows | Spa, off-resort excursions and scuba diving |
| Taxes and resort fees in the package price | Travel insurance |
How much does an all-inclusive vacation from Canada cost?
Prices change daily with demand. As a rough guide, a 7-night trip to a mid-range resort in Cancun or Punta Cana from Toronto often starts around $1,200 to $1,800 CAD per person in the low season. Peak weeks such as Christmas and March Break can cost about twice as much. Aruba is generally more expensive than Mexico or the Dominican Republic.
The biggest price drivers are the week you travel, the resort's star rating, your room type and your departure city.
Which all-inclusive resort style is right for you?
- Adults-only resorts
- Quieter pools and restaurants. Popular with couples, honeymooners and friends' trips.
- Family resorts
- Kids clubs, splash pads and family suites. See our family vacation guide.
- Luxury resorts
- Better food, fewer guests per pool, and often butler or club-level service.
- Value resorts
- Simpler rooms and fewer restaurants, but the same beach for a lower price.
When should you book an all-inclusive vacation?
For Christmas, New Year and March Break, book 4 to 6 months ahead. For other winter weeks, 2 to 3 months ahead usually gives a good choice of rooms. Flexible travellers can find last-minute deals, especially in late spring and fall. Our best time to visit guide compares every season.
Frequently asked questions
Are tips included at all-inclusive resorts?
Tips are usually included in the price, but many Canadian travellers still tip bartenders, servers and housekeeping a few US dollars at a time. It is appreciated but not required.
Do I need travel insurance for an all-inclusive vacation?
Yes, we strongly recommend it. Provincial health plans cover very little outside Canada, and a hospital stay abroad can cost thousands of dollars. Look for emergency medical coverage plus trip cancellation and interruption.
Is it cheaper to book an all-inclusive package or book the flight and hotel separately?
For Caribbean and Mexico beach trips from Canada, a package is usually cheaper because tour operators buy flights and rooms in bulk. Booking separately can make sense for Aruba or for very flexible travellers.