Cancun all-inclusive vacations from Canada
Quick answer
Cancun is the most popular all-inclusive destination in Mexico for Canadians. Direct flights from Toronto take about 4 hours. The best time to go is December to April, when it is dry and sunny. Stay in the Hotel Zone for nightlife and beaches, or head south to the Riviera Maya for quieter resorts.
Where should you stay in Cancun?
- Hotel Zone
- A long strip of resorts between the lagoon and the sea. Close to restaurants, shopping and nightlife, and about 20 minutes from the airport.
- Costa Mujeres
- Newer, larger resorts north of downtown with a calmer feel. Good for families and couples who want space.
- Riviera Maya
- The coast south of Cancun, including Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Quieter beaches and easy access to cenotes and ruins, with longer airport transfers.
What is the best time to visit Cancun?
December to April is the dry season, with sunny days and temperatures around 27 to 30°C. It is also the most expensive time, especially at Christmas and March Break.
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and is busiest from August to October. Sargassum seaweed tends to be heavier in spring and summer, though it changes from year to year. For more detail, read the best time to visit the Caribbean from Canada.
What can you do in Cancun besides the beach?
- Visit the Mayan city of Chichen Itza, about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Cancun.
- See the clifftop ruins at Tulum and swim in nearby cenotes, natural freshwater sinkholes.
- Take the ferry to Isla Mujeres for a day of beaches and golf carts.
- Snorkel over the underwater sculptures of the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA).
What do Canadians need to travel to Mexico?
Canadian tourists need a valid passport. You will also need to complete any entry form Mexico requires at the time you travel, and keep your return ticket handy. Requirements can change, so check the Government of Canada page for Mexico before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Toronto to Cancun?
A direct flight from Toronto Pearson to Cancun takes about 4 hours. Flights from Montreal and Ottawa are similar, while flights from Vancouver or Calgary take about 5 to 6 hours.
Is Cancun safe for Canadian tourists?
Millions of Canadians visit Cancun every year and the resort areas are heavily touristed. As with any trip, stay aware of your surroundings, use licensed taxis, and read the current Government of Canada travel advisory for Mexico before you go.
Do I need Mexican pesos in Cancun?
Not at the resort. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but paying in pesos usually gets you better value at local shops and restaurants.
Entry rules change. Always check the Government of Canada travel advice for Mexico before you travel.