Why Belize Is One of My Favourite Winter Escapes — And Why It Belongs on Every Canadian Advisor’s Radar
I travelled to Belize with a close girlfriend, craving exactly what many Canadian travellers are looking for in winter: warmth, ease, wellness and experiences that feel meaningful without being complicated. What I didn’t expect was how effortless it was to navigate Belize, or how naturally it accommodated multiple travel styles in a single trip.
From reef adventures and cultural immersion to spa days and sunset sails, Belize offered us space to slow down and recharge — and at the same time, it revealed why this destination is becoming such an easy sell for Canadians planning winter escapes.
Getting There Was Simpler Than Expected
One of the first things that stood out to me as a Canadian traveller was accessibility. Belize is far closer than many people realize.
Flights from Canada typically take four to six hours, depending on the departure city. This winter, Canadians can fly direct from Toronto, Calgary and Montreal. Air Canada now operates a seasonal Montreal–Belize route, expanding access for Quebec travellers, while WestJet flies from Toronto and Calgary, with service running into early May.
That airlift matters. It makes Belize a feasible option for families, couples and friend groups who don’t want to spend a full day travelling or dealing with multiple long connections.
After landing in Belize City, we took a short domestic flight—quick, efficient and easy—which set the tone for the rest of the trip.
The Naia Resort and Spa, Placencia, Belize (Photo Credit: Claire Zlobin)
Our First Stop: Placencia and Naia Resort
We began our trip in Placencia, staying at Naia Resort & Spa. Naia felt expansive yet relaxed, the kind of place where you can immediately exhale. We intentionally kept our first day slow, soaking up the resort, walking the beach and letting our nervous systems settle. As moms, especially, we both knew the importance of not starting a trip already exhausted.
Naia also makes it easy to explore independently. The resort offers complimentary bicycles and a shuttle to Placencia Village, so we didn’t need to rent a car.
Placencia Village itself was one of our favourite surprises. It’s casual, friendly and unpretentious – perfect for sunset walks along the pier, browsing local shops and enjoying relaxed meals. For clients who want culture without chaos, this is an ideal fit.
Dinner at 1981, Naia’s signature restaurant, was a highlight. Named after the year Belize gained independence, it delivers a modern take on Belizean cuisine with beautifully presented cocktails and thoughtful flavours. It’s the kind of dining experience that elevates a stay without feeling stuffy.
The Reef Alone Is Worth the Trip
Belize is home to the largest living barrier reef in the world, and once you’re in the water, you understand why it’s such a powerful draw.
Our island-hopping and snorkelling day felt like swimming through a giant aquarium. We visited Silk Caye Marine Reserve, a protected area since 2003, where snorkelling is permitted only with a guide and permit. The water was crystal clear, and we were surrounded by vibrant corals, turtles and schools of fish.
We also snorkelled at Moho Caye, which had a different energy—larger, more social and livelier. Even though it isn’t a marine reserve, the snorkelling was excellent. We saw rays gliding through the water, and families gathered on the beach for BBQs. It felt joyful and relaxed, and it’s easy to see why this appeals to mixed-age groups.
For clients seeking something extra in a private spot, Ray Caye Island Resort offers day trips or longer stays and even features an ocean slide —a fun, memorable upsell for families and adventurous travellers.
San Pedro, Belize (Photo Credit: Claire Zlobin)
San Pedro: A Lively Contrast
From Placencia, we travelled north to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, and the contrast was perfect.
San Pedro has more buzz — more restaurants, more energy and easy access to the reef. We stayed at Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection, where upscale amenities meet laid-back Caribbean living. The suspended rooftop pool alone is a conversation starter, but what impressed me most was how balanced the resort felt: luxurious without being disconnected from local life.
We spent an afternoon simply exploring the resort — pools, restaurants and the spa — before heading out to experience San Pedro’s food scene. The island’s culinary diversity was unforgettable: Maya dishes, Garifuna flavours, rich Mestizo recipes and fresh seafood paired with Belizean cocktails. It felt authentic and celebratory, not curated for tourists.
Blue Hole, Sharks and Stingrays: Bucket-List Moments
The Blue Hole flyover was one of those moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Seeing the massive underwater sinkhole from above — a formation that dates back thousands of years and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site — was genuinely awe-inspiring.
We also snorkelled at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark & Ray Alley, where we swam alongside nurse sharks and stingrays. It felt thrilling, safe and incredibly well-managed — the kind of experience that clients talk about for years.
Culture, Chocolate and Spice
What I loved about Belize is that adventure never overshadows culture.
We wrapped up part of our journey with a walking food tour and a Mayan chocolate and spice experience. Making chocolate from bean to bar using traditional stone tools, sampling ripe cacao straight from the trees and learning about cacao’s cultural importance added depth to the trip.
The spice farm tour was divine, walking through vanilla, cardamom and black pepper plantations while learning how these crops are grown and harvested. It was immersive without being overwhelming — perfect for travellers who want enrichment without exhaustion.
Ending Rested, Not Drained
On our final day, we did something intentional: we rested.
We spent time by the pool, treated ourselves to spa services at Alaia, and ended the day on a sunset dinner cruise. As the sky turned shades of orange and pink and the boat glided away from San Pedro, it felt like the perfect close.
We both knew we couldn’t go home tired. Belize made it easy to balance adventure and restoration — and that, to me, is one of its strongest selling points.
The resort pool at Alaia Belize Autograph Collection (Photo Credit: supplied)
Why I’d Recommend Belize This Winter
After experiencing Belize firsthand, it’s clear why it works so well for Canadians:
- Direct flights from three Canadian cities.
- Relatively short travel times.
- English-speaking destination.
- Diverse experiences in one country.
- Resorts to suit many client types.
- Strong winter value and seasonal offers.
Whether it’s a girlfriend getaway, a wellness-focused escape, a family adventure or a couples’ trip with depth, Belize delivers — without asking travellers to choose between relaxation and experience.
Learn more about what Belize has in store for travellers with the TravelPulse Canada Destination Guide to Belize.
Related: TravelPulse Canada on Location: An Un-Belizable Adventure Awaits with TradeWinds
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