QUÉBEC CITY, Canada — Sun-seeking residents of Québec City will have two more beachfront resorts to choose from in Jamaica—and a nonstop flight to get there—according to a press release by Sunwing. The tour operator announced an enlarged winter portfolio that pairs the island’s legendary reggae-infused hospitality with the convenience of direct service between Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport and Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport.
What the Expansion Includes
The freshly unveiled program hinges on two core components:
- Two additional Jamaica resorts. Sunwing has added two hotels—[names not specified in release]—expanding its Jamaican inventory for the upcoming peak season.
- A new Québec City–Montego Bay route. The company will operate a new winter nonstop that links Québec’s capital directly with Jamaica’s bustling north-coast gateway.
Details such as flight frequency, operating carrier, and resort room counts were not disclosed in the announcement. Still, the twin move significantly broadens Sunwing’s Caribbean footprint while giving French-Canadian vacationers a streamlined path to one of the region’s perennial favorites.
Why Montego Bay Matters for Québec Travelers
Montego Bay needs little introduction for travelers keen on crystalline water and vibrant nightlife. Yet for visitors departing from Québec City—a market historically served by seasonal or connecting itineraries—the new nonstop becomes a game-changer. Cutting out layovers in Toronto or Montréal saves time, reduces the risk of missed connections, and makes quick getaways more realistic for long weekends or school breaks.
Sunwing’s announcement also bolsters Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport’s profile. While the airport handles a robust slate of flights to Florida, Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, nonstop service to Jamaica has been sporadic. Adding a dedicated Montego Bay flight helps diversify the destination map and underscores the growing demand for southern escapes among Québec’s francophone population.
Meet the Two New Resorts
Although Sunwing’s release did not specify the names of the Jamaican additions, the company typically partners with well-known all-inclusive brands spanning Negril, Montego Bay, and the north-coast corridor to Ocho Rios. Vacationers can expect the usual amenities—multiple à la carte restaurants, swim-up bars, non-motorized water sports, and all-ages entertainment—bundled into Sunwing’s package pricing.
Travelers booking through Sunwing also gain access to the company’s signature perks, from round-trip airport transfers to the assistance of on-site representatives who can arrange excursions to Dunn’s River Falls, rafting on the Martha Brae River, or a jaunt to the upbeat Hip Strip in Montego Bay.
Jamaica’s North Coast: A Quick Primer
- Montego Bay (MoBay): The island’s tourism capital offers Doctor’s Cave Beach, Gloucester Avenue nightlife, and duty-free shopping at the Shoppes at Rose Hall.
- Negril: Famed for Seven Mile Beach and cliff-jumping at Rick’s Café, the laid-back town sits roughly 90 minutes west of MoBay by road.
- Ocho Rios: East of Montego Bay, “Ochi” is best known for Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventures, and dolphin encounters.
The two new Sunwing-partnered resorts could fall within any of these hubs, giving guests easy access to island-wide highlights through day trips.
How the New Route Fits into Sunwing’s Bigger Picture
The Québec City–Montego Bay flight is part of Sunwing’s broader strategy to strengthen its network of “sun triangle” gateways linking Eastern Canada to the Caribbean and Mexico. In the past five years, Sunwing has rolled out or reinstated Québec City service to Cancun, Varadero, and Punta Cana, leveraging the province’s appetite for all-inclusive getaways during Canada’s coldest months.
By stitching Montego Bay into that pattern, the airline-tour operator combo can funnel travelers directly to Jamaica without routing them through Montréal or Toronto. For those based in Québec City, that translates to shorter travel days, reduced parking fees, and fewer linguistic hurdles because Sunwing conducts transactions and onboard announcements in French as well as English.
Tips for Travelers Considering the New Offering
- Book Early: Québec’s winter peak coincides with Jamaica’s high season from December through March. Packages—especially at newly added resorts—can sell out quickly.
- Check Entry Requirements: Canadian passport holders do not need a tourist visa for stays up to six months, but passports must remain valid for the duration of the trip.
- Stay Sun-Smart: UV levels are intense even in January. Sunscreen north of SPF 30, wide-brimmed hats, and rash guards for children are advisable.
- Explore Beyond the Resort: Consider a day excursion to Negril’s cliffs, rafting on the Rio Grande near Port Antonio, or touring Kingston’s Bob Marley Museum.
- Factor in Departure Tax: Jamaica’s airport departure tax is generally bundled into the airfare, but verify this in your booking documents to avoid airport surprises.
What Sunwing Says
“This expansion gives Québec travelers direct access to Jamaica’s warm beaches and rich culture just as snow returns at home,” the company noted in its release.
For Québec City residents accustomed to winter’s deep freeze, Sunwing’s dual-pronged Jamaica expansion offers a straightforward escape route and two fresh resort playgrounds. While critical details such as flight frequency and individual hotel features remain under wraps, the move underscores Jamaica’s enduring pull on Canadian travelers and signals Sunwing’s confidence in the Québec market.
Until more specifics emerge, travelers eager to trade snowfall for reggae beats may want to keep an eye on Sunwing’s booking portals and set fare alerts. Seats on that inaugural Québec City–Montego Bay flight—and rooms at the yet-to-be-named resorts—are likely to be in hot demand once winter’s first snowflake hits the ground.
— Source: Sunwing press release
