Your Sicily vacation from Canada has never been closer: A long-awaited Sicily connection for North-American travelers is here
For years, Canadian travelers eager to discover Sicily’s charms have had to rely on stopovers in Rome, Milan, or other European hubs before touching down on the Mediterranean’s largest island. Now, Air Canada has made the dream much easier: a direct seasonal service from Montreal to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). Operating from June to October, the route Montreal to Sicily puts the Italian dream island within easy reach of Canada’s cultural capital, offering a convenient, comfortable, and time-saving bridge between North America and Sicily’s vibrant eastern coast. Whether you’re traveling for a week of sunshine and heritage or planning a two-week grand tour around the island, this direct connection is set to transform Canadian holiday planning. Even better if planned with us!
About the route: Montreal to Catania nonstop
The new Montreal – Catania flight runs three times per week, with a flight time of approximately nine hours eastbound and slightly less on the return. As with most transatlantic flights, it operates overnight from Montreal, landing in Sicily in the late morning: perfect timing to step out into the Sicilian sun and start your adventure.
- Airline: Air Canada
- Route: YUL → CTA (Montreal Trudeau to Catania Fontanarossa)
- Frequency: seasonal, June to October
- Flight duration: ~9 hours
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Flight schedule Montreal to Sicily (subject to change):
| Flight | From | To | Depart | Arrive | Days of Operation | Season |
| AC 932 | Montreal (YUL) | Catania-Sicily (CTA) | 19:35 | 10:15 +1day | Tue, Thu, Sat | Jun 4 – Oct. 22, 2026 |
| AC 933 | Catania-Sicily (CTA) | Montreal (YUL) | 11:50 | 15:20 | Wed, Fri, Sun | Jun 5 – Oct. 23, 2026 |
Being a seasonal service, the flight is carefully scheduled to match Sicily’s most popular travel months. Canadians now gain direct access to Sicily beaches, volcanoes, baroque towns, and vineyards, all without the stress of airport transfers through Rome or Milan. For travelers planning multi-leg trips, the schedule also pairs nicely with domestic flights into Montreal, meaning you can connect from other Canadian cities and still keep your travel day tidy and efficient. Same applies for Catania Montreal (way back).
Tip: If you’re connecting into YUL, book your domestic and international segments on a single ticket when possible: this simplifies baggage handling and misconnection protection.
The Montreal to Sicily aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Air Canada operates the Montreal – Catania route with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern and fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft in the skies. The 787 family is renowned for passenger comfort and quieter cabins: advantages you feel most on overnight crossings.
Key aircraft features from Montreal to Sicily
- Better cabin air: advanced filtration, higher humidity, and a lower cabin altitude help reduce jet-lag effects.
- Large dimmable windows: no more plastic shades, tint your window to your preferred light level.
- Quieter ride: the composite airframe and newer engines create a calmer cabin with less fatigue on arrival.
- Fuel efficiency: improved aerodynamics and lighter materials mean lower fuel burn and emissions for this long Montreal to Sicily flight
- Connectivity and power: in-seat power and USB are available in all classes, and Wi-Fi is typically offered for purchase on most 787-8 aircraft.
What can you find on board the direct flight Montreal Catania (yul → cta)?
The Dreamliner is configured to offer Economy, Premium Economy, and Signature Class (Business), ensuring options for every traveler’s budget and preference. Here’s what to expect in each cabin, with practical tips to help you choose.
Economy class Montreal to Sicily
- Seating and layout: ergonomically designed seats with adjustable headrests and a seat pitch around 78–81 cm (31–32 in), depending on row. If you’re tall, request an extra-legroom seat when available.
- Entertainment: personal touchscreens with hundreds of movies, series, and music channels. Bring wired headphones; an adapter can be handy.
- Meals and drinks: a hot meal service with Canadian and Italian influences, soft drinks, tea/coffee, and a selection of wine or beer.
- Baggage: most transatlantic fares include one checked bag, verify at booking to avoid surprises.
- Smart tip: pack a light sweater for cool cabins, an eye mask, and consider an inflatable footrest for better sleep on the overnight eastbound leg.
Premium economy Montreal to Sicily
- Comfort boost: wider seats, a more spacious 96 cm (~38 in) pitch, extra recline, and a quieter, smaller cabin.
- Dining upgrade: plated meals served on china, often with an enhanced wine list, plus welcome drinks on many flights.
- Priority perks: priority check-in, boarding, and two checked bags are common on transatlantic fares.
- Best for: travelers who value better rest and extra space but don’t need a lie-flat bed; honeymooners, active travelers heading straight to Etna trails, and parents traveling with teens.
Signature class (business)
- Lie-flat comfort: 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access from every pod; convert your seat to a fully flat bed for true overnight rest.
- Lounge access: Maple Leaf Lounge in Montreal and partner lounges where available: great for a quiet meal and shower before or after the transatlantic sectors.
- Elevated dining: multi-course meals often featuring Canadian produce and Italian flavors, paired with premium wines and espresso.
- Amenities: larger screens, noise-reducing headphones, plush duvets and mattress pads, and elevated service for an unhurried experience.
- Who it suits: travelers who want to land ready to go; a smart pick if your first day includes a guided tour, a winery visit on Etna’s slopes, or an event.
Montreal Trudeau international airport (YUL): getting there (briefly)
Most Canadian readers know Montreal well, so we’ll keep it practical: the STM 747 bus runs 24/7 from downtown; taxis and rideshares are well signposted; and parking ranges from short-term to multi-day parkades. If you’re connecting from elsewhere in Canada, check through-check options for baggage on the same ticket, and leave reasonable time for an international security re-screen. YUL’s international area has solid food and shopping options: grab snacks for the overnight sector and a travel eSIM if you need one. Ready to fly from Canada to Sicily?
Connection hint: Coming from Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, Halifax, Calgary, or Vancouver? Align your domestic arrival to give at least a 2–3 hour buffer before the YUL long-haul: stress down, success up.
Arrival in Sicily: Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Landing at Vincenzo Bellini Catania Fontanarossa Airport places you on the doorstep of Sicily’s east. Just about 6 km from the historic centre, CTA is the second-busiest airport in southern Italy and a straightforward gateway to beaches, baroque towns, and Etna’s wine country. If you are longing for a taste of west Sicily too, while there is no Montreal to Palermo direct connection yet, you can easily plan a tour of the Island with the local connection options.
Facilities at Catania airport Sicily
- Car rentals: all the major Sicily car rental brands are present. That said, many visitors are choosing rail for part or all of their trip – check out our Sicily by train travel guide.
- Buses and the Alibus shuttle: the Alibus runs every 20–30 minutes between the airport and Catania Centrale station with intermediate stops (allow roughly 20–30 minutes to reach the centre, traffic-dependent).
- Trains: a modern airport railway stop connects to Catania Centrale, where you can board regional and InterCity trains for Taormina-Giardini (for Taormina), Siracusa, Noto, Messina, and beyond.
- Taxis: fixed-rate rides into central Catania are typically offered; expect an approximate fare in the mid-twenties euro range.
- Essentials: ATMs, cafés, SIM/eSIM support points, left-luggage services (seasonal), and tourist information desks help you hit the ground running.
Trains instead of cars: why many travelers choose rail
Renting a car offers maximum flexibility, but rail is increasingly the smart choice for a stress-free holiday, especially if it’s your first time driving in Italy.
- Avoid traffic and ZTLs: Sicily’s larger towns have ZTL (limited traffic) zones with cameras and fines for unauthorized entry. Train plus walking or local taxis sidestep this hassle.
- Eco-friendly: choosing trains reduces your carbon footprint compared to solo car travel.
- Direct links to top sights: frequent trains run from Catania Centrale to Taormina-Giardini (for Taormina), Siracusa, Noto, and Messina. Add a short bus or taxi for final connections to beaches or hill towns.
- Comfort and cost: air-conditioned carriages, the ability to read or nap, and competitive fares make rail a relaxing option.
- Hybrid approach: combine rail with guided day tours to reach vineyards on Etna’s northern slopes, archaeological sites outside town centres, or natural reserves with limited transit.
If you do rent a car: quick, honest advice for Canadians in Sicily
- Transmission: many rentals are manual. If you need an automatic, book early.
- Insurance: consider full coverage (CDW/LDW plus tyre and glass). Review your credit card’s coverage conditions before you go.
- Parking: plan where to park in towns like Taormina, Siracusa/Ortigia, and Noto; municipal lots outside the centre are usually best.
- Highways and tolls: Sicily has both toll and free motorways; keep cash or a card handy for the few toll sections.
- Defensive driving: expect scooters, narrow lanes, and quick merges; drive calm and alert.
Ready for your Canadian – Sicilian travel adventure?
The new Air Canada Montreal to Sicily route (Montreal – Catania) is more than a seasonal convenience. This direct flight to Sicily it’s a cultural bridge that lets you skip the hub-and-spoke shuffle and arrive where you actually want to be: on an island of ancient theatres, smoky volcano vistas, citrus groves, and baroque balconies. Whether you’re sipping a glass of Etna Rosso in a vineyard, floating over a turquoise cove at Isola Bella, or wandering Ortigia’s limestone lanes at dusk, this flight brings it all decisively closer. At Time for Sicily, we create bespoke travel planning and concierge services: let us combine your must do things in Sicily with our extended local expertise, and we’ll tailor the best Sicilian experience just for you!
When is the best time to fly from Canada to Sicily?
The Air Canada Montreal – Catania direct flight operates from June to October. You may be wondering when to book and how each month feels on the ground; here’s a deeper look to match your holiday style. Rather, if you prefer travelling off season to Sicily, consider Winter (with Etna slopes too!) Easter, Spring or Christmas in Sicily. But you will need to have a stopover in Italy or Europe, as no direct flights from Canada are operated then (not even from the US).
June: early summer ease
Expect long daylight hours, warm but not sweltering afternoons, and cooler evenings, ideal for city exploration and active days. Cultural calendars pick up pace without the peak crowds. It’s a great month for Etna hikes, boat trips with calmer seas, and winery visits before harvest preparations intensify. Families with school-age children who break later in the month can still enjoy beaches that feel spacious.
July: summer in full swing
Beaches hum with energy during Summer in Sicily, towns host evening concerts, and menus brim with tomatoes, eggplant, and just-caught seafood. Days are hot; plan sightseeing early or late and siesta through the mid-afternoon heat. If you crave buzz, July delivers: book beachfront lidos ahead and consider accommodations with pools or strong A/C.
August: festive and fiery
Ferragosto (mid-August) caps the Italian summer, and coastal areas are lively. Expect peak prices and full restaurants; secure reservations early and lean into the celebratory mood. For relief from the heat, target hill towns (like Ragusa Ibla or Enna) or ascend Etna for cooler air. Nightlife lovers will relish late dinners and passeggiate along seaside promenades.
September: golden month for Montreal to Sicily explorers
Arguably the sweet spot. The sea stays warm, days are still summery, and crowds thin. It’s perfect for a culture-forward itinerary: mix Taormina’s theatre, Siracusa’s archaeological park, and day trips to Noto and Modica with generous beach time. Foodies catch early grape harvests and village food festivals. Prices often soften compared to high-summer weeks.
October: harvest and heritage
The weather turns gentle; light layers suffice. Markets fill with grapes, figs, mushrooms, and the first new-season olive oils. This is an exquisite time for slow-travel: museum visits, cooking classes, baroque town strolls, and long vineyard lunches. Sea swimming can still be enjoyable, especially in the first half of the month, and accommodation availability improves markedly.
What should you do once in Catania from Montreal? Our suggested itineraries
One week: From Montreal to Sicily East coast immersion
If you only have seven days, focus on the east and savor more depth, less distance.
Day 1–2: Montreal to Catania
Wander Via Etnea’s baroque facades, taste granita (almond or pistachio) and arancini, and dive into La Pescheria fish market at dawn. Book a guided food walk the first evening to decode street-food classics.
Day 3: Mount Etna (north slopes)
Choose a guided hike or a 4×4 + walk combo, then settle in for a long lunch at a family-run winery in the Etna DOC. Reds (Nerello Mascalese) and whites (Carricante) shine here.
Day 4: Taormina and Isola Bella
Ride the cable car down to the beach, swim in the natural reserve, then climb back up for sunset at the ancient Greek Theatre facing Etna: glorious if there’s a concert.
Day 5: Siracusa & Ortigia
Explore the Archaeological Park (Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysius), then cross to Ortigia for baroque squares, the Duomo (built over a Greek temple), and waterside aperitivi.
Day 6: Noto + Vendicari Nature Reserve
Admire Noto’s honey-colored stone, then head to Vendicari for boardwalks, birdwatching, and crystalline coves. Dinner in Marzamemi’s photogenic piazza.
Day 7: Ragusa Ibla or Modica
Choose one baroque jewel. In Modica, sample the famous grainy chocolate; in Ragusa Ibla, climb stairways to sweeping valley views. Return to Catania for your final night.
Two weeks: the Grand Sicily Circuit after arriving from Montreal to Sicily
With fourteen days, loop the island at an easy pace and mix coast, culture, and countryside. Even if no Montreal to Palermo flight is yet available, enjoy the comfort of a direct flight Canada to Catania and then driver west to Palermo.
Days 1 to 3: Catania base + Etna
Settle in, conquer jet lag, and tick off Etna as above. Consider a cooking class to learn pasta alla Norma and caponata.
Days 4 to 5: Taormina or the Aeolian Islands (optional add-on)
If sea-time calls, add a ferry hop to Lipari or Salina for volcanic landscapes and translucent water, or linger in Taormina with a day trip to Castelmola.
Days 6 to 7: Siracusa/Ortigia
Book a stay in a historic palazzo on Ortigia, explore craft shops, and visit the papyrus museum or catacombs.
Days 8 to 9: Agrigento and the south coast
Aim for the Valley of the Temples at golden hour. Nearby, Scala dei Turchi’s white cliffs dazzle (mind erosion rules and access updates). Overnight along the coast.
Days 10 to 11: Trapani, salt flats, and Egadi Islands
From Trapani, day-trip to Favignana for cycling and coves; on the mainland, stroll the windmills and salt pans at sunset. Consider a side visit to the medieval hill town of Erice.
Day 12: Marsala + western wineries
Taste fortified Marsala and modern Sicilian wines at estates on the coast: designate a driver or book a winery shuttle.
Day 13: Palermo and Monreale
Feast on street food at Ballarò and Vucciria, marvel at the mosaics of the Norman Palace’s Palatine Chapel, then ride out to Monreale Cathedral for golden Byzantine brilliance.
Day 14: Cefalù + return east via the interior
Swim beneath La Rocca in Cefalù, then cross the island through the hills: Enna’s belvederes and Caltagirone’s ceramic staircases make atmospheric stops en route back to Catania.
Tours we recommend after landing in Catania from Montreal
- One-day guided Etna trek and winery lunch (small-group): perfect if you skipped renting a car.
- Siracusa & Noto heritage day tour: combines archaeology and baroque in one seamless day.
- Taormina theatre at sunset + Isola Bella swim: a crowd-pleasing pairing with minimal logistics.
- Culinary experiences: market-to-table cooking classes in Catania or Ortigia, plus pistachio and chocolate tastings in Bronte and Modica.
- Nature escapes: Alcantara Gorge walks, Vendicari birding, and sailing days along the Ionian coast.
Talk to one of our travel cosultants to get a better inspiration or idea of what is feasible when in Sicily.
Practical tips for Canadian travelers from Montreal to Sicily
Money and payments
- Cards are widely accepted, but small towns and beach lidos may prefer cash. ATMs are common: notify your bank of travel dates.
- Tipping is modest in Italy; round up or leave small change for exceptional service.
Connectivity
- eSIMs/SIMs are easy to arrange; Italian data plans are typically good value. Many accommodations provide reliable Wi-Fi.
Language
- English works in tourist centres, but a few Italian phrases help: grazie, per favore, il conto, per favore. In rural areas, be ready to gesture and smile.
Health and safety
- Tap water is generally drinkable; carry a reusable bottle. Pharmacies (farmacie) are well stocked. EU emergency number is 112.
Packing and dress
- For churches and some sites, shoulders should be covered. Bring light layers for breezy evenings, especially near the sea or at altitude on Etna.
Driving notes (if applicable)
- Speed cameras are common. Observe limits, and don’t enter ZTL zones unless your accommodation has registered your plate in advance.
Booking smarts
- Direct flights sell fast for July–August. For better value and calmer sightseeing, target June or September, and reserve high-demand activities (Etna, the Greek Theatre) well ahead.
Accessibility and families
- Many sites offer discounted or free entry for children. Strollers work in towns but cobbles and stairs are common; a lightweight carrier can be handy. Request bassinets or child meals with the airline in advance.
In conclusion, whether you are an independent traveler or you need more assistance, at Time for Sicily we are here to assist you the way you prefer. We look forward to connecting with you, Canada!
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Credits:
Photo >> Unsplash
Copywriter >> Floriana Guardini (thanks for your great insights on Canada!)
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