This city in Costa Rica is booming with Canadian travellers in October

Canadians wanting a fall getaway have their eyes on Liberia, Costa Rica, in the province of Guanacaste.

Flight searches from Canadian cities to Liberia, Costa Rica jumped 50 per cent year over year for October, according to Skyscanner data shared with Yahoo Canada.

"Liberia is the gateway to Costa Rica's Guanacaste region, putting travellers close to Pacific beaches, nature and outdoor experiences," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert, highlighted.

"Liberia is also a great starting place for exploring Guanacaste's Pacific coast, with beach towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Playa Flamingo nearby."

Skyscanner's 2026 Travel Trends found a shift toward "more personal, purpose-driven trips." Liberia fits that trend, offering significant flexibility in building a trip itinerary, including more adventurous experiences, proximity to wildlife, and wellness and relaxation activities.

"You can spend your days surfing, exploring the coast, or heading inland to see volcanoes and hot springs," Lindsay shared.

"National parks like Rincón de la Vieja offer hiking and chances to spot wildlife. If you want to relax, Guanacaste has a growing wellness scene, with yoga, spas, and retreats surrounded by nature. This area is perfect for travellers who want more than just a typical beach vacation. You can mix time by the ocean with adventure, wildlife, great food, and wellness activities to create a trip that matches what you enjoy most. With its relaxed beach towns and plenty of outdoor activities, Liberia is a great starting point for a personal Costa Rican getaway."

How much does it cost to go to Liberia in October from Canadian cities?

Using Skyscanner search data, round-trip flights from Toronto to Liberia in October can currently be found for as low as $507.

Flights from Vancouver to Liberia currently start at $739, or $337 from Montreal.

Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights.

3 expert tips on what to do in Liberia

Lindsay's advice for Canadians heading to Liberia is to explore Guanacaste's Coastal Towns.

"Head to Tamarindo for surfing, restaurants and a lively atmosphere, Nosara for a slower-paced escape, or Playa Flamingo for its stunning coastline and laid-back feel," she shared. "Each town offers a different way to experience the region."

A trip to the province of Guanacaste is also a great opportunity to really soak up the region's nature, especially for adventure and wildlife lovers.

"Guanacaste is a great place to swap the beach chair for an adventure, with volcanoes, forests and wildlife all within reach," Lindsay advised. "Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a must for hiking, where you can explore volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and hot springs. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans and other wildlife along the way."

But for travellers seeking rest and relaxation during their vacation, there are plenty of great ways to slow down and recharge.

"For a more restorative escape, explore the region's yoga and wellness offerings, or head to one of the area's hot springs for a relaxing afternoon," Lindsay highlighted. "It's an easy way to balance more active adventures with some downtime."

Borinquen Thermal Resort - Rincón de la Vieja

Hacienda Guachipelin Volcano Ranch Hotel & Hot Springs is located in the dry tropical forest. It's an eco-adventure hotel with several options for exciting excursions, including tubing, a zip-line tour, hiking and horseback riding. There are also a number of relaxation activities to enjoy at the Rio Negro hot springs and mud baths. All the rooms and suites have been designed to blend comfort with a connection to nature.

For fans of all-inclusive vacations, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort is a family-friendly property with seven restaurants, swimming pools and a Kids Club. There are also a number of water sports available, including kayaking and a free test for scuba diving, as well as excursions that can be booked through the resort.

Skyscanner's Saved Feature: Save those deals to look at later

Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation.

Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later.

Step 1: Find your flights and hotel.

Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account.

Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you're planning.

Tips for finding the cheapest flights

If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.

Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.

Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.

Consider "everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.

Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.