By: Eilish Vicencio-Heap
Porter Airlines launched daily nonstop service between Toronto and Phoenix, Arizona on Oct. 3.
The new route is “a tremendous opportunity to showcase Arizona as an all-season destination to Canadians,” says Lisa Urias, director, Arizona Office of Tourism. “With over 300 sunny days a year and average winter temperatures in the 70s, our state offers the perfect escape for Canadian travellers seeking warmth and adventure. This new connection enhances access to Arizona’s world-class resorts, outdoor recreation, and diverse cultural experiences, reinforcing our state’s position as a top destination for Canadian visitors.”
Flights from YYZ depart at 10:00 a.m., arriving at 12 p.m. with the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft then departing PHX at 1 p.m. and arriving in Toronto at 8:05 p.m. (all times are local).
Baxter Media was on board the inaugural flight to catch up with Experience Scottsdale and Visit Phoenix to find out what Canadians can look forward to in urban Arizona.
An approachable luxury welcomes guests amid the balance of misted restaurant patios, rich cultural institutions and an outdoor lifestyle. The landscape is stark, but the rich vegetation and complex ecosystem mirrors the myriad activities available to the diverse population of both locals and visitors. Scottsdale is adjacent to Phoenix and, though somewhat smaller, is equally packed full of opportunities to shop, eat, relax and take in local history. The cities are undeniably colourful despite a backdrop that may appear barren at first glance.
Sizzling Scottsdale
The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is undergoing a $110 million renovation to become the state’s first Grand Hyatt. Guests will soon be able to enjoy a new pool complex and six original dining concepts from celebrity chef Richard Blais. For those loyal to JW Marriott, the Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is now offering the “Celestial Retreat: A Stargazer’s Paradise” package, offering guests a $100 resort credit, a private luxury casita and a celestial-themed welcome basket.
Visitors can directly support Indigenous communities with a visit to the immersive Native Art Market, which provides Indigenous artisans a space to sell their work directly to consumers. Shoppers can catch a glimpse of incredible jingle dress or hoop dance performances while browsing shelves bursting at the seams with handmade goods. The market is conveniently located beside The Frybread Lounge, the newly opened first and only Indigenous-owned restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale.
There is more to sip and savour at Positano, a new wine cafe, and the two restaurants at the Caesars Republic Scottsdale which opened this past March — Luna by Giada and Pronto by Giada. A new location of Tell Your Friends, an underground cocktail and live music lounge, will open in May 2025 in North Scottsdale.
Events returning soon include the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open, held adjacent to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess from February 3-9, 2025, and the Arizona Concours d’Elegance car show from January 18-20, 2025.
Phoenix and beyond
Phoenix’s burgeoning population of nearly five million makes it a true cultural capital, home to countless museums and a food scene continuously exploding with new creative flavours. Try Asian fusion at Palma with their bulgogi beef nachos, or enjoy a Sonoran Desert-inspired menu from Chopped chef Lawrence Smith at Chilte, one of the hottest restaurants of 2023.
Cocktail culture is truly booming, with the 1970s jetliner-themed speakeasy Carry On opening later this month next to the wildly popular Trophy Room cocktail bar. An official cocktail, “The Phoenix” was crowned in June after a city-wide competition to develop the recipe and can be tasted at Santo Arcadia and Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails.
It’s easy to get around the city for those partaking in cocktail culture or wanting an urban adventure without renting a car. Waymo, a ride-hailing service for autonomous vehicles, expanded earlier this year to make even more of the metropolitan area accessible to travellers preferring a driverless transfer in a Jaguar I-PACE electric SUV. To venture out to the Grand Canyon and beyond, it is easy to rent a car as international flights land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It will be important to drive throughout the state in 2026 for the centennial of historic highway Route 66, which will be celebrated with events and festivals throughout the year.
When you next land in Phoenix, make sure to consider a stay at one of these upcoming accommodations: the Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley: The Palmeraie, the VAI Resort (set to become the largest resort in Arizona) or the downtown Meritage Collection property.
For more, head to experiencescottsdale.com and visitphoenix.com.
