Day-Trips for the Traveller’s Soul: From Calgary to Nayarit’s Hidden Corners

The plane door opens, and you step into warm air that carries the scent of tropical flowers and distant mountains. This isn’t Cancún or Puerto Vallarta – this is somewhere most Canadians have never been. You’re in Tepic, capital of Nayarit, and the adventure starts the moment you collect your bags. No connecting flights, no crowded shuttle buses to resort strips. Just you, an empty road ahead, and the promise of discovering places that still feel like secrets.

The New Connection That Changes Everything

Starting 13 December, WestJet’s new weekly service from Calgary to Tepic/Riviera Nayarit International Airport marks the first direct flight between Canada and this lesser-known state. Every Saturday, 189 passengers can escape the familiar and land somewhere genuinely different – no layovers, no crowds, no queues of tour groups with matching wristbands.

‘We are pleased to announce the launch of a new direct route between Calgary and the Tepic–Riviera Nayarit International Airport,’ says Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero, governor of Nayarit. ‘This new route makes it easier for Canadian travellers to explore the rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and sunny beaches of the Riviera Nayarit and the entire state.’

More people are choosing off-the-beaten-path experiences over crowded resort destinations – exactly what Nayarit offers. Here, you can discover authentic Mexican culinary heritage and cultural experiences that feel genuinely local.

Tepic isn’t trying to be anything other than what it is: a working Mexican city where life happens at its own pace. The capital of Nayarit serves as your launching pad into experiences that tour buses can’t reach. Here, murals by José Luis Soto decorate the Government Palace, the Archaeological Museum showcases pre-Hispanic cultures, and local markets buzz with vendors selling Huichol art and handmade tamales.

John Weatherill, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, captures the appeal: ‘Often overshadowed by the more visited Riviera Nayarit beach destinations, like Nuevo Nayarit, Punta Mita, and Sayulita, the interior of the state offers a completely different experience. Tepic, Nayarit’s capital city, is a launchpad for adventures that blend the historic, the mystical, and the delicious.’

The streets here tell stories of colonial architecture mixed with modern Mexican life. Markets overflow with tropical fruits, regional cheeses, and the kind of street food that makes you understand why locals queue at certain stalls. This isn’t a destination trying to cater to tourists – it’s a place where you can slip into local rhythms and discover what authentic Mexico feels like.

The beauty of Tepic lies in what surrounds it. Within 40 minutes, you can find yourself paddling across the turquoise waters of Santa María del Oro, a volcanic crater lake that looks like nature’s own infinity pool. The lake offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking trails that wind through mountains where birdwatching becomes meditation.

Head 30 minutes in another direction, and you’re watching waves roll into Matanchen Bay, home to the world’s longest surfable wave. The fishing village of Aticama sits peacefully here, where you can learn to surf, explore mangroves teeming with over 300 bird species, or simply sink your toes into four miles of golden sand that rarely sees crowds.

Juan Enrique Suarez del Real Tostado, Nayarit’s Minister of Tourism, sums up the appeal: ‘Now, with this direct connection from Calgary, travellers can skip the crowds and dive straight into a region teeming with Magical Towns, volcanic lakes, ancient traditions, and pristine coastline.’

You can wake up in Tepic, breakfast on the shores of a volcanic lake, lunch in a seaside village, and return to your hotel in time for evening drinks – all without the exhaustion of long drives that characterise more touristy destinations.

Cultural Finds and Everyday Magic

Nayarit’s Magical Towns offer experiences that feel worlds away from resort entertainment. Compostela invites you to learn about coffee production amongst colonial architecture. Jala showcases giant corn varieties and natural attractions like El Salto Waterfall, whilst Mexcaltitán – known as the ‘Venice of Mexico’ for its canal system – can only be reached by boat, making arrival feel like discovering a secret.

The region has recently expanded its Magical Towns designation to include Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río, and Ahuacatlán, each offering distinct cultural experiences. Local cooking classes teach you to prepare traditional dishes using ingredients from neighbourhood markets, whilst artisan workshops reveal the intricate techniques behind Huichol beadwork and yarn paintings.

For solo women travellers, the region offers a welcoming environment where safety concerns give way to curiosity. Local hospitality extends beyond service – it’s genuine warmth that makes you feel like a welcomed guest rather than a tourist to be managed. The experience mirrors what other women have found when discovering their purpose through travel in Latin America.

Practical Tips for the Curious

WestJet’s Saturday service departs Calgary at 10.30am, arriving in Tepic at 3.34pm – perfect timing to settle in and explore. The return flight leaves at 4.45pm, landing back in Calgary at 9.52pm. Accommodation options in Tepic range from business hotels like the EH Ejecutivo Urban Hotel to family-friendly choices such as Fiesta Inn Tepic, most offering amenities like free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast.

Car rental proves essential for exploring freely, with economy cars available at Tepic Airport. The freedom to follow winding roads to hidden waterfalls or stumble upon local festivals makes the rental worthwhile. For those preferring not to drive, taxis operate fixed fares from the airport, and public buses connect major attractions.

Pack layers – whilst days remain warm, evenings in the mountains can cool significantly. Comfortable walking shoes prove essential for exploring cobblestone streets and nature trails. A basic Spanish phrasebook opens doors to conversations with locals who appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation needs work.

Like other destinations that prioritise sustainable, eco-conscious travel, Nayarit rewards visitors who take time to connect with local communities and natural environments.

Your Invitation to Something New

This direct connection to Tepic offers something increasingly rare: the chance to be among the first to discover a destination before it becomes another pin on everyone’s travel map. You can experience the thrill of finding places that guidebooks haven’t fully catalogued, where your presence still feels special rather than expected.

The Saturday flight schedule allows for perfect long weekend escapes or extended stays that let you truly settle into the rhythm of a place. Whether you’re seeking adventure on volcanic lakes, cultural immersion in ancient towns, or simply the pleasure of beaches where you can walk for miles without seeing another soul, Nayarit delivers experiences that feel both authentic and meaningful.

Step off that plane in Tepic, breathe in the mountain air, and know that your next few days will be filled with discoveries that most travellers never make. The direct route has opened, the hidden corners are waiting, and the only question left is: when will you book your seat?