Fort Lauderdale from Toronto

Toronto to Fort Lauderdale is one of Canada's favorite winter escapes, and the logistics are friendlier than most cross-border trips thanks to US preclearance at Pearson. You clear American customs before you board, then land in Florida like a domestic arrival. Here is how the route works and how to reach the nest.

The nonstop flight

The nonstop from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) runs about three hours and ten minutes. There are around seven nonstops a day in the winter season, spread from early morning to evening, so you have a real choice of departure times. Four airlines fly it nonstop: Air Canada operates the most frequencies, with WestJet, Porter and the low-cost carrier Flair adding their own. As a leisure route it peaks hard in the Canadian winter, so book ahead for the December-to-March snowbird stretch.

US preclearance at Pearson

Here is the part that makes Toronto easy: Pearson has a United States preclearance facility, so you go through US Customs and Border Protection in Toronto before your flight rather than after you land. Arrive with time to spare, have your passport and any required documents ready, and once you clear you arrive at FLL as a domestic passenger and walk straight out. Entry requirements can change, so confirm what you need for US entry before you travel.

Your nonstop options from Pearson

Four airlines fly Toronto to FLL nonstop, about seven times a day in the winter season.

Airline	Frequency	Notes
Air Canada	Most frequent	Around two dozen flights a week
Porter	Several weekly	Full-service on newer jets
WestJet	Several weekly	Canadian leisure carrier
Flair	Several weekly	Ultra low-cost; add-on fees apply

From FLL to the nest

FLL is only about 15 minutes from the house, so the last leg is short. A rideshare or taxi from the terminal is simple; if you are staying a while and want to explore, rent a car at the airport. Our airport and Brightline guide covers arrivals, and getting around explains the free community shuttle, the water taxi and whether you need a car at all.

When to come

Canadian snowbirds fill these flights from December through March, chasing dry, mild days in the seventies while home is frozen. That is peak season and peak pricing; November and April give you much the same weather for less. Our seasonal guide breaks down the year. If you are planning a long winter stay, the nest's private pool and room for ten make it a comfortable base for an extended escape.

What to do first

Trade the parka for a swimsuit — the beach is ten minutes from the door. Our complete guide to Fort Lauderdale maps an easy first day around the beach, Las Olas and the water taxi. Start with the main beach and promenade, then settle in at a table on the water.

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