1

There aren't direct flights from Vancouver to Havana. You can fly between both destinations with Air Canada changing planes in Toronto. Other options would involve using two different airlines and (probably) purchasing two different tickets.

If you are flexible with your arrival point in Cuba (i.e.: if you don't have necessarily to fly to Havana), Sunwing has some direct flights from Vancounver to Cuba (but not to Havana) and you can also fly from Vancouver to some Cuban destinations with Westjet (probably changing planes in Toronto). Take a look at their webs for more info.

2

One thing to add to the above about flights, sometimes, on a site like redtag.ca or selloffvacations.com (and there are more of these), you can get a package to either Varadero or Havana (this will include bus transportation to and from Havana from Varadero) that may be cheaper than the flight alone. Usually a last minute thing.... These will beon the Sunwing charter flights, and this is also usually a maximum 2 week return travel deal.

Your other questions:

Approximate costs (ball park estimation OK)?

With taxes, return fare $1000-$1200, ballpark.

How long is the flight approximately?

5 hours to TO, then whatever waiting time there, then 3 hours to Cuba.

Air Transat direct to Varadero – about 6 hours, although sometime this flight stops in Calgary for an hour or so to pick up passengers.

I am not asking for exactitude just a general idea would be fine.
Any recommendations of a good hotel in Vancouver?

Day's Inn in Richmond, clean, breakfast included, big room, comfy beds -- close to the airport (there is a free shuttle service) and close to the Skytrain to downtown Vancouver (5 minute walk) $80 plus taxes for AARP members, but I have never been asked to show my card if I make my reservation in advance on line.

Any pitfalls about this journey to avoid?
Don't book a flight for a day when Toronto Airport is closed because of blizzard conditions. Try to ensure that the pilot is sober. Avoid flights with grumpy flight attendants (Air Canada more so than WestJet).

3

Thanks folks
We are only going one way to Cuba and making our way back to Australia via Santiago de Chile 6 months later. Do you have to have an exit ticket from Cuba to gain entry to Cuba?

4

Friend, each time you leave Cuba you have to pay the $25cuc exit fee and each time you re-enter Cuba you need a new tourist card and since you are not a Canadian your tourist card is only good for 2 months. Canadians get to stay 6 months on the same tourist card.

5

OP. There are probably far fewer people asked for their return/onward ticket at Immigration than those who aren't asked, at least given the reports on this site. In four trips, I was asked twice; on two trips, my travelling companion was asked once. But there are many here who go far more frequently and are never asked. Anyway, no one that I remember has ever posted here about not having an onward ticket and having to buy one on the spot. I would hope that if you have your ticket to Australia from Santiago, then they would realize that you are planning to go.

As is mentioned above, and for your planning purposes, you can stay 30 days with one 30 days renewal. If you stay that long, on that renewal, they are going to ask you for proof of medical/health insurance.

6

Of course, as most people who travel to Cuba do have the onward ticket, the sample for testing the reverse is quite small.

7

Thanks everyone. I BETTER GET A TICKET OUT AS WELL.