Nicaragua is making a push for more Canadian travellers — and Toronto is clearly part of the plan.

The Central American country, famously known as the “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” has been stepping up its tourism promotion across Canada, showcasing everything from volcanic adventures and Pacific beaches to colonial cities, food and culture.

Earlier this month, the Nicaraguan Tourism Institute (INTUR) participated in the Canada 2026 Roadshow, organized by the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency. The first stop took place in Toronto on September 9, bringing together approximately 40 Canadian tourism-industry representatives. The roadshow continued in Montreal the following day with another 44 industry professionals.

And Toronto wasn’t a one-off.

Back in February, Nicaragua also participated in Toronto’s Outdoor Adventure Show, where Canadian travellers showed particular interest in experiences including volcano sandboarding at Cerro Negro, surfing along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, hiking and ecotourism.

Nicaragua Continues Its Canadian Push 🇨🇦

Most recently, Nicaragua made its first appearance at the Fifty-Five Plus Lifestyle travel fair in Ottawa on September 25 and 26.

INTUR used the event to introduce Canadian travellers to Nicaragua’s natural landscapes, culture, relaxation and adventure experiences, while distributing maps, travel guides and traditional Nicaraguan crafts.

It’s part of a broader effort by Nicaragua to establish itself as a destination for Canadian travellers looking beyond some of Latin America’s more familiar vacation spots.

And Nicaragua certainly has plenty to work with.

So… Why Nicaragua? 🇳🇮

For travellers who haven’t explored Nicaragua yet, the country offers a pretty wild combination of experiences.

There’s Ometepe, the spectacular island formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua. There’s colourful colonial Granada, the surf and beach culture of San Juan del Sur, the volcanic landscapes surrounding Cerro Negro, nature reserves, waterfalls, historic cities and a food culture that deserves considerably more international attention.

Adventure travellers can surf, hike and even sandboard down a volcano. Travellers looking for something slower can explore colonial architecture, markets, coffee, local cuisine and Nicaragua’s Pacific coastline.

INTUR has also been emphasizing something Canadians definitely appreciate: value. During a presentation to more than 50 Canadian travel agents earlier this year, Nicaragua highlighted the country’s combination of natural attractions, cultural experiences and relatively competitive travel costs.

Maybe It’s Time Canadians Looked South — and Beyond the Usual Spots

Canadians already have a deep relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean when it comes to travel.

Nicaragua’s message seems pretty simple: there’s another destination waiting to be discovered.

For Toronto’s Latin American community, there’s another reason this story matters. Nicaragua doesn’t always receive the same attention as some of Latin America’s larger countries, but its landscapes, traditions, food, music and people are an important part of the region’s incredibly diverse identity.

So we’re giving Nicaragua its flowers. 🇳🇮❤️

From volcanoes and colonial cities to beaches, islands and some serious gallo pinto, maybe the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes deserves a spot on more Canadian travel lists.

Would you visit Nicaragua? And if you’re Nicaraguan, tell us the ONE place or experience Canadians absolutely need to know about. 🇳🇮👇