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Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Canada 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Canada. Below you will find 19 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Canada offering in total 136 tours and holidays through-out Canada. Combined they have received 68 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Canada are: Adventure and sport, Wildlife, landscapes and nature & Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife.

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18 Tour Operators in Canada with 68 Reviews

Intrepid Travel

Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
Response Rate 90%
Response Time 3 hours

Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Exodus Travels

Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
Response Rate 85%
Response Time 2 hours

Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
Response Rate 88%
Response Time 1 hour

G Adventures

Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England

Quark Expeditions

Address 3131 Elliot Avenue, Suite 250 Seattle, WA 98121, Seattle, USA
Response Rate 79%

Address 109 Power Road, Chiswick, London, England
Response Rate 81%

Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
Response Rate 96%

Collette Tours

Address 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA
Response Rate 86%

Luxury Gold

Response Rate 60%

New World Wine Tours

Address 100 Lower Ossington Ave, Toronto, Canada
Response Rate 40%

Insight Vacations

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Address 15/56 Pitt St, Sydney, Australia
Response Rate 74%

Indus Travels

Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
Response Rate 98%

Address 2461 FM 778, Mineola, USA
Response Rate 95%

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Canada Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Canada tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Canada and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 177177 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Canada travel companies & tour operators with 177177 reviews

Atlantic Tours & Travel

Excellent - 26 reviews for Canada tours

The wonders of the Bay of Fundy tour was the best tour I’ve ever been on. We were a small group who enjoyed each other’s company and shared many varied and interesting experiences. As a solo traveler I was welcomed by everyone in the group and never felt on my own. Our tour director, Eunice, was welcoming, knowledgeable and went the extra mile to ensure we really experienced the local culture and delicacies. Our coach driver, Hank, who was also welcoming and knowledgeable, had a quietly confident manner which made you feel extremely safe when on the road. He also went the extra mile to ensure we got the most out of every experience. I would highly recommend this tour.

Very informative tour guide. Courteous driver, lovely group . We found the tour a little more difficult for us.

G Adventures

Excellent - 19,105 reviews for Canada tours

The tour length was ideal for us, We had one day of porr weather at Whistler which curtailed us but otherwise it was very good. The hotels were all good and the camp at Golden was a nice contrast Our guide/driver (simon) was great, friendly, very helpful and professional, and went out of his way to ensure we had a great trip.

This trip was the best experience of my life so far! My CEO Melanie was so amazing, I felt so at ease and happy throughout every step of the tour. This is the perfect trip to see some of Canada. 100000/10 would recommend to everyone!

Discover Canada Tours

Excellent - 376 reviews for Canada tours

The staff was wonderful. The excursions were so fun. Everything is so well planned we never had to think about a thing. It is beautiful and relaxing. Food was very good.

Fabulous staff, food, activities!!!

Moose Travel Network

Excellent - 166 reviews for Canada tours

I took the 5-day Coho tour starting in Vancouver. Our tour guide Kiera was just great and has always given us with a lot of interesting information about Canada in general, our surroundings, nature and trains. In general, you could ask her anything and thus got a life coach or Canada expert! Also our group was great! We were only 7th at the beginning and became a group of 11 in Banff, due to the fact that we were the last tour for the year. Together we had fun bus rides and marveled at the beauty of Canada. I really recommend everyone to do this tour! We saw so much that otherwise would not have been possible for one independently in the short amount of time! We also did a lot of great things as a group (campfires, cooking, game night, going out) and became great friends that definitely keep in touch! Keira also always asked us about our preferences, which also allowed us to decide for ourselves what we wanted to focus on! I really loved this flexibility! My expectations of the trip were definitely exceeded and I am overjoyed to have chosen it. The hostels were also all very pleasant and clean. The Wildness Hostel was definitely a highlight, which made the experience even more special. I would gladly give it more stars as I am absolutely convinced and can recommend it to everyone!

If you're looking to see the most beautiful parts of BC and Alberta without any of the hassle and cost of organising/driving then this tour is for you. You are taken through the most stunning parts of Canada, all the while making new friends and being as daring as you please with optional activities such as bungee jumping in canyons, ziplining down mountains and kayaking on glacial lakes. Is there lots of time spent on the road? Sure! But chatting to your fellow explorers and even just looking out the windows to marvel at the jaw-dropping landscape will pass the time quickly. There are only a few days of the tour that are heavy on travel and Moose have ensured that there are pit-stops at stunning locations along the way to keep you in the adventurous spirit. Travelling by bus also gives you access to places that are not as easily seen by car; Moraine lake for example (one of the most beautiful places on the trip) was only open to busses when we arrived, the car park having filled up for the day at 6am. Hostel accommodation was the perfect medium - I wasn't keen on camping but nor did I want to shell out on a tour with hotel stays at twice the price. Most of the hostels were brand new and immaculate (HI Banff, HI Whistler, HI Jasper). It was my first time in hostels and I was pleasantly surprised. Just remember to bring your flip-flops for the showers and some earplugs to block out any snorers! Also be aware that Rampart Creek (Rustic hostel stay in the mountains for 1 night only) has no flushing toilets or running water so prepare adequately for that one! For me, most things in life are about the people you experience it with and Moose didn’t disappoint. I know it’s pot-luck who you get in your group, but I think this tour does pull in like minded people and it was a pleasure to travel with everyone on my tour. Our Guide, Bruno, was also amazing and completely made our trip. He was knowledgeable, kept things fun and was every part a one-of-the gang as the rest of us. Only other thing to note, is that if you’re looking for a hiking-centred trip then perhaps this tour might disappoint. But if you’re willing to trade in a few hikes for incredible scenery, other outdoor activities (additional costs but great fun) and meeting like minded new people, then I promise you won’t regret it.

Excellent - 1,893 reviews for Canada tours

Very nice tour. Would have liked more time in a place or two but, overall, good.

Optional excursions were reasonably priced. Suggest you put together other places in each city as a walking guide or short taxi or uber ride. Example access to close by museums open late and could walk to from hotel. Free time activities and what they are and where located is helpful.tour guide can offer to accompany a group interested to explore more during free leisure tome.Provide more detail info about the logistics of site visits. Niagara falls..suggest more water proof gear clothing and shoe types etc. Terrain to expect when visiting certain sites and possible alternatives.climbing and how difficult-easy or more strenuous or advanced climbing activity. Overall, small groups so much better than filling up bus. Thank you for giving single travelers their own bus space. Would love to watch more travel videos on longer driving distances.

Intrepid Travel

Excellent - 11,710 reviews for Canada tours

Overall: Overall, the Canadian Rockies are spectacular. All of the people in our group were fun to be with, and we made some great friends. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, patient, and flexible given the physical abilities (or inabilities) of the members of the group and tried to tailor the tour to accommodate as many people in the activities as possible. My issue was with Intrepid's misrepresentation of the physical activity level rating, the inaccurate pricing of optional activities, the required travel insurance policy, the sub-par lodging, and the labeling of the trip as a Northern Lights trip when there were only 2 nights out of 10 listed in the itinerary that gave us an opportunity to see them. Lodging: The hotels were sub-par. The Metterra in Edmonton didn’t have a functioning hair dryer and the TV didn’t work (during the SuperBowl) The Holiday Inn Express in Slave Lake didn't have a functioning fireplace in the lobby, where we gathered to eat dinner. It was cold as it was adjacent to the front doors the were constantly opening and closing. The TV in the breakfast room and where we met to eat take out dinner was on a political station and the volume was loud. The person working at the front desk stated that the remote control had been stolen, so we couldn't turn it off or adjust the volume. The Lake Louise Inn had disgusting carpeting that we didn’t even want to walk on with bare feet. The Rundlestone Lodge in Banff did not have any food or drink options in the hotel and we had to walk to another hotel to get our included breakfast. The breakfast at that hotel was also sub-par. The eggs were powdered eggs. The bread, bagels, and pastries were all stale and hard. Everyone had a room where the window looked DIRECTLY into the pool area. It was noisy with kids screaming at the pool. One of the members of our group had to pay to upgrade her room, so she wouldn't have to hear the noise from the pool area until 10:30 PM. Intrepid Activity Level rating: Intrepid listed this physical activity level rating as a 2/5, which is one step above sunbathing. It said that the activities were easy and no prior physical fitness was necessary to do most of the activities. First, many of the activities were done at higher altitudes than most were accustomed to, which makes any activity more challenging. Second, walking on ice, hiking on steep mountain trails, and snowshoeing in deep snow require a much higher level of fitness than casual walking. Itinerary: The itinerary was labeled a Canadian Rockies and Northern Lights tour. There were only 2 nights listed on the itinerary (in Slave Lake) that there was even an opportunity to go out to see them. The northern lights and weather conditions are unpredictable, so it should not be listed as a “northern lights tour” unless there would be an opportunity to see them every night. The tour guide had drive time restrictions and couldn’t take us out every night to remote areas to get the chance to see the northern lights. On an Iceland tour, we had our lodging (with restaurant and bar) in remote areas with minimal light pollution, so I could set my alarm a few times throughout the night to go outside to see if the lights were visible. The quality of northern lights can change on an hourly basis and it is not reasonable to expect to stay outside in a remote area without light pollution all night to see them. All the hotels we stayed at had significant light pollution preventing us from going outside the hotel to check the quality of the northern lights. Don’t label it a northern lights tour. It was a Canadian Rockies tour. Slave Lake activities: The ice fishing listed as a possible alternate activity was never discussed. No one said the lakes were safe or not safe for fishing. It was not discussed as an option at all. Snowshoeing was also listed as an activity at this location, but was not given as an option. Jasper activities: Walking on ice in the Maligne Canyon was challenging and risky for people who aren’t physically fit. There were a few people that had to skip the grotto for fear of injuring themselves by going further. Similarly, on the drive along the Icefields Parkway, none of us were able to hike all the way to the toe of Athabasca Glacier due to the level of fitness required. Lake Louise activites: Difficulties with the level of fitness required also impacted the hike at Johnston Canyon. Some people struggled but managed to make it to the lower bridge, but many could not go further due to the fitness level needed to hike up the steep trails. Snowshoeing was offered as an option and one group member had to insist to go snowshoeing here, since the terrain was flat. Otherwise, it was also not included as an option. Banff activities: This was the snowshoe hike at Sunshine Mountain. Despite it being listed as an option twice before on the itinerary, this was the first day we went as a group. It was challenging to say the least. Half of the group were not able to participate due to the level of fitness required that was misrepresented in the tour description rating. The next day the grotto ice walk was listed, but not offered and instead we went on a hike. Optional Activities: There was a SIGNIFICANT discrepancy of the prices listed for the optional activities on the tour description and the actual prices. It seems the prices listed by Intrepid were pre-COVID prices and had never been updated. I understand if there would be a minor difference in prices, but they were 40-70% higher than Intrepid quoted. Here are examples of the activity and price per person. Dogsledding (an anticipated highlight of the trip, which we ended up not going on due to price): Intrepid price $200 CAD and actual price was $315CAD. Lake Louise Sleigh ride: Intrepid price $37CAD and actual price was $52CAD Lake Louise Ice Skating including hockey stick: Intrepid price $20CAD and actual price was $29CAD Banff Hot Springs: Intrepid price $8CAD and actual price was $17.50CAD Travel Insurance: I have the AmEx Platinum card that has very good travel insurance coverage. Intrepid forced me to buy a separate policy stating that I needed a “policy number” and not just claims made coverage that my credit card supplies. I had to pay an extra $174USD to get travel insurance when my credit card already covers travel insurance. Then I found that one of the guests in our group used her credit card policy and did not require a separate travel insurance policy to go on this trip. That was infuriating! White Mountain Adventures: White Mountain Adventures was coordinating this trip and I felt they were at a disadvantage to plan a trip when the Intrepid itinerary and physical activity level was misrepresented prior to the trip. Scott, our tour guide, was very kind, knowledgeable, patient, accommodating, and flexible to try to meet the expectations and physical abilities of those on the tour.

the trip overall was good but a few things to be aware of: The Edmonton Sky shuttle has not been in service since 2020! You must take a taxi. The guide was surprised that we were told to schedule extras through her and by the time the trip started, much of what we wanted was already booked out. You must book the extras yourself. Neither intrepid nor tour radar does this. this was unclear in all the communications. you can't talk to a tour radar person. on line chat is fine if you are not in a hurry for answers. That aside, the guide was knowledgeable, pleasant, and worked hard to give all tour participants an extraordinary time.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tou…

Excellent - 35 reviews for Canada tours

Accomodation was just as amazibgbut what made it special was our tour manager Cathy. She went out of her way to help, support and just be the best that she could be. Just love her and her crazy Xmas hats. ????????

Excellent - 19,645 reviews for Canada tours

The tour met all our expectations and more. Looking forward to our next experience with Cosmos.

Our tour guide was really informative and helpful. The coach driver was great too

Excellent - 873 reviews for Canada tours

The tour guide and bus driver were kind and courteous. More tour stops needed to be included that do not require additional payment.

Was a very good tour great Tour guide & First class Driver The only down for the tour was being let down by Costsaver by being put in sub below Hotel for 2 nights in Canmore when we all thought we would have been in Banff They obviously did not inspect rooms no heating working dusty smelly rooms toilets not flushing dirty sheets even with blood on them an absolute disgrace for the money we paid for this trip Was so disappointing as rest off accomodation was above our expectations

Calgary Tours

Good - 41 reviews for Canada tours

Excellent hotels, food and tour.

Great experience and great guides like Allan and David.

Excellent - 74,885 reviews for Canada tours

It was an excellent trip!

The technology needed was hard for us.The guest help place was the best. All was good and the captain kept us safe. Thanks.

West Trek Tours Inc.

Excellent - 98 reviews for Canada tours

Our tour guides are awesome

Excellent tour Chris was a great tour guide and had lots of information. Yee the driver was very helpful and I would recommend the tour there was so much to see but rushed at time and would have liked to spend more time in Banff. Robert Hanna

Fresh Adventures

Excellent - 82 reviews for Canada tours

Great trip Fresh Adventures! Well organized tour, wonderful resorts with powder skiing, nice breakfast, lunch and dinner venues. Nice accommodation. Fantastic guides both on and off the mountain. They knew the best places to ski and enjoy. I really enjoyed skiing together, dining together and hot pools as a group. Thanks Sam and Laurence!

My lifelong dream to come to the Yukon and it was everything I hoped for and more! High five to the Fresh Adventures crew for putting together an epic adventure I won't soon forget. The hikes were tough but absolutely worth it and the views from the top were unreal. I've been on a trip with Fresh Adventures in the Rockies before and was happy to see that they offered a Yukon trip as well. The guides, Carl and Alex were fun to be around and the rest of the group was amazing. Loved all the good times and the laughs in the van. Thanks for a great trip!

Excellent - 5,454 reviews for Canada tours

One of the best trips of my life! Still thinking about it months later

It’s the best way to see the mountains, hit the slopes and see all the magic and beauty of Whistler and Banff

Good - 14 reviews for Canada tours

My mistake probably. I thought this was a tour as it is expensive. It is only expensive because the hotels are very expensive. Brewters company gives a bit of guidance but Sundog is just a transfer company (take you from one paoint to another). So the agency books hotels and transfer that is it. Can do it yourself for cheaper. There are no groups, no guide and two of my drop off and pick up were at the wrong hotels. You also need to call so have a canadian number each day to call transfer company to confirm your pick up so be ready to spend money on a canadian sim card. Tour or agencies would be better as they actually ask what you really want and as for me a cheaper hotel would have been better and easier as hotels booked where out of town and without a car it is not always easy to go around. Real disappointment as this is sold as a tour with many lookout point but it is just wikipedia recommendations. I use Intrepid or Gadventures which provides tour where you meet people and what you pay is really what you have definitelly stick to what I know. What needs an improvement is the way to describe it you cannot say it is a tour when it is not and if you get people asking for it maybe ask what they are really looking for like a tour operator. if you are looking at this tour you can just book 2 nights in each town in nice hotels there are plenty and brewster transfer and this will not take you much time. If you need an agency call a tour operator which will hopefully ask your needs what you want in terms of accomodation, budget, activities to tailored it and this is worth the extra charge. If thy dont do it yourself you save some money.

Every employee we met from pick up @ the airport to drop off after our final trip to the Aurora Center was wonderful - Professional, pleasant, and friendly. Price was right! Hotel was OK. My one important critique was we got absolutely no info on the Aurora Borealis. I expected a video or “lecture” or some explanation about what we were looking for/seeing. (And, so so so very happy we saw them!!!) This was a trip specifically to see the northern lights and we heard nothing about them. I will (and have steady) recommend your tour to others but tell them to study up on the Aurora before they go. Thanks for asking!

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How to Start a Travel Business in Canada Effectively

Business statistics.

Starting a travel business in Canada can be an exciting and profitable venture. However, it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that your business is successful. Before you can launch your travel business, there are several essential steps that you need to take. In this section, we will explore how to start a travel business in Canada effectively, including researching the travel industry in Canada , developing a comprehensive business plan , registering your business, and marketing and promoting your travel business.

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When starting a travel business in Canada , it’s important to understand the market and consumer preferences to tailor your offerings to meet their needs. You’ll also need to have a solid business plan that outlines your goals, objectives, and financial projections. Additionally, registering your travel business and adhering to legal requirements is crucial to operate legally.

Marketing and promotion are also key to attract customers and establish your brand presence in the travel industry. Finally, managing your operations and providing excellent customer service are essential to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Key Takeaways

Starting a travel business in Canada requires careful planning and preparation.
Researching the travel industry in Canada is crucial to understanding market trends and consumer preferences.
A comprehensive business plan is key to the success of your travel business, including financial projections and objectives.
Registering your travel business and adhering to legal requirements is essential to operate legally.
Marketing and promotion are crucial to attract and retain customers in the competitive travel industry.
Managing your operations and providing excellent customer service are essential to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Researching the Travel Industry in Canada

If you’re planning to start a travel business in Canada , it’s essential to conduct thorough research on the travel industry to ensure success. A good starting point is to understand the current trends and consumer preferences in the industry.

According to recent research, the travel industry in Canada has been growing steadily, with more and more travellers opting for domestic travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, domestic tourism accounted for over 80% of all travel spending in Canada in 2020.

Moreover, Canadian travellers are increasingly seeking unique, authentic experiences, such as eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cultural tourism. Therefore, it’s crucial to tailor your travel business offerings to meet these changing demands and preferences.

To get a better understanding of the travel industry in Canada and identify potential opportunities for your travel business, you can conduct market research by:

Attending industry conferences and events
Networking with industry professionals
Conducting surveys and focus groups of potential customers
Analysing industry reports and statistics

In addition, you can use online tools such as Google Trends and social media listening platforms to monitor industry trends, consumer behaviour, and sentiment.

By conducting comprehensive research on the travel industry in Canada, you can gain valuable insights and data to inform your business strategy and stand out in this competitive market.

“The travel industry in Canada has been growing steadily, with more and more travellers opting for domestic travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Developing a Business Plan for Your Travel Business

Creating a well-crafted business plan is essential for the success of your travel business in Canada. A comprehensive business plan outlines your company’s objectives, strategies, and financial projections. It also helps you identify potential challenges and opportunities and develop solutions to overcome them.

To start with, conduct thorough research and assess the current market to understand your target audience’s needs and expectations. Your business plan should reflect the unique value proposition of your travel business. It should also include an analysis of your competitors, the services they offer, and their pricing strategies.

Next, outline the structure of your travel business and the roles and responsibilities of each team member. This section should also highlight your marketing and sales strategies, customer acquisition costs, and revenue streams. It is essential to include a detailed financial plan, including cash flow projections, sales estimates, and profit and loss statements.

Your travel business plan should also address the legal requirements for operating a business in Canada. This includes registering your business, obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, and complying with tax regulations.

Remember, your business plan for travel business should be dynamic and adaptable to changing market conditions and customer preferences. Regularly reviewing and updating your business plan will help you stay competitive and achieve your business goals.

Registering Your Travel Business in Canada

Once you have developed a solid business plan, the next step is to register your travel business in Canada. Registering your business is a legal requirement and ensures that you are operating within the law. Here is an overview of the registration process and legal requirements that you need to take care of:

Choose Your Business Structure

The first step in the registration process is to determine your business structure. You can either register your travel business as a sole proprietorship or a corporation. A sole proprietorship is a simpler and more cost-effective option, while a corporation offers more liability protection.

Register Your Business Name

You need to register your business name with the appropriate authorities. Ensure that your business name is unique and does not infringe on any trademarks. You can conduct a search on the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) website to check if your chosen name is available.

Get Your Business Number

You need to get a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The BN is a unique 9-digit identifier that you will use when dealing with the CRA for tax-related matters.

Register for GST/HST

If your travel business has an annual revenue of $30,000 CAD or more, you need to register for the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST). The GST/HST is a tax on most goods and services sold in Canada and is administered by the CRA.

Get Necessary Permits and Licenses

Depending on the nature of your travel business, you may need to obtain specific permits and licenses. For example, if you offer tours in Canadian national parks, you need to obtain a permit from Parks Canada. Research the relevant permits and licenses for your business and ensure that you obtain them before starting operations.

Registering your travel business can be a complex process, but it is essential to operate legally. Seek the guidance of a legal professional if you are unsure about any aspect of the registration process .

Marketing and Promoting Your Travel Business

Effective marketing travel business is essential to get the word out and attract potential customers. With so many options available, it can be challenging to stand out from the competition. We have compiled a list of promoting travel business strategies that can help you reach your target audience and build your brand.

1. Develop a Strong Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is vital for the success of any business, including travel ventures. Ensure that your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and contains useful information and high-quality images. Utilize travel business promotion techniques such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising, and social media marketing to drive traffic to your website and enhance your brand visibility.

2. Leverage Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter provide an excellent avenue for connecting with potential customers and promoting your travel business. Create profiles on these platforms and regularly post engaging and relevant content such as photos, videos, and blog articles. Encourage your followers to like, comment, and share your posts to increase your reach and engagement.

3. Partner with Influencers

Partnering with social media influencers and bloggers in the travel industry can help you reach a broader audience and enhance your credibility. Identify influencers who align with your brand values and have a significant following in your niche. Collaborate with them to create sponsored content such as reviews, travel guides, and destination highlights, and include links to your website and social media platforms.

4. Attend Travel Expos and Conferences

Participating in travel expos and conferences is an effective way to network with industry professionals, showcase your travel business, and attract potential customers. Be sure to have a visually appealing booth, engaging marketing materials such as flyers and brochures, and knowledgeable staff to answer any questions attendees may have.

5. Offer Promotions and Discounts

Everyone loves a good bargain, and offering promotions and discounts is an effective way to attract new customers and retain existing ones. Consider offering discounts for group bookings, early bird bookings, and loyalty programs. Create visually appealing promotions and advertise them on your website and social media platforms to generate interest.

6. Encourage Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Positive customer reviews and testimonials can go a long way in building trust and credibility for your travel business. Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your website and social media platforms, and respond promptly to any negative feedback. Showcase your best reviews and testimonials on your website to highlight the quality of your services.

By implementing these marketing travel business strategies, you can increase your brand awareness, attract new customers, and grow your travel venture in Canada.

Managing Operations and Providing Excellent Customer Service

Operating a travel business in Canada involves managing a wide range of operations and providing the best possible customer service to grow your business. In this section, we will discuss some of the key areas that you need to focus on to ensure smooth and profitable business operations.

Streamlining Your Travel Business Operations

To effectively manage your travel business operations , you need to streamline the various processes involved. This includes everything from bookings and reservations to transport and logistics. Consider using software that can help you manage multiple aspects of your business, such as online booking systems, accounting software, and inventory management tools. This can help you save time, increase efficiency, and reduce errors.

Hiring the Right Staff

Excellent customer service is central to any successful travel business. Hiring the right staff with the right skill set and attitude is essential to delivering exceptional customer service. Ensure that your staff is well trained, knowledgeable, and friendly. As your business grows, consider hiring additional staff to provide support for various tasks, such as booking and reservations, transport, and customer service.

Providing Quality Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is essential to the success of your travel business. Ensure that you are responsive to customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback. Use customer relationship management (CRM) tools to manage customer interactions, respond to queries promptly, and personalize your interactions. This can help you build long-lasting relationships and boost customer loyalty.

By focusing on these key areas, you can effectively manage your travel business operations and provide exceptional customer service that will help you grow your business and establish a strong brand presence in the competitive travel industry in Canada.

Starting a travel business in Canada can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and research, it can also be a rewarding endeavour. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should have a solid foundation for launching your travel business in Canada.

Adapt to Market Changes

Remember that the travel industry is always evolving, so it’s important to stay informed about market changes and adjust your business plan accordingly. Keep an eye on industry trends and be prepared to pivot your strategy if necessary.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Delivering exceptional customer service is one of the most important aspects of running a successful travel business. Make sure you have a robust system in place to manage bookings, logistics, and customer inquiries, and be responsive to customer feedback and concerns.

Stay Compliant with Legal Requirements

When launching your travel business in Canada, it’s essential to comply with all legal requirements, including registering your business and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. Make sure you do your due diligence and consult with a legal professional if you have any questions.

Launching a travel business in Canada is an exciting opportunity to share your passion for travel with others. With hard work, dedication, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, you can build a successful and profitable business that helps people create unforgettable travel experiences.

How do I start a travel business in Canada?

To start a travel business in Canada effectively, you need to understand the market and fulfill legal requirements. This includes researching the travel industry, developing a comprehensive business plan, registering your business, and implementing marketing strategies to promote your services.

Why is it important to research the travel industry in Canada before starting a business?

Researching the travel industry in Canada is crucial to gather insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and potential opportunities. This information will help you make informed decisions, identify your target audience, and develop services that cater to their needs.

How do I develop a business plan for my travel business in Canada?

Developing a business plan for your travel business involves conducting a market analysis, defining your target market, outlining your services, setting financial goals, and creating strategies for marketing and operations. It is essential to have a well-crafted business plan to guide your business’s growth and attract potential investors.

What are the legal requirements for registering a travel business in Canada?

To operate legally, you need to register your travel business with the appropriate authorities in Canada. This process involves obtaining necessary permits, licenses, and fulfilling any other legal requirements specific to the travel industry. It is advisable to consult with local authorities or seek legal advice to ensure compliance.

How can I effectively market and promote my travel business in Canada?

Marketing and promotion play a vital role in attracting customers and establishing your brand presence. To effectively market your travel business in Canada, you can utilize online advertising, social media marketing, partnerships with tourism organizations, and providing exceptional customer service. Tailor your marketing strategies to the preferences of your target audience to maximize reach and engagement.

How can I efficiently manage my travel business operations and provide excellent customer service?

Managing travel business operations involves handling bookings, logistics, and ensuring smooth customer experiences. Implementing efficient booking systems, maintaining clear communication with customers, and delivering exceptional customer service are essential. Prioritize customer satisfaction to build loyalty and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

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Canadian Regulations for Travel Agencies in a Nutshell

We have a pretty comprehensive article on US Seller of Travel Laws (SOT), but we don’t want to leave out our neighboring Canadian travel agents. Canada has enriched my life with many great gifts like poutine, Justin Trudeau, Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro, the prettier half of Niagara Falls, hockey, and Alaska (jk, that last one was from Russia. Thanks, Russia!).

Plus, from a design standpoint, their flag is pretty awesome. This is my long way of saying, I owe you one, Canada. So allow me to attempt to repay my huge debt with an article that includes some updates on Canadian travel agency regulations.

Want to fast-forward to a specific province? Here you go:

⭐️ HAR ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS: ⭐️

Canadian Licensing in a Nutshell [+infographic]
British Columbia
A List of Canadian Host Agencies, by Province

Canadian Travel Agency Licensing Regulations in a Nutshell:

Only three provinces have specific regulations for selling travel—Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. In short, this means that if you are a travel agent that operates your business in of any of these provinces OR if you sell to any residents of those provinces, you need comply with each province’s regulations.

There are no extra-territorial laws, so agencies that want to operate in or sell to clients in multiple of these provinces will need to register for licensing in EACH of those provinces. There’s no reciprocity, my friend.

Here is all is, simplified into a nifty infographic:

Of course, that's just the beginning. Read on for more details on each province's regulations.

Quebec Travel Agency Licensing Regulations

Quebec is a bit complex, and not only because my French is veeeeeeeery rusty. But, in the spirit of licensing, there are oodles and oodles of bureaucratic hoops to jump through (let’s be honest, this is NOT limited to Quebec).

Like most licensing requirements, the Quebec Office of Consumer Protection (OPC) differentiates between travel agencies and travel counsellors. This is a line that can be pretty blurry for hosted agents, but I’ll attempt to bring it into focus below.

For hosted agents, I don’t want to mince words. Here’s OPC’s definition of an outside agent , verbatim, “travel agents who are contractually bound to a single travel agency. Most of the time, they do not work in the office. These counselors may not receive clients at home unless a duplicate of the travel agency's permit has been issued for an establishment located at their address.”

Here’s what you need as a hosted agent:

To be licensed as a hosted agent in Quebec, you must have Travel Counsellor Certificate (on the English translation of the site, it’s sometimes referred to as “the travel agency stewardship certificate”—don’t be fooled, it’s the same thing). The process for receiving the certificate is relatively straightforward:

Pass the Travel Counsellors Exam: You can register for your exam through the Institute of Tourism and Hotels of Quebec (ITHQ). The exam runs $53 and there are optional study guides and exam simulations (not required) also available for purchase. The exam consists of True/False questions, and applicants need to score a 65% to pass. Travel counselors must retake this exam annually to renew their license.
Travel Agency Certificate: Before you even apply, you must hold a Travel Agency Steward Certificate. This runs $56 CAD and you must renew it annually (the renewal is $28CAD). In order to receive your Travel Agency Steward certificate, you must be affiliated with a licensed travel agency.
Register Your Business: Registraire des entreprises du Québec .

The caveat here is that everything you do and sell must be under the umbrella of your host agency (including service fees). This means that, while you can have your own travel agency brand, you will still need to disclose to clients the name of the host agency you sell under, and you cannot accept money from your clients (only commissions from your host).

If that’s too restrictive, travel agencies can apply for a Travel Counsellor General Permit (not to be mistaken for the “Certificate”). You will need one whether you are based in Quebec OR selling travel to clients in Quebec. There are some exceptions, but they mostly apply to outfitters and folks who book travel without any compensation or commission (probably not you).

In order to apply for the General Permit, you must do all the above to get your Travel Agency Certificate, plus you get to have a little extra bureaucratic fun:

Eligibility to qualify for a Travel Counsellor General Permit in Quebec:

Another exam! Joy! This one is the Travel Agency Managers Exam , and it runs 70CAD and lasts 90min. If you’re taking the exam for the first time, you must pass it before you apply. But if you’re renewing (which you will do annually), you just need to make sure you pass it before the renewal date of your license.
Cost: The cost of permit is $74/$75 CAD per month for an agency and $46/$47 CAD per month for a branch office 1
Bond: You will need to provide a $25,000 CAD bond. This is used to compensate customers in the event the agency fails, closes or needs to provide compensation for services promised then not rendered. None of this will apply to you, but it’s a safety net that will help you as much as it will help your clients. 🙂
If the bond is a bearer bond or cash (CHA-CHING!), you will need to also submit a Merchant’s form (so you can’t go all anonymous superhero, and sell travel under the cover of night).
First-time applicants must demonstrate proof they have $5,000 CAD of working capital, and this must be verified by an external accountant and or auditor. (Sorry, you can’t submit janky homemade Excel sheets like I always try to do.)
Copy of agency’s opening documents and signature from of each trust account signed by its financial institution.
If your company is registered outside of Quebec, you need a certificate of compliance from Registraire des entreprises du Québec .

The licenses are issued 15 days after the completed application is received, but can be rushed in 3 days if you’re really in a pinch. 2 Did I mention my French is horrible? If I missed anything, let me know.

Ontario Travel Agency Licensing Regulations—TICO Registration

Travel agents in Ontario, Canada, you’re the most highly restricted. The first thing you need to know is that there is a difference between the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) Education Standards Exam (or the TICO exam ) and being a TICO registered travel agency.

Every employee working at an Ontario agency that is selling travel/providing advice (and yes, this includes you, supervisors and managers!) must take and pass the TICO exam. But get this. Even if everyone in your office has taken and passed this test, you aren't legal unless your travel agency is registered as TICO agency.

That's right Ontario travel agencies, you need two parts to be compliant:

TICO agency registration
all employees to pass the TICO exam

Or, on the flip side, if you're a hosted travel agent in Ontario, you need:

a TICO registered host agency ( search for TICO registered travel agencies )
to take (and pass) the TICO exam

So, here's the info that will help make sure you're legal! The (TICO) exam currently rings up at $35 CAD for travel counsellors, $35 CAD for managers/supervisors, and $50 for the combined travel counsellor/manager-supervisor test. Here's a great resource if you're looking for in-depth information on the TICO exam process .

Getting registered as a TICO agency is going to require quite a bit more moola. You can find more specifics on the requirements of the TICO agency registration on their site but we've shortened the list for you. Here's the things that will jump out to you and have you gawking at your screen:

There's a $3,000 CAD application fee for new agencies
You need to show financial statements proving you have $5,000 in capital to work with
You'll need letters of reference
A $10,000 security deposit (returned to you after 2 years of showing you're not going to rip anyone off)
You need to set up a trust account

If you're already a TICO registered agency, the renewal fee is based on your travel sales:

One last thing to note, the TICO agency registration is NOT transferable. So if you were looking to buy an agency, know that the costs to re-register will be significant. And after all that, if you're still ready to make the leap, here's the registration forms to become a TICO registered travel agency!

British Columbia Travel Agency Licensing Regulations

In BC, you'll need licensing regardless if you plan to be a hosted travel advisor or want to get your own travel accreditation . Big picture, if you want to get licensed in BC, here's what you need to do:

Register your business with the BC Corporate Registry (Tele: 1-877-526-1526, $40 registration fee and $30 name approval fee for Sole Proprietors, or $305 for LLCs)
Apply for your license to sell travel through the Consumer Protection BC (Tele: 1-888-777-4393, $1,293 fee for travel agencies/wholesalers and $839 for branch offices).

Here's a big whopping checklist of steps needed to get licensed in BC:

Here's a look at BC's license application checklist:

However, the process is going to be different for hosted advisors compared to independently-accredited advisors. Below offers a bit more detail:

4 steps to get licensed as a Hosted advisor in british columbia, Canada

Hosted advisors are considered a branch office in the eyes of BC. The good news for all y'all hosted advisors is that this route is lighter on the paperwork.

Here's the steps to get licensed:

Provide your municipal business license
Set up a business phone number (must be public, searchable, and clearly listed on your website, invoices, and other public documents.)
Fill out a branch location license form .
[For home-based advisors only] Fill out this form if you want to operate your business from home.
Get knowledgeable about lots and lots of rules and regulations .

9 steps to get licensed as an independently-accredited advisor in british columbia, Canada

Fun for you, you get to fill out a lot more paperwork than your hosted peers! Here are the nine steps you need to get licensed as a "head office" in BC.

Provide proof of registration or incorporation. (Go here to register your sole proprietorship or general partnership.)
Get a criminal record check (for Canadian residents).
Obtain and provide financial security. (Cash, Letter of Credit, Surety Bond, or Safekeeping agreement are all acceptable forms. Go to this link for more details.)
Provide financial information. (This ensures you have enough working capital to operate.)

List of Canadian Hosts by Province

Here's a handy dandy guide to see which Canadian-based host agencies are licensed to operated in the provinces mentioned in this article:

Travel Masters
KVI Travel
Casino World Travel
Travel Edge
TravelOnly
Prestige Agent Network
Travel Masters
Nexion Canada
Casino World Travel
Travel Professionals International
Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Newwest Travel & Cruises
The Travel Agent Next Door

British Columbia:

Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Newwest Travel & Cruises

If you want to operate to your agency in any of provinces outside of QC, ON and BC, AND you don't plan on selling to resident in any of those provinces, you're in the clear and don't need to worry about of this (but you're dang smart!).

Canadian + Fees.

This last part doesn't necessarily have to do with regulations but I figure since you've read the entire way through this, that you deserve a little pick me up. And I have just the thing for you.

Take some time to listen to a fellow Canadian who only sells air tickets (no he's not a corporate agent) and has come up with a way to charge a $60-500 CAD ticketing fee for every ticket. 85% of his income comes from fees. Feeling inspired and curious? Have a seat and plug into an episode of our Travel Agent Chatter podcast!

I reached out to Justin Trudeau for comment, but his offices mentioned something about him being busy running a country or something like that. Oh well. You can’t win them all. Look no further.

But I'd like to extend a very special thank you to two excellent resources who shared their expertise for this article: Mike Foster , President of Nexion Canada, ULC, and James Shearer , Chief Operating Officer of Travel Masters who offered a ton of great insights and information for this article.

Do you have thoughts or comments or ideas or experiences you’d like share? We want to hear from you!

Depends on when application is submitted: If it’s before May 1st, it’s the lesser amount in both cases. If you apply after May 1st on any given calendar year, it’s the higher amount ↩
if you want to do that, you will need to pay 50% of your entire permit—which would be half of the monthly cost times 16 months. ↩

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

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Associate Program – Home Based Travel Business

Our associate program.

If you have a great passion for travel and sales but are new to the travel industry or have not been a travel agent before.

Have a passion for travel

You love everything about travel. You already book travel for your friends and family – just imagine if you could get paid for it! Whether you already have a network of prospective clients or want to explore the world for yourself, your passion for travel could help you discover your dream career with TPI.

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Why TPI over others? TPI is 100% Canadian-owned and operated. TPI does not sell directly to consumers. Join TPI today – a company solely focused on helping your business succeed!

With TPI, a career as a home-based travel agent is both exciting and profitable. Our network of over 850 travel agents is backed by our travel, technology, training and marketing specialists in our head office and regional offices – making sure you have the support you need to achieve success.

Our turn-key accessibility, respected industry connections, personalized services and tools, and dedicated support are the reasons why TPI stands out as the best independent travel agent organization in the country.

Turn-key Accessibility

Start up and earning your first commissions.

TPI has transformed the way you can enter and take part in the excitement of the travel agent industry by providing an accessible, low investment opportunity – saving you up to 90 percent of what it would cost for you to start on your own.

Expand below to see some of the many benefits you’ll receive from being a TPI travel agent.

Make your own hours and be your own boss!
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Support staff located across Canada
Initial supply of personalized business cards and stationery to get you started

Recognized Relationships

Benefits of our industry-wide relationships.

Our tremendous buying power from our vast range of industry connections ensures you get the full benefits of industry-leading travel and tour operators while still receiving the best value and highest commissions in the industry.

TPI is also a proud member of Virtuoso , an invite-only global network of elite travel organizations and travel agents. Our Virtuoso membership gives us privileged access to exclusive amenities, travel offers and rare experiences that you can’t get on your own.

Our fully licensed and bonded organization is recognized and respected worldwide by suppliers
Use our established brand with no franchise fee
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Insurance coverage included of $2,000,000 Errors and Omissions
Exclusive Velocity rewards program gives you even more benefits and recognition based on your sales
Higher profit potential than any other independent travel business
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Referral Representative Program to help you build your business by having other travel agents work under you
Worldwide advertising of your member website on TPI’s websites

Including all services and tools

Flexibility and the tools for an easy operation.

By providing the tools and services you need to be successful, TPI makes your business simple to operate so you to focus on what you can do best: selling travel.

Personalized e-mail address
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Support and services across the country 24/7.

With two decades of experience in travel, we know what you need to be successful in this industry. We anticipate and provide the support, services and resources you need to build your business while maintaining independence and freedom.

Management team and organizational structure dedicated to helping you build your business
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Annual TPI Conference in an international destination

“Being new to TPI, the communication with the Business Development team has been wonderful. They have answered many of my questions and made this journey a smooth one…We appreciate their efforts to assist us in every way.” Scott , Saskatchewan

“TPI focuses on developing its Associates, and the annual conference gives you the tools to do so. It allows you to talk to suppliers, network with other Associates and meet with Head Office staff to move your business to the next level. I can’t think of a better way to spend my educational dollars.” Shauna , Alberta

“Working with TPI has been like a breath of fresh air. The back office support we have is amazing. We are never left hanging. We are always kept in the loop as to what is happening in the industry. TPI is always connecting us with suppliers to train and educate us. TPI offers wonderful rewards for our sales through the Velocity program – I just came back from Bali!” Debbie , Saskatchewan

TPI’s training is very intensive and provided me with all of the resources I needed to start in the field. With excellent teachers who know the travel business inside and out, I found the classes very interactive and responsive to my own learning needs. In general, TPI’s friendly support team always makes me feel like they can assist however needed. Alison B. Ontario

“Joining TPI (Travel Professionals International) was the best decision I made. Having no previous experience as a travel agent, I feel equipped and knowledgeable after training. The support then and ongoing received from Head office is second to none giving me the confidence and tools that I need for success. Also bonus, the people, especially my Regional Sales Manager, Rhonda, are amazing – truly caring professionals!” Alistien, Ontario

“I joined TPI 6 years ago and I have never looked back. The support I receive from our head office is second to none. I have met and befriended a number of other agents within the TPI family. If you are thinking of a career as a home based travel agent I wholeheartedly recommend TPI!” Rob W , Ontario

“Having the opportunity to be my own “boss” is priceless…TPI has supplied me with the skills and ongoing training to make my dream job become a reality. Having the chance to work from home and run a successful business has been amazing. Being part of the TPI family gives me the support and knowledge right at my finger tips whenever I may need it. I love being able to connect online with TPI support staff within minutes to guide me through any obstacles I may encounter. Keeping up with the times with social media and travel is important. The training and ongoing information sessions that TPI supplies make it easy to apply these new concepts to your everyday business practice. The TPI training team really focuses on what I need to make my business a success!” Kelly C , Manitoba

“NO ONE in the industry offers the support that TPI does. They all claim to but no one compares.” “You don’t get that anywhere else” Heather , Ontario

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Business customs in Canada are like those in the United States. Initial meetings are generally formal and exchanging business cards is expected. The use of a PowerPoint presentation or other technology during a sales presentation is common. Although English and French are both official languages in Canada, most international business is conducted in English.

Business culture varies somewhat throughout Canada depending on the region, and most Canadians identify strongly with their respective provinces. U.S. business travelers to Canada should familiarize themselves with the culture, history, and geography of the province where they will conduct business. Most important, business travelers should make a good first impression, and sell the reliability and trustworthiness of themselves and their company before trying to sell their product or service.

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COVID-related border and travel restrictions have been lifted, including the requirement that travelers to Canada provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. If you are planning a business trip, always check travel.state.gov before you go.

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Entry into Canada is determined solely by Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials, in accordance with Canadian law. Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

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U.S. citizens can present a valid: U.S. Passport; Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST); U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business or Form I-872 American Indian Card, or (when available) Enhanced Tribal Card.

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group) need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship if traveling by Land Mode only. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. (Note that children are also required to present their own passport when traveling by air).

Anyone seeking to enter Canada for a purpose other than a visit (e.g., to work, study, or immigrate) must qualify for the appropriate entry status, and should contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate. Because visas may take several weeks to process, applications should be submitted as far in advance as possible.

When returning to the United States from Canada, U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport if they are re-entering the United States via air. For entry into the United States via land or sea border, U.S. citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Driver’s License, or other identification. The only exception to this requirement is for U.S. citizens younger than 16 (or younger than 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group), who need only present evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate. U.S. citizen travelers are urged to obtain WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) compliant documents before entering Canada well in advance of their planned travel. Refer to the CBP website for further information.

In most cases, Canadian citizens are exempt from visa requirements for travel to the United States. Canadian citizens wishing to enter the United States as a Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor must obtain a visa. Companies applying for an initial E1 Treaty Trader or E2 Treaty Investor visa are processed at the United States Consulate General in Toronto; visa renewals and visas for family members are processed in Ottawa, Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, and Calgary. U.S. companies that require non-Canadian foreign business associates to travel to the United States should be advised that visa processing times can vary and may require additional time for administrative processing.

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link(s): State Department Visa Website.

Canada’s official currency is the Canadian dollar ($). There are 100 cents (¢) in a dollar. Coins have varied sizes, shapes, and colors. They are:

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As of October 06, 2021, the exchange rate was $1.37 Canadian dollar for one U.S. dollar. The last time the Canadian dollar was valued higher than the United States dollar was January 2013, at C$0.99 for US$1.

There are approximately 36 domestic banks, 18 foreign bank subsidiaries, 28 full service foreign bank branches, and four foreign bank lending branches. Canada’s banks operate through an extensive network that includes more than 5,890 branches and 18,640 automated banking machines (ABMs) across the country. Canada has one of the highest numbers of ABMs per capita in the world and benefits from very high penetration levels of electronic channels such as debit cards, internet banking, and telephone banking.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Telecommunications networks are highly sophisticated in Canada and comparable to those in the United States. Canada is integrated with the United States direct-dial long-distance telephone system (dial 1, the area code, and the number). Most U.S. mobile phones work in Canada, although roaming and long-distance charges may apply. Some U.S. mobile phone companies offer combined U.S. and Canada coverage plans. All forms of communication and transmission are possible, including voice, text, data and video, over regular phone lines, broadband, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Transportation

Canada possesses an advanced transportation system comparable to that of the United States. Canada’s truck, air, and rail services are fully integrated with U.S. networks, providing efficient access to consumers and suppliers throughout North America.

Although all cities have reasonably priced public transport systems, Canada is as much an “automobile society” as the United States. Within 200 miles of the United States border, there is an excellent highway and freeway system that connects with major U.S. interstate highways at the border and supports heavy truck, bus, and automobile traffic. Canada is ranked number one for road provision among all G7 countries.

The Trans-Canada Highway is a federal-provincial highway system that links all 10 provinces of Canada. With the main route spanning 8,030 km (4,990 miles), the Trans-Canada Highway is one of the world’s longest national highways and is recognizable by its distinctive white-on-green maple leaf route markers.

U.S. travelers should make note of both the similarities and differences when driving in Canada:

Gasoline is sold in liters in Canada, and Canadian safety standards for cars are like those in the United States.
International highway symbols are used in Canada, and distances and speed limits are posted in kilometers.
Seat belts and infant/child seat restraints are mandatory in all Canadian provinces. Fines are imposed for non-use of seat belts and child restraints.
Travelers renting cars in Canada during winter should make sure the vehicles are equipped with winter tires (mandatory in Québec), because all-season tires lose traction in wintry weather.

Canada’s railway system is the third largest among OECD countries at 73,000 km, with significant links to the United States. There is easy access to Canada’s major ports and to interior communities through truck-rail intermodal services.

Canada has the world’s longest inland waterway open to ocean shipping, the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System. The Seaway provides a direct route to the industrial heart of North America. Major ports include Vancouver, Montréal, Halifax, Port Cartier, Sept Iles/Pointe Noire, Saint John, and Québec City. Modern container facilities at major ports connect with inland container trains to ensure rapid movement of goods throughout North America.

Canada’s air transportation system includes 13 major international airports and more than 500 smaller ones. Not all these airports have scheduled commercial flights, and many are relatively small. Toronto’s Pearson Airport is the busiest airport in the country, handling almost one-third of all traffic.

Canada has two official languages: English and French. All Government of Canada services and documents are available in both languages. English is the official and commonly spoken language in most provinces, except Québec, where French is predominant. New Brunswick is the only official bilingual province where both languages are equally used.

Canada has attracted numerous immigrants in recent years, many of whom speak Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and a variety of Arabic dialects. According to Canada’s 2021 census, nearly 4.6 million persons reported speaking a language other than English or French at home. More than 450 languages were reported as a home language or mother tongue.

The level of public health and sanitation in Canada is high. Although Canada’s medical care is of high standard, health care is also government-controlled and rationed. Quick and easy access to ongoing medical care can be difficult for temporary visitors who are not members of each province’s government-run health care plans, and many physicians will not take new patients. Access to a specialist is only by referral and may take months to obtain. Emergency room waits can be long. Some health care professionals in the province of Québec may only speak French.

Canadian health care providers do not accept U.S. domestic health insurance, and Medicare coverage does not extend outside the United States. Visitors who seek any medical attention in Canada should expect to pay in cash or by credit card and obtain a receipt and description of the treatment to file their own insurance claims. Traveler’s medical insurance is highly recommended even for brief visits.

Most food and other consumables available in the United States can be found in Canada.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

Canada has six time zones. Newfoundland time is 4 1/2 hours ahead of Pacific Time. Local business hours are Monday to Friday, with the workday generally starting between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is now observed in all Canadian provinces, except for most of Saskatchewan, which observes Central Standard Time year-round even though it is in the Mountain Zone, effectively putting it on DST year-round. Under the Canadian Constitution, laws related to timekeeping are a purely provincial matter.

Canadian federal and provincial holidays overlap with some, but not all U.S. holidays, and differ by province. A complete list of Canada’s national holidays is located at the Government of Canada’s Public Holiday webpage.

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

Business visitors to Canada may bring certain personal goods into Canada duty- and tax-free, if all such items are declared to the Canada Border Services Agency upon arrival and are not subject to restriction.

Business travelers to Canada may also be eligible for an exemption of the GST/HST sales taxes paid for certain expenses in Canada such as hotel accommodations.

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Travel agencies.

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

You might choose to have a travel agent help you book your next vacation. Here’s what you need to know about using the services of a travel agency.

Association of Canadian Travel Associations (ACTA) : Over 12,000 travel agents across Canada work in ACTA member agencies – representing more than 80% of the travel business booked through a travel agency.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) : Travel agencies displaying the IATA designation are authorized to sell tickets for IATA-member airlines ( some 290 airlines in 120 countries).

Choosing a travel agent or agency affiliated with these groups does not guarantee that you won't have problems, but it can offer you an additional measure of security.

Although the Canadian Transportation Agency may be able to help with complaints about the air portion of travel arrangements booked through a travel agency or as part of a tour package, complaints about travel agents and tour operator services fall under provincial jurisdiction. The Consumer Hub can help you find the appropriate provincial or territorial government authority to seek redress for a consumer issue with a service booked using the services of a travel agency.

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Find answers to your transportation, financial services and telecommunications and broadcasting questions.

Welcome to CATO

We represent the interests and advocate on behalf of canadian tour operators.

The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) is a non-profit organization, consisting of highly respected tour operators from across Canada as well as supporting members.

CATO’s primary role is to inform government and other stakeholders of issues important to its members as well as advocate on their behalf.

What We Stand For

And how we can help you.

CATO is driven by a passionate group of volunteers who donate their time and ideas to advocate for an industry that is diverse, complex and has a foothold in virtually every community across Canada.

CATO’s members include organizations offering tour programs and travel packages originating from Canada to international destinations as well as inbound to Canada, intra-Canada and trans-border.

Join CATO today.

Our membership compromises some of the biggest travel brands in Canada, smaller long standing business, niche companies, aspiring start-ups, supporting members and anyone in between. Our door is open to any tour operator with a passion for our industry.

Proud CATO Members

Travel Agencies in Canada - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029)

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Travel Agencies in Canada

Industry Revenue

Total value and annual change from . Includes 5-year outlook.

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Trends and Insights

Market size is projected to over the next five years.

Market share concentration for the Travel Agencies industry in Canada is , which means the top four companies generate of industry revenue.

The average concentration in the sector in Canada is .

Products & Services Segmentation

Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.

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About this industry, industry definition, what's included in this industry, industry code, related industries, domestic industries, competitors, complementors, international industries, performance, key takeaways, revenue highlights, employment highlights, business highlights, profit highlights, current performance.

What's driving current industry performance in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

What's driving the Travel Agencies in Canada industry outlook?

What influences volatility in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth Matrix

What determines the industry life cycle stage in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

Industry Life Cycle Matrix

Products and Markets

Products and services.

Products and Services Segmentation

How are the Travel Agencies in Canada industry's products and services performing?

What are innovations in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry's products and services?

Major Markets

Major Market Segmentation

What influences demand in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

International Trade

Industry Concentration of Imports by Country
Industry Concentration of Exports by Country
Industry Trade Balance by Country

What are the import trends in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

What are the export trends in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

Geographic Breakdown

Business locations.

Share of Total Industry Establishments by Region ( )

Data Tables

Number of Establishments by Region ( )
Share of Establishments vs. Population of Each Region

What regions are businesses in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry located?

Competitive Forces

Concentration.

Combined Market Share of the Four Largest Companies in This Industry ( )
Share of Total Enterprises by Employment Size

What impacts market share in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

Barriers to Entry

What challenges do potential entrants in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

Substitutes

What are substitutes in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

Buyer and Supplier Power

Upstream Buyers and Downstream Suppliers in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry

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Market Share

Top companies by market share:

Market share
Profit Margin

Company Snapshots

Company details, summary, charts and analysis available for

Company Details

Total revenue
Total operating income
Total employees
Industry market share

Company Summary

Description
Brands and trading names
Other industries

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External Environment

External drivers.

What demographic and macroeconomic factors impact the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

Regulation and Policy

What regulations impact the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

What assistance is available to the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

Financial Benchmarks

Cost structure.

Share of Economy vs. Investment Matrix
Depreciation

What trends impact cost in the Travel Agencies in Canada industry?

Financial Ratios

3-4 Industry Multiples (2018-2023)
15-20 Income Statement Line Items (2018-2023)
20-30 Balance Sheet Line Items (2018-2023)
7-10 Liquidity Ratios (2018-2023)
1-5 Coverage Ratios (2018-2023)
3-4 Leverage Ratios (2018-2023)
3-5 Operating Ratios (2018-2023)
5 Cash Flow and Debt Service Ratios (2018-2023)
1 Tax Structure Ratio (2018-2023)

Data tables

IVA/Revenue ( )
Imports/Demand ( )
Exports/Revenue ( )
Revenue per Employee ( )
Wages/Revenue ( )
Employees per Establishment ( )
Average Wage ( )

Key Statistics

Industry data.

Including values and annual change:

Revenue ( )
Establishments ( )
Enterprises ( )
Employment ( )
Exports ( )
Imports ( )

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the market size of the travel agencies industry in canada.

The market size of the Travel Agencies industry in Canada is measured at in .

How fast is the Travel Agencies in Canada market projected to grow in the future?

Over the next five years, the Travel Agencies in Canada market is expected to . See purchase options to view the full report and get access to IBISWorld's forecast for the Travel Agencies in Canada from up to .

What factors are influencing the Travel Agencies industry in Canada market trends?

Key drivers of the Travel Agencies in Canada market include .

What are the main product lines for the Travel Agencies in Canada market?

The Travel Agencies in Canada market offers products and services including .

Which companies are the largest players in the Travel Agencies industry in Canada?

Top companies in the Travel Agencies industry in Canada, based on the revenue generated within the industry, includes .

How many people are employed in the Travel Agencies industry in Canada?

The Travel Agencies industry in Canada has employees in Canada in .

How concentrated is the Travel Agencies market in Canada?

Market share concentration is for the Travel Agencies industry in Canada, with the top four companies generating of market revenue in Canada in . The level of competition is overall, but is highest among smaller industry players.

Methodology

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Business visitor

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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What is a business visitor?
Does a business visitor need a special visa to enter Canada?
If I am a business visitor, do I need a work permit to work in Canada?
I am a business visitor and I do not need a visa. What documents should I bring, if any?
Do I have to submit my passport with my application for a temporary resident visa?
I need a visa to visit Canada. I want to study or work in Canada while I am there. Do I need to apply for anything else?
Do I need a medical exam to get a visa?
Must I leave Canada by the valid until date on my visitor visa?
I got a multiple-entry temporary resident visa to visit a relative in Canada last year. Can I use it to travel to Canada on a business trip?
I used a temporary resident visa for a recent business visit to Canada. Can I use it for a holiday in Canada?

How to write off business travel and not trigger red flags at Canada Revenue Agency

If you run into an audit on a questionable expense, it will cost you enough that you’re unlikely to come out ahead

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In his 23 years as an accountant, Frank Jasek has been asked by clients “more than once” whether they can write off gambling expenses in Las Vegas (no, even if they are with a client). And ditto for escort services, even though they’re legal in the state of Nevada.

Business travel is one expense category that attracts a second look from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), mainly because there’s potential for personal benefit, says Jasek, a partner with tax and accounting firm Prapavessis Jasek in Toronto.

How to write off business travel and not trigger red flags at Canada Revenue Agency Back to video

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As a result, he says, in recent years, the CRA has homed in closer on those writing off business travel expenses.

Red flags for the tax man. The CRA uses sophisticated algorithms to suss out expenses that seem out of whack. “It’s all about percentages,” says Jasek. “When we look at clients’ expense reports, if we see more than 10 per cent allocated to travel, we ask about it. That’s a lot.”

For big businesses, that percentage should be even lower. “They would never even get close to 10 per cent,” he says.

Jasek’s advice: look at your expense categories as a whole, and try to ensure you’re not taking an overly aggressive approach to all of them. “If you’re paying your kids, deducting a home office and entertainment expenses through the year and deducting high business travel expenses, maybe you should dial it back a bit,” he says. “There comes a time when you’re likely to catch the attention of the CRA.”

When we look at clients’ expense reports, if we see more than 10 per cent allocated to travel, we ask about it

Even if you’re able to justify those expenses, Jasek adds, there’s still an accounting cost associated with an audit and you’re unlikely to come out ahead in the end.

Bringing a spouse can be tricky. “The rule of thumb for the CRA is to say, ‘No, no, no,’ to a spouse coming along on a business trip,” says Jasek. But there are certainly good justifications. “If you’re meeting with a client and he is bringing his wife, it may not be good for business to go without yours,” he says.

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If your spouse is there to help staff the trade show booth, that’s a writeoff. For most entrepreneurs, “the business is a family affair and the spouse is an integral part of it,” says Jasek. “If you want to be conservative, you could claim 100 per cent of the expense for you and 80 per cent for your spouse.”

If your husband’s job is to decorate the trade show booth, however, that’s probably not a good enough reason to fly him to Hawaii. And, says Jasek, “we always say no to writing off expenses for kids.”

In praise of the bizcation. Combining a business trip with pleasure can be an excellent way to get some R&R and lower your tax bill, too. Your plane, train or mileage costs, hotel expenses and car rentals are fully deductible.

Go out with a client for dinner or a show, and you can write off 50 per cent of the associated entertainment expenses.

The caveat: The primary purpose of your trip must be business and the more planning you’ve done, in terms of setting up meetings or even coming up with a list of potential clients to cold call, the better. If you’re flying to Key West to buy office property, it’s not enough to grab a flyer from a real estate office and then go to the beach, says Jasek.

One conference, two conference, three conference, more? The rule on conferences: officially, you can write off two per year if “the business purpose of the conference makes sense,” says Jasek. “A Star Trek conference in Las Vegas is not a writeoff even if you’re a computer nerd.”

But the two-conference rule is flexible. First of all, more than one person from your company can attend. And if your business takes in several different segments, you can go to two conferences for each. “I could potentially go to two accounting conferences and two tax conferences,” explains Jasek, “because my business takes in both.”

Another factor: the conference must take place in the jurisdiction covered by your trade or profession, or where you do business. “I couldn’t go to a tax conference in Europe,” says Jasek. “That has nothing to do with my work.”

In the end, says Jasek, the overarching factor in whether the CRA considers travel deductible as a business expense is whether there’s a reasonable expectation it will help your business.

“These things are often decided on a case-by-case basis,” he says. “If the CRA decides to challenge you, they will take the left side and you’ll take the right side. Then it’s just a question of whether the facts support it.”

Camilla Cornell is a business writer and intrepid traveller, who nonetheless appreciates a little comfort when away from home.

[email protected]

Twitter.com/camillacornell

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Canadian Business Travel to Boom in 2024

Alan Woinski

April 28th, 2024

Canadian business travel is expected to grow robustly in 2024, outpacing global and U.S. rates, with increased spending and trip frequency despite financial challenges.

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The DJIA rose 154 points on Friday while Nasdaq was up 316, the S&P 500 rose 52 points and the 10 year treasury yield was down .04 to 4.67%. Lodging stocks were higher. The biggest gainers included SOND with a 10% rise, VCSA up 9% and BHR rising 6% on the day.

Business travel in Canada is poised for a strong, evolving future, according to the takeaways and forecasts unveiled during the Global Business Travel Association Canada Conference 2024 . GBTA released the Canada-specific forecast from its Business Travel Index Outlook report along with other research highlights, insights and trends ahead for the industry. For 2024, GBTA forecasts indicate Canadian business travel spending is anticipated to reach $25.9 billion USD, representing annual growth of 13.5%, outpacing both global (11.8%) and United States (9.2%) growth forecasts.

Other key GBTA research takeaways for the Canadian business travel sector included: 59% of Canadian travel buyers expect to spend more on business travel in 2024. Nearly 65% of Canadian travel buyers expect their company will take more business trips this year compared to last year, but 18% expect the same volume of business trips. When asked about challenges, Canadian buyers and suppliers cited financial concerns at the top of their list, namely the rising cost of travel, overall economic conditions and corporate budgets not keeping pace with needs.

Shamin Hotels will build two hotels and two restaurants adjacent to the Henrico Sports & Events Center , the latest piece of a large redevelopment at the former Virginia Center Commons mall site in Glen Allen , Virginia . The company will build a 4-story Residence Inn and a 5-story Home2 Suites . The hotels will be the 21st and 22nd Shamin Hotels in Henrico County and are scheduled to open in 2026. Operators for the restaurants haven’t been announced.

Autograph Collection Hotels announced the opening of Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, Autograph Collection . The resort boasts 270 rooms and suites; the Cactus SPA offering a gym and personal training facilities, steam room, sauna, and showers; a Kid’s Club; outdoor children’s pool; babysitting services; souvenir boutique shops; tour services; outdoor hot tubs; five sparkling pools; various restaurants; four bars; a convention center and eight event rooms with a total of 31,073 square feet; and an exclusive golf course.

Marriott’s Sheraton Suites Galleria Atlanta announced the completion of its $12 million renovation. The renovation enhanced every facet of the guest experience. The guest rooms received new carpeting, beds, bedding, furniture, artwork and upgraded bathrooms. The lobby and restaurant now have a refreshed, modern aesthetic with ample seating. The hotel is located near The Battery and Truist Park . The hotel is owned by Highline Hospitality Partners and managed by StepStone Hospitality .

In Ohio , the Cincinnati City Council approved a development agreement with Keystone Hotel Group to redevelop the Chong Building , two buildings with one façade spanning 614-616 Race Street, into a Home2 Suites by Hilton . The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. currently owns the property and will sell it to Keystone for $3.25 million. By summer 2027, the Chong Building will be a 109-room hotel. Keystone plans to add four stories to 614 Race Street and two stories to 616 Race Street. Building the Home2 Suites is expected to cost $28 million.

A hotly contested plan to add dining, retail, offices and hundreds of new hotel rooms to the TradeWinds Resort , in St. Pete Beach , Florida , was approved by the City Commission . The project, headed up by 1754 Properties , will be built in four phases, will take 20 years to complete, and is estimated to cost around $500 million. The plan includes: 629 new hotel rooms spread across 3 towers; a two-story, beachfront restaurant; a 12th floor rooftop viewing terrace open to the public featuring a glass-floor balcony and food and beverage options; three new outdoor pools; and three new public beach access points.

Hotel Sector Stock Index Performance April 20-26, 2024

What am I looking at? The performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the ST200 . The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets, including international and regional hotel brands, hotel REITs, hotel management companies, alternative accommodations, and timeshares.

The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more hotels and short-term rental financial sector performance.

Personnel Moves

Soho House & Co. Inc. appointed Eric Deardorff as a director, effective immediately. Deardorff has more than 35 years of financial and overall leadership experience, including having served as CEO at Garrad , Nicole Farhi , BLK DNM and Wolsey , and as CFO at Waterworks . Deardorff qualifies as an independent director. Deardorff has also been named as Chair of the Company’s Audit Committee, effective immediately, replacing Mark Ein who has served as Chair since July 2021. Mr. Ein will continue as a director of the Company.

Colliers hired Bradley Burwell as an Executive Vice President to join the firm’s rapidly growing Hospitality Practice Group as part of U.S. Capital Markets. In his new role, Burwell will work alongside group leader Mark Owens . Prior to joining Colliers, Burwell led CBRE ‘s New York hotels team.

International News

Following the successful launch of the inaugural hotel under its new brand, SIRO , Kerzner International Holdings Limited announced the signing of two new SIRO hotels. Properties in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia and Los Cabos , Mexico will join recently opened SIRO One Za’abeel in Dubai , and forthcoming SIRO Boka Place in Montenegro , set to open in Q4 2024. Developed by Fortem Capital and set to open in 2027, SIRO Palmilla will be located in Los Cabos. Comprised of 120 keys and a cluster of SIRO-branded residences, of which 14 will be standalone villas, the site is part of a new master plan development, Palmilla Reserve . Set to open in 2028 in the city’s prestigious business and residential district of Olaya , SIRO Olaya Riyadh will be developed by 80 Real Estate Company . SIRO Olaya Riyadh will feature 200 guestrooms, alongside comprehensive fitness and recovery facilities, unrivaled in the city to date.

Following the success of Numo Ierapetra in Crete , Numo Hotels & Resorts introduces its second project, this time in the Cyclades . Numo Mykonos will debut in Q2 2024 on the east of the island at Kalafati . The resort offers 27 rooms, a restaurant and bar, Etherea Boutique Spa , Ensoma Fitness Area and Mosaique boutique .

Abu Dhabi ‘s sovereign wealth fund wants to give a new lease of life to Madrid ‘s historic Reina Victoria , known as the bullfighters’ hotel. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority , owner of the property since last year, is negotiating with Accor the landing in Madrid of its brand The Hoxton . In this way, Melia would lose the management, which it has controlled for decades. This asset is the crown jewel of a Spanish portfolio acquired by ADIA last year. The Emirati fund acquired 17 hotels operated by Melia, which were in the hands of Equity Inmuebles .

The opening of a new flagship Sheffield city center hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant has been delayed. The new Radisson Blu hotel , in Sheffield, UK , was scheduled to welcome its first guests on June 10. The Sheffield City Council has confirmed that the opening of the 154-bedroom hotel has been rescheduled until later in June. The property will boast extensive conference and events facilities.

The Address , in Sligo , Ireland , has undergone an extensive makeover. Part of The Address Collective , it is the fifth property opened under the renowned brand. After an €8 million, investment, the newly updated 61-bed hotel features five restored stories, a wellness spa complete with gym, plunge pool, heated loungers and a Himalaya salt rock sauna, steam room, secret garden outdoor hot tub and two treatment rooms. The property is owned by Brian and Ciara McGettigan .

The Trevone Hotel , a 24-bed seafront hotel in the popular North Wales seaside resort of Llandudno , UK, went up for sale back in April 2022 with a guide price of £995,000, later reduced to £895,000. It has now had another reduction in its price and is on the market with Christie and Co for £750,000.

Pygmalion Capital has partnered with Gemini Group to provide a mezzanine loan for Kennedy 89 in Frankfurt . Kennedy 89, an Unbound by Hyatt hotel , is expected to open in late 2024, offering 180 rooms including 67 suites. SIC Properties represents the hotel’s owning entity. The property will be owner operated. CMS Germany advised Pygmalion Capital and Gemini on the transaction.

Companies: Kerzner International , 1754 Properties , Accor , Autograph Collection , Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. , Colliers , Gemini Group , Highline Hospitality Partners , Home2 Suites by Hilton , Marriott International , Numo Hotels and Resorts , Pygmalion Capital , Radisson Blu , Residence Inn by Marriott , Shamin Hotels , Sheraton Hotels & Resorts , Siro , Soho House and Co Inc. , Sonder Holdings Inc. , StepStone Hospitality , The Address Collective , The Hoxton , The Unbound Collection by Hyatt , Vacasa

Locations: Canada , England , Florida , Frankfurt , Los Cabos , Madrid , Ohio , Virginia

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

6 Cheapest Business Class Airlines for an Affordable Upgrade

By Jessica Puckett

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All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With the ever-shrinking seats in coach class, the allure of those spacious front-of-plane cabins has never been stronger. Flying business class can feel reminiscent of the golden era of travel, when glamour and comfort ruled the skies. Perks like lie-flat beds, privacy doors that encapsulate seats, airport lounge access, and even chauffeur services can entice even the most austere travelers among us to contemplate splurging on an upgrade every now and then.

Of course, those amenities all come at a price. Business class fares can be prohibitively expensive for the average traveler, with one-way tickets soaring as high as several thousands dollars. But did you know that the cheapest business class airlines offer many of the best perks for less money? If you know the right carriers, an affordable but luxurious business class ticket could be within reach. Here’s everything you need to know about the cheapest business class airlines .

What perks and amenities do the cheapest business class airlines give you?

On board a cheap business class airline that still offers good value, you can expect a spacious seat—one that lies flat on longer routes—better in-flight meals, complimentary alcohol, and reserved overhead bin space.

Other perks on the ground will vary from airline to airline. Some carriers “unbundle” their cheapest business class fares, meaning amenities like airport lounge access , seat selection, and over-the-top perks like chauffeur services aren’t offered to keep prices lower. Other airlines simply do not offer any customers amenities like lounges at all.

To get the cheapest business class fares, you’ll have to decide what perks are most important to you. Would you prefer to relax in a lounge during a long layover? Or is an affordable bed in the sky with fully closing doors of more importance? The airlines below all offer luxury, but the emphasis is put on different stages of the travel experience.

What prices are considered affordable for business class?

The price for that premium seat can get quite steep: Flights in top business class cabins can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Like other airline tickets , the price of cheap business class fares can depend on the destination, time of year, when you book, and the airline itself. The longer the flight and the plusher the cabin, the higher the fare will climb.

However, according to recent data from aviation statistics firm Cirium , The average business class fare in 2023 was $1,845. So anything near or below that price point can be considered a pretty good deal for one-way in business class—keeping in mind the factors like the length of the flight and the amenities your ticket includes.

6 of the cheapest business class airlines

TAP Air Portugal business class tickets can occasionally be found for under $2,000 roundtrip.

TAP Air Portugal

Generally known as a budget carrier, TAP Air Portugal actually offers a solid—and affordable—business class product as well. According to Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going.com , TAP Air Portugal routinely prices its business class seats to Europe for less than $3,000 roundtrip—sometimes even slipping below $2,000 roundtrip. For that price, you’ll get lie-flat seats with bedding that includes wrap-around duvets and large pillows, as well as meal service that features Portuguese dishes and wines. The seats and finishes might not feel as plush as other business classes, but you’ll have space to stretch your legs and lie flat at an attainable price point.

Turkish Airlines

Offering a few more amenities but still cheaper rates in business is Turkish Airlines, a carrier that Nastro says also consistently offers seats in business class on flights to Turkey and other destinations in Europe for under $3,000 roundtrip. You’ll be well cared for in Turkish business class, which offers a lie-flat seat that’s more than six feet long and up to two feet wide, with an 18-inch entertainment screen. When it comes to dining, you’ll have access to the airline’s iconic flying chefs, who prepare a litany of Turkish dishes and other cuisines mid-flight and essentially transform the business class cabin into a flying, top-tier restaurant. Plus, business class passengers also have access to Turkish lounges when they arrive at the airport.

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Emirates' most affordable business class option doesn't include perks like lounge access or seat selection.

Emirates “Special” business class fares

In order to give customers access to the cheapest business class seats, Emirates unbundles its business class fares. If you book one of these tickets, called “Special" business class fares by the airline, you won’t have access to Emirates lounges , chauffeur service, seat selection, or upgrades to first class. But once onboard the plane, you get all those bells and whistles Emirates business class is known for: ultra-comfy beds, gourmet food, premium cocktails, and even the A380’s onboard cocktail lounge.

Using the unbundled booking method can potentially save travelers thousands of dollars. A quick check of business class fares on Emirates’ New York to Dubai route for June 2024 showed the airline’s Special business class price at $2,787 one-way, while its Flex Plus business class ticket, which offers the most perks and rebooking options, clocked in at $6,229—a difference of more than $3,400. The Special fares are only available on certain routes and certain times of year, so if you see one that works for you, it could be worth locking in.

This little-known German carrier flies from 13 major US gateways to Europe, and is one of the best cheapest business class airlines out there. Condor’s sharp-looking business class cabins with striped accents offer seats that transform into a 6.5-foot lie-flat bed, 4K entertainment screens, and direct-aisle access for every passenger. Plus, each business class passenger gets access to Condor’s lounges. Fares start at about $1,100 on flights from New York to Berlin.

Qatar Airways’ Business Class Lite option is a more affordable way to book one of the best seats in the sky.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lite

Much like Emirates’ unbundled tickets, Qatar Airways’ Business Class Lite and Business Class Classic fares offer the same opulent seats to fliers who’d like to shave off a few amenities in order to save money. You won’t have lounge access or seat selection before check-in included in your ticket. But you can book into the revered Qsuites product, which offers fully closing doors around a spacious lie-flat seat (79 inches long and 21 inches wide) and impeccable in-flight service. While the price tag can’t be considered “cheap” compared to some carriers, the unbundled fares can be a more affordable way to book one of the best seats in the sky. The unbundled fares aren’t offered on all routes, but a search of Qatar’s flights from New York to Doha for August 2024 shows Business Class Classic fares for $6,268, while Business Elite is $8,810—a difference of more than $2,500.

JetBlue Mint

Although it’s not offered on every plane or every route, JetBlue’s Mint business class is among the best premium products in terms of value for the money. Mint offers a mix of standard lie-flat seats and more private suites with doors, depending on the aircraft layout. Each seat offers adjustable firmness, a massage function, and turns into a bed that’s six feet, eight inches long outfitted with blankets and pillows from Tuft and Needle. You can also expect some seriously scrumptious food and drink options, as JetBlue has partnered with New York restaurant group Delicious Hospitality, the collective behind Manhattan restaurants Pasquale Jones, Charlie Bird, and Legacy Records, to design the rotating menus in Mint. One-way tickets start at about $700 and range up to $2,000 to fly between New York and Los Angeles, but expect to pay more on JetBlue’s international routes.

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I'm an American who visited Costco in Canada. It may look identical, but it's not the same.

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

<ul class="summary-list"> <li>Costco has more than 100 locations in Canada. </li> <li>On a recent trip there, I visited a Costco in Niagara Falls to see how it compared to US locations.</li> <li>The Costco I visited looked identical to those in the US, but there were a few key differences.</li> </ul><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-costco-canada-compares-to-us-photos-2022-9">Insider</a></div>

Costco has more than 100 locations in Canada.
I visited a Costco in Niagara Falls to see how it compared to US locations in 2022.
The Costco I visited looked identical to those in the US, but there were a few key differences.

Growing up, my parents loved Costco because they could purchase food for our family of four in bulk for low prices. I remember spending Saturday afternoons exploring the warehouse with my brother while my parents shopped for produce, snacks, and everything in between with their membership.

While Costco started in the US — its first location opened as a Price Club in 1976 in a converted airplane hangar in San Diego — the wholesale outlet is now in eight countries, including Canada, according to the company's website.

As I learned on a trip there in 2022, Canada is home to more than 100 locations, according to Statista . While in the country for the first time, I stopped by a location in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to see how it would measure up to US stores.

It turns out it's pretty similar, but I found a few things to be different.

<p>The largest Canadian retailer is Loblaws, a supermarket chain, <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1243350/ranking-of-the-top-ten-retail-chains-in-canada-by-revenue/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20the%20supermarket%20chain,over%2046%20billion%20U.S.%20dollars.">according to Statista</a>. Costco surpassed Sobeys, Metro, and Walmart, according to the same source. </p>

The store looked mostly the same as the ones I've visited in the US. For starters, it was huge.

The largest Canadian retailer is Loblaws, a supermarket chain, according to Statista . Costco surpassed Sobeys, Metro, and Walmart, according to the same source.

<p>When I walked into Costco, I was immediately transported to my home country because the inside of the warehouse looked exactly like its counterpart stores in the US. </p><p>Ramsey Monroe, a Costco fan who has been to more than 200 locations around the globe, <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-costco-stores-unique-items-2020-2" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">previously told Insider</a> that the layout is similar in every store she's been in. </p><p>"If I ever feel homesick, I can just go to Costco," Monroe said. "I just feel at home at Costco so no matter where I am in the world, it's just comforting."</p>

I thought the inside looked the same, too. Like in the US, the warehouse had an open layout with stands of products in the middle and floor-to-ceiling aisles stacked with groceries along the perimeter.

When I walked into Costco, I was immediately transported to my home country because the inside of the warehouse looked exactly like its counterpart stores in the US.

Ramsey Monroe, a Costco fan who has been to more than 200 locations around the globe, previously told Business Insider that the layout is similar in every store she's been in.

"If I ever feel homesick, I can just go to Costco," Monroe said. "I just feel at home at Costco, so no matter where I am in the world, it's just comforting."

<p>According to a report from <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220817/dq220817a-eng.htm" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Statistics Canada</a>, more than 20% of the country's population speaks French as their first language. </p><p>While French is the primary language in Québec, according to the report, it's the minority language in Ontario — the province where I visited Costco. </p>

The first difference I spotted between the US and Canadian stores was the addition of French labels on products in Canada.

According to a report from Statistics Canada , more than 20% of the country's population speaks French as their first language.

While French is the primary language in Québec , according to the report, it's the minority language in Ontario — the province where I visited Costco.

In the clothing section, I noticed a wider variety of jackets than I've seen in US stores. They ranged in price from $50 to $100.

Since winters are colder in Canada, I thought this made sense.

Canada has one of the harshest winters of any country in the world because of its high altitudes and location up north, according to the Government of Canada . Dressing for the weather is essential to combat frostbite, windburn, and hypothermia.

<p>All Costco warehouses locally source vendors, <a href="https://www.insider.com/costco-australia-us-which-is-better-2019-9" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">as Insider previously reported</a>. </p><p>During my visit to the Niagara Falls store, I spotted <a href="https://www.costco.ca/bernard-maple-leaf-cookies%2c-8-x-325-g.product.100812224.html" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">maple leaf cookies</a>, <a href="https://www.costco.ca/gogo-quinoa---quinoa%2c-orange-and-mango-cookies%2c-6-%c3%97-165-g.product.100852151.html" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">orange mango quinoa cookies</a>, and <a href="https://www.costco.ca/berbician-halal-kobe-style-hungarian-beef-sausage-72-g-(2.5-oz)-x-8-pack.product.100739894.html" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Hungarian beef sausage</a> among other items that I haven't seen at Costco in the US.</p>

While many of the products looked familiar to me, each Costco has locally sourced products. So, I scanned the store for Canadian labels to find foods I couldn't get back home.

All Costco warehouses locally source vendors , as BI previously reported.

During my visit to the Niagara Falls store, I spotted maple leaf cookies, orange mango quinoa cookies, and Hungarian beef sausage among other items that I haven't seen at Costco in the US.

<p>From bison burgers to Wagyu beef, <a href="https://www.costco.ca/meat.html" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Costco stores in Canada</a> have a wide variety of locally sourced meats.</p><p>The US has a variety of locally sourced meat and seafood as well, <a href="https://www.costco.com/meat.html" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">f</a><a href="https://www.costco.com/meat.html" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">rom Chicago steaks to bone-in pork cutlets</a>.</p>

In the meat section, I noticed that most of the products were also sourced in Canada.

From bison burgers to wagyu beef, Costco stores in Canada have a wide variety of locally sourced meats.

The US has a variety of locally sourced meat and seafood as well, according to Costco .

<p>I see <a href="https://www.nestle.com/brands/chocolate-confectionery/aero" rel="nofollow sponsored">Aero chocolate bars</a> — a popular treat in the UK and Ireland — in the US every so often, but they're not widely available in my experience. According to <a href="https://www.mashed.com/141746/candy-bars-you-cant-find-in-the-us/">Mashed</a>, they're hard to find outside of Amazon.</p><p>So I was surprised to see them being sold in bulk in this Costco. As I learned later reading <a href="https://www.nestle.com/brands/chocolate-confectionery/aero" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nestlé's website</a>, it turns out the bars are widely sold in Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Japan.</p>

I also saw dessert items locally sourced in Canada. And there was some candy that I rarely see in the US, like Aero — my favorite chocolate.

I see Aero chocolate bars — a popular treat in the UK and Ireland — in the US every so often, but they're not widely available in my experience. According to Mashed , they're hard to find outside Amazon.

So, I was surprised to see them being sold in bulk in this Costco. As I learned later reading Nestlé's website , it turns out the bars are widely sold in Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Japan.

In the coffee section, I noticed the store carried coffee from Tim Horton's, where I had breakfast just hours before.

Tim Horton's is a popular coffee brand and fast-food breakfast joint based in Canada.

I got a breakfast sandwich and an iced coffee drink when I visited the chain and thought the food tasted fresher than that from most fast-food restaurants I've been to.

<p>Although I didn't get a chance to try it for myself without a membership, I noticed that the food court carried poutine, a popular Canadian dish that has three ingredients: fries, gravy, and cheese curds. </p><p>Later in my trip, I went to <a href="https://labanquise.com/en/" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">La Banquise</a>, a restaurant in Montréal known for poutine, and I really enjoyed it. The fries were crispy and greasy — just like I like them. I thought the gravy was reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner, and the curds added a unique texture without adding too much flavor.</p>

On my way out, I noticed the food court was selling poutine, a Canadian dish I haven't seen in US Costco stores.

Although I didn't get a chance to try it for myself without a membership, I noticed that the food court carried poutine , a popular Canadian dish that has three ingredients: fries, gravy, and cheese curds.

Later in my trip, I went to La Banquise, a restaurant in Montréal known for poutine, and I really enjoyed it. The fries were crispy and greasy — just like I like them. I thought the gravy was reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner, and the curds added a unique texture without adding too much flavor.

<p>Although I was outside of the US, visiting Costco in Canada felt like a taste of home. With a nearly identical layout to the American stores I've been to, I felt transported to my childhood as I strolled the aisles. </p><p>If I ever find myself in a Canadian Costco again, I'll pick up some Aero, Tim Horton's coffee, and poutine. </p>

Ultimately, I found that the Costco I visited in Canada was similar to its US counterparts. Next time, I'd go back with a member so I can try the products unique to Canada.

Although I was outside of the US, visiting Costco in Canada felt like a taste of home. With a nearly identical layout to the American stores I've been to, I felt transported to my childhood as I strolled the aisles.

If I ever find myself in a Canadian Costco again, I'll pick up some Aero, Tim Horton's coffee, and poutine.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

A blue airport screen showing extensive cancellations and delays is shown in close up with a man standing in front of it.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Line 9200 – Travel expenses

You can deduct travel expenses you incur to earn business and professional income . Travel expenses include:

public transportation fares
hotel accommodations

In most cases, the 50% limit applies to the cost of meals, beverages, and entertainment when you travel. For more information, go to Line 8523 – Meals and entertainment .

The 50% limit also applies to the cost of food and beverages served and entertainment enjoyed when you travel on an airplane, train, or bus, when the ticket price does not include such amounts.

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CATO's members include organizations offering tour programs and travel packages originating from Canada to international destinations as well as inbound to Canada, intra-Canada and trans-border. Learn More. Join CATO today. Our membership compromises some of the biggest travel brands in Canada, smaller long standing business, niche companies ...
COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required. Pre-board testing is not required. COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required. Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required. Using ArriveCAN is not required, but. to save time at the border, you can use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration ...
Business visitors attending meetings, events and conferences in Canada
Step 1: Find out if you're a business visitor or if you need to apply for a work permit instead. Step 2: Find out if you need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. Step 3: Check with your meeting, event or conference organizer to get an event code (if applicable) Step 4: Apply for a visa or an eTA if you need ...
Traveller entry requirements
Use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration before flying into Canada. Government of Canada's official one-stop-shop for comprehensive international travel information.
Travelling on business abroad
Before you travel abroad on business, you should be well informed about your market and about the laws, culture and business practices of your destination country. For more information, visit the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service website, which includes extensive information on doing business abroad, and the Travel Advice and Advisories page ...
What is a business visitor?
A business visitor is someone who comes to Canada: for international business activities. without directly entering the Canadian labour market. Examples of this include someone who comes to Canada: to meet people from companies doing business with their country. to observe site visits. because a Canadian company invited them for training in:
Travel Agencies in Canada
Expert industry market research on the Travel Agencies in Canada (2024-2029). Make better business decisions, faster with IBISWorld's industry market research reports, statistics, analysis, data, trends and forecasts. ... IBISWorld is a world-leading provider of business information, with reports on 5,000+ industries in Australia, New Zealand ...
Business visitor
If I am a business visitor, do I need a work permit to work in Canada? I am a business visitor and I do not need a visa. What documents should I bring, if any? Do I have to submit my passport with my application for a temporary resident visa? I need a visa to visit Canada. I want to study or work in Canada while I am there.
Starting a business
1. Planning a business. Assessing your readiness, choosing a business structure, market research and writing a business plan. 2. Choosing a business name. Selecting a good name, checking if a name is taken, registering and protecting your business name. 3. Registering your business with the government.
How to write off business travel and not trigger red flags at Canada
As a result, he says, in recent years, the CRA has homed in closer on those writing off business travel expenses. Red flags for the tax man. The CRA uses sophisticated algorithms to suss out expenses that seem out of whack. "It's all about percentages," says Jasek. "When we look at clients' expense reports, if we see more than 10 per ...
Canadian Business Travel to Boom in 2024
The DJIA rose 154 points on Friday while Nasdaq was up 316, the S&P 500 rose 52 points and the 10 year treasury yield was down .04 to 4.67%.Lodging stocks were higher. The biggest gainers included SOND with a 10% rise, VCSA up 9% and BHR rising 6% on the day.. Business travel in Canada is poised for a strong, evolving future, according to the takeaways and forecasts unveiled during the Global ...
What are the top stress points for Canadian business travellers?
Among the strains facing Canadian business travellers, schedule disruptions (45%) is the top source of anxiety, according to a study from Corporate Traveller Canada. That is followed by feeling the financial burden of rising travel expenses (44%) and the economic uncertainty (42%).
Travel advice and advisories
The Government of Canada's official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. ... You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or ...
50 Profitable Business Ideas to Start in Canada in 2024
32. Open a Food Truck. Operating a food truck in Canada is a profitable business idea, especially as the market size of street vendors is expected to reach $234.9 million in 2023. Costs to start a food truck can range from $40,000 to $200,000, lower than you would pay to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
6 Cheapest Business Class Airlines for an Affordable Upgrade
A quick check of business class fares on Emirates' New York to Dubai route for June 2024 showed the airline's Special business class price at $2,787 one-way, while its Flex Plus business class ...
I'm an American who visited Costco in Canada. It may look ...
As I learned on a trip there in 2022, Canada is home to more than 100 locations, according to Statista. While in the country for the first time, I stopped by a location in Niagara Falls, Ontario ...
Business expenses
You can deduct travel expenses you incur to earn business and professional income. Travel expenses include: public transportation fares; hotel accommodations; meals; In most cases, the 50% limit applies to the cost of meals, beverages and entertainment when you travel. For more information, see Meals and entertainment (allowable part only).
Marriott sees strong international travel demand, lifts forecast
Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano said "demand has normalized" in the U.S. and Canada, with room revenue increasing just 1.5% on the quarter. Abdullah Konte / Washington Business Journal
What to Know About the New Rules on Airline Refunds and 'Junk' Fees
The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing "junk" fees before booking. Here's what passengers can expect.
Line 9200
Line 9200 - Travel expenses. You can deduct travel expenses you incur to earn business and professional income. Travel expenses include: public transportation fares. hotel accommodations. meals. In most cases, the 50% limit applies to the cost of meals, beverages, and entertainment when you travel. For more information, go to Line 8523 ...

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Canada 2024/2025

18 Tour Operators in Canada with 68 Reviews

Intrepid Travel

Exodus Travels

G Adventures

Quark Expeditions

Collette Tours

Luxury Gold

New World Wine Tours

Insight Vacations

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Indus Travels

Canada Tour Reviews

Upcoming Departures

Canada Tour Companies

List of Canada travel companies & tour operators with 177177 reviews

Atlantic Tours & Travel

G Adventures

Discover Canada Tours

Moose Travel Network

Intrepid Travel

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tou…

Calgary Tours

West Trek Tours Inc.

Fresh Adventures

List your company on TourRadar

How to Start a Travel Business in Canada Effectively

Key Takeaways

Researching the Travel Industry in Canada

Developing a Business Plan for Your Travel Business

Registering Your Travel Business in Canada

Choose Your Business Structure

Register Your Business Name

Get Your Business Number

Register for GST/HST

Get Necessary Permits and Licenses

Marketing and Promoting Your Travel Business

1. Develop a Strong Online Presence

2. Leverage Social Media Platforms

3. Partner with Influencers

4. Attend Travel Expos and Conferences

5. Offer Promotions and Discounts

6. Encourage Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Managing Operations and Providing Excellent Customer Service

Streamlining Your Travel Business Operations

Hiring the Right Staff

Providing Quality Customer Service

Adapt to Market Changes

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Stay Compliant with Legal Requirements

How do I start a travel business in Canada?

Why is it important to research the travel industry in Canada before starting a business?

How do I develop a business plan for my travel business in Canada?

What are the legal requirements for registering a travel business in Canada?

How can I effectively market and promote my travel business in Canada?

How can I efficiently manage my travel business operations and provide excellent customer service?

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Canadian Regulations for Travel Agencies in a Nutshell

⭐️ HAR ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS: ⭐️

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Quebec Travel Agency Licensing Regulations

Here’s what you need as a hosted agent:

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