- Northwood Tours
Answers to common questions about Canadian group travel
Planning group travel involves many considerations. Here we address the questions most commonly asked by group organizers and meeting planners.
We recommend 6-12 months for large groups (50+), 3-6 months for medium groups (20-50), and 2-3 months for smaller groups. Peak summer season and special events require longer lead times. That said, we often accommodate shorter notice requests depending on availability.
Please provide your approximate group size, preferred dates, desired destinations, accommodation preferences (hotel category), and any special interests or requirements. The more detail you share, the more accurate and tailored our proposal will be.
Our services are designed for groups of 10 or more. Smaller parties may be accommodated depending on the program, but per-person costs are typically higher for very small groups.
Quotes are based on group size, destinations, accommodation category, included experiences, guide services, and season. We provide detailed proposals breaking down all costs for complete transparency.
Typically, a 25% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 45-60 days before departure. Specific terms vary by program and are clearly stated in our proposals.
Citizens of many countries require visas or Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) to visit Canada. Requirements vary by nationality. We recommend checking the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for current requirements.
Check each traveller separately. IRCC's eTA guidance says visa-exempt foreign nationals need one for air travel, with exceptions including U.S. citizens and Canadian-visa holders. It costs $7 CAD and lasts up to five years. The payment card need not be the applicant's. To apply for someone else, answer "yes" to the form's question about applying on another person's behalf.
Our guide to entering Canada sets out what a group organiser should check before departure.
CBSA's visitor guidance requires declarations of food, plant and animal products, alcohol and tobacco. Undeclared food can lead to a penalty up to $1,300. Gifts must also be declared; eligible gifts under $60 each are duty-free. Alcohol limits and minimum ages need checking before packing.
While not mandatory, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and baggage. Healthcare costs in Canada can be significant for visitors without coverage.
Each season offers unique advantages. Summer (June-August) provides the best weather and longest days. Fall (September-October) features spectacular foliage. Spring (April-May) offers tulip festivals. Winter (November-March) presents holiday markets and snow activities.
Distances between major destinations: Toronto to Niagara Falls: 1.5 hours. Toronto to Ottawa: 4.5 hours. Montreal to Quebec City: 3 hours. Ottawa to Montreal: 2 hours. We design itineraries to balance travel time with sightseeing.
Absolutely. Please inform us of any dietary requirements (vegetarian, kosher, halal, allergies, etc.) when booking. Canada's multicultural dining scene offers excellent options for most dietary needs.
We recommend staying well hydrated, wearing comfortable footwear for walking-intensive days, and packing any personal medications in carry-on luggage. Our itineraries include balanced pacing with rest periods, and hotels along our routes typically offer fitness facilities for those who wish to maintain exercise routines during travel.
Our guides carry emergency contact information and know the nearest medical facilities at every stop. We coordinate with local emergency services when needed and maintain 24/7 support lines for urgent situations. We strongly recommend all international visitors carry travel medical insurance for the duration of their Canadian visit.
Canadian retailers quote pre-tax prices. Federal and provincial sales taxes are added at checkout and combine to roughly 13 per cent in Ontario and just under 15 per cent in Quebec, so budget accordingly when planning group shopping stops. Restaurant tipping is also calculated on the pre-tax total rather than the final bill.
Rarely worth the effort. Contactless card payment is accepted almost everywhere in Ontario and Quebec, including on most municipal transit, and bank machines give a better rate than airport exchange counters. A small amount of Canadian cash is still handy for tips and for the occasional rural market stop.
We provide guides fluent in English, French, and German. Other languages may be available upon request with sufficient advance notice.
Yes. Please advise us of any accessibility requirements, and we will select appropriate accommodations, transportation, and experiences. Many Canadian attractions offer excellent accessibility, though some historic sites have limitations.
We are happy to address any additional questions. Contact our team, and we will provide the information you need to confidently plan your Canadian group experience.
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