Hotels.com has a new program that lets you browse top 1%

May 13, 2024

Hotels.com has unveiled “Perfect Somewheres” 2024, a first-of-its-kind program celebrating a selection of the top 1% of hotels on the Hotels.com app.

Unlike other travel awards, Hotels.com Perfect Somewheres are based on a data-driven approach evaluating how hotels treat guests, with nearly 200 American hotels recognized on the list. Winning hotels were selected based on proprietary guest experience data, which factors in traveler reviews, interactions with staff and ratings on property facilities, and condition.

Select winning hotels are VIP Access partners, meaning they offer additional perks to members to elevate traveler stays.

Travellers should use this curated list as the go-to authority when searching for the best possible hotel experience.

“Perfect Somewheres 2024 recognizes the hotel industry’s creme de la creme,” said Expedia Group’s SVP of global communications, Lauri Metrose. “Most programs use only reviews, or focus solely on luxury — our new awards program spotlights hotels that craft extraordinary experiences and elevate the travel journey for our guests, regardless of the number of stars. This program fuels a powerful partnership: We showcase our partners’ excellence, and together, we connect travellers with their perfect somewhere. We look forward to these awards becoming a benchmark for excellence in hospitality.”

Narrowing down the choice

Research conducted by Hotels.com found that more than half (55%) of travellers admit to suffering from “vacation choice paralysis,” caused by too many options when deciding where to stay.

A quarter (27%) spend more than 10 hours researching which hotel to stay at, and 28% have given up altogether due to how time-consuming it became. Hotels.com’s awards aim to solve this issue for travelers.

Almost half (49%) of travelers are more likely, now than ever before, to use a credible hotel-grading program to source their stays. This list from the top 1% of properties acts as a one-stop shop for Hotels.com’s best properties across the globe.

Standout stays for 2024

From hidden gems to world-renowned destinations, these hotels are just a few properties representing the 700 that display the pinnacle of hospitality excellence across the globe in 2024:

Hotel Chapter Roma in Rome, Italy takes service above and beyond. The hotel offers services like a bespoke night out hosted by a nightlight editor, local market trips and dietary-friendly cooking lessons with their executive chef. Their services establish the hotel as an essential part of a guest’s experience in Rome, even upon return visits.

The Palmaïa House of Aïa in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico takes every angle of wellness into account at this all-inclusive retreat, including custom built nutrition plans, breath work classes, sauna/ice bath contrast therapy, yoga and meditation classes, energy healing and reiki, and an onsite shaman for ceremonies and spiritual wellness.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Sumai in Koh Sumai, Thailand not only is set to be one of the filming locations for the newest season of “”The White Lotus, but this hotel’s beautiful beaches are about to be a prime destination for set-jetters. The hotel offers every kind of beach activity and provides easy access to nearby diving reefs.

Hotel das Cataratas in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil with the perfect view as it is the only hotel within the Iguaza Falls National Park. While all other park visitors must adhere to the strict 9-5 opening hours, hotel guests get up to six additional hours of freedom to explore as well as private views of the falls from the property.

Ohla Barcelona in the historical center of Barcelona, Spain has an experience team that contacts guests before their arrival to offer them a menu of sheets, pillows of varying firmness, and bedding scents for free. Additional services include a bath butler and personal shopper.

Fingal – A Luxury Floating Hotel, located on Edinburgh’s waterfront in Scotland, this former lighthouse tender is now a 22-cabin boutique floating hotel. Its renovations have preserved historical design details from 1963, making it a destination for vessel-heads.

The Prospect Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, United States, where each Martyn Lawrence Bullard designed room was inspired by the property’s Hollywood history and former neighborhood residents. Bullard brings each room to new life with a Hollywood Regency foundation incorporating custom furnishings and vintage accents.

To book or browse the full list of Perfect Somewheres, click here.

Hyatt is opening more than 30 hotels in Latin America

May 8, 2024

World of Hyatt guests and members will soon have more than 30 new hotels to consider in Latin America & the Caribbean.

Through 2027, Hyatt is committed to expanding its brand presence in new and exciting destinations throughout the region.

The Destination by Hyatt brand is a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences that offers one-of-a-kind experiences around the globe with stays that are authentic to their destination.

The brand is expanding its footprint in Latin America & the Caribbean with the introduction of properties in two new markets:

  • The Legend Paracas Resort (Peru, expected to open in summer 2024): The resort, located on the coast of Peru about three hours south of Lima, is expected to join the Destination by Hyatt brand this summer amid a phased enhancement project focused on elevating guestrooms and common areas. Guests will have endless opportunities to discover the Paracas Natural Reserve or Paracas Bay with a range of curated experiences such as kayaking, paddleboarding, sandboarding, and more.
  • Cas En Bas Beach Resort (St. Lucia, expected to open in early 2025): Nestled on the northern tip of St. Lucia, and idyllically situated between two 18-hole championship golf courses and a stunning white sand beach, the resort will provide a secluded, elevated luxury escape. The resort is expected to open in early 2025 with contemporary residential-style studios, and one- and two-bedroom suites.

With 10 all-inclusive brands providing endless hospitality through well-appointed accommodations, exceptional service, gourmet a la carte dining, and thoughtful touches, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection portfolio continues to expand in new and existing destinations throughout Mexico and the Caribbean in 2023 and 2024.

New hotels coming soon

Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino adults-only expansion (expected to debut 2024): Expected to debut on July 1, Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino will open an all-new adult-only preferred club section to complement the existing family-friendly offerings. The 53 modern-designed standalone units, titled ‘IL MARE’, embrace next-generation architecture with modern interior design to create a first-of-its-kind luxury beachfront experience overlooking Piscadera Bay, with amenities such as thoughtfully appointed custom crafted furniture, a bathroom with two vanities, an indoor sitting area, and an oversized oceanfront terrace with direct beach access.

Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort family-friendly expansion (expected to open in summer 2024): Located adjacent to the existing Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, this new section will add 58 additional rooms, a new restaurant, and three new pools, including a dedicated pool for children with a pirate ship, a pool with water slides, and an adults-only pool.

Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa family-friendly expansion (expected to open in 2024): The new expansion of this resort will add new private luxury villas and a new event space, dining experiences and separate building that will feature a rooftop with breathtaking views, a bar, sushi bar, infinity pool and venue to host memorable weddings, along with premium room categories.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana (expected to open in 2024): Designed with the adults-only concept in mind, this intimate resort will feature nine gourmet dining options, including six à la carte restaurants, a buffet, a cafe, a grill by the pool, beach, and a private lounge for Preferred Club guests.

Dreams Playa Esmeralda Punta Cana (expected to open in 2024): The family-friendly resort will offer nine restaurants, three snack bars, an ice cream parlor as well as its own Preferred Club lounge, an Explorer’s Club for Kids with activities for children ages 3-12, a Core Zone Teens Club with entertainment for teens ages 13-17, and a water park.

Secrets Baby Beach Aruba (expected to open in 2025): This adults-only resort will mark Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection debut to the island of Aruba. Situated alongside Baby Beach, a popular white-sand lagoon in the southern part of the island close to San Nicolas, this new resort will boast architecture that blends with the landscape, offering stunning views of the region.

Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa (expected to open in 2025): Just minutes from the world-class Rodney Bay Marina, Cap Estate Golf Course, and capital city of Castries, guests will enjoy a stunning view of dramatically tapered mountains, volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, fishing village and more at this new adults-only property.

Breathless Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa (expected to open in 2025): Situated in a secluded zone just 10 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, the resort will be a prime destination for adults-only guests, featuring impressive amenities, including four swimming pools, a scenic rooftop with picturesque views, a variety of culinary options and more.

For more information, visit hyatt.com.

A new massive cruise terminal is opening in Florida

May 6, 2024

Port Canaveral is building a new cruise terminal to meet the growing demands of the cruise industry.

The strategic decision to build a new multi-user cruise terminal at the Port’s existing North 8 berth provides significant cost savings, operational flexibility, and an expedited construction timeline of approximately two years to accommodate the largest ships in the world across a spectrum of brands.

Port Canaveral’s existing North 8 berth shares its basin with the Port’s Cruise Terminal 5 on the northside of Port Canaveral. Designed and built in 2018 for multi-purpose flexibility, North 8 berth will require minimal modifications to extend the current 1,020 linear feet bulkhead to 1,344 feet to accommodate large cruise vessels. Additionally, waterside improvements to the northside of the shared basin will also extend and improve the berthing capacity of Cruise Terminal 5.

Timeline for design, engineering, and construction are in development with target completion for the new facility by summer 2026. The new terminal campus will include a multi-story parking facility to accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles and roadway improvements in and out of the new facility, including turning lanes and a “flyover” ramp directly connecting the site with State Road 401.

61% of Canadians crave meaningful travel experiences

May 1, 2024
If 2023 was the year for “revenge travel,” then 2024 is shaping up to be the year for intentional exploration.
 
A recent Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) survey conducted by YouGov reveals that 61 per cent of Canadians are planning to pack their bags within the next year—but this time with a purpose.
 
Canadians are trading impulsive getaways for mindful travel choices, seeking meaningful experiences that align with their values, aspirations—and tighter budgets. The same study reveals that 82% of respondents are opting to adapt their vacations in response to soaring costs rather than abandoning their travel plans altogether.
 

Survey highlights

Surveyed Canadians are adopting a strategic approach to their travel choices:

  • 86 per cent prioritize cost savings and exclusive deals
  • 74 per cent seek destination variety and uniqueness
  • 57 per cent value personalization and customization
    This mindset has resulted in a 35% uptick in tour bookings for 2023 over previous years, indicating the growing preference for value-centric travel experiences, with tours typically offering savings of up to 20% compared to independently booking the same itinerary.
  For more information, visit flightcentre.ca.

Air Canada just added extra summer flights to Asia and Europe

April 24, 2024

Air Canada customers have a wide range of exciting options across Europe and Asia this summer, along with a choice of 120 destinations in North America, to fulfill their summer travel plans.

Alongside new and enhanced international routes to Singapore, Madrid, Stockholm, Osaka and Seoul, the carrier’s Summer 2024 international capacity is growing by 30 per cent into Asia-Pacific and 25 per cent to key leisure destinations in Southern Europe compared to last summer.

Air Canada’s Atlantic schedule will provide the most non-stop service between Canada and Europe of any carrier. From Montreal and Toronto, Air Canada is launching new non-stop routes to Stockholm, and will increase frequencies to Rome and Athens. From Montreal, the carrier will also launch year-round service to Madrid, increase flights to Paris to up to three-times daily during the summer peak, and restore service to Lyon.

From Toronto, service will increase to Copenhagen and will commence Edinburgh and Brussels earlier in the season.

A gateway to the Pacific

Across the Pacific, Air Canada continues to build its Vancouver hub as the gateway to the Pacific.  

The carrier recently started year-round service to Singapore from Vancouver, and will increase capacity to Hong Kong, Osaka and Seoul. On the East Coast, the airline is excited to start seasonal service from Toronto to Osaka and increase capacity to Tokyo, while from Montreal, Air Canada will begin seasonal service to Seoul, complementing enhanced capacity to Tokyo.

In North America, new routes will be offered from Toronto and Montreal to Tulum, from Toronto to Charleston, and from Montreal to St. Louis, Austin and New Orleans. Within Canada, Ottawa–Calgary and Halifax–Vancouver flights will resume, and there will be frequency or capacity increases, including between Toronto and Saskatoon, Regina, Victoria, Sydney and Gander, as well as between Montreal and Regina, Saskatoon, Victoria, Edmonton, Moncton, Fredericton and Deer Lake.  

Air Canada is increasing its international network capacity by 8 per cent for summer 2024 compared to summer 2023. The airline is also boosting service to North America, with an increase of four per cent in available daily seats in 2024, with 518 flights to 120 destinations.

 

Stats say Canadians are ready to spend big on their next vacation

March 15, 2024

American Express Travel released its 2024 Global Travel Trends Report, highlighting the inspiration and trends driving global travel bookings this year.

The report reveals that Canadians rank as the second highest global market for anticipated average trip spend and are prioritizing spontaneous, bucket list, and once-in-a-lifetime vacations.

A summary of the Canadian findings from the American Express Travel 2024 Global Travel Trends Report are as follows:

  • Extended, bucket-list trips are on the rise: Canadians are looking to take longer trips compared to the global average, visiting multiple countries in a region or taking expedition/remote trips.
  • Canadians are willing to spend, unless a travel hack can help them save: Travellers are willing to foot the bill to get the most out of their trip but lean on travel hacks for cost savings and upgrades.
  • Spontaneity, solo travel and self-love drive travel desires: Canadians are leaving room for spontaneous exploration, exploring for self-fulfillment, and look to escape the chaos of daily life with solo trips.

What Canadian travellers want

One-in-three (33 per cent) Canadians planning on taking a trip in 2024 plan to travel for a major trip (e.g., bucket list trip, dream vacation) this year.

The most common types of trips Canadians consider to be a ‘dream vacation’ or major trip include multi-country tour within a region (66 per cent), expedition cruises (32 per cent), adventure travel (29 per cent), wellness retreats (23 per cent).

Among Canadians planning to take a trip to visit multiple countries in a region, 70 per cent plan on visiting Europe.

Canadians planning on taking a trip in 2024 are making the most of vacation time, with  one to two-week trips (45 per cent) and week-long trips (44 per cent) being most common, compared to week-long (47 per cent) and weekend trips (41 per cent) being most popular among global responses.

 

Canadians love savings

More than one third (36 per cent) of Canadians plan to spend more on travel compared to last year.

Globally, Canada ranks the second highest market for anticipated highest average spend for leisure trips at an average of $8,824 per trip.

Increased spend is balanced with a range of ‘travel hacks’ to save money on travel:

  • 44 per cent will travel during off-peak seasons.
  • 41 per cent will use credit card points to pay for flights/hotels.
  • 20 per cent will book through companies that offer complimentary hotel benefits (e.g. room upgrades, hotel credits)

Additionally, 85 per cent of Canadian adults agree that they are interested in finding flight deals so they can spend more on accommodations or upgrades.

The full American Express Travel 2024 Global Travel Trends Report can be downloaded here.

30 female-led tours that celebrate International Women’s Day

March 8, 2024

According to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data, women in tourism comprise a significant portion of the sector’s workforce, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the total employment.

This marks a substantial increase from 2010 to 2019, highlighting a 24 per cent surge in direct female employment within the sector, increasing from 38.6 million to 47.8 million.

Key findings reveal that hospitality stands out as the leading employer of women within the travel and tourism sector, with more than half (52 per cent) of all female employment in 2019 attributed to this segment.

“As our sector continues to grow, women have a key role to play; we have the opportunity to make travel and tourism more resilient and inclusive,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO, WTTC. “Putting women at the heart of travel and tourism will be critical to securing a sustainable future for the sector.”

In celebration of International Women’s Day (Mar. 8), here are 30 not-to-be-missed female-led tours to experience in 2024.

AAT Kings

On the 14-day Southern Spirit guided vacation offered by AAT Kings, clients have the opportunity to visit Real Country farm on a Make Travel Matter Experience near Queenstown, New Zealand.

The Real Countryfarm is founded and owned by Laura Koot, who is passionate about empowering women to join the agricultural industry in New Zealand. She offers the Southern Girl Finishing School workshop which was created to help build confidence in teenage girls.

Koot also partnered with the Fairlight Foundation to develop on-farm training programs that foster and support career advancement for women in the agriculture industry in New Zealand.

Fairlight Foundation aims to remove barriers for rural women and provide free professional farming courses and services to advance women in the farming industry. AAT Kings is committed to supporting and empowering women and donates funds to The Fairlight Foundation for every guest on the Southern Spirit journey.

African Travel Inc.

During African Travel Inc.’s 10-day Southern Explorer journey, clients can witness South Africa’s unique spirit of Ubuntu by visiting Uthando’s eKhaya eKasi Art and Education Centre, a non-profit organization located in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

Guests will participate in a Make travel Matter experience, where they’ll learn and experience the lives of these remarkable and courageous women by participating in various grassroots development programs. eKhaya eKasi serves as a community resource, providing skill training and entrepreneurship opportunities for women to promote economic development.

The centre also offers a range of community programs, including after-school activities for children, entrepreneurial skill development for women, and the sale of handmade crafts and art pieces available at the Art Boutique, which clients can purchase to support the artistic efforts of these women. African Travel, Inc. also offers private experiences with Uthando for clients interested in learning about Cape Town’s culture, history, and the philanthropic community.

Alpaca Expeditions

Featuring an all-female team of guides, porters and chefs, Alpaca Expeditions will offer a women-only, seven-day Salkantay & Sacred Valley Tour this June.

Participants will find themselves in a range of accommodations, including unique options like glass cabañas and charming hobbit houses, while embarking on an off-the-beaten-path trek along the Salkantay Trail, exploring the Sacred Valley, hiking to Humantay Lake and touring Machu Picchu.

Participants will also enjoy immersive culinary workshops, wine tastings, guided coffee tours and an educational excursion to an alpaca farm to learn about the traditional art of weaving.

G Adventures

G Adventures and its non-profit partner, Planeterra, have introduced five new community tourism projects designed to empower local women in the countries it visits, supporting the 444 women who help operate these five social enterprises.

Travellers can now experience the new women’s empowerment projects on the following G Adventures trips:

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations invites travellers to join small, all-female groups on 11 expert-curated itineraries that span the world from North Africa to South America.

Created for women by women, each itinerary ranges in length from eight to 16 days. Insight’s first small-group Women Only Tours depart in 2025. For a limited time, Insight is offering an eight per cent discount on their Women-Only Tours, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid’s Women’s Expeditions, which first launched in 2018, are a collection of tours led entirely by female leaders that aim to break down barriers for female travellers, debunk misconceptions about gender norms and celebrate the similarities and differences of women around the globe.

They are designed for female travellers and guided by amazing women all over the world. The trips allow travellers to interact and engage with a range of amazing local women while respecting local values.

In 2023, Intrepid added two new trips to its beloved Women’s Expeditions trip category, launching its first ever female-only tours in Pakistan and Nepal.

There are currently six to choose from:

Lion World Travel

On the nine-day Kenya in Absolute Style journey, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a Make Travel Matter Experience with a visit to the Kazuri Bead Factory, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls in the villages surrounding Nairobi who are single mothers, facing socioeconomic challenges and in need of regular employment.

The founder started by employing two single mothers, and today, Kazuri has remarkably grown to employ over 340 women who are skilled in crafting ceramic beads into beautiful and artistic handmade jewellery.

Planeterra

Planeterra recently partnered with Evaneos, an online marketplace for tailor-made tours. Together, they are launching three community tourism enterprises in South America, Asia, and Africa.

Urpis de Antaquillkais a community association formed by 23 women. They ventured into tourism to gain recognition for their handicrafts and generate direct economic income for their families. Through their experiences, this female-led association aims to share ancestral knowledge with those seeking genuine experiences.

PKP Community Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering female empowerment and gender equality among vulnerable Balinese women and local girls. Through various initiatives, the centre offers programs focused on teaching essential skills like sewing, cooking, yoga, and community integration.

Razafindrabe is a women-led social enterprise on a mission to create sustainable livelihoods for women by promoting traditional Malagasy Raffia craftsmanship. They aim to empower women economically and socially through craft-making while also preserving Madagascar’s cultural heritage.

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions recently rebranded, developed a new website, and launched two 2024 treks to Everest Base Camp trips.

In honour of International Women’s Day (March 8), Wild Women Expeditions is donating 100 per cent of profits from both 2024 departures of their Trek to Everest Base Camp expedition directly to the Canadian-based not-for-profit Ally Global Foundation.

The organization assists women and girls who have survived human trafficking with finding safe housing, educational opportunities and job training in Nepal and Cambodia, and provides training and trafficking awareness programs in Canada.

Almost half of young Canadians are taking “bizcations”

February 19, 2024

In its Vacation Confidence Study, Allianz Global Assistance reports that Canadian professionals aged 18-34, are leading the rise in the bizcation trend with a growing desire to blend remote work and vacations.

The study revealed that almost half (47 per cent) of young professionals plan to work remotely while travelling in 2024.

Bizcations are an emerging trend in the workplace, where employees can work and travel simultaneously without taking time off. It can also include tacking on a few days before or after a business trip.

The increasing prevalence of remote work options has empowered young professionals to work virtually anywhere. Allianz’s Vacation Confidence Study found that 17 per cent of Canadians aged 18-34 say that the stress and time of planning to take time off work is a considerable barrier to them planning a vacation this year. This demographic’s enthusiasm for bizcations represents a paradigm shift in how work and travel are integrated, opening up new opportunities to enjoy a healthier work-life balance.

Work life balance

The bizcation phenomenon has reshaped the way individuals approach work and travel. Allianz’s Study found that roughly a third of those taking a bizcation this year plan to be away for a considerable amount of time – about three weeks or longer.

Popular takeaways from Allianz’s Vacation Confidence Study include:

  • Many Canadians will tie-in a vacation with work responsibilities either by working remotely from a vacation destination (30%) or by adding vacation time to a business trip (24 per cent)
  • Canadians with children (43 per cent) are also likely to blend work and vacation in the same trip
  • There has been a shift in Canadians’ destination preferences – beyond Canada, Mexico/Caribbean (24 per cent) and the US (21 per cent) are the most popular vacation destinations this year

 

An expedition yacht with 6 suites arrives in the Galapagos

February 14, 2024

Conservation-led luxury travel company &Beyond has announced the extension of its South America portfolio with the launch of an expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands.

Named the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer, the 38 m (124 ft) yacht will operate on two 7-night routes in the east and west of the famed Galapagos Islands.

Boasting just six suites and cabins, the yacht will cater for a maximum of 12 guests, with two expert guides present on each departure.

With only 12 guests on board, the elevated guest-to-staff ratio makes the Galapagos Explorer the most exclusive yacht operating in the islands. In addition to the highest level of guiding, the vessel will also offer beautifully appointed spacious indoor and outdoor guest areas, as well as four exquisite cabins and two luxury suites. Currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment of its interiors, the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer will set sail on its first departure on June 17,  2024.

About the Galapagos voyage

Operating on two different seven-night itineraries, the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer will offer the choice of discovering the east or the west of the main cluster of islands, while including the highlights of the destination in both.

Highlights of the eastern itinerary include the magnificent formation of Kicker Rock, located just off San Cristóbal Island, as well as sightings of the critically endangered waved albatross in Gardner Bay on Española Island. The western Itinerary features highlights that include exploring the geographical centre of the Galapagos Islands, Sombrero Chino Island as well as close encounters with the rare Santa Fe land iguana on Santa Fe Island.

Both itineraries present plenty of opportunities for land and sea adventures such as snorkelling, hiking and birdwatching, as well as a plethora of unique and interesting land, air and marine species. Rates for both itineraries begin from USD $10,950 per person sharing per seven-night cruise.

 

Here’s why getting a Canadian passport might take a little longer

February 5, 2024

In the winter months, Service Canada has traditionally experienced spikes in demand for passport services.

As Canadians plan for March break travel or other winter getaways, they may be experiencing longer queues for in-person service at passport offices.

“Passport offices are often busy at this time of the year as people consider warm and sunny getaways, which can sometimes lead to line-ups at passport offices. Service Canada offers several flexible options for people wanting to apply for their passport, including by mail, at a passport office, or a Service Canada Centre,” said minister of citizens’ services, Terry Beech. “We are making government services more convenient and accessible, which is what Canadians expect.”

How to get a Canadian passport

Canadians are reminded of the range of options available for passport service, in addition to passport offices, that can help them avoid lineups:

  • They can apply in-person at one of more than 300 Service Canada centres and scheduled outreach sites located throughout the country. The processing time is within 20 business days.
  • Applicants can also apply by mail, and it will be processed within 20 business days.
  • A select number of Service Canada centres offer service in 10 business days instead of 20 business days.
  • For passports needed in less than 10 business days, Canadians must visit a passport office that offers urgent or express pick-up services.

Canadians can also take advantage of the online Passport Application Status Checker, to find out where their application stands in real time. The status of the application submitted in person will be available after five business days, and 10 business days for those submitted by mail.

Quick facts about Canadian passports

  • The service standard for applications submitted at passport offices and Service Canada Centres offering 10-day passport service is 10 business days.
  • The service standard for applications submitted at regular Service Canada Centres, scheduled outreach sites and by mail is 20 business days.
  • The performance target for application processing is for at least 90% of complete applications to be processed within these service standards.
  • For 2023-2024, the total forecast volume is between 4.5 million and 4.7 million.
  • Passport program statistics are published online, and all data is updated monthly.

For all the details on passport offices, Service Canada centres, and scheduled outreach sites, including the estimated wait times at passport offices, visit the Find a Service Canada Office webpage.