Canada Visa: A Complete Guide to Requirements and Application Process

Do Malaysians Need a Visa to Visit Canada?

Yes. Malaysian passport holders need a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) to visit Canada (no eTA option). Apply before you travel; most applicants must give biometrics. This applies whether you arrive by air, land, or sea.

If you’re flying and you see references to an eTA online, that does not apply to Malaysians—only to passport holders from visa-exempt countries.

You can check the official requirement and start your application on IRCC’s site.

Top Things to do in Canada

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Toronto/Kanada, Lapangan Terbang, Stadium BMO, Perkhidmatan Pengangkutan Sehala Piala Dunia Amerika-Kanada-Mexico, Sewaan Peribadi Tersuai

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Voucher Penggunaan Lounge VIP di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Toronto | Lounge VIP Lapangan Terbang Pearson (YYZ) untuk Transit/Menunggu Penerbangan

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DARI TORONTO: Lawatan Sehari Niagara dengan Niagara on the Lake & Perjalanan Bot

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Lawatan dari Toronto ke Niagara Falls: Akses Masuk Pantas Bot & Journey

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Tiket Masuk Dewan Kemasyhuran Hoki

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Lawatan Sehari ke Air Terjun Niagara dari Toronto

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Types of Canada Visa

Temporary Entry (short stays)

Visitor Visa (TRV) — tourism, visiting family/friends, short business visits (up to ~6 months per entry).
Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents) — multiple entries; stays up to 5 years at a time with private medical insurance.
Transit Visa — for airside connections in Canada up to 48 hours (visa-required nationals).
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — for visa-exempt flyers (not applicable to Malaysians, but included for completeness).

Study & Work (not “visas” but commonly required)

Study Permit — to pursue full-time studies at a designated learning institution (DLI).
Work Permit – Employer-Specific — tied to one employer/position (often LMIA-based).
Work Permit – Open — not job-specific (e.g., Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), spousal open work permits).

Business/Investment & Short-Term Business

Business Visitor (uses Visitor Visa/TRV) — meetings, conferences, site visits; no entry into Canadian labour market.
Start-up Visa (SUV) — permanent residence pathway for qualified entrepreneurs with designated Canadian backers.

Family, Humanitarian & Special Cases

Family Sponsorship (PR pathway) — spouse/partner, dependent child, parents/grandparents.
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) — discretionary entry for inadmissible persons in justified cases.

Economic Immigration (Permanent Residence pathways)

Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — nominations from provinces/territories.
Atlantic Immigration, Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (program availability may vary).
Caregivers pathways (when open).

Recommended Hotels in Canada

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NO.2

8.8/1086 ulasan

Union Hotel

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NO.3

8.4/1023 ulasan

Check inn CA

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NO.4

8.5/1087 ulasan

Pod-Inn Hotel

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NO.5

8.7/10194 ulasan

Best Western Plus Travel Hotel Toronto Airport

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NO.6

8.8/10107 ulasan

Spark by Hilton Toronto Airport

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7.6/10116 ulasan

Skye Residences

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Private Bathroom in Bedroom

Hotel di Toronto

Canada Visa Requirements (What Malaysians Typically Need)

Here’s a quick checklist of what Malaysians typically need for a Canada Visitor Visa (TRV):

Requirement	What it is	Notes / When needed
Valid passport	Malaysian passport, valid for your stay, with ≥1 blank page	Make sure it’s not damaged
Online application (TRV)	Complete the Visitor Visa (form IMM 5257) and follow checklist IMM 5484	Apply online via IRCC portal
Photos	2 visa photos meeting IRCC specs (35×45 mm, neutral expression, plain background)	Recent photos only
Biometrics	Fingerprints + photo at a VAC (e.g., VFS Global Kuala Lumpur)	After you receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter
Proof of funds	Recent bank statements, payslips, employment letter, etc.	Enough to cover trip + ties to return
Travel plan / purpose	Itinerary, hotel bookings, event invites, conference tickets	Avoid buying non-refundable tickets before approval
Ties to Malaysia	Employer letter & approved leave, business docs, property, family ties	Shows you’ll return after your visit
Invitation letter (if applicable)	From host in Canada with relationship, purpose, length of stay, address, contact	Needed for family/friends visits or business trips
Fees	Visa fee + biometrics fee (if applicable)	Paid online during application
Medical exam (if required)	Panel physician exam	Required for certain jobs or longer stays / country-of-residence rules
Police certificate (if requested)	Certificate of good conduct	Only if IRCC asks
For minors	Birth certificate, custody docs (if any), parental consent letter if not with both parents	Airline consent forms may also be needed

✅Official IRCC links

Apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-visitor-visa.html
IRCC online portal (sign in / create account): https://portal-portail.apps.cic.gc.ca/
Photo specifications: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/photograph-requirements.html
Biometrics info: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/biometrics.html

Countries and Regions that Enjoy Visa-Free Entry to Canada

Europe

Andorra; Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Croatia; Cyprus; Czechia; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Monaco; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania (electronic passports only); San Marino; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom categories (British citizen; British National (Overseas); British overseas citizen re-admissible to the UK; British subjects with right of abode; and British Overseas Territories citizens from Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks & Caicos).

Asia & Pacific

Australia; Brunei; Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR passport); Israel (national Israeli passport); Japan; Republic of Korea; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Samoa; Singapore; Solomon Islands; Taiwan *(ordinary MOFA passport with personal ID number); United Arab Emirates; Vatican City (Vatican passport).

Americas & Caribbean

Bahamas; Barbados; Chile. (U.S. travellers are listed below.)

Special notes (not eTA-required)

U.S. citizens: visa- and eTA-exempt; carry a valid U.S. passport.
U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders): visa- and eTA-exempt; must carry proof of status and a valid passport.

Tip:

Canada also has a limited “eTA expansion” for certain visa-required nationalities (e.g., Philippines, Thailand, etc.) who meet specific conditions (like holding a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa). That’s not full visa-free status, but it can allow flying to Canada with just an eTA—check the rules before you book.

Canada Visa Fees

Here are the current Canada immigration fees (CAD) most travelers ask about. Amounts below are straight from IRCC.

Category	Fee (CAD)	Notes
Visitor visa (TRV)	$100	Starting from” $100 per person. Super visa uses same base processing fee (insurance extra).
Transit visa	Free	For air transits ≤48 hours; no fee collected.
eTA (visa-exempt air travel)	$7	Required for most visa-exempt flyers (not U.S. citizens/PRs).
Biometrics	$85	Per person; $170 family max (applying together); $255 group of performing artists.
Study permit	$150	New applications and extensions.
Work permit (closed or open)	$155	Processing fee per person.
Open work permit holder fee	+$100	Paid in addition to $155 when applying for an open WP (e.g., PGWP).
Restore status (visitor/worker/student)	$239.75	Often paid with the new application fee (e.g., $239.75 + $150 for study).
Temporary resident permit (TRP)	$239.75	For certain inadmissibility situations.

Heads-up: If you submit at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), service charges may apply on top of IRCC fees.

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How to Apply for a Canada Visa

Source from www.canada.ca

Confirm you need a visa (not an eTA)

Malaysia is visa-required for short visits to Canada. You’ll be applying for a Visitor Visa (TRV).

Read the official “How to apply” guide

This page walks you through the process and opens the online application.

Gather documents with the IRCC checklist (IMM 5484)

Use IRCC’s official checklist to prep your passport, photos, funds, travel plan, ties to Malaysia, invitation (if any), etc.

Get visa photos that meet IRCC specs

Photo size and head size are specific (35×45 mm; head 31–36 mm).

Create/Sign in to the IRCC online portal and fill the forms

You’ll complete the TRV application online and upload your documents. (Forms like IMM 5257 are generated in the portal.)

Pay fees (visa + biometrics)

Visitor visa processing fee is CAD $100. Biometrics (if required) are $85 per person ($170 family cap). Pay online.

Give biometrics (fingerprints + photo)

You’ll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) in your IRCC account. Book an appointment at an official site (e.g., VFS Global Kuala Lumpur) and complete biometrics within the deadline stated on your BIL.

Wait for IRCC updates

IRCC will message you in your account. If approved, you’ll receive passport submission instructions and a decision letter. Follow the instructions exactly; VACs charge a service fee to transmit your passport for visa stamping.

Submit your passport

Use the method IRCC specifies (often via the VAC). After the visa counterfoil is placed in your passport, the VAC returns it to you.

Travel to Canada

Bring your passport (with the visa), supporting documents (e.g., itinerary, proof of funds, invitation if applicable), and your return/onward ticket. IRCC’s “Visitor visa” page explains arrival steps.

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How Long Does It Take to Apply for a Canada Visa?

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Canada

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👉 Tip: Fees may change, so always check the official Canadian immigration website for the latest information before you apply.

Hotels in Canada

5 star

Shangri-La Toronto

9.4/10Amazing135 Ulasan

Entertainment District Toronto|0.51km dari pusat bandar

This hotel was well worth the splurge!! Great location and the staff are so friendly and accommodating. They were always quick to help and the rooms were super clean. The pool and gym were also very nice.

Dari$452

Hotel X Toronto, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel

9.4/10Amazing112 Ulasan

Niagara Toronto|3.2km dari pusat bandar

The hotel was swanky, and we loved our stay. The view from the pool was fantastic. The restaurant on site had an incredible service, and the service was great.

Dari$274

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

9.5/10Amazing121 Ulasan

Church and Wellesley Toronto|2.12km dari pusat bandar

The overall hotel facilities were good, especially food is excellent.

Dari$631

The Hazelton Hotel

9.7/10Amazing107 Ulasan

Toronto|2.12km dari pusat bandar

The hotel is very very clean, every detail is very clean, the bed is big and soft and comfortable

Dari$531

SoHo Hotel Toronto

9.1/10Great102 Ulasan

Entertainment District Toronto|1.19km dari pusat bandar

Really nice and clean room , the staff was very helpful, will be coming back.

Dari$434

Windsor Arms Hotel

8.9/10Very Good100 Ulasan

Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.84km dari pusat bandar

Visited my niece studying a Toronto University

Dari$420

The Parade 1

9.4/10Amazing0 Ulasan

Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.77km dari pusat bandar

Discover all that Old Toronto has to offer during your stay at RivetStays - The Parade 1.Parking is available at the property.

Dari$64

CENTRAL TORONTO

9.7/10Amazing0 Ulasan

Toronto|5.83km dari pusat bandar

Business travel

DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown

9.1/10Great165 Ulasan

Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.28km dari pusat bandar

The room is spacious. Location is good, within walking distance to Eaton Centre, only 8 mins walk. You can also walk to the attractions at downtown like CN tower, City Hall, Rogers Centre….There are a lot of restaurants around, Japanese, Korean, western …. You can even find bubble tea shop within 3 mins walk. The hotel service is good, the waiters remember the drink I preferred on my second & the following days of breakfast already. They are caring.

Dari$220

Chelsea Hotel Toronto

8.3/10Very Good278 Ulasan

Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.59km dari pusat bandar

The room was clean and tidy, the air conditioning was at a comfortable temperature, and breakfast was abundant. The staff were polite and attentive. There are many restaurants nearby, so Chinese people who enjoy rice and congee will have plenty of options. The Eaton Centre, which is not far away, offers good prices and frequently has promotions.

Dari$132

Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel

9.1/10Great131 Ulasan

Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.35km dari pusat bandar

It is walkable to CN Tower and the main train station. The room is spacious but there is no safe.

Dari$360

Hilton Toronto

8.9/10Very Good388 Ulasan

Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.42km dari pusat bandar

The room was spacious with a great view and a convenient location, within walking distance to the Eaton Centre and Union Station, surrounded by major corporations like KPMG. The deposit was refunded quickly; the pre-authorization was released instantly upon check-out, unlike other hotels in North America where it can take up to two weeks.

Dari$176

Cambridge Suites Toronto

9.1/10Great83 Ulasan

Financial District Toronto|0.46km dari pusat bandar

Room was large and beds were comfortable. Thermostat did not work, we could only control temperature by turning it on or off. This caused us to get up several times during the night to regulate our room temperature. Bedrooms tv was disconnected. Shower had poor water pressure. Hot tub area was unclean. Biggest complaint would be the morning breakfast. Clearly the pancakes and the eggs came from packages. The pancakes were dried out and crispy around the edges, and the eggs were premade and processed. Home fries were stale and seemed old. Poor selection of food. Breakfast around the corner at McDonalds would have been of higher quality.

Dari$138

Novotel Toronto North York

8.9/10Very Good120 Ulasan

Toronto|13.08km dari pusat bandar

Everything was quiet and clean EXCEPT the bath and sink drains in the room were extremely slow. Standing in water above my ankles by the end of a shower. Things don't get this way overnight so I expect infrastructure maintenance isn't as timely as it should be.

Dari$205

Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown

8.9/10Very Good124 Ulasan

The Harbourfront Toronto|1.62km dari pusat bandar

Got so lucky to have this room which was perfect to spend time to catch up with my friends! Suite room was amazing and the cleaner was the most professional one we have ever met! The location is just right in front of the Harbour and likely 5 mins from Union station! We definitely stay again

Dari$267

Metropolis Loft - CN Tower

8.6/10Very Good122 Ulasan

Entertainment District Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar

I’ll start with the positives. This is a fantastic location. You are steps from major downtown Toronto attractions. Restaurants and shops are everywhere. The CN Tower rises right in front of the building, which is pretty hard to beat. The apartment was clean. There were lots of towels. The bathroom was bigger than expected. If you split this with another couple, the price becomes very reasonable for downtown. That said, the second bedroom is tight. There’s basically no space for suitcases or personal items. Now the not so good. Arrival and check-in were chaotic. It was pouring rain during rush hour and there was nowhere to park as instructed. My husband had to keep circling while I ran inside getting soaked. Despite completing online check-in and receiving an “online check-in complete” email, my security deposit hadn’t gone through. I had checked the many emails they sent and didn’t see anything flagging this. Even though everything else was fully paid in advance, they wouldn’t let me go to the room to dry off or grab my glasses to fix the issue. I had to authorize a manual credit card charge over the phone because I couldn’t read their links without my glasses. Not a great feeling. The building entrance is nice. Big, clean, and airy. The hallway to the unit is the opposite. Worn carpet, scuffed walls, chipped paint. Not the best first impression. Inside the unit was better. It looked freshly painted and was clean. I paid extra for a balcony thinking “Metropolitan Lofts – CN Tower” meant we’d be sitting out admiring the tower. That part is on me for not checking. The listing didn’t promise a view. Our balcony faced an office building and a parking lot. Below was a sad patch of grass filled with old boots, a broken broom, crushed beer cans, and what felt like 10,000 cigarette butts. The neighbour used their balcony as a full-time phone booth at max volume. If you’re not on the Front St side, don’t bother paying extra for a balcony. The unit had enough space for two, but it was too warm. The thermostat didn’t do anything. It stayed around 24–25°C the whole time, which made sleeping uncomfortable. The bedding didn’t help. The bottom sheet was just a tucked flat sheet. It came loose both nights. The duvet setup was also odd, with layers of flat sheets above and below the duvet that slid around. I kept waking up on the mattress pad or directly on the duvet. A fitted sheet and proper duvet cover would fix this. The worst part was the elevators. They are very slow. Plan an extra 10–15 minutes just waiting. The middle elevator felt unsafe. It opened and closed repeatedly for no reason. It stopped at every floor with no one there. It randomly changed direction mid-trip. One time it didn’t line up with the floor and we had to step down. That was enough for me. I took the stairs after that. Overall: 5/5 for location, 4/5 for cleanliness. If you’re a group of four, the two-bedroom can be a decent value, just expect tight space. If you care about smooth check-in, reliable elevators, temperature control, and decent bedding, this might not be your place.

Dari$114

Breakfast

One King West Hotel and Residence

8.7/10Very Good78 Ulasan

Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.64km dari pusat bandar

The location is great, among shops and restaurants. The lobby is quite small, with only a couple of couches to sit. There is a restaurant and bar in the restaurant as well, with tables and chairs but the division is not as clear between what is lounge area for hotel guests and restaurant seatings. We were waiting for our room to be serviced and my husband sat at a table to do some work on the labtop and only about 20% of the restaurant had customers with the remaining tables empty. He was approached by a couple of waitstaff and he explained that he's there to do some work and didn't want to order any food. At which point, a manager approached him and asked him to move to the sofa area and not occupy a table and he did and then the manager approached him again, asking what room are we staying in as well as other details. There's not much work/lounge space in the area at all. I feel that they could have let him sit at a table, considering many of the tables were not occupied. I've seen people sit there on a previous day with their laptops and not order anything. So it was kind of unpleasant that that happened. Also, our room had absolutely no natural light, which made it very depressing. I don't know if I would recommend this hotel for a stay in Toronto.

Dari$218

Pantages Hotel Toronto Centre

9.1/10Great43 Ulasan

Garden District Toronto|0.37km dari pusat bandar

I originally booked a room for 4 people with 2 double beds, but it was changed to 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed. My back was very uncomfortable sleeping on it. They said it was an room upgrade, but it was actually a downgrade. My experience this time was really bad.

Dari$160

Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

9.1/10Great148 Ulasan

Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.17km dari pusat bandar

The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which immediately made us feel at ease. During the Christmas period, the hotel even offered complimentary hot chocolate and churros, which was such a lovely festive touch and really added to the atmosphere. The facilities were excellent. There is a 24-hour gym, which is very convenient, and the swimming pool stays open until 10pm or 11pm depending on the day. Towels are also provided at the pool, so you do not need to bring your own, which is always appreciated. Overall, the staff were warm and attentive, and the hotel had a genuinely welcoming and festive atmosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Dari$353

Toronto Don Valley Hotel

7.4/1041 Ulasan

Toronto|9.25km dari pusat bandar

I love this hotel. It's a great price, in a convenient location (to Uber around the city) and has great amenities. They have a bar on sight (it's simple but the menu is great). They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner there too, which you can get to-go and bring to your room. The outdoor and indoor pools are both very nice - especially the indoor pool. It's very unique and aesthetic. The hallways may be a little dated but again the price and the amenities far surpassed that detail. Some rooms even have balcony access to get some fresh air from your room which is really neat. This has been our go-to hotel when we head to the city to see a concert/show.

Dari$115

The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

9/10Great102 Ulasan

The Harbourfront Toronto|1.45km dari pusat bandar

The pool and hot tub were kinda dirty, the hot tub wasn’t working and they told us they’re gonna get an engineer to work on it but they left and never came back

Dari$353

Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto

8.9/10Very Good105 Ulasan

Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar

Excellent location, with CN tower just at the door step, and a short walk to the harbourfront and union station. Many restaurants nearby too! Take the UP express from the airport and it's just a short walk to the hotel connected via the link bridge. Don't bother with taxi or Uber, it's 4 times the price and you might get stuck in a jam like me. Rooms are big and clean! My stay was perfect!

Dari$375

Delta Hotels Toronto Airport & Conference Centre

8.9/10Very Good54 Ulasan

Toronto|16.15km dari pusat bandar

It’s near the airport, and they know it. As a result, the parking fare is quite high. Overall, the stay was average. One should be wary, however, that although the breakfast is complimentary, they expected a tip, which is absolutely ridiculous. How can one call it complimentary under such expectations?

Dari$169

The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel Toronto

9.3/10Great91 Ulasan

Toronto|2km dari pusat bandar

The room was clean, cozy, and had good soundproofing. The bathroom was also spacious and clean. However, a fire alarm went off around midnight, scaring me sleepless. I was too afraid to stay and too afraid to leave. Later, I thought that since the room was on the third floor, jumping out wouldn't be too bad, until the alarm was cleared! I couldn't fall back asleep until morning.

Dari$241

✅ Book your flight to Canada early to get the best prices.
✅ Arrange your accommodation in advance — whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend’s home.
✅ Get a local SIM card or pocket WiFi upon arrival — it will help with maps, communication, and finding your way around.

How Long Does It Take to Apply for a Canada Visa?

there isn’t one fixed timeline. IRCC’s processing time for a Visitor Visa (TRV) varies by the country you apply from and changes often. Check the live estimate here: the IRCC “Check processing times” tool.

What the timeline usually looks like

Stage	Typical timing	Notes
Submit application + pay fees	Same day	Online via IRCC portal.
Biometrics appointment	A few days–1+ week (varies by city/season)	You book after IRCC issues your Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). Processing-time charts don’t include the time to give biometrics.
IRCC processing	Varies by country	Use the IRCC checker; most apps are processed “in a few weeks or less,” but it can be longer depending on volume/complexity.
Passport submission for visa stamping (after approval)	Courier/VAC handling adds extra days	VACs charge a service fee for passport transmission/return; this time is not in IRCC’s processing estimate.

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Safe Travels and See You in Canada! ✈️

Whether you’re heading to Canada for vacation, study, work, or to visit family and friends, we hope this guide makes your journey easier. Prepare your documents, follow the right steps, and you’ll be ready to take off.

Before you leave, don’t forget to:

Canada is full of friendly people, beautiful parks, and vibrant cities. Pack your bags, dress for the weather, and get ready for an amazing experience.

Have a safe flight and enjoy your adventure in Canada! 🍁