Canada a la Carte Vacations




Vacation FAQ

How far ahead of departure do I have to reserve my vacation?
Are airport transfers included in the independent vacation price?
What does the vacation cost include?
What is not included in the vacation price?
Do you offer transfers?
Can Canada à la Carte book our airline reservations?
Are there documentation requirements for entry into any countries visited?
When will I receive my documents?
Can I use American dollars in Canada?
Can I use American stamps to mail letters and postcards in Canada?
How many people live in Canada?
How do I convert kilometers into miles?
How do I convert kilos into pounds?
What is the highest mountain in Canada?
What is the total size of Canada in square miles/kilometers?
What is the distance from west coast to east coast?
What is the capital city of Canada?


How long has Canada à la Carte been in business?
Canada à la Carte was launched in 2000 as an independent vacations division of Brennan Vacations. Brennan Vacations began operations in 1978.
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Where does Canada à la Carte operate?
Canada à la Carte's head office is located in Seattle, Washington. We have contracted a reservations center in Banff, Alberta. This serves as our operational base with our partner Brewster, to provide our clients with experts specialized in selling all of Canada. We are able to offer independent vacations throughout all of Canada with this partnership, the only limitation is that of the dreams of our clients.
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Does Canada à la Carte offer consumer protection plans?
Brennan Vacations is a member of the National Tour Association. In 1988 NTA established the consumer protection plan, and currently protects more tour companies then any other plan in the industry.

The Consumer Protection Plan applies in the event that an NTA tour operator becomes bankrupt. The plan then applies to deposits or payments for packaged travel that were made to the bankrupt tour operator. The plan also applies to a consumer's deposit or payment for packaged travel that was placed by a travel agent on behalf of that consumer with a bankrupt NTA tour operator. Effective Jan. 1, 1997, the plan's liability for qualifying consumer loss is limited to $250,000 per NTA tour operator member. The security of NTA's Consumer Protection Plan is available to tour travelers at no added cost.

For more information regarding the terms and conditions of the NTA Consumer Protection Plan, a copy of the plan or verification that an operator is a member in good standing with NTA, contact:
NTA Consumer Protection Plan
546 East Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
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Do you sell comprehensive travel insurance?
The comprehensive travel insurance is non-refundable and must be purchased at the time deposit is made. Canada à la Carte is not responsible for penalties imposed by the airlines. The insurance should be purchased at time of deposit, however may be purchased with final payment if you are booking within 60 days before departure.
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What forms of payment are accepted?
Canada à la Carte gladly accepts checks, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
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How do I make my reservation?
Once you have decided which vacation you wish to take, Canada à la Carte strongly recommends you visit your professional travel agent. Your travel agent can assist you and make your reservation for you.
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Do you accept late bookings?
Vacation sales normally close 7 days prior to departure. All late bookings are on request and must be guaranteed with a credit card if within 30 days of departure date. A late booking fee of $35.00 may be assessed to cover express mailing of documents and other expenses incurred.
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How far ahead of departure do I have to reserve my vacation?
Reservations are accepted up to 7 days prior to departure, subject to availability.
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Are airport transfers included in the independent vacation price?
Airport transfers are not included in independent or escorted vacation package prices. Inquire if an airport transfer is available when making your reservation.
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What does the vacation cost include?
The vacation cost includes all accommodation, transportation, activities, etc. as listed in the packages presented in the Canada à la Carte brochure and web site.
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What is not included in the vacation price?
The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas and any incidental charges.
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Do you offer transfers?
Airport to hotel and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an independent vacation are available to purchase on most Canada à la Carte vacations. Transfers can only be purchased for the first and last day of the actual vacation dates.
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Can Canada à la Carte book our airline reservations?
Canada à la Carte is happy to assist you in accommodating your flight needs. Due to vacation scheduling and limited availability you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of Canada à la Carte’s air packages. If you choose not to accept Canada à la Carte air, we cannot be held responsible for other arrangements you have made. On occasion, it is necessary to change tour dates. In this case, we can only protect air reservations booked through Canada à la Carte. Canada à la Carte is not responsible for penalties imposed by the airlines.
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Are there documentation requirements for entry into any countries visited?
All clients should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements. In addition, passengers are advised to carry a photo I.D. on all domestic and international tours. Passports and visas are required for U.S. citizens for certain countries and are reflected on specific vacation pages. However, requirements do change, so we urge you to confirm these with the appropriate consulate.
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When will I receive my documents?
Documents will normally be mailed four weeks prior to departure (provided full payment has been received).
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Can I use American dollars in Canada?
Yes, American currency is commonly accepted. However, the rate of exchange you will be offered will vary. In order to ensure that you receive the most favorable exchange rate, we recommend that you exchange your American dollars at any bank or credit union in Canada.
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Can I use American stamps to mail letters and postcards in Canada?
No, you will be required to use Canadian postage stamps to mail your letters and postcards. The cost to mail a letter or postcard to the U.S. is $.060 Cdn. (0-30g) and $1.05 Cdn. (0-20g) to overseas locations.
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How many people live in Canada?
As of the summer of 2007, Canada's population is over 30 million. The leading Canadian cities are Toronto (5.1 million), Montréal (3.6 million), Vancouver (2.1 million), Ottawa-Hull, the National Capital Region (1.1 million). A large majority of Canadians, 77 percent, live in cities and towns.
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How do I convert kilometers into miles?
To convert kilometers into miles, multiply the distance in kilometers by .62 or divide it by 1.6.
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How do I convert kilos into pounds?
To convert kilos into pounds, multiply the weight in kilos by .45 or divide it by 2.2
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What is the highest mountain in Canada?
At 6050 m, Mount Logan in the Yukon is Canada's tallest peak.
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What is the total size of Canada in square miles/kilometers?
Canada is the world's second-largest country with an area of 9,970,610 square kilometers or 3,894,770 square miles. Only the Russian Federation is larger.
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What is the distance from west coast to east coast?
Canada stretches almost 8,000 kilometers or 5,000 miles from St. John's on the east coast of Newfoundland to Tofino, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
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What is the capital city of Canada?
Ottawa, located in the Province of Ontario, is Canada's capital.
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