30 years strong: How Canadvac is redefining travel in Canada

“Don’t give up yet,” says John Simon, President of Canadvac Travel Services, a company that has been the leading receptive travel specialist for Eastern and Central Canada for over 30 years. His words resonate deeply in today’s challenging Travel & Tourism landscape. As a small and medium enterprise (SME), Canadvac stands as a beacon of resilience, showcasing that even in turbulent times, perseverance and adaptability are key to survival and growth.  

The travel sector has weathered its share of storms, from economic downturns to global pandemics, but few have emerged stronger, like Canadvac. Their local connections and wide range of products highlight smaller accommodations and unforgettable experiences that come together to showcase the uniqueness and diversity of these regions. Their portfolio is brimming with authentic Canadian experiences—from cozy lodges and bed and breakfasts to yurts and domes—offers travellers a unique way to experience the rich diversity of Canada’s lesser-known regions. But what sets them apart?

A legacy of growth and expansion

Canadvac’s story began in the mid-1980s with a simple focus on Nova Scotia. Fast forward to today, and the business has grown to encompass accommodations and experiences that stretch from Newfoundland to Saskatchewan. Now under its third owner, Canadvac offers fully independent travel and self-drive services, and it prides itself on curating an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. This focus on small, unique products allows Canadvac to offer a truly Canadian experience, far removed from the cookie-cutter travel packages often associated with larger providers.

Their approach is refreshingly simple: “We work very closely with our clients, offering recommendations, bespoke solutions, and strong customer service to support them while travelling.” This level of attention is what has built Canadvac’s reputation, and it’s a philosophy many SMEs could learn from.

Rocky road of challenges

Operating in a niche market has its rewards, but it also comes with challenges. For Canadvac, one of the biggest hurdles is the responsiveness of smaller Canadian suppliers. As a business offering unique accommodations and experiences, coordinating with local suppliers can be tricky. And when it comes to European tour operators, getting them to invest in IT integration for Canadvac’s bespoke offerings, rather than opting for more generic, high-volume products, has proven to be a significant challenge.

Despite these difficulties, Canadvac continues to stand out due to its unwavering focus on customer service and its carefully selected product range. These traits differentiate them from competitors, who often gravitate toward more standardised offerings.

The fight for sustainability

Sustainability is a hot topic in today’s travel sector. And while Canadvac often discusses sustainability with clients, it hasn’t yet seen a significant impact on bookings. That said, the company is exploring ways to identify and promote sustainable initiatives, even though the wide variety of standards and certifications makes this a complex task.

For other SMEs looking to embrace sustainability, the lesson here is clear: it’s a conversation that must be initiated, but the real impact will depend on consumer demand and sector alignment around certification standards.  

Surviving the pandemic storm

The Covid-19 pandemic devastated the global travel sector, and Canadvac was no exception. Reflecting on the experience, John admits, “There were no positive impacts. And the impact is still not over.” Their greatest achievement, however, lies in surviving this unprecedented crisis—taking care of customers through hurricanes, fires, and a pandemic.

For Canadvac, recovery is ongoing, and their experience should serve as a reminder for other SMEs: resilience is not just about bouncing back; it’s about holding steady through the storm and adjusting when the time is right.

Embracing technology

Technology has been both a challenge and an opportunity for Canadvac. While larger European operators are slow to integrate bespoke travel offerings into their systems, better customer relationship management (CRM) tools and the promise of improved API integrations offer hope for the future. The company is yet to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), but a project is in the works, and Canadvac is eager to explore its potential.  

In a sector that often feels like it’s racing toward digitisation, Canadvac’s pragmatic approach to technology is a lesson for SMEs: invest in tech when it makes sense for your business, and ensure that it enhances, rather than replaces, the customer relationships you have worked hard to build.

Interestingly, Canadvac doesn’t rely much on social media to drive sales. With a B2B model, direct contact remains their strongest marketing tool. Face-to-face meetings and industry events like Rendez-vous Canada and Showcase Canada have been instrumental in generating business. Provincial tourism resources also play a key role in fostering fruitful local collaborations. Canadvac’s success is rooted in strong, personal relationships with its partners—a testament to the importance of human connection.

Canadvac’s outlook is hopeful but cautious. “Many businesses are still struggling to recover,” John acknowledges, but he sees opportunities in better IT tools and integration. Looking ahead, he envisions the business growing much larger in the next three years, provided he can secure the financial resources to support that growth.

But Canadvac’s message to the global travel sector is to help smaller businesses like theirs. John believes that true travel experiences are built through the one-of-a-kind, authentic accommodations and services that smaller providers offer.

A message for SMEs

For SMEs navigating the ever-changing world of travel, Canadvac offers this simple, yet powerful advice: “The road to recovery is long, and the challenges are many. But for those willing to weather the storm, the rewards are worth the effort.”

In a sector defined by adaptability and resilience, Canadvac’s story serves as a reminder that success is not just about survival but about creating something unique, staying true to your values, and building a legacy that can endure even the toughest challenges.

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