Our Story, Your Trust
Five Decades of Exceptional Travel
Since 1974, our family-run agency has pioneered personalized service, transparent pricing, and human support—building lifelong relationships one trip at a time.
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Milestones that define us
A Chronology of Innovation & Growth
1976
A Family Beginning
Inder and Erna Handa, both school teachers, open Handa Travel inside their popular health food store Handa Health Foods in Glebe area of Ottawa. A small travel desk within the store becomes the foundation of the agency.
Inder and Erna Handa, both school teachers, open Handa Travel inside their popular health food store Handa Health Foods in Glebe area of Ottawa. A small travel desk within the store becomes the foundation of the agency.
1980s
Billings Bridge & India Tours
Handa Travel opens its standalone office at Billings Bridge Plaza, where it remains today. The decade focuses on guided tours to India, with Inder personally leading many trips and his wife Erna and children Nina, Tanya, and Alexander often joining.
Handa Travel opens its standalone office at Billings Bridge Plaza, where it remains today. The decade focuses on guided tours to India, with Inder personally leading many trips and his wife Erna and children Nina, Tanya, and Alexander often joining.
1990s
Expansion & Vacation Packages
The agency shifts from India tours to vacation packages to southern destinations. Offices open in Montreal’s Alexis Nihon Plaza and Toronto’s Two Bloor West, serving long lineups of travelers bound for Caribbean vacations. In 1998, son Alexander launches S-Trip! and I Love Travel, which grow into one of North America’s largest student travel companies.
The agency shifts from India tours to vacation packages to southern destinations. Offices open in Montreal’s Alexis Nihon Plaza and Toronto’s Two Bloor West, serving long lineups of travelers bound for Caribbean vacations. In 1998, son Alexander launches S-Trip! and I Love Travel, which grow into one of North America’s largest student travel companies.
2000s
Growth & Challenges
Handa Travel expands to 32 locations across Ontario and Quebec, many inside Loblaws grocery stores. Despite this growth, the company navigates the global impact of September 11 and the 2008 financial crisis.
Handa Travel expands to 32 locations across Ontario and Quebec, many inside Loblaws grocery stores. Despite this growth, the company navigates the global impact of September 11 and the 2008 financial crisis.
2010s
Coming Home
The company consolidates, closing outside locations to focus on the Billings Bridge head office. This return to Ottawa roots strengthens its reputation for personal, high-touch service.
The company consolidates, closing outside locations to focus on the Billings Bridge head office. This return to Ottawa roots strengthens its reputation for personal, high-touch service.
2023
Remembering Our Founder
Inderjit “Mister” Handa passes away peacefully in January 2023, just before his 86th birthday. His dedication to family, clients, and community continues to inspire everything Handa Travel does today.
Inderjit “Mister” Handa passes away peacefully in January 2023, just before his 86th birthday. His dedication to family, clients, and community continues to inspire everything Handa Travel does today.
2020s & Beyond
High-Touch Service
Handa Travel remains Ottawa’s largest and most experienced travel agency, focusing on clients who value trusted agents over online booking. The family tradition of planning every trip with care lives on.
Handa Travel remains Ottawa’s largest and most experienced travel agency, focusing on clients who value trusted agents over online booking. The family tradition of planning every trip with care lives on.
What Drives Us
Trust. Expertise. Human Connection.
People First
Trips aren’t transactions; they’re life moments. We listen, advise, and advocate for you before, during, and after you travel.
Experience Matters
Our advisors have decades of know-how across complex, multi-stop itineraries, groups, cruises, and tours.
Fair Value
We pair competitive pricing with the support only a dedicated agent can provide.
Local Roots, Global Reach
Ottawa service with worldwide partners and support.
Recognized Excellence
Industry Accolades & Strategic Alliances
TravelPro Magazine: “Top 10 Travel Agency in Canada” (2018, 2021).
Manulife Financial: Exclusive travel insurance partner since 2020.
Cruise Line Partners: Preferred status with Viking, Royal Caribbean, and AmaWaterways.
Local Community: Long-standing collaboration with Ottawa Tourism and charity fundraisers.
Stories of Trust
Half a Century of Happy Travellers
“We saved money and got expert help when our airline changed schedules last minute.”
Michael & Susan, Ottawa
“We saved money and got expert help when our airline changed schedules last minute.”
Michael & Susan, Ottawa
“We saved money and got expert help when our airline changed schedules last minute.”
Michael & Susan, Ottawa
Ready to Leverage Our Legacy?
Start Planning With Our Team
Let 50 years of expertise work for your next trip—connect with a dedicated advisor today.
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