The New Flight Details
Air India has announced a new seasonal, non-stop service between Mumbai and Toronto. The flights will operate three times a week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—from October 25, 2026, to March 26, 2027. This service will be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER
aircraft, which includes First Class, Business Class, and Economy cabins. For the winter season, this makes Air India the only carrier with a direct flight connecting the two cities, a significant development for both leisure and business travellers looking to avoid layovers.
The All-Important Visa Question
Before you book, the visa is your first hurdle. Indian passport holders need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa, to enter Canada. Canada does not offer a visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens, so applying in advance is mandatory. The entire application process is now online via the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. You will need to submit documents, pay fees, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC). Processing times can vary significantly, with recent reports suggesting it can take around 83 days, though this is subject to change. Always check the latest processing times on the IRCC website before you start.
Key Documents for Your Application
A successful visa application depends on thorough documentation. The most critical part is proving 'strong ties to India,' which assures the visa officer you will return after your visit. Key documents include a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last six months), a detailed travel itinerary, and a letter explaining your purpose of visit. If you are employed, a letter from your employer granting leave is essential. If visiting family, an invitation letter from your host in Canada is required. Incomplete or inconsistent documents are a common reason for visa refusal, so be meticulous.
Budgeting for Your Canadian Dream
A trip to Canada from India requires careful financial planning. The largest expense is typically the flight. Round-trip economy fares can fluctuate widely based on the season and how far in advance you book, but you can expect prices to start from around ₹85,000 to ₹95,000 on direct or one-stop flights. Beyond airfare, budget for accommodation (which can range from ₹5,000-₹15,000 per night in a major city like Toronto), food, local transport, and sightseeing. A reasonable daily budget for a traveller in Toronto would be around ₹8,000-₹12,000, excluding shopping. Remember that taxes are added at the point of sale, and tipping of 15-20% is customary in restaurants.
When Is the Best Time to Go?
The new direct flight operates during Canada's autumn and winter seasons. Late October to November offers beautiful fall foliage, with crisp air and fewer crowds than summer. From December onwards, you will experience a true Canadian winter, complete with snow and cold temperatures, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. If you prefer warmer weather, the summer months from June to August are ideal for festivals and outdoor activities, but this is also the peak tourist season with higher prices. Spring (April-May) is a beautiful shoulder season as the country thaws and flowers bloom.
