Winter is not the busiest season for tourists in Muskoka, but for Evans Travel winter is very busy. That’s when seasonal and permanent residents, seeking to escape the snow and cold, book their holidays at Evans Travel in Bracebridge.

  “People are traveling to all the hot places in the winter, of course -- the Dominican, Mexico, Cuba,” explains Don Evans, owner of Evans Travel. Don adds that February and March, especially the March break, are their busiest months. Even April can be busy, with many people still heading south. “Winter doesn’t end in March in Muskoka,” Don points out.

  “Cruises are always popular, and are better value now than ever for your money,” says Don. Liz, one of the company’s travel agents, mentions that Australia and New Zealand have been very popular this year.

  Located on Manitoba Street in Bracebridge, Evans Travel has been a family business since 1941.

  “Back then my Dad and Uncle had an Insurance company in Orillia, with the travel business on the side. They sold train tickets to the military that were home on leave during the war,” Don explains. Don took over the travel part of the business in 1969, when his cousin took over the insurance part of the business. It was still in Orillia at the time. Don’s wife Elizabeth opened the office in Bracebridge in 1980, running this office while Don remained at the Orillia office, until he sold it in 1984. They moved to the present location at Wenawae House on Manitoba Street in 1996. Don’s stepson Alan Fenton is manager, with travel agents Liz and Naomi covering sales.

  Evans Travel is a member of the Advantage consortium, a buying group that allows Evans to access preferred suppliers and better pricing.

  For more information, or to get help with travel plans call Evans locally at 705.645.5201, toll-free at 800.285.6410 or e-mail don@evanstravel.on.ca.