A Guide to Hajj Packages and Costs from North America
Background and Significance of Hajj
A Guide to Hajj Packages and Costs from North America because Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca that every able-bodied Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if financially and physically capable. For North American Muslims, particularly those in Canada, the logistical challenges of traveling to Saudi Arabia necessitate specialized travel packages. These packages typically include flights, accommodation in Mecca and Medina, transportation within Saudi Arabia, and sometimes additional services like meals and guided tours. The journey is not only a physical endeavor but also a profound spiritual experience, fostering unity and self-reflection.
Overview of Hajj Packages from North America
Several travel agencies and organizations cater to North American pilgrims, offering affordable Hajj packages from the USA and Canada that are designed to simplify the pilgrimage process. Based on current trends and available information for 2025, the following agencies are notable:
- Ikhlas Hajj & Umrah Services: This Canadian-based agency provides a range of Hajj packages for 2025, with departures primarily from Toronto. Their offerings include
Standard (non-shifting Makkah first): Available in 15-day, 18-day, and 24-day durations, starting at SAR 29,950 (approximately CAD 10,500). Accommodation includes Kiswah Tower 1 in Makkah and Waqf Othman Hotel in Madinah.
Premium (shifting extended Madinah first): A 21-day option at SAR 34,950 (approximately CAD 12,300), with accommodation at Hilton Convention Hotel in Makkah and Dallah Taiba Hotel in Madinah.
Luxury (shifting extended Azizia first): An 18-day package also at SAR 34,950 (approximately CAD 12,300), featuring DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Makkah and Pullman Zam Zam in Madinah.
All packages include flights from Toronto to Jeddah or Madinah and back, with expert guides and support. For more details, visit Ikhlas Hajj Packages.
Labayk Hajj: With a physical office in Calgary at 4949 51 Street S.E. Unit 200, Calgary, AB T2B 3S7, Canada, Labayk Hajj is a significant provider for Canadian pilgrims. Their 2024 packages, which can serve as a reference for 2025, included departures from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, with prices ranging from CAD 19,800 to CAD 25,800 depending on package type (e.g., Smart Premium, Smart Executive VIP) and room sharing (quad, triple, or double). Accommodation typically featured 5-star hotels like Swissôtel Al Maqam in Makkah and Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick in Madinah. We anticipate similar options for 2025, with pilgrims from Calgary able to connect through Toronto or Vancouver. Contact Labayk Hajj for updates
Other Providers: Agencies like Kaabah Tours and Umrah Packages Canada also offer Hajj packages from Canada. Kaabah Tours provides all-inclusive options from Toronto and Montreal, while Umrah Packages Canada focuses more on Umrah but may have Hajj options. However, details for Calgary are limited, and pilgrims should contact these agencies directly for tailored services. Visit Kaabah Tours hajj for more information.
Specific Considerations for Calgary Residents
Calgary, being a major city in Alberta, Canada, does not have direct flights to Saudi Arabia for reliable Hajj packages , which complicates travel logistics. Pilgrims from Calgary typically need to connect through larger hubs like Toronto or Vancouver to join package departures. For instance:
Ikhlas packages are centered around Toronto, so Calgary residents would need to arrange connecting flights, potentially adding to the overall cost.
Labayk Hajj, with its Calgary office, may facilitate local coordination, but their packages also depart from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Given their 2024 offerings, it’s likely 2025 packages will follow suit, with estimated costs aligning with CAD 19,800–CAD 25,800, subject to updates.
Pilgrims are encouraged to contact these agencies early to discuss the best hajj packages from Calgary and connecting flight options and ensure availability, as hajj spots are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cost Breakdown and Associated Fees
The cost of Hajj packages varies widely based on the level of service, duration, and additional fees. Below is a detailed breakdown based on available information:
Component | Details |
|---|---|
Flights | Round-trip from Canada (via Toronto or Vancouver) to Jeddah or Madinah. |
Accommodation | Hotels in Mecca and Medina range from 3-star (budget) to 5-star (luxury). |
Transportation | Buses or other transport within Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage rituals. |
Meals | Often included in premium or luxury packages; may be additional in standard. |
Visa and Insurance | Mandatory fees are typically handled by the agency. |
Additional Costs | Qurbani (Sacrifice): Approximately CAD 400 if not included. |
——–Do——— | Personal expenses (souvenirs, gifts, extra services). |
Estimated Costs for 2025:
- Standard Packages (Ikhlas): Starting from SAR 29,950 (CAD 10,500), based on current exchange rates.
- Premium/Luxury Packages (Ikhlas): Up to SAR 34,950 (CAD 12,300).
- Labayk Hajj (2024 Reference): CAD 19,800–CAD 25,800, expected to be similar for 2025.
Note: These costs are subject to change based on exchange rates (e.g., CAD to SAR), airline prices, and agency updates. Pilgrims should confirm all details with their chosen agency and budget for potential additional fees.
Practical Tips and FAQs
To assist pilgrims in planning, here are frequently asked questions based on common inquiries:
Conclusion and Recommendations
Planning for Hajj from North America, especially from Calgary, requires selecting a reliable agency and understanding the associated costs. Agencies like Ikhlas and Labayk offer comprehensive packages that cater to different budgets and needs, with estimated costs ranging from CAD 10,500 to CAD 12,300 for 2025, subject to updates. Pilgrims should start their preparations early, stay informed about the latest announcements, and choose a package that aligns with their spiritual goals and financial capabilities. For Calgary residents, connecting through Toronto or Vancouver is likely necessary, and contacting local offices like Labayk Hajj can facilitate smoother planning. Remember, Hajj is not just a physical journey but a transformative spiritual experience that brings Muslims closer to Allah.
Disclaimer
The packages and costs mentioned in this survey note are based on available information as of April 11, 2025, and are subject to change. Pilgrims are advised to contact respective agencies directly for the most up-to-date information and to confirm all details before making any bookings. Prices may vary based on exchange rates and additional fees not included in the package.
