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This tour starts in Vancouver and ends in Calgary.

An arrival transfer is not included on this tour.

Please head to the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, from here you have two transport options; Taxi or Public Transit. All transportation is located on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level at both International and Domestic Terminals.

Taxi
The airport is located 14 kilometers from downtown Vancouver. On the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level continue to the designated taxi zones located right outside the Arrivals Hall on level two. An attendant will be there to help. The approximate fare to downtown Vancouver is between $28 CAD and $32 CAD (depending on traffic) plus gratuity.

Public Transit – Canada Line
The Canada Line is Vancouver’s new rapid transit rail link connecting YVR to downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes. It’s a fast and easy way to get to the city centres. You can conveniently access trains from both the International and Domestic Terminals. The Canada Line is accessible by elevator from both the arrivals and departures level.

WELCOME MEETING TIME: 18:00

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Once you arrive at your Joining Hotel, look out for a Welcome Note which will be left at reception with all of the necessary information regarding your Welcome Meeting, along with the meeting time (usually between 5pm and 7pm). This is when you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, receive information about any general and specific aspects of the trip and learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you arrive late, your CEO will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

G Adventures believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so their group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. 

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.

For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.

It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a light jacket. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

NOTE: Mountains in the Canadian Rockies can have unpredictable weather with snow and heavy rain even in the summer. Springtime could be snowy (until end of June) and autumn weather could start as soon as mid-August. Make sure you have equipment and clothing for all conditions.

Packing List

Cold weather:

• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater

• Scarf

• Warm gloves

• Warm hat

• Warm layers

Documents:

• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)

• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)

• Passport (required) (With photocopies)

• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:

• Binoculars (optional)

• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)

• Cash, credit and debit cards

• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)

• Ear plugs

• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)

• Fleece top/sweater

• Footwear

• Hat

• Locks for bags

• Long pants/jeans

• Moneybelt

• Outlet adapter

• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)

• Reusable water bottle

• Shirts/t-shirts

• Sleepwear

• Small travel towel

• Sunglasses

• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)

• Watch and alarm clock

• Waterproof backpack cover

• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:

• Hand sanitizer (required)

• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)

• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Warm Weather:

• Sandals/flip-flops

• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)

• Sun hat/bandana

• Swimwear

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity).

Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going.

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory on this trip.

You won't be permitted to join the group until you show evidence of travel insurance to your tour guide. 

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most.

Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

The Canadian currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Canada and can be used to purchase most items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card in Canada, you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Canadian Dollars as cash (preferably smaller bills, 5s, 10s and 20s) and credit cards is best.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

It is customary in North America to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, at approximately 18-20%, depending on the service.

Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.

There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip any local guides used. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $2-8 USD per activity depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5-10 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide. If your CEO(s) exceeded your expectations, feel free to tip more.

1. TRAVEL DAYS
In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different parks and cities along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days.

2. HIKES AND WALKS
All walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It’s a healthy way to discover North America’s beauty and landscape.

3. COMBO TRIP
Please note that some trips could be a combination of multiple G Adventure tours. You should expect some group members to join or leave the tour between tour segments.

4. LEGAL DRINKING AGE
Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 and in Canada, 19 (with Alberta and Quebec at 18). Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don't plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws in both countries are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind.

While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.

5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

This trip uses comfortable 3 star hotels, lodges and inns, well located in cities or near park entrances.

Chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a very good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.