Canadian Road Trip - TrekAmerica · • Raft float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70 • SkyTram...

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Emergency Contact Details: For all departures in the USA & Canada call: From the US: Toll-Free: 1 (800) 786 - 8735 or 707 523 1800 From outside the US: 001 707 523 - 1800 Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team at: [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920 Canadian Road Trip Trek Tips ® 2019 TREK INCLUDES ITINERARY: DAY 1 START 07.00 HRS DAY 1/2 SEATTLE - VANCOUVER ( ) DAY 3 WELLS GRAY PARK ( ) DAY 4/5 JASPER NATIONAL PARK ( ) DAY 6 ICEFIELDS PARKWAY - YOHO NATIONAL PARK ( ) DAY 7 LAKE LOUISE ( ) DAY 8/9 BANFF NATIONAL PARK ( ) DAY 10/11 CANADIAN PRAIRIES (1x , 1x ) DAY 12 WINNIPEG ( ) DAY 13/14 LAKE SUPERIOR ( ) DAY 15/16 LAKE HURON ( ) DAY 17 NIAGARA FALLS ( ) DAY 18/19 TORONTO ( ) DAY 20/21 MONTRÉAL ( ) DAY 22/23 QUÉBEC CITY ( ) DAY 24 VERMONT ( ) DAY 25 VERMONT - NEW YORK AREA DAY 25 NEW YORK FINISH 17.00 HRS >> View a detailed day-by-day itinerary at: www.trekamerica.co.uk/fs PLUS... • Professional tour leader, camping fees, equipment & private transportation • All accommodation: See website for specific accommodation information. ESSENTIAL INFO: • Group Size: Max 13 • Food Kitty: CAD$15 x 23 days OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (paid locally) There are loads of exciting optional activities for you to choose from during your trip giving you the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don’t. Below are the main optional activities for this trip, these can be arranged once you are on tour via your tour leader and are paid for locally. Please note, all costs are subject to change. Visit Dinosaur Provincial Park & Museum Lake Superior wilderness canoe trip (no experience necessary) Encounter Niagara Falls up close on a catamaran cruise Relax in the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs in Banff Experience a unique trailer park night in the Prairies Scenic Georgian Bay ferry crossing at Lake Huron Walks & hikes in the spectacular Canadian Rockies Wildlife viewing opportunities - including bear, moose & deer Visit stunning Wells Gray waterfalls & beautiful Lake Louise Experience the famous Icefields Parkway scenic drive Sightseeing in Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal & Quebec City Admission to incredible national parks - Wells Gray, Jasper, Yoho & Banff/Lake Louise ORIGINAL DEPARTS: SEATTLE to NEW YORK AREA TOUR CODE: FS WASHINGTON ALBERTA BRITISH COLUMBIA SASKATCHEWAN MANITOBA ONTARIO QUEBEC NEW BRUNSWICK NEW YORK Winnipeg Toronto Montréal New York Québec City Vancouver Lake Superior Lake Huron Niagara Falls Vermont Banff NP Lake Louise Yoho NP Jasper NP Wells Gray PP Canadian Prairies Seattle Jasper • Mountain biking CA$15-$75 • Miette hot springs CA$7 • Raft float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70 • SkyTram cable car CA$45 Banff • Aerial gondola/tramway CA$62 • Banff National Park - Horseback riding CA$65 • Scenic glacier flight CA$195-$325 Icefields Parkway • Guided glacier walk (CAD$100) Kicking Horse River • White water rafting (CAD$130-$170) Winnipeg Art Gallery & museums (CAD$12) Toronto • CN Tower CA$36-$48 • Bike rental CA$15-$35 • Ferry to Toronto Islands CA$8 • Baseball game CA$20-$50 • CN Tower EdgeWalk CA$225 • Hockey Hall of Fame CA$18 Montreal • Jet boat ride CA$69 • French cuisine CA$varies • O’Noir restaurant in the dark from CA$39-$47 Quebec • Citadelle Museum CA$16 • Montmorency Falls cable car CA$15 • Ghost walking tour of Old Quebec CA$20) 6 nights 18 nights

Transcript of Canadian Road Trip - TrekAmerica · • Raft float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70 • SkyTram...

Page 1: Canadian Road Trip - TrekAmerica · • Raft float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70 • SkyTram cable car CA$45 Banff • Aerial gondola/tramway CA$62 • Banff National Park - Horseback

Emergency Contact Details: For all departures in the USA & Canada call:

From the US: Toll-Free: 1 (800) 786 - 8735 or 707 523 1800From outside the US: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team at: [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

Emergency Contact Details: For all departures in the USA & Canada call:

From the US: Toll-Free: 1 (800) 786 - 8735 or 707 523 1800From outside the US: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team at: [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

Canadian Road Trip

Trek Tips® 2019

TREK INCLUDES

ITINERARY: DAY 1 START 07.00 HRS

� DAY 1/2 SEATTLE - VANCOUVER ( )

� DAY 3 WELLS GRAY PARK ( )

� DAY 4/5 JASPER NATIONAL PARK ( ) � DAY 6 ICEFIELDS PARKWAY - YOHO NATIONAL

PARK ( )

� DAY 7 LAKE LOUISE ( )

� DAY 8/9 BANFF NATIONAL PARK ( )

� DAY 10/11 CANADIAN PRAIRIES (1x , 1x ) � DAY 12 WINNIPEG ( )

� DAY 13/14 LAKE SUPERIOR ( ) � DAY 15/16 LAKE HURON ( )

� DAY 17 NIAGARA FALLS ( )

� DAY 18/19 TORONTO ( )

� DAY 20/21 MONTRÉAL ( )

� DAY 22/23 QUÉBEC CITY ( )

� DAY 24 VERMONT ( ) � DAY 25 VERMONT - NEW YORK AREA

DAY 25 NEW YORK FINISH 17.00 HRS

>> View a detailed day-by-day itinerary at: www.trekamerica.co.uk/fs

PLUS...

• Professional tour leader, camping fees, equipment & private transportation

• All accommodation: See website for specific accommodation information.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Group Size: Max 13

• Food Kitty: CAD$15 x 23 days

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (paid locally)

There are loads of exciting optional activities for you to choose from during your trip giving you the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don’t. Below are the main optional activities for this trip, these can be arranged once you are on tour via your tour leader and are paid for locally. Please note, all costs are subject to change.

Visit Dinosaur Provincial Park & Museum Lake Superior wilderness canoe trip (no experience necessary)

Encounter Niagara Falls up close on a catamaran cruise

Relax in the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs in Banff

Experience a unique trailer park night in the Prairies

Scenic Georgian Bay ferry crossing at Lake Huron

Walks & hikes in the spectacular Canadian Rockies

Wildlife viewing opportunities - including bear, moose & deer

Visit stunning Wells Gray waterfalls & beautiful Lake Louise

Experience the famous Icefields Parkway scenic drive

Sightseeing in Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal & Quebec City

Admission to incredible national parks - Wells Gray, Jasper, Yoho & Banff/Lake Louise

ORIGINAL

DEPARTS:SEATTLE to NEW YORK AREA

TOUR CODE:

FS

W A S H I N G T O N

A L B E R T A

B R I T I S HC O L U M B I A

S A S K A T C H E W A N

M A N I T O B A

O N T A R I O Q U E B E C

N E W F O U N D L A N D

N O V A S C O T I A

N E WB R U N S W I C K

Y U K O N T E R R I T O R Y

N O R T H E R N T E R R I T O R I E S

P R I N C E E D W A R DI S L A N D

ICELAND

C A N A D A

N E W Y O R K

Winnipeg

TorontoMontréal

New York

QuébecCityVancouver

Lake Superior

Lake Huron

Niagara Falls

Vermont

Banff NPLake Louise

Yoho NP

Jasper NPWells Gray PP

Canadian PrairiesSeattle

Jasper• Mountain biking CA$15-$75• Miette hot springs CA$7• Raft float trip on the Athabasca

River CA$70• SkyTram cable car CA$45Banff• Aerial gondola/tramway CA$62• Banff National Park - Horseback riding

CA$65• Scenic glacier flight CA$195-$325Icefields Parkway• Guided glacier walk (CAD$100)Kicking Horse River• White water rafting (CAD$130-$170)WinnipegArt Gallery & museums (CAD$12)

Toronto• CN Tower CA$36-$48• Bike rental CA$15-$35• Ferry to Toronto Islands CA$8• Baseball game CA$20-$50• CN Tower EdgeWalk CA$225• Hockey Hall of Fame CA$18Montreal• Jet boat ride CA$69• French cuisine CA$varies• O’Noir restaurant in the dark

from CA$39-$47Quebec• Citadelle Museum CA$16• Montmorency Falls cable car CA$15• Ghost walking tour of Old Quebec CA$20)

6 nights18 nights

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Emergency Contact Details: For all departures in the USA & Canada call:

From the US: Toll-Free: 1 (800) 786 - 8735 or 707 523 1800From outside the US: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team at: [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

JOINING YOUR TREK

Trek joining instructions Your tour will begin at 07:30 hrs at the ‘Joining point’ hotel below. Make sure

you have packed your bags, eaten breakfast and checked out of your room

before meeting your tour leader in the hotel lobby. You will spend a short

while filling out paperwork and meeting your fellow trekkers before getting

on the road.

Finishing up All good things must come to an end, and your trek will usually finish

at 17:00 hrs on the final day at the ‘finishing point’ hotel. If you need

accommodation after your tour, you must book this in advance. Do not book

a departure flight that leaves before 21:00 hrs on the final day of your tour.

You will be responsible for any transportation costs if you have to arrive for

an earlier flight.

PACKING

Packing tips You know what the Scouts say... BE PREPARED! North America is huge,

and you’re likely to encounter lots of different climates during your trip.

Check the weather averages for the time of year you’re travelling and pack

accordingly. Here are some of the things that should be in your case as well

as your general clothes:

• Sleeping bag (3 or 4 season)

• Sleeping bag liner

• Pillow / Thermarest sleeping mat (optional as per supply a 10mm camping mat)

• Day pack

• Towel

• Casual clothes and a few ‘evening out’ options

• Waterproof jacket

• Comfortable day shoes / sandals or flip-flops

• Sensible footwear for walking, ideally walking boots with ankle support, but trainers with good grip will suffice

• Warm sweater / fleece

• Warm hat / gloves

• Swimwear

• Sun hat / sunglasses

• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)

• Water bottle

• Toiletries / personal medicine

• Camera & charger

• Travel power adaptor / USB car charger and cord

• Flashlight / Head torch

WeatherWeather can be changeable so it’s wise to pack something to cover all

seasons! Here’s a guide to the average high and low temperatures in some

of the places you’ll visit to help you decide what to pack.

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS

In the event of an emergency or if you wish to report a problem on tour, please contact us on the number below.

For all departures in the USA & Canada call:

From the US: Toll-Free: 1 (800) 786 – 8735 or 707 523 1800

From outside the US: 001 707 523 – 1800

High/Low TemperaturesJAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Seattle HIGH 6 9 11 13 18 21 30 26 20 16 14 6

LOW 1 4 6 8 11 14 17 17 13 11 10 3

Vancouver HIGH

LOW

8

1

9

1

11

3

14

5

17

9

20

12

23

14

23

14

20

11

14

7

10

3

7

1

Banff NP HIGH -5 0 4 9 14 19 22 22 16 10 1 -5

LOW -15 -11 -8 -3 2 5 7 7 3 -1 -8 -4

Toronto HIGH 0 1 5 11 17 23 26 26 23 16 9 3

LOW -7 -6 -2 3 8 14 18 18 15 8 3 -3

New York HIGH 6 7 9 16 21 27 29 29 25 19 13 8

LOW -3 -3 1 6 12 17 20 20 16 10 5 4

C / F Conversions:-10ºC = 14ºF • 0ºC = 32ºF • 10ºC = 50ºF • 20ºC = 68ºF • 30ºC = 86ºF • 40ºC = 104ºF

READY TO GO? DON’T FORGET!R Pre & post hotel

confirmation

R Sleeping bag

R Spending money

R Flight booking confirmation

R Visa / ESTA for entry to the USA

R Travel Insurance

Arrival complications The unexpected can happen. Your plane may be delayed or you may

even miss it! If you have missed your trek departure, first check with the

hotel to see if your tour leader left you a message. If not, call the relevant

TrekAmerica emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to

help you catch up with the group. You are responsible for any extra travelling

expenses incurred because of a missed trek, so please be on time.

JOINING POINT:

SEATTLE HOTELClarion Hotel

Seattle International Airport

3000 South

176th Street Seattle

Washington State 98198

United States

Tel: +1 206 242 0200

Transfer: The hotel is one mile from the airport and provides a free 24 hour airport shuttle service (a nominal tip of approx. US$2 per person is recommended). When you arrive at the airport, go to the courtesy hotel phones in the baggage area and dial #38 to request a pick-up. To meet your shuttle follow the signs to the shuttle pick up area. Head up the escalators, over the sky bridge and back down ground level and wait at island 1 or 3. The journey takes approx. 10 minutes.

FINISHING POINT

NEW YORK AREA HOTEL

Hilton Newark Airport

1170 Spring Street

Elizabeth, New Jersey,

United States 07201

Tel: 1-908-351-3900

Transfer from Newark Airport: Take the Hilton Newark Airport complimentary shuttle from the hotel takes 15-20 minutes (departs every 15-20 minutes). It is customary to tip driver who helps you with your bag (US$1-2 bag).

Transfer from JFK or LaGuardia Airport: From the Baggage Claim Area of JFK/

LaGuardia Airport, catch a “Super Shuttle” to New York Penn Station which is located in Midtown at 31st and 7th Streets (costs approximately US$25 including tip). Then take a train from New York Penn Station to the Newark Liberty International Airport (all trains going to Newark Airport are noted as “EWR” on the board, trains depart approximately every 10-15 minutes, the journey is about 22-25 minutes, train ticket costs approximately $12.50). From Newark Airport, take the “Airtrain” to Station P4, then wait for the Hilton Newark Airport Complimentary Shuttle to the Hotel (departs approx. every 15-20 minutes).

To book nights in hotels before or after your trip, contact our sales team on: [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

These Trek Tips were last updated on 31/12/2018

Page 3: Canadian Road Trip - TrekAmerica · • Raft float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70 • SkyTram cable car CA$45 Banff • Aerial gondola/tramway CA$62 • Banff National Park - Horseback

Emergency Contact Details: Call: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

publication there is a CA$7 fee to process your eTA. Your eTA will be valid for a period of five years, or until your passport expires. We recommend you apply for your eTA at least 72 hours before travel. Please visit www.canada.ca/eTA to apply. Residents from countries who cannot travel under the eTA must consult their relevant embassy.

If you have not applied for and received authorisation via an eTA prior to travel you may be denied boarding, experience a delayed processing or be denied admission at the Canadian point of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa-free on the eTA, guarantees admission to Canada. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry.

Please note: This ONLY applies to travellers arriving by air. So if you are entering Canada by land or sea you do not need an eTA visa.

VISA AND RULES FOR ENTRY TO THE USA

Travellers from the EU and certain countries are eligible to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. All eligible travellers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before travelling to the USA. At the time of compilation there is a US$14 fee for the electronic ESTA. The ESTA will be valid for a period of two years, or until a person’s passport expires. You should apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before you travel, and we recommend you carry your ESTA approval with you. All travellers wishing to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). New rules exclude from the VWP most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since 1 March 2011, and those who have dual nationality of these countries. This means that existing ESTAs could be revoked, and you will instead need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

You can apply for an ESTA at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

Passengers that have not applied for and received travel authorisation via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the US port of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visafree on the VWP, guarantees admission to the United States. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry.

Important reminder: If you are refused boarding or denied admission at the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.

Immigration & customs On entering a country you will need to proceed through customs. As long as you have a valid passport and the necessary visa/s you should have no problems. You may be asked how you intend to support yourself during your visit, if this happens please present your return airline ticket.

Health requirements If you have any medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy or asthma, please take prescribed medicines, or have a condition that will affect your participation in the Trek, you must tell us or your travel agent at the time of booking. Please be aware we may require a doctor’s note prior to travel for some conditions. This information is essential in case of emergency. All our vehicles carry a basic first-aid kit, but for everyday use you should bring your own medical supplies, such as, pain relievers, antibiotic cream, upset stomach relievers, in addition to sunscreen and insect repellent.

Before you go Pre & post tour hotels

Tours usually start early and finish after 17:00 hrs so it’s a good idea to book hotel accommodation before and after your trip. Please see page one of this document for your exact start time. Hotels are conveniently located in each of our departure and arrival cities and room rates are usually based on twin share as most people prefer to stay with other travellers at an affordable price. It’s also a great opportunity to make friends with fellow travellers! We can also offer a private room rate for single or double occupancy for people on the same booking. Make sure you book your hotel well in advance as availability is limited.

Flight arrangements

We can book flights departing from most UK airports, but cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations or changes to your flights. We recommend you book your flight to arrive into the gateway city at least one day prior to your Trek’s departure, this will allow you some adjustment time and opportunities for sightseeing. If possible, book your return flight for at least one day after your Trek finishes. If you do have to return home on the day your trek finishes, please ensure your flight does not depart before 21:00 hrs. We’re unable to delay a tour, or finish a tour early due to your flight times.

Travel insurance It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance, and helicopter rescue service). Our insurance policy is designed specifically to cover the potential risks on our holidays-particularly the optional activities offered, and covers those residing in the EU. Contact us for more information or to get yourself covered or visit www.trekamerica.co.uk/insurance.

Passports and visas for CanadaIt is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas for your tour. The visa requirements for your trip may vary depending on where you are going, and your nationality. It is important that you check and apply for each of the visas you need whilst in your home country and you should consult the relevant embassy if you need more information. Please bear in mind that some tours may spend time in more than one country.

RULES FOR ENTRY INTO CANADA

Most visitors to Canada require an entry visa prior to travel, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Citizens from countries other than the USA who do not require a visa to enter Canada are required to obtain an eTA before entering the country. Eligible travellers will need to go online to apply for their eTA.

To apply for your eTA you will need your passport, credit or debit card, an email address and your address in Canada (you can use the starting point hotel address). At the time of

Making the most of your trip

CITY GUIDES

Stay a few extra days in the city before or after your tour and make

the most of our free city guides. With awesome top tips, all of the

must-see sights and tour leader recommendations, there’s plenty to

keep you busy!

www.trekamerica.co.uk/city-guides

CURRENCY CARD Get a FREE FairFX currency card and top up in advance for the best rates available and no fees.

fairfx.com/refer/trekamerica

KEEP IN TOUCH As a TrekAmerica customer receive a FREE 4G SIM card when you purchase an inclusive data plan including unlimited domestic calls and texts.

trekamerica.co.uk/ekit

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit us at www.trekamerica.com/travelaware

The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

Page 4: Canadian Road Trip - TrekAmerica · • Raft float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70 • SkyTram cable car CA$45 Banff • Aerial gondola/tramway CA$62 • Banff National Park - Horseback

Emergency Contact Details: Call: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

Battery charging Most of our Trekkers bring mobile phones, music devices and cameras that require frequent battery charging during a tour. On camping tours it is often difficult to find a safe and secure wall outlet to recharge these devices. Our vehicles have two standard 12 volt chargers. You will need a 12 volt/cigarette lighter adapter to plug your USB charger in. Every vehicle has at least two outlets for you to use. If your tour features some nights in hotels along the way your hotel room will have an electrical outlet (don’t forget your travel plug).

Drinking ages / drugs In the US, the legal drinking age is 21. In Canada, the legal drinking age differs between Provinces, for British Columbia the legal age is 19 and Alberta is 18. If you are under the legal drinking age you will be refused entry to bars and most nightclubs. Proof of age (ID) is your passport, so never forget to take your passport on nights out. The tour leader will endeavour to find alternative entertainment for those underage, but this is not always possible. Obviously these restrictions are not within TrekAmerica’s control.

Possession of drugs without a proper medical prescription will not be tolerated. If anyone is found with an illegal drug, they will be instantly removed from the Trek.

Security No matter where you find yourself in the world you need to look after your valuables. Use your common sense! While in cities, do not leave valuables in the vehicle. While camping, do not leave valuables in tents when away from camp. In general, the safest place for items such as passports, flight tickets and cash is on your person or in a hotel safe, where available. When in doubt consult your tour leader.

Travel HealthLYME DISEASE

The Lyme disease bacterium is spread through the bite of infected ticks. It can be found throughout the US but is more common in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States. Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. Ticks can be found in any areas with deep or overgrown vegetation where they have access to animals to feed on. If you find a tick on you or suspect you may have been bitten by one, it is important you advise your tour leader and seek medical attention.

Responsible travel

You and your fellow Trekkers are sure to be really excited for your trip, but please be considerate to those around you. When you are in the campsites, especially the national parks, remember that quiet hours are in effect. Please respect your fellow campers who are there for the peace and tranquillity of camping. Have fun, but don’t forget to think first!

Please also be aware of the delicate balance that exists in the variety of natural wonders you will visit. National Parks and monuments, archaeological sites and other sensitive areas should and MUST be treated with respect. TrekAmerica strives to operate tours with minimum impact on the land. So, if you see a notice to ‘stay on the path’ or ‘pick up litter’, please be a responsible traveller and understand that there is a good reason for the notice.

And the rest... Itinerary changes

We endeavour to run all tours as they are published; however, it’s sometimes necessary to alter itineraries to adapt to local conditions and park entrance regulations. We will do our best to keep you posted if that happens and your tour leader will provide a more detailed trip outline at the beginning of your particular tour.

Working hour regulations for our leadersWe would like to note that Canadian law regulates the total number of hours your tour leader is available to work. Our trips are designed to make the most of your time in Canada, but please understand that there will be certain times each day that your leader will need to be off duty from work. Our leaders take great pride in their level of customer service and will do everything they can to provide you with the trip of a lifetime. Please also respect that they need their own time to rest and recuperate in order to operate your trip safely and with great energy.

Luggage allowance & storage

The baggage allowance for your tour is one suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person, plus a sleeping bag. A small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel, please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as this may be less than 23kg.

TrekAmerica is unable to offer luggage storage facilities however some of the pre and post tour hotels we use can provide this service. Please contact them directly.

Whilst you’re away Accommodation on Trek

TrekAmerica tours use national and state park campsites and also a wide assortment of private campgrounds. Most will have flush toilets and hot showers. Some campgrounds charge an additional fee of CA$1-3 for showers. You will sleep in high quality, heavy duty tents which single travellers share with one other Trekker of the same sex.

Most camping trips also spend some nights in budget hotels or hostels during the tour, usually in the cities. This is based on multi-share or twin share. When staying in hostel accommodation, where possible we will keep the group together in single sex rooms, but this cannot be guaranteed. These night stops are shown by ( ) on the itinerary for each tour. On some occasions we will stay in cabins, ranches or other accommodation, as per the itinerary.

Please note, some hotels may require a debit or credit card as a deposit at check in. They may also take an amount to cover incidentals. Funds can be held until check out at which time the amount actually incurred will be charged. Please clarify with the hotel when you check out that all deposits will be refunded as promptly as possible.

Keeping in touch Whilst in Canada, you may have access to Wi-Fi in some hotels, hostels or campgrounds. Unfortunately we are unable to provide Wi-Fi in the van due to reception issues.

TrekAmerica has partnered with e-kit to provide some of the cheapest ways to keep in touch with family and friends while on tour. E-kit can provide international calling cards, prepaid SIMs or international mobile handsets.

For discounted data and calls in Canada, we recommend purchasing an International SIM prior to departure. See www.trekamerica.com/ekit for more details.

Food kitty & meals We operate a food kitty system on all TrekAmerica camping tours. Your tour leader will collect the Food Kitty payment of CA$15 per day in cash so please ensure you have this ready on your first day of the tour. Food kitty money will cover most meals when camping, along with other common camping expenditures such as ice and firewood. We will provide all cooking equipment and everyone will take turns to buy, prepare and cook the food. For the days that you are staying in a city, you’re encouraged to try the speciality foods that each city offers, so allow extra money for the nights you eat out in local restaurants.

Spending money

We recommend you take at least CA$15 per day for drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also budget for tipping, as well as for the optional activities that you would like to do. Guideline prices for the most popular optional activities are listed on the tour pages on our website. Please remember, when purchasing items abroad, you may be required to pay VAT on top of the retail price.

We suggest you bring CA$150 with you in cash to have with at the beginning of your trip. ATM’s and cash machines are readily available throughout Canada and major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. All ATMs in Canada charge to withdraw money (from CA$1-$5). In some off the beaten track destinations ATM’s and cash machines may be limited.

Pre-paid credit cards can be a cost effective and safe way to take funds overseas. See: www.fairfx.com/trekamerica

Tipping Although it may not be customary in your country, it’s normal and expected in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend on tips for their livelihood. A 15-17% tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip CA$1 per drink in bars, CA$1-2 per bag for porters as well 10% for taxi drivers. It’s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional activities.

Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour and we recommend a discretionary tip of $5-7 per passenger per day if your leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.

Clothes washing You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes while on Trek. This can often be done at the campsite, or in a nearby town. Ask your tour leader for local information.