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: info@trekamerica.co.uk 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: info@trekamerica.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

Canadian BLT

Trek Tips® 2019

TREK INCLUDES

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 START 7.30

� DAY 1/2 VANCOUVER - WHISTLER ( )

� DAY 3/4 WELLS GREY PROVINCIAL PARK ( )

� DAY 5/6 JASPER NATIONAL PARK ( )

� DAY 7/8 ICEFIELDS PARKWAY - BANFF NATIONAL PARK ( )

� DAY 9 LAKE LOUISE - CALGARY

DAY 9 FINISH 17.00

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

PLUS...

• Professional tour leader, equipment & private transportation

• All accommodation: See website for a day-to-day breakdown of accommodation.

ESSENTIAL INFO:

• Group Size: Max 13

• Meals: Paid locally

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.

Canoeing on beautiful Clearwater Lake and scenic waterfall hikes in Wells Gray Provincial Park

Ride on the Jasper SkyTram Drive the incredible Icefields Parkway Visit beautiful Lake Louise, the ‘Gem of the Rockies’

Incredible hiking trails and picture postcard views

Scenic walks and hikes Wildlife spotting opportunities - Grizzlies, wolves and caribou

Admission to national and provincial parks - Wells Gray, Jasper & Banff/ Lake Louise

ORIGINAL

DEPARTS:VANCOUVER to CALGARY

TOUR CODE:

CNB

W A S H I N G T O N

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

MANITOBA

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

NOVA SCOTIA

NEWBRUNSWICK

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

PRINCE EDWARDISLAND

ICELAND

U N I T E D S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A

CANADA

Vancouver

Wells Gray PP

Whistler Banff NPLake Louise

Jasper NP

Calgary

Icefields Parkway

Whistler• Extreme zip line course

(CAD$119-$199)• Gondola ride CA$27Jasper National Park• Raft float trip on the Athabasca

River CA$70• Miette hot springs CA$7• Mountain biking (CAD$15-$75)

Icefields Parkway• Guided glacier walk (CAD$90)Banff National Park• Aerial gondola/tramway (CAD$62)• Sulphur Mountain hot springs CA$8• Scenic glacier flight (CAD$195 - 20

minutes, or CAD$325 - 30 minutes)• Horseback riding (CAD$65)

8 nights

SPECIAL DEPARTURE: CALGARY STAMPEDEVisit the legendary annual rodeo, exhibition and festival in Calgary, Alberta. Book 2nd July 2018 departure for a specially extended itinerary (10 days).

For the Calgary Stampede departure, the group will visit Lake Louise with the option to hike the

Plain of Six Glaciers up to the tea house on day 8 of the tour. On day 9, you will depart Banff in the

morning and drive one hour to Calgary. Upon arrival you will check in at the hostel then transfer

to the stampede either by shuttle from the hotel or the tour leader will drive the group. Your tour

leader also has entry so will be on hand if required during your free time at the event and will set a

meeting time for the afternoon.

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: info@trekamerica.co.uk 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 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:

• Towel

• Casual clothes and a few ‘evening out’ options

• Waterproof jacket

• Day pack

• 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 bottel

• Toiletries / personal medicine

• Camera & charger

• Travel power adaptor / USB car charger and cord

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

Vancouver HIGH 8 9 11 14 17 20 23 23 20 14 10 7

LOW 1 1 3 5 9 12 14 14 11 7 3 1

Whistler HIGH -2 3 8 11 17 21 27 27 20 16 5 -1

LOW -8 -5 -3 2 7 9 11 11 8 3 -1 -5

Jasper NP HIGH -5 -1 5 11 16 19 22 22 16 10 0 -5

LOW -15 -12 -7 -2 2 6 8 7 3 -1 -9 -14

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

Calgary HIGH -1 2 5 13 17 21 25 24 20 13 5 1

LOW -14 -12 -9 -2 2 7 10 8 4 -2 -8 -12

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 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:

VANCOUVER HOTELAccent Inn Vancouver Airport

10551 St Edwards Drive

Richmond

British Columbia V6X 3L8

Canada

Tel: +1 604 273 3311

Transfer: The hotel offers a free shuttle from Vancouver Airport and picks up every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour from 4:15am to 12:45am. For international

arrivals the pick-up area is located between the arrivals gate and the parking entrance. Follow the “Ground Transportation” sign and look for the yellow “Hotel Courtesy Shuttle” sign on your right. For domestic arrivals the pick-up area is located on the ground floor next to the Gateway Valet Concierge. After passing by the 7-11 and the liquor store on your left, keep going straight until you see the “Ground Transportation” and “Hotel Courtesy Shuttle” signs.

FINISHING POINT:

CALGARY HOTELRamada Downtown Calgary

708 – 8 Ave. S.W

Calgary

Alberta T2P 1H2

Canada

Tel: +1 403 263 7600

Transfer: To travel to the airport from the hotel there are two options. The first is to arrange a pick up from the Allied Shuttle airport service which costs CAD$15 plus tax per person, a CAD$1-2 tip is also expected. The second way is to take a taxi which costs approximately CAD$35-$40 and takes between 35 to 40minutes depending on road conditions. Please speak to the hotel reception to arrange either.

To book nights in hotels before or after your trip, contact our sales team on: info@trekamerica.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

These Trek Tips were last updated on 31 Dec 18

Emergency Contact Details: Call: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team info@trekamerica.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

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 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.

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.

Luggage allowance & storage

The baggage allowance for your tour is one suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person. 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.

Before you go Pre & post tour hotels

Tours usually start early and finish after 5pm, so it’s a good idea to book hotel accommodation before and after your tour. 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 9pm. 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.

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.

Emergency Contact Details: Call: 001 707 523 - 1800

Any QUESTIONS? Please contact our UK Sales team info@trekamerica.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 682 8920

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 CA$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 hotels / hostels, or in a nearby town. Ask your tour leader for local information.

Battery charging Most of our Trekkers bring mobile phones, music devices and cameras that require frequent battery charging during a tour. We recommend bringing a charger with travel adaptor, and for charging on the go, 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.

Drinking ages / drugs The legal drinking age in most Canadian Provinces is 18, in others it is 19. 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. Always use a lockable safe where available, either in your room or at the budget lodging accommodation’s reception. 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.

Responsible travel

You and your fellow Trekkers are sure to be really excited for your trip, but please be considerate to those around you.

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.

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

On our budget lodging based Original tours we use a combination of comfortable hostels, cabins and guesthouses with a mix of twin and multi share accommodation (average four to six per room). For a true taste of Canada, we include a rustic guest ranch bunkhouse and/or trailer park accommodation on some tours. When staying in hostel accommodation, where possible we will keep the group together in single sex rooms, but this cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate couples, however twin rooms cannot be guaranteed and any additional upgrade costs for a private room will need to be covered by the passenger/s en route. There is no food kitty collected on our budget lodging based Original tours and meals will need to be paid for locally. However, a lunch kitty has proven a popular alternative to three meals out. This is optional and our leader will help organise it for those groups who choose this option.

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.

Spending money

We recommend you take at least CA$15 dollars per day for drinks, snacks and other incidentals, plus CA$35 a day for meals in restaurants 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 North America 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