Active Canadian Rockies Adventure - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?

  The tour includes 7 nights of participation camping in clean local campgrounds. This involves setting up and packing away your tent each day.

• What camping equipment is provided, and what do I need to bring?

  All camping equipment, including dome tents with built-in insect nets and comfortable self-inflating mattresses (approximately 4cm thick), is supplied. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Sleeping bags should be rated to -17°C for spring and fall trips, and 0°C for trips between June and September.

• What is the physical rating and difficulty level of the hikes?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4, indicating an active travel style. All proposed walks and hikes are of a moderate level, involving trails through old-growth forests, past alpine lakes, and up mountains.

• Are showers and charging stations available at the campgrounds?

  Yes, all campgrounds provide showers and sanitary facilities. Most campgrounds also offer charging stations, though their availability is not guaranteed everywhere.

• What types of meals are included, and how are they prepared?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners. Meals are prepared from goods bought at supermarkets, local shops, and markets. Breakfasts typically consist of breads and cereals, with warm options if time permits. Lunches are usually light meals like sandwiches or salads. Dinners are freshly prepared hot meals featuring a variety of continental and local dishes.

• What is the typical group size for this adventure?

  The group size ranges from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 12 participants.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who acts as the group manager, leader, driver, and organizes/leads meal preparations. They are knowledgeable about the routes and areas visited.

• What currency is used, and what payment methods are accepted?

  The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's recommended to carry a combination of Canadian Dollars (preferably smaller bills) and credit cards. Remember to bring your PIN for card transactions.

• Are there any additional activities I can do during the tour?

  Yes, optional activities are available in Banff, including a Banff Gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain, canoeing, and cycling.

• What are the age requirements for participants?

  Participants must be a minimum of 12 years old and a maximum of 100 years old.

• Is there an option for solo travelers to have a private tent?

  Solo travelers on group trips are typically paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. A 'My Own Room' option is available for an additional supplement if you wish to have a single room for all night stops.

• What is the customary practice for tipping on this tour?

  Tipping service providers like waiters and taxi drivers is customary in North America (approximately 18-20%). For local guides, a tip of $2-8 USD per activity is recommended. If you feel your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) did an outstanding job, a guideline of $10-15 USD per person, per day is suggested, though the amount is a personal preference.

• Do I need to participate in camp duties?

  Yes, participation is an essential part of the trip. This includes helping with tasks such as putting up/taking down your tent, meal preparation, and cleaning up.

• Do I need to bring emergency funds?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation is participation camping for 7 nights in clean local campgrounds. All camping equipment, except your sleeping bag and pillow, is supplied, including comfortable camp mattresses and oversized 2-person dome tents. Campgrounds provide showers and sanitary facilities; some private campgrounds may also offer pools and laundry.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners. Meals are prepared from goods bought locally, with breakfasts generally consisting of breads and cereals, lunches as light meals like sandwiches or salads, and evening meals being freshly-prepared hot dishes.

• What kind of transportation will be used for the tour?

  For this trip, we use 15-passenger vans for up to 12 people plus the CEO/Driver. For groups of 8 or more, a trailer is used for luggage. These vehicles are durable and have air conditioning for comfort. Transportation primarily involves private vehicles and hiking.

• What is the maximum group size for this adventure?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 12 travelers.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour will be led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO acts as the group manager, leader, and driver, organizes meal preparations, and has broad general knowledge of the countries visited. Local guides are also used for more specific knowledge where beneficial.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4, indicating an 'Active' travel style. Hikes and walks proposed by the CEO are generally of a moderate level.

• What are the main activities and highlights on this trip?

  The main highlights include visiting Waterton National Park, hiking the Bertha Lake trail and Red Rock Canyon, tackling the Crypt Lake or Carthew Summit trails, exploring the Ptarmigan Cirque and Burstall Pass trails, visiting Banff National Park, enjoying a scenic bike ride in Banff, and hiking the Iceline trail in Yoho National Park. The tour also involves camping out under the stars.

• Is participant involvement required for camping duties?

  Yes, participation is an essential part of the trip. This includes helping with tasks like setting up and packing away tents, as well as meal preparation and cleaning up. The CEO will handle meal planning, but clients are expected to assist.

• Is there a single supplement for solo travelers, or can I get my own tent?

  Group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement; solo travelers are paired with someone of the same sex. If you've booked the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room (tent) for all night stops.

• What is the minimum age to join this tour?

  The minimum age to travel unaccompanied on this tour is 18. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What is the local currency, and what payment methods are accepted in Canada?

  The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's recommended to carry a combination of Canadian Dollars in cash (preferably smaller bills) and credit cards. ATMs are common, but check with your bank about card compatibility before traveling. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 (or equivalent) is also recommended.

• Is tipping customary in North America, and for whom?

  Tipping is customary in North America for service providers like waiters, bartenders, and taxi drivers (approximately 18-20%). Tipping local guides ($2-8 USD per activity) and your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) ($10-15 USD per person, per day as a guideline) is also appreciated.

• What optional activities are available and what are their estimated costs?

  Optional activities in Banff include a Banff Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain (75-90 CAD per person) and Canoeing (57.75 CAD per person).

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group without evidence of insurance, which must cover a minimum of USD $200,000 for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and luggage loss coverage are also strongly recommended.

• Are there specific rules of conduct regarding illegal drugs or exploitation?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and are against the law, putting the group at risk. The exploitation of prostitutes is also strictly contrary to the tour operator's philosophy of respect. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or engaging in exploitation.

• What general safety and security advice should I be aware of?

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice before departure and use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes if available. A lock for luggage is also advised. During free time, use good judgment when selecting activities and consider traveling in small groups or taking taxis at night in cities. Water-based activities should only be done with a guide, and swimming is at your own risk.

• Will I have opportunities to do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry can be done at least once a week. Some private campgrounds and most cities have coin-operated laundromats. Your CEO will advise you on locations during the trip.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour.