Active West Coast Canada Discovery - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund. This is for unforeseen circumstances outside of our control, such as a natural disaster requiring a change to the planned route.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry can be done at least once a week while on tour. Some private campgrounds and most cities have laundromats with coin-operated machines. Your CEO will advise you on locations where you can do laundry.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, optional activities include bike rentals in Sooke & Victoria, Zodiac whale watching cruises (173.60 CAD per person) in Victoria, and sea kayaking in Sooke. You also have free time in Victoria and Whistler for people watching, cafe hopping, or exploring attractions like the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre or Cloudraker Skybridge.

• What are the recommendations for tipping on this tour?

  Tipping service providers (waiters, bartenders, taxi drivers) at approximately 18-20% is customary in North America. For local guides, a recommendation of $2-8 USD per activity is suggested. For your Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a guideline of $10-15 USD per person, per day, is appreciated if you felt they did an outstanding job.

• What is the local currency, and how should I manage money?

  The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's recommended to carry a combination of Canadian Dollars in cash (preferably smaller bills) and credit cards, as there's no guarantee your cards will work everywhere. ATMs are generally available, and a visit can be arranged on Day 1 and other days.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD 200,000). Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage are also strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement for solo travelers. Single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. A 'My Own Room' option is available for an extra cost if you prefer a single room for all night stops.

• What is the minimum age to participate in this tour?

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

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners. Meals are prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops, and markets, with hot evening meals and lighter lunches/breakfasts.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who acts as the group manager, leader, and driver. They are experienced in the routes, organize and lead meal preparations, and have broad general knowledge of the countries visited. Local guides are also used for more specific knowledge where appropriate.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 11 travelers.

• What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

  For this trip, we primarily 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. Transportation also includes ferries and, of course, hiking.

• Are there showers and charging stations at the campgrounds?

  All campgrounds provide showers and sanitary facilities. Please note that shower facilities at Sooke River Campground are coin-operated hot showers ($1.00 / 5min) with keypad entrance. Charging stations may or may not be available at every campground, but your CEO can advise when they will be accessible.

• What camping equipment is provided?

  All camping equipment is supplied, with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow. This includes comfortable camp mattresses and good quality, durable, oversized 2-person dome tents with two separate zip-up doors and built-in insect nets.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation for the entire 7 nights is participation camping in clean local campgrounds. This includes both private campgrounds (with services like fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets & shower buildings, some with pools/laundry) and public campgrounds (with basic facilities).

• What are some of the main attractions or activities included in this tour?

  The tour includes a ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria, hikes in East Sooke Provincial Park and along the Juan de Fuca trail, kayaking in Cowichan Bay, hiking The Stawamus Chief trail, visiting Garibaldi Provincial Park to hike to the Elfin Lakes, and riding the Whistler Gondola to hike the High Note trail.

• What kind of physical activity can I expect on this tour?

  You can expect moderate to strenuous hikes. The tour description highlights getting your heart pumping and bodies moving with hikes in East Sooke Provincial Park, the Juan de Fuca trail, and up mountains in Squamish and Whistler.

• What is the main focus or travel style of this tour?

  This tour is an active adventure designed to get your heart pumping and bodies moving through British Columbia's landscapes, featuring extensive hiking and outdoor activities. It is categorized as an 'Active' travel style with a physical rating of 4 (challenging).