Canadian Rockies Winter Adventure - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the Canadian Rockies Winter Adventure tour?

  The main highlights include soaking up the winter wonderland vibes in Banff, hiking through Johnston Canyon past towering icicles and frozen waterfalls, riding a gondola to Sunshine Meadows for a snowshoe trek across powdery white trails, and taking in breathtaking views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and icy lakes along the Icefields Parkway.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation for this tour will be in hotels for 6 nights.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  One lunch is included during this trip. Other meals will be on your own.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  We primarily use a private 15-passenger van with a CEO/Driver for up to 12 people. For groups of 8 or more, a trailer is used for luggage. Snowshoeing is also a mode of transportation for specific activities.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum number of travellers on this tour is 12.

• Who will be leading our group throughout the tour?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will be leading the group throughout the entire trip.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage. Please ensure your policy covers adventure activities like crampon use, as per the itinerary.

• What currency should I use, and are credit cards accepted?

  The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted) are generally accepted almost everywhere. Debit cards (Cirrus and Plus systems) are useful for cash advances, but ensure you have your 4-digit PIN. It is recommended to carry a combination of Canadian Dollars (preferably smaller bills) and credit cards, and not rely solely on cards. ATMs are commonly available.

• Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, there are several optional activities. In Banff, you can take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain (75-90CAD), relax in the Upper Banff Hot Spring, enjoy sleigh rides, tubing, or skating. In Jasper, options include an introduction to ice climbing, skiing at Marmot Basin, a canyon icewalk, or an evening walk to try and see the northern lights if the sky is clear.

• What is the policy for solo travellers regarding accommodation?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Solo travellers are paired with someone of the same sex. If you opt for the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What is the recommended emergency fund for this trip?

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

• What are the tipping guidelines in Canada for this tour?

  Tipping service providers like waiters, bartenders, and taxi drivers is customary (approximately 18-20%). For local guides, $2-8 USD per activity is recommended. For your Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a guideline of $10-15 USD per person, per day is suggested, though the amount is entirely personal and can be more if they exceed expectations.

• What general safety tips should I follow while on the tour, especially during free time?

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and a lock for luggage. Hotels often have safety deposit boxes. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety reasons and will accompany you on all included activities. During free time, use good judgment when choosing optional activities, stay in small groups, and consider taxis for night excursions. Water-based activities should only be done with a guide, and swimming is always at your own risk.

• What does the tour include beyond accommodation and main activities?

  The tour includes a welcome meeting, a Calgary CEO-led orientation walk, Banff exploration, a winter hike in Johnston Canyon, guided snowshoeing in Sunshine Meadows, winter visits to Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Abraham Lake, a local lodge lunch experience, Icefields Parkway winter exploration, Maligne Lake visit and hike, free time in Banff and Jasper, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.