Adventure Holidays in America - TRIP OVERVIEW...Travel to beautiful Banff National Park with three days to explore - consider hiking to the tea-houses near Lake Agnes and enjoy breathtaking

GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE

UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921

USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]

www.grandamericanadventures.com

ABTA No.Y0696

6576

Accredited Agent91-2-74330

TOUR AT A GLANCE:

2 Canadian Provinces: British Columbia and Alberta

Length: 12 days

Departs: Calgary

Trip code: PCT

Group size: Maximum 13

Transport: Private vehicle

Accommodation: 9 nights camping, 1 hotel night and 1 overnight canoe wilderness camp

Meals: 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners

Staff: Professional tour guide

CAMPING

Canadian Park Trails

ALBERTA

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

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

G R E E N L A N D

ICELAND

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

C A N A D A

0 500 1000 1500 Miles

0 500 1000 1500 2000 Kilometres

M A I N E

MASSACHUSETTS

NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEW JERSEY

N E W Y O R K

P E N N S Y L V A N I A

RHODE ISLAND

VERMONT

CONNECTICUT

Toronto

Ottawa

Montreal

New York

QuebecCity

Niagara Falls

Algonquin PP

Finger Lakes

Acadia NP

New England

Vancouver

Banff NP

Yoho NP

Jasper NP

Glacier NP

Wells Gray PPOvernight wilderness canoe trip

Lake LouiseIcefields Parkway

Golden Calgary

TRIP OVERVIEW

Travel to beautiful Banff National Park with three days to explore - consider hiking to the tea-houses near Lake Agnes and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Louise.

While at Yoho National Park, you’ll have the chance to white water raft on the Kicking Horse River or experience one of the world’s great day walks, the Iceline Trail.

There are some incredible hikes to get better acquainted with this incredible park including Maligne Canyon, Bald Hills, Opal Hills and Five Lakes.

Explore nature’s wild and stunning beautiful scenery in Glacier National Park. The park protects unique stands of old-growth cedar and critical habitats for threatened and endangered wildlife species such as the mountain caribou and grizzly bear.

Stretch your legs in Jasper National Park before venturing into the wilderness into Wells Gray Provincial Park for a truly unique overnight canoeing experience.

After your Canadian Park Trail adventure, return to civilisation with the chance to explore the metropolitan city of Vancouver.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Unique overnight wilderness canoe trip

Sulphur Mountain hot springs

Two days in Banff National Park with numerous hikes

Gaze upon the vibrant hues of the water at beautiful Peyto Lake

Visit Lake Louise, Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake

Full day in Yoho National Park

Enjoy Glacier National Park hiking trails

Drive the stunning Icefields Parkway

Full day in Jasper National Park

Abundant bird and wildlife viewing and photo opportunities

ACTIVE

2019 Trip Dossier

Please see our website for detailed destination information and insider tips.

100% Guaranteed Departures





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ITINERARY AND DETAILS

Day 1: Calgary Your adventure begins in Calgary, a cosmopolitan Alberta

city with skyscrapers and a booming oil industry. Calgary is famous for its

historic `Wild West’ roots, but in recent years has become a dynamic city

with a thriving economy. Its Western culture has earned it the nickname

`Cowtown’ - evident in the Calgary Stampede. Wander around the bustling

streets as you introduce yourself to this lively city. Meet your tour leader

and fellow travelling companions in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting

at 18:00 hrs.

Optional Activities:

• Calgary Tower CAD$18

• Canada Olympic Park CAD$12+ depending on the number of activities

Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals: Paid locally

Day 2-3: Banff National Park Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies,

Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is Canada’s oldest park.

Its mountainous terrain encompasses coniferous forests, alpine meadows,

icefields and glaciers. Take a ride up the gondola to the top of Sulphur

Mountain or view all this scenic grandeur from a helicopter. Outstanding

hikes are available and with an abundance of wildlife around, there’s

always a chance of seeing something - keep your camera at the ready!

There are plenty of trails around Banff which are ideal for horseback riding,

a fantastic way to explore the park from a new perspective. At the end of the

day there’s nothing better than an included soak in the Sulphur Mountain

hot springs. You spend the next three nights at the same campsite.


• Aerial gondola/tramway in Banff CAD$62

• Scenic glacier flight (20 minutes), Banff CAD$195 / 30 minute flight

CAD$395

• Horse back riding CA$65 (1.5 hour ride)

Accommodation: Camping included | Meals: Breakfast (x1), lunch (x2),

dinner (x2) included

Day 4: Lake Louise With its snow-capped peaks, ancient pine forests

and aquamarine waters, Lake Louise is ‘the gem of the Canadian Rockies’.

A popular tourist destination, it’s no surprise that it is one of the most

photographed places in the Canadian Rockies! The vibrant glacial hue of

Lake Louise will take your breath away - it almost doesn’t look real. The

area around the lake is revered by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts the

world over and you’ll discover a huge range of paths that will, quite literally,

take you to new heights. Legendary trails, such as the Plain of Six Glaciers,

are just as exciting as they sound and the chance to explore within the

realm of Mount Lefroy and Mount Victoria is not to be missed.

Optioanl Activities:

• Canoeing on Lake Louise CA$105 per hour, CA$95 per additional half

hour

• Lake Louise gondola CAD$35

Accommodation: Camping included | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

included

Day 5-6: Yoho National Park - Golden ‘Yoho’ is a native word that translates

to ‘awe’, and this incredible national park won’t disappoint, with hiking

opportunities through pristine alpine mountains, lakes and waterfalls.

You’ll certainly be left in awe with your first visit to the incredible Takakkaw

Falls, the highest waterfall in Canada, where the water tumbles 1,000 ft.

below. See the falls up close before driving down to Emerald Lake, nestled

in the mountains and surrounded by lush green forest. The following day,

you have the option to experience the raging Kicking Horse River with a

half day white-water rafting excursion. This is Canada at its very best! You

spend the next three nights under canvas at your campsite in Golden.

Optioanl Activities:

• Whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River CAD$100-$170



Day 7: Glacier National Park The pristine beauty of Glacier National Park

is recognised along the many trails which meander through the park, and

Glacier really is perfect for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and

solitude. With a spider’s web of trails criss-crossing more than 500 square

miles of natural borders, you’ll find a whole host of British Columbian

backdrops with well over 100 glaciers dotted throughout the mountain

peaks. Rivers, caves and plenty of wildlife make Glacier a sublime spot to

visit.


included

Day 8-9: Icefields Parkway - Jasper National Park You travel on the

Icefields Parkway, a scenic road which cuts through the heart of the

Rockies. One of the world’s most spectacular drives. Experience some of its

beauty by walking along the brink of Sunwapta or Athabasca Falls. Explore

the Toe of Athabasca Glacier on an optional hike and stand in awe high

above the crystal-clear waters of Peyto Lake. The trail crosses the forefield

of the glacier, the barren area exposed by glacial melt since the mid-1840s

and a strange landscape of bare rock, boulders and moraines. Although

conditions are extreme, some hardy alpine plants have gained a foothold

and only adds to the wild beauty of the landscape. You end your day by

continuing to Jasper National Park.

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada covering an area

of 4,200 square miles. It’s much less developed than other areas of Western

Canada and offers a true wilderness feel. There are several options on offer

in Jasper, so it is easy to fill a day here with amazing hikes to places such as

Maligne Canyon, Mount Baldy, Angle Glacier, Mount Edith and Five Lakes -

all of them defining the utter serenity of Jasper National Park. If you prefer

to relax, take the cable car to Whistler Mountain for a bird’s eye view of this

splendid park. Whatever you choose, keep an eye out for the wildlife that

calls the park home; Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, White-Tailed Deer,

moose, the rare Woodland Caribou, Grey Wolves, beaver, marmots, puma

and Black and Grizzly Bears.


• Guided glacier walk on the Icefields Parkway CAD$90

• Mountain biking in Jasper CAD$15-$75

• Jasper Tramway cable car CAD$45

• Miette Hot Springs CAD$7



Day 10: Overnight wilderness canoe trip Today you venture out into the

wilderness of Wells Gray Provincial Park for a unique overnight canoeing

trip (no experience necessary). This is a wonderful chance to escape

the confines of modern civilisation and delve deeper into the Canadian

wilderness where wildlife and nature live in perfect harmony.





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You’ll hit the water in two person canoes to navigate the lake. Set up camp

with nothing but good company and a blanket full of stars. This unique

experience is bound to impress.


included

Day 11: Wells Gray Provincial Park Don’t let the fact that Wells Gray is not

a national park fool you, this place is stunning! Visit the famous Helmcken

Falls, Canada’s fourth highest waterfall, where you can witness the water

cascading down from a height of over 450ft. It will come as no surprise to

learn that this natural attraction on the Murtle River was one of the reasons

that Wells Gray was originally created. You have the chance to walk the

rim, stopping at various viewpoints to admire the lush valley below, home

to beautiful meadows full of wild flowers and roaming bears.


included

Day 12: Wells Gray - Vancouver On the edge of the Canadian wilderness

lies the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, where your tour ends upon arrival.

With a population of over 2.3 million and surrounded by water, this is one of

the most attractive cities in the world.

Should you wish to extend your tour (recommended) you can make your

own discoveries and further enjoy the delights of Stanley Park by hiring

a bicycle. Other options include strolling around the shops in the popular

Gastown area, visiting the excellent Museum of Anthropology at the

University of British Columbia to learn more about Native American culture

or sampling the excellent dining options which this vibrant city offers.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can

book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If

you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs

before 21:00 hrs.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

There are many opportunities for optional activities during your tour.

Your tour guide will organise these on your behalf and you will pay

locally in cash. You’ll find the main optional activities listed above under

each itinerary day description, along with guideline prices. It may not be

possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour.

PHYSICAL RATING/PREPARATION

This active tour is suitable for people of most levels of experience and

fitness but if you intend to hike in the national parks, a general degree of

fitness is required. Active tours are about exploring the places you visit so

whether it’s sightseeing, walking, hiking or biking you’ll be experiencing

the best from each place. You’ll also be able to choose from a whole range

of optional activities, everything from horse riding to a helicopter flight,

depending on your interest, budget and ability. There are typically a range

of walks, hikes and activities cater to everyone from beginner to expert,

ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

All departure dates for this trip in 2019 are 100% guaranteed, so once you’ve

booked and paid your deposit you’re going. Please check our website for

our latest range of departure dates for this trip.

TOUR ITINERARIES

Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of

flexibility and from time to time your tour guide may suggest changes.

This may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction

or event that happens to be in progress.

Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will be a highlight of the

tour. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary

depending on ability, group interest, local weather conditions and time of

year.

All details are provided in good faith. Due to the nature of travel, this

information can change and should therefore be taken as an indication

only and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Grand American

Adventures. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Please ensure that you download an up-to-date copy of this dossier

before you depart to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Our itineraries are occasionally amended in response to customer

feedback or for operational reasons.

This dossier is valid for all tours departing in 2019. Itineraries may be

subject to change with the publication of our 2020/21 brochure in Autumn

2019, at which point revised 2020 dossiers will be made available.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

“The tour was fantastic especially for someone travelling alone. All the

hikes were superb! Highlights were the Athabasca Glacier and the Iceline

Glaciers. The tour leader was very knowledgable, always enthusiastic

and highly motivating.” - Judith Boon from the UK

Please see our website for more customer reviews from independent

reviewer Feefo.

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.grandamericanadventures.com/travelaware The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

BEFORE YOU DEPART

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

For anyone leaving from the UK we would be pleased to book your flight

in conjunction with your tour. Please contact us for competitive prices on

flights departing from most UK airports.

If you are booking your own flights, you are free to arrive at any time on

day one but it is advisable that you arrive in plenty of time to reach your

joining hotel and attend your welcome meeting. We also suggest that you

book your return flight the day after your tour finishes. If you have to return

home on the day your tour finishes, please make sure that your flight does

not depart before 21:00 hrs.

Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations,

changes to your flights, or any missed flights. We are 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 (to include repatriation costs, air

ambulance and helicopter rescue service). You will be asked to provide





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details of your insurance policy, including insurer, policy number and

phone number before embarking on the trip.

We offer an insurance policy that is designed specifically to cover the

potential risks on our tours - particularly the many optional activities

offered. If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that the policy you

do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the

activities involved - be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict,

coverage for this type of travel.

There may be cheaper policies available, but this does not mean it may be

better value - we strongly advise you check fully what will and won’t be

covered. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must

be directed to your insurers.

Please note: We can only offer cover for passengers residing within the

European Union.

PASSPORT AND VISAS

It is important that you apply for your Canadian visa (eTA) while in your

home country. For specific visa information, please consult the relevant

embassies. Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have valid

passport and the correct visas for your tour.

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADA

Rules for entry into Canada

The Government of Canada has a visa requirement, known as an Electronic

Travel Authorization (eTA), for some international travellers flying into

Canada. Citizens from countries other than the US who do not require a

visa to enter Canada will be 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

and an email address. At the time of publication there is a CAD$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 carry a print out of your eTA

approval when you travel. Please visit www.canada.ca/eTA to apply.

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 point of entry.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

If you have any medical conditions, take prescribed medicines, or have

a condition that will affect your participation in the tour, you must inform

Grand American Adventures 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 of our

vehicles carry a basic first-aid kit however, our leaders are not legally

allowed to administer medicine. For everyday use you should bring your

own medical supplies, such as pain relievers, antibiotic cream and upset

stomach relievers, in addition to sunscreen and insect repellent.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR

SPENDING MONEY

We recommend you take at least CAD$30 dollars per day for any meals not

included in the tour, drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also

budget for expected 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 our website.

We suggest you bring CAD$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 the Canada charge to withdraw money (from

CAD$1-$5).

In some off the beaten track destinations ATM’s and cash machines may

be limited. Please ensure that your credit or debit cards have international

access and a PIN number to access your funds at the start of the tour.

PRE-PAID CURRENCY CARDS

It is personal preference as to how you take your money and it’s

recommended to take some cash with you for arrival. Grand American

Adventures recommend FairFX prepaid credit cards, as these can be a cost

effective and safe way to take funds overseas. Please ask one of our sales

consultants or visit www.fairfx.com/refer/grandamericanadventures

to find out how to receive a FREE currency card, worth a retail value of

£9.95.

TIPPING

Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and

expected in Canada to tip waiters, bar staff and taxi drivers or any type of

guide. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend upon tips for their

livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you’re confronted by a local who is

expecting a tip and you are not aware of how much to offer. For this reason

we have listed guideline prices below.

A minimum of 15-20% is standard in restaurants. Your tour guide also works

long and hard for you, so if the guide’s performance meets or exceeds your

expectations, we recommend you consider a tip of CAD$5-10 per person,

per day, in appreciation of the service you receive. This is of course entirely

optional.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

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.

We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities however, some of our

pre and post tour hotels will provide this service although there may be a

charge. Please contact the hotels directly for further information.





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TEMPERATURE CHART

Temperatures in the coastal region around Vancouver average 22ºC in

summer, but can reach as high as 30ºC in the low lying interior. June and

September are usually a bit cooler, and the coast can get rain at any time of

year. The mountains have typically unpredictable weather; sun, cloud, rain

and even snow can all be experienced in a day!

SLEEPING BAGS

You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for this tour, we will provide

you with a self-inflating mat to sleep on. If you are travelling on an early

or late season tour or a winter tour, you might want to consider bringing

a mountain climate (4 season) sleeping bag as the weather can be much

cooler. For Summer trips it is recommended to bring a 3 season sleeping

bag incase of inclement weather. We do not provide pillows on Grand

American Adventures tours.

PACKING TIPS

CLOTHING

Please keep in mind that our dress tends to be informal. It is advised that

you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to

suit the season. Please see the temperature guide showing the highs and

lows that can be expected in key locations that your tour visits. However

please remember that this is just a guide and you may encounter a wide

variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather

conditions - so it’s best to be prepared!

Besides your essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items you may

wish to take:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Warm sweater / fleece

• Casual ‘evening out’ clothes

• Sleeping bag (3-4 season) / sleeping bag liner

• Pillow (optional)

• Hiking shoes / boots

• Comfortable day shoes

• Thick hiking socks

• Blister packs

• Sandals or flip-flops

• Warm hat / gloves

• Swim wear

• Dry bag

• Water bottle

• Sun hat / sunglasses

• Camera / binoculars

• Small flashlight / head torch

• SD memory cards / spare camera batteries

• Sunscreen / insect repellent

• Travel power adaptor

• Walking poles

• Small day pack

• Toiletries / personal medicine

• Towel

Please note airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your

luggage - if in doubt check with your airline before travelling.

FOOTWEAR

We recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good

ankle support will make all walking more enjoyable. If you do not own a

pair, then sports trainers will suffice however, this is a personal choice. It is

recommended to bring at least two pairs of thick walking socks.

CLOTHES WASHING

You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes whilst you are on tour,

and this can often be done at campsites or in town. Ask your tour guide for

local information.

BATTERY CHARGING

Many of our travellers bring mobile phones, music devices and cameras

that require frequent battery charging during a tour. When camping

it is often difficult to find a safe and secure wall outlet to recharge these

devices, therefore we recommend that you bring a car charger. Every

vehicle has two outlets for your use, but please bear in mind that thirteen

people travelling with multiple devices can mean very little charge time per

person per day so it may be useful bringing extra batteries. When you are

staying in hotels, your room will have an electrical outlet (just remember

your international adaptor!).

HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES IN CELSIUS (ºC)

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Glacier HIGH -1 2 6 12 18 22 27 26 20 11 3 -2

NP LOW -8 -7 -4 -1 3 7 9 8 4 2 -3 -8

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

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

Banff HIGH 6 0 3 9 14 18 21 21 16 10 0 -6

NP LOW -15 -12 -8 -3 1 5 7 7 2 -1 -8 -14

Jasper HIGH 6 0 3 10 15 19 22 21 16 10 0 -6

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

Wells Gray HIGH 0 2 7 15 21 24 27 26 20 12 4 0

PP LOW -6 -6 -3 1 6 9 12 11 7 3 -1 -5

Vancouver HIGH 6 8 11 12 16 19 21 21 18 13 9 6

LOW 0 1 3 4 8 10 12 13 10 6 3 1

C / F Conversions: -10ºC = 14ºF 0ºC = 32ºF 10ºC = 50ºF 20ºC = 68ºF

30ºC = 86ºF 40ºC = 104ºF





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JOINING YOUR TOUR

PRE/POST TOUR HOTELS

Grand American Adventures tours begin and end at our gateway hotels,

which are conveniently located in the departure and arrival cities. We offer

you the option to book additional hotel nights before or after your tour

however, they should be booked prior to departure with our reservations

team. See below for joining and end hotel details.

Please note some hotels may take 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.

JOINING POINT

You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel for your tour.

Please find the details below:

Ramada Calgary Downtown

708 – 8th Ave. S.W.

Calgary

Alberta T2P 1H2

Tel: +1 403-263-7600

Transfer: To travel from the airport to the hotel there are two options.

The first is to visit the Allied Shuttle airport service before exiting the

airport terminal, which drops at multiple hotels and 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$40-$45 and takes between 20 to

30 minutes depending on road conditions. Please note a tip of 15-20% is

generally expected.

You are free to arrive at any time on day one of your tour but please

ensure you leave plenty of time to reach your joining hotel and attend

your welcome meeting. During this evening meeting you will meet your

tour guide and fellow travellers and also spend a few minutes filling

out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents,

passport and tour documentation to the meeting.

ARRIVAL COMPLICATIONS

Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or

you may even miss it! If you have missed your tour departure, first check

with the hotel to see if your tour guide has left you a message. If not, call

the relevant emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy

to help you catch up with the group. Please note that you are responsible

for any extra travelling expenses incurred due to you missing your tour’s

departure, so please be on time.

FINISHING POINT

Accent Inn Vancouver

10551 St Edwards Dr

Richmond

British Columbia V6X 3L8

Canada

Tel: +1 604-273-3311

Transfer: There are two ways to transfer to the airport from the hotel. The

first is to walk four blocks to Yaletown-Roundhouse Station and take the

airport bound train at a cost of CAD$4.75. If you prefer to take a taxi this

will cost between CAD$45-$50. If you are unsure please speak to the hotel

reception.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

In the event of an emergency or if you wish to report a problem on tour

please do not hesitate to call our toll free* 24-hour emergency contact

number. Remember, if we don’t know about it we won’t be able to do

anything about it.

Phone number for family to contact you only in case of emergency:

International: +1 514 948 4145 or +1 514 623 4148

ABOUT OUR TOURS

TRANSPORTATION

You’ll travel in a private 15-Seater Ford vehicle which is driven by your

tour guide. All luggage, equipment and other necessities are stored in a

specially designed trailer or storage area to maximise space and comfort

in the vehicle. The size of our vehicles allows us to reach more remote

destinations not accessible to larger vehicles. All our vehicles are equipped

with CD stereo systems (often iPod compatible) and air-conditioning.

ACCOMMODATION

Grand American Adventures camping tours use national and state park

campsites and also a wide assortment of private campgrounds. These will

not always be within the national park boundaries we select the best from

those available. Most will have flush toilets and hot showers however, some

may charge an additional fee of $1-$3 for showers. You will sleep in high

quality, tents which single travellers share with one other passenger of the

same sex. Our camping equipment also includes field kitchens, inflatable

sleeping pads, food storage and camp lanterns and chairs. Most campsites

have a quiet time from 22:00 hrs to 07:00 hrs. Please respect your fellow

campers who are there to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping.

BEAR PROOFING

Towards the end of your trip, your tour leader will email you an online

questionnaire to complete. Please submit your feedback as soon as

possible once your trip has finished. Please do not be influenced and me

answer honestly as we treat this feedback very seriously and it is crucial to

ensuring we provide the best possible customer experience.

OPTIONAL SOLO SLEEPER

The accommodation on our tours is based on twin-share, so if you’re

travelling on your own, you’ll share a room or tent with a fellow passenger

of the same sex. However, if you would prefer your own space we offer a

Solo Sleeper option where you can have your own tent for an additional fee.

Please note that the number of single tents we can offer per tour is limited,

so it’s best to book early if you would like this option. Please see our website

or call us for the Solo Sleeper option cost.

SECURITY

No matter where you find yourself in the world, you need to look after

your valuables. Use your best 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 guide.

We would like to remind you that you are ultimately responsible for

your safety and well-being. Whether you are taking public transport,

going for a hike or taking part in an optional activity, we request that





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you carry yourself in a mature and responsible manner - not only for

your own personal safety, but for that of the group and other travellers.

MEALS

On all camping tours, most of the meals are included whilst camping. Your

tour guide will coordinate local shopping and assist the group in preparing

healthy, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners.

Occasionally, you will eat out in local restaurants. To help you budget for

these meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from CAD$6-$12, lunches

from CAD$8-$15 and dinners from CAD$13-$30; this does not include

alcoholic beverages. Wine costs approximately CAD$7 per glass and beer

CAD$5 per bottle. Please be aware that a tip of approximately 17%-20% is

added to group meals in Canadian restaurants. Applicable taxes will also

be added to all listed menu prices. Please make sure we are aware of any

special meal requirements before travelling.

YOUR TOUR GUIDE

Your tour guide will take care of all the planning and organisation

throughout your tour, they will drive the van taking you from A to B and

make sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour guide is there to make

sure you get the most out of your tour; organising activities, providing

information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting

out any queries or problems you may encounter. On our Canadian tours it

is not uncommon for your guide to be French Canadian.

If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do on your

tour, then please let your tour guide know at the beginning of the tour and

they will do their best to help you. We will also use specialist tour guides

in certain locations, to provide in depth information. If for any reason you

have an issue and do not feel comfortable raising this with your guide,

please contact [email protected].

We would like to note that Canadian law regulates the total number of

hours your tour guide 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 guide will need to be off duty from work.

Due to these restrictions, particularly after the longer driving days, your

guide may not be able to join you for some of the daily activities or may

need to tend to other work duties.

CAMP DUTIES

An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day

camp duties and everyone will assist with the setting up and packing up

of the campsite. Your tour guide will provide guidance on what to do, and

typically it will only take 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and

camp kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying ‘home sweet home’ in

the great outdoors.

Your tour guide will also co-ordinate and assist the group with food

shopping, preparing meals and cleaning up. Sharing the camp duties is a

great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is

all part of the experience.

THE GROUP

The maximum group size is 13 passengers. Passengers come from a range

of countries worldwide (average of four nationalities per group) and many

will be solo travellers. You will find you have many things in common

with your fellow travellers, including a passion for discovery and a strong

interest in exploring the National Parks.

Grand American Adventures tours are designed for adults 16 years and

above. Anyone under 18 must travel with some who is 18 years old. While

most passengers are aged 25-55, every year we get many people both

above and below this age range. All travellers over the age of 70 will be

requested to complete a self-declaration of fitness form prior to travel.

Our tours are a unique holiday experience and much of your enjoyment

will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have

together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress strongly

enough the importance of bringing a positive attitude with you on tour; a

sure guarantee to enjoying each and every moment, even in the adversity

of the odd rainstorm!

RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

We are committed to offering low impact tours that benefit the places and

communities we visit as well as our travellers. It is important for us all to 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.

We are proud supporters of Bay Area Wilderness Training (www.bawt.org)

a charity based in Oakland California which works to connect disadvantaged

children in the local urban area with the great outdoors. Their work helps to





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provide these young people with life changing experiences which they can

apply to everyday life. Everyone booking with Grand American Adventures

has the option to donate £1/$1/€1 to support this well-deserved charity and

we will match this donation.

Whenever possible, we use local accommodation and activity providers.

We also shop locally for groceries, eat in small family-run restaurants and

visit local shops whenever possible. This all brings economic benefit to the

local communities that we visit.

Responsible Tourism on the Canadian Park Trails...

We spend a significant amount of time at various national parks

on this tour, the included entrance fees help to preserve the status

and upkeep of the park on a continued and sustainable basis.

Interaction with national park rangers helps to preserve this role as

an employment opportunity for local people and future generations.

Our tour guides will educate travellers on how best to interact with

the wildlife in the parks, for example advising people not to feed

the animals to stop them becoming dependent on hand-outs from

humans. They will also advise all groups to keep to the path to avoid

upsetting the balance of nature.

AFTER YOUR TOUR

FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS

We want to hear about your experience and stories from the road, so

please feel free to e-mail us any comments, feedback or reviews whilst

you are on tour or when you return home to:

[email protected].

We value your feedback and tour reviews, which help us in developing and

improving our programme. Input and suggestions from travellers like you

has helped make Grand American Adventures what it is today.

Towards the end of your trip, your tour leader will email you an online

questionnaire to complete. Please submit your feedback as soon as

possible once your trip has finished. Please do not be influenced and me

answer honestly as we treat this feedback very seriously and it is crucial to

ensuring we provide the best possible customer experience.

WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS!

We can always use your holiday snaps and short videos to better

depict and promote all the fascinating places we visit. Whether it’s

hiking the trails or enjoying a great meal, there’s no better way

to share your Grand American Adventure. So if you want to send

over a couple of your best shots (max 10MB) please e-mail them to

[email protected].

You know what they say, a picture’s worth a thousand words!

HOW TO BOOK

Contact us by telephone, email or via our website to check availability

for the tour you are interested in. We can normally hold a seat on

‘option’ for up to three days to allow you time to finalise your travel

arrangements. In order to secure your place we require a deposit

(full payment within eight weeks of travel) and an agreement from

you to our terms and conditions. Check availability early to avoid

disappointment: www.grandamericanadventures.com

FURTHER QUESTIONS

Please contact our UK Sales team on:

Tel: +44 (0)208 682 8921

Enquiries: [email protected]

This dossier was last updated 03/04/2019

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