CANADA RCAF Air Bases, Abbotsford Air Show, Aviation Museums & Collections

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1 CANADA RCAF Air Bases, Abbotsford Air Show, Aviation Museums & Collections PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION Sunday, 31 st July Monday, 15 th August For the very first time we are offering a 16-day comprehensive tour visiting all of the major (and some smaller) RCAF airbases stretching right across Canada! We travel from CFB Bagotville in the east right over to the Pacific seaboard in the west - to Comox on Vancouver Island. We also stop by a number of aviation museums including the huge collection of the RCAF in Trenton. Photo courtesy of Robbie Shaw We end our tour at Canada s largest international airshow in Abbotsford. Having discussed our request with the authorities who suggested certain changes, we are hopeful of a positive outcome and we await their response (as of December 2015). In addition to various aviation museums along our route, several of the airbases also have their own collections and air parks. We fly on the scheduled international and domestic services of Canadian airline Westjet who start services between Canada and London s Gatwick Airport from the Spring of 2016 (from which terminal is yet to be decided (December 2015)); we travel around Canada in specially chartered coaches (see appropriate paragraph on page 7 General Information ; by scheduled vehicle ferry to/from Vancouver- Vancouver Island; stay each night in a comfortable hotel on a bed and breakfast or room only basis as stated; and are accompanied by an Ian Allan Tour Manager. For the crossings between Vancouver and Vancouver Island there is an opportunity for an optional floatplane flight into Nanaimo! Please annotate your booking form if interested and we will advise the price of a ticket. For this comprehensive programme of visits to the operational squadrons of the Royal Canadian Air Force you will travel many thousands of miles by air, land and sea 9,500 by air alone - and we believe this never-before-offered tour gives excellent value for your money. Air Force base tours to the huge country that is Canada do not come around very often, so for those of you looking for a different air force to visit here it is. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: SUNDAY, 31 st JULY Please check in with the Canadian airlines Westjet at London s Gatwick Airport (details not yet released of which terminal), then meet your Manager and fellow enthusiasts who will be stood by the check in area. Recommended latest check-in time is 3 hours prior to departure: 10:15. Gatwick Flight: WS 4 Departs: 13:15 Toronto Arrives: 16:28 Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 1 of 10

2 After Passport Control we collect our luggage from Baggage Reclaim, proceed through Customs, and then hand our luggage back into Westjet and proceed to the departure lounge of our onward flight to Quebec: boarding should commence around 20:55 hrs. Toronto Flight: WS 3402 Departs: 21:35 Quebec Arrives: 23:22 In the Arrivals Hall meet our driver. It s been a long day and so we transfer the very short distance to the Econolodge Hotel adjacent to the airport where we stay 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. On-site facilities include the Houston Avenue Bar and Grill Restaurant, pool and Wi-Fi. Website: DAY 2: MONDAY, 1 st AUGUST Departing our hotel at 08:30 we set off on the 2½ hour drive to the town of Saguenay and CFB Bagotville, home of 3 Wing s 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron and their CF-188 Hornets, and 439 Combat Support Squadron who fly the classic Huey: the CH-46 (pictured right). We also plan to stop by CFB Valcartier s CH-46s on the way back. Early evening we arrive back at our hotel at Quebec Airport. DAY 3: TUESDAY, 2 nd AUGUST Transferring to the airport we fly to Toronto on Westjet s only morning service; latest check-in time is 90 minutes prior to departure 04:30. Quebec Flight: WS 3403 Departs: 06:00 Toronto Arrives: 07:56 After meeting our new driver we first make a stop for breakfast! We then continue to CFB Trenton, a 2-hour drive to the east, for our visit to 8 Wing whose units comprise: 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron s CC-130H and CH-146; 426 Transport Training Squadron s CC-130E and Hs; 429 Transport Squadron s CC-177s (picture left, courtesy of John Davies); 436 Transport Squadron s CC-130Js; and 437 Transport Squadron s CC-150s. Our second visit today is to the adjacent National Air Force Museum of Canada (formerly the RCAF Memorial Museum) and its large collection of more than 30 aircraft on display and the Memorial Air Park. Website Returning to Toronto we stay overnight at the Best Western Plus Toronto Airport on a bed and breakfast basis. Facilities include on-site Postcard restaurant and bar, indoor swimming pool, sauna and free wi-fi. Website: DAY 4: WEDNESDAY, 3 rd AUGUST A free day in Toronto. Alternatively, at 09:00 we set off for Borden and the Borden Military Museum s collection of 15+ aircraft. Website: Returning to Toronto Airport, just over an hour s drive to the south, we pick up any members of the group who remained at the hotel and check-in with Westjet for our flight to Winnipeg; latest check in time is 16:45 hrs. Toronto Flight: WS 529 Departs: 18:15 Winnipeg Arrives: 19:50 Meeting our local coach driver our transfer takes only a few minutes to the Best Western Plus-Winnipeg Airport. The hotel s on-site facilities include a full service restaurant, lounge, heated indoor pool and hot tub and free wi-fi. A full hot breakfast is included. Website: Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 2 of 10

3 DAY 5: THURSDAY, 4 th AUGUST Today we ve asked to visit CFB Winnipeg; based here are the CT-142s of 402 Transport and Training Squadron and the CC- 130Hs of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron (pictured right). We also take a look at the aircraft collection in the Manitoba Military Aviation Museum and Air Park (aircraft are on display on the base and at the airport), including a C-100 Canuck, CT-134, 2 Beech Expeditors, Bell Kiowa, CL-13B Sabre 6, CT-133 Silver Star, CT-114 Tutor, CF-104, CF-5A, CX-144A Challenger, Canadian Harvard 4, C-47, CP-121 Tracker, CF-101B Voodoo and a B-25 Mitchell. Photo courtesy Cpl Carole Gosselin In the afternoon we return to Winnipeg Airport and check in with Westjet for our flight to Regina; latest check-in time is 15:35. Winnipeg Flight: WS 3273 Departs: 17:05 Regina Arrives: 17:19 Boarding our waiting coach we are only 15-minutes away from the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Regina, where we stay the next 2 nights on a room only basis. The hotel s facilities include the Perkin s Restaurant & Bakery, Movado s Sports Bar and Lounge, indoor heated pool with 1.5 storey waterslide and free Wi-Fi. Website: CAEN-_-yqrrs DAY 6: FRIDAY, 5 th AUGUST This morning we drive west for an hour, arriving at CFB Moose Jaw. Based here are the CT-114s of the Canadian national aerobatic team The Snowbirds, and the CT-155s and 156s (BAe Hawks) of No 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (pictured left). We also take a look-see at the 15 Wing Military Museum which has on display a CT-133 Silver Star, Canadian-built Harvard 4 and a CT-114 Tutor. DAY 7: SATURDAY, 6 th AUGUST We start the day with a visit to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Centennial Museum to see their Beech-18 and Twin Otter (unfortunately only the cockpit of the latter). We then head north across the Canadian wilderness to the isolated town of Cold Lake, where we stay the next 3 nights at the Lakeland Inn just minutes away from the base. On-site facilities include the Oak Room Lounge, Taps Sports Bar & Grill, Fireside Fine Dining and The Garden Court Coffee Shop (with a full service menu) and wi-fi. Breakfast is included each morning. Website: DAY 8: SUNDAY, 7 th AUGUST Today we visit the 2 local aviation collections: the Cold Lake Air Force Museum which is reputed to contain about 10 aircraft with 4 on display outside: CT-134A Musketeer, CT-133 Silver Star, CT-144 Tutor and a CF-5A (pictured right). On-base is the Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake Museum and Air Park: CF-100 Canuck, CT-33 Silver Star, CT-114 Tutor, 2 CF-104 Starfighters, CF-5A Freedom Fighter, a CF-101B Voodoo and a C-47. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 3 of 10

4 DAY 9: MONDAY, 8 th AUGUST Today we visit CFB Cold Lake, the largest airbase in Canada and also the RCAF s busiest fighter base. We see the CF-188/B Hornets (pictured left) operated by 409 and 410 Tactical Fighter Squadrons, the CH-146s of 417 Combat Support Squadron and the CT-155s of 419 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron. Also based here is the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment with CT-11s, CH-146s, CF-188s and CF-188B. DAY 10: TUESDAY, 9 th AUGUST Departing the hotel at 08:30 we drive south and arrive in Edmonton by midday. In the afternoon we visit the Alberta Aviation Museum and its collection of over 30 aircraft: too many to list here. Website: We then transfer the few miles to the airport terminal and check-in with Westjet for our flight to Vancouver; latest check in time is 17:20. Edmonton Flight: WS 107 Departs: 18:50 Vancouver Arrives: 19:24 Boarding our next coach we transfer into the centre of Vancouver, staying the night on a bed and breakfast basis at the Days Inn Vancouver Downtown. Facilities include in-room tea/coffee makers, restaurant, bar and free wi-fi. A short walk away is the famous Gastown area with its shops, restaurants and bars (including one in a working brewery). Website: DAY 11: WEDNESDAY, 10 th AUGUST Departing the hotel at 08:30 we first go to the downtown floatplane base and drop off those members of the group who may have taken up the option of a floatplane flight to Nanaimo (please annotate your booking form if interested). The other members of the group then continue to Horseshoe Bay and take the 10:40 vehicle ferry across to Vancouver Island, arriving in Departure Bay at 12:20. Stopping off in Nanaimo we pick up those who flew over the Straits. We will stop by Sproat Lake to see the mighty Martin Mars waterbomber(s), if one or both are there. Continuing north, we will make a stop for lunch (at your own expense) and mid-afternoon we arrive at the Comox Air Force Museum. This small but very interesting collection includes a V.107 Labrador, Canadair Argus, Silver Star, Tutor, CF-104, DH Vampire, C-47 (pictured right), Grumman Tracker, a couple of CF-101B Voodoo s, a Czech Air Force MiG-21 and a Piasecki CH-21B Workhorse; website: We stay the next 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Courtney, a few minutes drive from Comox airbase. Amenities include free Wi-Fi. Website: _-CAEN-_-yqqca A 200-yards walk away is the Whistlestop restaurant and pub - website - and a few minutes further away is the popular 5 th Street shopping and dining area. Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 4 of 10

5 DAY 12: THURSDAY, 11 th AUGUST Our host today on Comox airbase is 19 Wing comprising 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron and their P-140 Aurora s (pictured left), and 442 Search and Rescue Squadron s CC-146s and CH-149s. On the way back to our hotel we stop by the local airfield. DAY 13: FRIDAY, 12 th AUGUST At 08:00 we set off on the 3-hours drive down Vancouver Island to Victoria on its southern tip, to visit 12 Wing s No 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron flying CH-124As and Bs out of Patricia Bay on Victoria International Airport. En-route to Swartz Bay we stop by the British Colombian Aviation Museum and its good collection of aircraft; website: Taking the vehicle ferry from Swartz Bay, 1 hour 35 minutes later we arrive in Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver city, and drive east to Langley a few miles from Abbotsford. We stay the next 2 nights at the Best Western Plus on a bed and hot breakfast basis. On-site facilities include restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi. Website: This evening we plan to attend the Twilight Airshow at Abbotsford. DAY 14: SATURDAY, 13 th AUGUST A full day at the 2016 Abbotsford International Airshow. Basic admission is included in the tour price, however, there are several optional upgrades available including a reserved seat alongside the runway and, for photographers, the Photo Pit! See for details. DAY 15: SUNDAY, 14 th AUGUST At 09:00 we drive the few miles to The Canadian Museum of Flight. Among its very good collection of 25 aircraft is a beautifully restored, and very rare, Handley Page Hampden bomber! Website: Next stop is the busy downtown Vancouver floatplane base: time to take in the action, and maybe lunch (at your own expense)? Then to Vancouver International Airport and check in with Westjet for our direct, overnight flight to London s Gatwick Airport; latest recommended check-in time is 14:50. Vancouver Flight: WS 22 Departs: 17:50 DAY 16: MONDAY, 15 th AUGUST Gatwick Airport Arrives: 11:24 Whilst waiting for our luggage in Baggage Reclaim we take the opportunity to bid each other farewell until the next time! Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 5 of 10

6 TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: From: 2, From: On Request Package price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a part Bed and Breakfast basis and Room Only basis, as stated in the itinerary Single room supplement Land-only (NO flights) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Flights on the scheduled international and domestic services of Westjet from London s Gatwick Airport, as stated UK and Canadian airport taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge (subject to change) Vehicle ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Vehicle ferry from Swartz Bay, Vancouver Island to Tsawwassen Coach transfers as stated 14 nights hotel accommodation with en-suite facilities, as stated Continental, Hot Breakfast or room only, as stated; room only in Regina Admission to the Abbotsford Friday Twilight Airshow and Saturday Airshow Admission to all aviation museums and collections as stated Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout Gratuity for coach drivers NOT INCLUDED Meals: on the plane. Westjet do not provide complimentary food or drinks on their flights Meals: in Canada; except breakfast as stated above Travel insurance Canadian entry document eta (or visa if required) see page 7 General Information Optional floatplane flights (single or return) between Vancouver and Nanaimo Travel insurance see page 9 General Information Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Tips and gratuities Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 6 of 10

7 GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of per person should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc.. cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. Coach Travel only use coaches chartered from reputable companies, with a driver. Where we have had to cancel a tour, due to the small number of bookings, we have looked at the possibility of renting a 9-18 seater mini-van, with our tour manager driving. However, without exception, the hiring of such a vehicle is illegal if any of the occupants make any payment towards the rental price, fuel and/or other expenses - known as for hire or reward. Any such rental, made without these facts being made known to the rental company at the time of booking, also invalidates all insurance covering the vehicle, contents and persons. The DVLA has also confirmed that any for hire or reward rental could breach the normal driving classification of a standard UK driver s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater mini-vans from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a Full UK Passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return. You may also refer to the World Travel Guide: for general information on passports, visas and health requirements. FCO Consular Advice The FCO s consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. We suggest you visit for upto-date passport, visa and security information on the destination you intend visiting. In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provides both a web site and an Information Line, telephone: This line is open between the hours 10:00 16:00, Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays). IMPORTANT MANDATORY REGULATIONS FOR ENTRY INTO CANADA - Electronic Travel Authorisation (eta) With effect from 15 March 2016 certain nationalities seeking entry into, or transiting through, Canada by air must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eta), which is being introduced by the Canadian government. Some countries are exempt, e.g. US citizens, however some nationalities must apply for an eta - including all UK passport holders. This means that these travellers are required to apply for authorisation to travel under the scheme before arriving at their departure airport. You must apply prior to departing on this tour and you can only do this online at the official Canadian government website: The eta currently costs CAD $7.00 approximately 3.50 and if you apply on the above website there are NO OTHER CHARGES WHATSOEVER for this service - but be warned, there are several unofficial websites that offer you this service but will charge a higher amount. Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 7 of 10

8 The application process will take approximately 15 minutes and authorisation is normally granted within minutes but may take up to 72 hours. We recommend that you apply for authorisation as soon as we have advised you that the tour is going ahead - or at very latest 1 week before the tour departs, to ensure you are able to travel. If your application for an eta is unsuccessful you must contact your nearest Canadian Consulate. Once granted, your eta is valid for 5 years or until your current passport expires whichever comes first. You can enter Canada as many times as you wish as long as your eta remains valid. You do not have to update your eta before every visit (like you do for the American ESTA). We also strongly recommend that you keep a photocopy of the eta with your passport. For more information, please go to the official Canadian government website: The responsibility for acquiring an eta lies with each individual (and not ). If you arrive at check-in without an eta (or a Canadian Visa if you were refused an eta), you will not be allowed to travel to Canada. No refund of the tour price whatsoever will be possible from Ian Allan Aviation Tours. It is also extremely unlikely that any travel insurance company would agree any subsequent claim therefore it is important that you act upon this information NOW. Baggage Regulations Westjet Airlines Departing from London s Gatwick Airport Checked Baggage: Westjet will transport 1 piece of checked baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 62ins (157cms), including the handle, pockets and wheels. Maximum weight is 23kg (50lb). Cabin Baggage: Westjet allows each person to bring one (1) carry-on item and one (1) personal item. In all cases the items must fit into the sizing devices and may not exceed the applicable measurements outlined below: 1 carry-on item: maximum size of 21in x 9in x 15 in (53 cm x 23 cm x 38 cm). 1 personal item: maximum size of 15in x 6in x 13in (41 cm x 15 cm x 33 cm). Limited quantities of liquids are allowed in your hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Individual containers must not exceed 90ml or 3 American ounces, and items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain: Shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. Hand baggage can include: Electronic equipment including mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit. All electrical devices, e.g. cameras, laptops, i-pads, mobile phones etc, must be fully charged. If not they, and you, may have to undergo additional security checks which could result in you missing your flight; in which case depending on the co-operation of the airline - you may have to purchase new tickets (if you do not board your first flight then all other flights are automatically cancelled). At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note, you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened. Once in the departure lounge passengers may purchase certain items in any shop and take it onto the aircraft as normal. Passengers may be subject to a secondary search at the departure gate before boarding. Any items not on the approved list will be removed. As baggage regulations can change with little warning, due to security requirements, you are strongly advised to contact the airline for the latest information nearer to the time of your departure. Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 8 of 10

9 Meals Meals are not normally included in the price of our tours unless they are included within the room rate as we realise that not everyone wants three meals a day, especially in the USA where dinner tends to be quite large. Furthermore, hotel meals can be expensive and in general, we have found it is better to allow each person to decide for themselves. On this tour either hot buffet and/or cold continental breakfast is included, as stated, except at the hotel in Regina which is room only. In-flight meals are not complimentary on Westjet flights. There is menu in your seat-back pocket giving details and prices of the various meals and drinks. Health Requirements There are currently no known mandatory or recommended precautions required for travel to Canada. However, we strongly recommend that you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate and Dress August is the best time to visit Canada if you are spending lots of time outside. Average temperatures across the country are: Vancouver, BC: 55/72ºF (13/22ºC); Edmonton, AB: 46/72ºF, (8/22ºC); Cold Lake, AB: 60º/71ºF (16º/22ºC; ) Winnipeg, MB: 54/77ºF, (12/25ºC); Ottawa, ON: 54/77ºF, (14/25ºC) and Toronto, ON: 55/79ºF, (13/26ºC). We therefore recommend summer items of clothing and a jacket for the cooler evenings. Currency You will not be surprised to learn that it is the Canadian Dollar. The use of credit cards and ATMs is widespread. If you are taking travellers cheques, American Dollars are most likely to be exchanged, and in the hotels, only small amounts: say $50.00 or less, depending on how many Dollars they have. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, can provide competitive and comprehensive insurance cover for the duration of your tour. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to. Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports Anyone requiring wheelchair assistance at airports must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and/or airports can no longer provide this service without prior confirmation, therefore, please annotate your booking form accordingly. However, please note that access to the operational areas of the airbases prohibit any person that cannot walk unaided. Any person who has a limited/slow pace walking ability, uses walking sticks or a wheelchair will not be allowed airside. This is a Royal Canadian Air Force flight safety regulation, not Ian Allan Aviation Tour s. Please bear this in mind before booking. Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests during multi-day stays in the same place, so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual s responsibility to ensure that they re-join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure. Land Only Price For enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour in Canada (instead of flying from the UK with the main group), we would be pleased to quote a Land Only price. This price will not include any flights whatsoever and you are strongly advised to contact us before making your own flight arrangements in the event that there has been a change to the published itinerary. This is particularly relevant for the domestic flights which form a great part of the itinerary. Please note that the Land Only price is based on you meeting the tour at the first hotel at Quebec Airport on Day 1. Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 9 of 10

10 Flight Timings & Connecting Travel Arrangements to Departure Airport All flight departure and arrival times are correct at the time of preparing each itinerary, however, airlines may change these times with little or no prior warning. In practice such changes are only a few minutes either way and the final itinerary will show the actual times. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc., should bare the above in mind if purchasing nonrefundable or non-changeable tickets. cannot be held responsible for any changes to flight times, and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports - please call on for the latest special offers available. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking - we can offer special rates for the above at most UK airports, please ask for details. Purple Meet & Greet Car Parking at London s Gatwick Airport, North or South Terminal: from your home or overnight hotel, simply drive to the appropriate Terminal and meet the Purple Parking representative and hand your car over to the waiting driver who will then take it to an off-airport, secure, car park. On your return, the driver and your car will be waiting for you in the same location. Simple and very convenient. Recommended by our Tour Managers. Please call for details. Pleasure Flights Disclaimer Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon. * * * Tour Canada Provisional Itinerary Issue 1 Page 10 of 10