Canadian Rockies and Wilderness Walk

Transcription

1 Trip Dossier Canadian Rockies and Wilderness Walk G R E E N L A N D TOUR AT A Y UGLANCE: KON TRIP OVERVIEW 100% WALKING CAMPING TERRITORY 2 Canadian Provinces: Alberta and British Columbia Length: 13 days Departs: Trip code: PRW Group size: Maximum 12 Guaranteed Departures N O R T H E R N Accommodation: 11 nights camping and 1 hotel night Meals: 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners Staff: Two professional tour guides Transport: Private vehicle Please see our website for detailed destination information and insider tips. Jasper NP ALBERTA Icefield Parkway BRITISH COLUMBIA Banff NP Lake Louise Yoho NP Kananaskis Country Waterton Lakes NP The Canadian Rockies of British Columbia and Alberta are some of the most wild and pristine earth, protected by the Canadian government for the enjoyment of the T E R Rplaces I T O RonI E S people, they contain some of the most renowned scenery. The Canadian Rockies mountain chain stretches across the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, through a vast wilderness of stunning lakes and mountains. This trip aims to combine the timeless favourites of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise, with hikes to some of the more remote and just as magnificent Kananaskis and Waterton Lakes areas. The total area of the Rockies is so large that we use a van to travel between trailheads and the walks are all day hikes. They typically begin nearby to your campsite and are chosen for their facilities, location and access to wilderness areas. Most of the hiking is on well-marked park trails with decent footing, although keep in mind that this is the wilderness and seasons affect the trails. There is some flexibility in the itinerary so guides may suggest some routes off the trail if the conditions aren't suitable. Some of the trails are quite steep but you are rewarded with spectacular views above the M A Nand I Tstrenuous, O B A tree line from the summits. The hikes have been chosen for their magnificent scenery and S A S K AT C H E W A N will always include time to learn more about the flora and fauna and to take photographs. C A N A D A O N T A R I O The distance in the Rockies from Jasper to Waterton Lakes (700km) means that the geography and geology change substantially, from the lakes and evergreen forests of Jasper, Q U E B E to the red rock canyons and the prairies around Waterton. Alpine flowers are in abundance from spring through to the peak of summer, and in the autumn the berries and golden larch Que trees are spectacular. It is common place to spot wildlife including moose, bear and elk whilst City hiking or when driving between places. Your tour guides are well versed in how to handle Montreal these situations with as little disruption to the animals, whilst keeping you safe. Algonquin PP WASHINGTON U N I T E D We have named hikes which the group are likely to walk including mileage, duration and Ottawa S T elevation. A T E S If you O F have A M R I C A about your fitness ability for this trip, please contact us. anye concerns Toronto Whilst we will meet many tourists at famous destinations such as Banff and Lake Louise, N E W there are plenty of wide-open spaces where we can enjoy the peace and beauty Niagara Fallsof the Finge Rockies in complete solitude. Lakes Please note: the tour itinerary changes in 2019 to include a three night heli-hike flight P E N N S Y LVA N to Landslide Lake. This is a true wilderness experience where you are unlikely to spot other hikers, but services are basic with no shower, toilet, or picnic tables. A true backcountry experience Miles Kilometres GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE

2 HIGHLIGHTS: Trek through the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies with a series of named hiking trails Drive the breathtaking Icefield Parkway Wildlife viewing opportunities Visit UNESCO site 'Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump' Sweeping views of Moraine Lake Forested walks through alpine covered valleys Views of Saskatchewan Glacier Three nights in the Lake Louise area Walk to Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park Three nights in Jasper National Park Hiking in Waterton National Park Miette Hot Springs ITINERARY AND DETAILS Day 1: Welcome to, gateway to the Canadian Rockies, where you can take time before the tour begins to explore this cosmopolitan city with its skyscrapers and booming oil industry. has historically been famous for its `Wild West' roots but in recent years has become a dynamic and exciting city. It oozes Western culture, a feature that earned it the nickname 'Cowtown' - evident in the Stampede. Join your tour guide and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs in the hotel lobby. Tower CAD$18 Canada Olympic Park CAD$12+ depending on the number of activities (20 minutes by car or 1 hour using public transport) Western saloon evening CAD$10 Accommodation: Hotel included Meals: Paid locally Day 2: Waterton Grab you hiking boots and head over to Blairmore, in order to hike up Turtle mountain for a stunning view of Canada s deadliest land slide - Frank slide, which killed 70 people in 1903 when over 90 million tons of rock came tumbling down the mountain. The slide destroyed the Frank Mine surface plant and buried the CPR rail line. The tales of tragedy and survival are documented in the many interactive exhibits and media presentations at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. From here you continue onto Waterton where you spend the next two nights. Upon arrival, the guide will give you an explanation about how the fires affected Western Canada in 2017, what this means for wildlife and how the forest will regenerate itself over the next years. Frank Slide Interpretive Centre CAD$13 Accommodation: Waterton Village Campground Meals: Lunch & dinner included filled landscape, through a tunnel carved into the rock, followed by a metal ladder bolted into the mountain which you traverse. With the name like Crypt Lake, the reward is obviously reaching this beautiful body of water. It is common place to spot Mountain goats and marmots. Crypt Trail isn t easy, but it s worth every ounce of effort. Trail name: Crypt Lake Trail Duration: 6 hours Mileage: 10.7 miles (17.2 kms) Altitude gain: 675 m / 2,214 ft. Maximum altitude: 1980 meters Accommodation: Waterton Village Campground Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Day 4: Lake Louise Today your travel time will be approximately four and a half hours, stopping en route at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 'Head- Smashed-In Buffalo Jump', one of the world's oldest, largest and bestpreserved buffalo jumps. Here you'll find a museum dedicated to the First Nations People where you watch a video re-enactment, followed by free time on the viewing platform or the option of a short 1 mile trail. Then it s onto Lake Louise and your base for the next three nights. Upon arrival, take in the epic panorama at the prestigious Chateau Lake Louise and warm up those hiking boots with a walk on the Lake Agnes trail beside the emerald coloured lake for views of Victoria Glacier. Hike through old-growth forest before reaching spectacular views of Lake Louise from above and then continue along the trail until you reach Lake Agnes and a rustic teahouse, providing much needed refreshment before the descent back down to your campsite near Lake Louise. Trail name: Lake Agnes Trail Duration: 5 hours Day 3: Waterton Lakes National Park Get your boots ready because you have a wonderful and full day hike ahead of you on the Crypt Lake. This hike is challenging yet rewarding and the scenery is something truly incredible. Your day begins with a short boat ride from Waterton marina to Crypt Landing, where the trail leads you up through mountain forest, before gaining in elevation steadily from there, passing Twin Falls along the way and emptying into a scree field before transforming into switchbacks some of which are challenging. Along the way, you ll enjoy waterfalls and views of Burnt Rock Falls before the trail works its way through a boulder-

3 Mileage: 9.07 miles / 14.6 kms Altitude gain: 385 meters Maximum altitude: 2120 meters Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground Meals: Lunch and dinner included Day 5: Lake Louise Take a short transfer to Moraine Lake, neighbour to Lake Louise and situated in the scenic Valley of the Ten Peaks. Hike along the Larch Valley before climbing to Sentinel Pass for magnificent views of Banff National Park backcountry. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including elk, porcupine and bears, which are often sighted on the trail. From here you can either hike back or start your descent along the Paradise Valley to end this loop trail. This is one of Banff's premier hiking trails, so do expect to see a few fellow hikers on the trail too. Trail name: Sentinel Pass Duration: 5-6 hours Mileage: 9.94 miles / 16 kms Altitude gain: 725 meters Maximum altitude: 2611 meters Aerial gondola/tramway - Banff CAD$62 Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Day 6: Yoho National Park Cross the Continental Divide north along the Kicking Horse River towards Yoho National Park. Yoho, meaning 'wonder' in the Cree Indian language, is home to some beautiful alpine scenery, which is best explored on foot. Your trail today delivers striking views of Takakkaw Falls, Daly Glacier and Yoho River. Overshadowed by the neighbouring parks of Banff and Jasper, Yoho National Park is the hidden treasure of the Canadian National Parks System. If you don t fancy seeing the trail through the entire 21kms, you can hike a section of the trail and join an optional rafting excursion in the afternoon, on the glacier fed Kicking Horse River. Trail name: Iceline Trail Duration: 5 hours Mileage: 9.3 miles / 15 kms Altitude gain: 695 meters Maximum altitude: 2073 meters Whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River CAD$100-$170 (you will not have time to hike and white-water raft) Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Day 7: Jasper National Park Today you journey over to Jasper National Park so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as Black Bears and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep which are in abundance. Today you will hike the Parker Ridge trail with the chance to see Saskatchewan Glacier. The trail climbs quickly until it gets above the treeline. The trail does not actually reach the summit of Parker Ridge, but it comes within about 60 vertical meters of it and the views are simply incredible. Tonight, you'll set up camp underneath the watchful gaze of Jasper's rugged peaks, your home for the next three nights. Trail name: Parker Ridge Duration: 2-3 hours Mileage: 3.23 miles / 5.2 kms Altitude gain: 400 meters Maximum altitude: 2288 meters Accommodation: Whistler Campground Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Day 8: Jasper National Park Jasper is much quieter than some other national parks, making it easier to leave the crowds behind. Today you hike the Sulphur Skyline trail which has some of the most breathtaking panoramas that Jasper has to offer. You hike the five mile trek to the mountain peak overlooking a phenomenally rugged section of the Canadian Rockies. Of course a great way to finish the day is with a soak in Miette Hot Springs to ease those aching muscles, which is why we ve included this for you (don t forget your swim wear). Trail name: Sulphur Skyline Duration: 4 hours Mileage: 5 miles /8 kms Altitude gain: 615 meters Maximum altitude: 2000 meters Accommodation: Whistler Campground Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Day 9: Jasper National Park Today we explore another section of the park: Maligne Canyon and the spiky Bald Hills. Continue along Maligne Lake Road, keep your eyes open for Bald Eagles and Black Bears. From the lake, hike to the top of Bald Hill Mountain for an open view of Maligne Lake and the surrounding peaks. For a more relaxing time in the wildlands of Jasper, head down to the lakeshore of Maligne Lake and admire the Spirit Island, one of the most photographed scenes on the planet. Trail name: Bald Hill Duration: 5 hours Mileage: 6.4 miles / 10.4 kms Altitude gain: 500 meters Maximum altitude: 2320 meters Mountain biking in Jasper CAD$15-$75 Accommodation: Whistler Campground Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Day 10: Icefield Parkway - Banff You ll be based out of Banff for a three night stay and be able to explore more thrilling hiking trails by foot. En route you ll stop at different viewpoints along the Icefield Parkway and the opportunity for a hike on Athabasca Glacier (please let your guide know on day one if you re interested as this activity is prone to selling out). Visit the Banff area, relax on Banff Upper Hot Springs or rent a canoe and paddle along the Bow River for a little watery adventure. Athabasca Glacier walk CAD$90 Sulphur Mountain hot springs CAD$8 Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain Village Campground Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Day 11: Banff National Park This 14-km loop trail is well worth the strenuous workout up 981m to the Cory Pass, behind Mt. Edith, past Mt. Louis and through the Edith Pass on the way back to the trailhead. From the Fireside picnic area follow the trail 1 km to the Cory pass junction. You then climb most of the 915 m over 4.5 km, eventually reaching above the tree line. There are several points to take photos and catch your breath along the way. Once through the Cory pass you will follow a rough trail for about 3.5 km through scree fields and across avalanche paths, until you regain the main hiking trail at Edith Pass. Descend along the drainage through the forest between Mt. Norquay and Mt. Edith until you loop past the Cory Pass junction again and then to the trailhead. This is a nice hike and a favourite of the local climbing community. Trail name: Cory Pass Duration: 6 hours Mileage: 8.6 miles / 14 kms

4 Altitude gain: 981 meters Maximum altitude: 2324 meters Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain Village Campground Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Day 12: Kananaskis Country This incredibly stunning area of Canada is home to over 50 provincial parks and recreation areas, just waiting for you to explore. Hike to Burstall Pass in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and pass through thick forest before arriving at a beautiful hanging valley. A final push over the last bluff reveals unbelievable views in all directions including the horn of Mount Assiniboine. Trail name: Burstall Pass Duration: 5-6 hours Mileage: 9.32 miles / 15 kms Altitude gain: 470 meters Maximum altitude: 2380 meters Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain Village Campground Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Day 13: Kananaskis Country The tour is nearly coming to an end but there is time for one last chance to hit the trails and sample the Canadian Rockies. Today (depending on weather conditions) you will more than likely hike the Cascade Amphitheatre trail. This hike begins at the Mt. Norquay ski area, crosses a bridge over Forty Mile Creek, then traverses through dense forest to the Cascade Amphitheatre. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you emerge into the amphitheatre, enclosed by limestone cliffs, as there are commonly wildflowers early season. After this you make a beeline for where your tour ends at approximately 17:00 hrs. Trail name: Cascade Amphitheatre Duration: 5 hours Mileage: 8 miles / 13 kms Altitude gain: 871 meters Maximum altitude: 2195 meters Meals: Breakfast included If you wish to extend your stay, please reserve additional accommodation with reservations. If you are flying tonight, please do not book a flight before 21:00 hrs. **2019 TOUR CHANGE** An exciting change for 2019 is the addition of a heli-hike. You will fly by helicopter into the Landslide Lake area for a back to basics, true wilderness backcountry experience. You will set up rustic camp at the bottom of the mountain which will be your base for the next three nights, and your launch site for hikes. Please note that you will not be staying at an official campsite with services such as toilet, shower or shops. All rubbish will be removed when you leave. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES As this tour is primarily a walking tour, there are only a few opportunities for optional activities during your tour. If you opt for these, it can mean you need to decide between hiking or an activity. Your tour guides 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 which were correct at the time of publication. PHYSICAL RATING/PREPARATION Walking This walking tour is designed for active adults and offers well-paced mix of walks to cater to those with a reasonable degree of fitness. On walking days, details of the named hike are listed on this tour dossier so you can ensure the level of hiking suits your ability. Hikes are subject to local conditions. Should you not wish to hike, you can of course opt for your own non-guided walk or for a non-walking alternative where applicable. Only one tour guide can walk with the group on point to point hiking trails. This is a relatively demanding trek and you will need to be fit if you want to undertake all of the planned walks. A full day hike will last between 5 and 8 hours in duration and half day walks will be 4 hours or less. The walks are at an average of 2000m with a maximum of 2689m. Details of the length of each walk and altitude gain are specified in the itinerary. Almost all of the walking is on well-marked trails. None of the walks are technically difficult, but some are on steep trails, over large stones and/or scree slopes. Please note: Both the weather conditions and presence of wild animals can be unpredictable in the Rockies. Either of these may force the guide to change a planned hike for the day. It is important to use common sense when walking in the wilderness and to follow the advice of the guide at all times concerning wildlife and weather conditions. GUARANTEED DEPARTURES All departure dates for this trip 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 guides 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 also ensure that you download an up-to-date copy of this dossier before you depart to join your tour to ensure you have the most up to date information as occasionally our itineraries may be amended either in response to feedback from customers or for operational reasons.

5 This dossier is valid for all tours departing in Itineraries may be subject to change with the publication of our 2019/20 brochure in Autumn 2017, at which point revised 2019 dossiers will be made available. 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 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. PASSPORTS AND VISAS It is important that you apply for your Canadian entry eta while in your home country. For specific visa information, please consult the relevant embassies. VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADA Rules for entry into Canada - visa (eta) The Government of Canada has an entry 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 are 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 address. At the time of publication there was 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 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 visafree 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 guides 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 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 and within this dossier. 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 Canada charge to withdraw money (from $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. It is recommended to advise your bank that you are travelling abroad so they do not block your card as fraud. 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 to find out how to receive a FREE currency card, worth a retail value of TIPPING Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and expected in Canada to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend on tips for their livelihood. A 15-17% tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip $1 per drink in bars, $1-2 per bag for porters and 10-15% for taxi drivers. It s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional activities. Your tour guides will work long and hard for you during your tour and we recommend a discretionary tip of US$5-$10 per passenger per day if your guides performance meets or exceeds your expectations. This is of course entirely optional.

6 HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES IN CELSIUS (ºC) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Yoho NP HIGH LOW Banff NP HIGH LOW Jasper NP HIGH LOW HIGH LOW C / F Conversions: -10ºC = 14ºF 0ºC = 32ºF 10ºC = 50ºF 20ºC = 68ºF 30ºC = 86ºF 40ºC = 104ºF 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. 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 (four season) sleeping bag as the weather can be much cooler. For Summer trips it is recommended to bring a three season sleeping. We do not provide pillows on Grand American Adventures tours. TEMPERATURE CHART Summers in the Canadian Rockies are generally warm and sunny. Average daytime temperatures are 18ºC in June and the first half of September, 22ºC in July/August. Max temperatures can often be 5 degrees higher. Night temperatures will be cool in July and August; cold in June and from early September and can go down to near freezing point. Temperatures will vary depending on altitude. June gives long hours of daylight. The weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable and you should be prepared for sudden thunderstorms, strong winds or even snow. Although summers are fairly dry, the odd rainy day can be expected. September can bring early snow on the peaks. Residual snow at higher elevations may linger until mid-july. Walking on hard packed snow is sometimes required so it s important you have adequate foot wear. 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 Sleeping bag (three to four season recommended) Casual evening out clothes Sleeping bag liner Pillow (can be purchased locally on day one) Hiking shoes / boots Thick hiking socks Blister packs Comfortable day shoes Sandals or flip-flops Warm hat / gloves Swim wear Sun hat / sunglasses Camera / binoculars Small flashlight / head torch Sunscreen / insect repellent SD memory cards / spare camera batteries Travel power adaptor Toiletries / personal medicine Towel Walking poles Small day pack Water bottle 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. Please ensure you bring adequate walking socks, blister packs and plasters. CLOTHES WASHING You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes whilst you are on tour, and this can often be done at the campsite or in a local town. Ask your your 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 twelve people travelling with multiple devices can mean very little charge time per person per day so it may be useful bringing extra batteries.

7 JOINING YOUR TOUR TOUR AND ACCOMMODATION VOUCHERS A tour voucher will be ed to you once your balance has been paid in full. Vouchers for any hotel nights you have booked before or after your tour as well as any additional day tours, will also be sent to you. You can print off the PDF vouchers or download to your smartphone. For those without access your vouchers will be posted. Please make sure that these vouchers are correct. PRE AND POST TOUR HOTELS This Grand American Adventures tour begins and ends at our gateway hotel in. 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 Downtown Ave. S.W. Alberta T2P 1H2 Canada Tel: 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 minutes depending on road conditions. Please note for the dates of 1/07/2018 and 15/07/2018, the tour coincides with the Stampede, the joining hotel will not be at the Ramada Downtown. Replacement details are shown below: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Ave NE Alberta T2E 1L4 Canada Tel: 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 have 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 Ramada Downtown Ave. S.W. Alberta T2P 1H2 Canada Tel: Transfer: A taxi back to the airport can be booked through your hotel reception,taking minutes and costing approximately CAD$40-$45. Please note for the dates of 1/07/2018 and 15/07/2018, the tour coincides with the Stampede, the ending hotel will not be at the Ramada Downtown. Replacement details are shown below: Clarion Hotel and Conference Center Ave NE Alberta T2E 1L4 Canada Tel: Transfer: To travel from the Clarion to the airport, the hotel operates a complementary shuttle service. Please book this directly with the hotel reception. A tip of CA$1-2 is generally expected. Your tour will end upon arrival at the above hotel, which will be around 17:00 hrs on the final day. Some tour activities scheduled for the last day may preclude an earlier arrival at the end point hotel, so you should not book a flight that leaves prior to 21:00 hrs. You will be responsible for any transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier flight and you must make us aware of this well in advance of your tour departing. If you require accommodation for the last night, it is essential that you book this before your tour departs. 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 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: or Transfer: To travel from the airport to the Clarion, the hotel operates a complementary shuttle service. Upon arrival please call the hotel and advise them that you require a hotel pickup, at this stage they will be able to inform you of the shuttle s expected time of arrival. 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. Details of the time and location of your meeting will be available early on the arrival day. During this evening meeting you will meet your tour guides and fellow travellers and spend a few minutes filling out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport and tour documentation to the meeting.

8 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 smaller 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. 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 traveller 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. On this tour, we are able to provide the option of pre-booking a single tent for every night of the tour. 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. 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, and do not leave valuables in the vehicle or tent. 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 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 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 Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit us at /travelaware The advice can change so check regularly for updates. On this tour the majority of your 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$5 per glass and beer CAD$4 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. We will do all we can to accommodate for various dietary requirements but in certain parts of Canada certain food types can be limited. YOUR TOUR GUIDES Your tour guides 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 guides are 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. If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do on your tour, then please let your tour guides know at the beginning of the tour and they will do their best to help you. If for any reason you have an issue and do not feel comfortable raising this with your guide, please contact info@grandamericanadventures.co.uk. We would like to note that Canadian Law regulates the total number of hours your tour guides are 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 tour guides will need to be off duty from work. Due to these restrictions, particularly after the longer driving days, your tour guides 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 guides 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 guides 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 12 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!

9 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 ( 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 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. 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. Responsible Tourism on the Canadian Rockies and Wilderness Walk... This Canadian tour visits some of the lesser visited parks in Canada, often left off the travellers itinerary due to their remoteness. We use locally owned campsites which helps disperse money spent in Canada to those who may struggle for business during the short summer season. Some of these areas include Kananaskis Country, Burstall Pass and Waterton Lakes National Park. As the focus of this trip is primarily walking, there is plenty of time to hit the trails and we aim to make a minimal impact on the areas as possible. This includes sticking to the trails and not deviating which upsets the flora and fauna of the area. Not feeding wildlife as they become reliant on tourists, and keeping at a safe and respectful distance from wildlife. We give information as per the ranger guides, on how to behave should you come face to face with local wildlife. As this is a camping tour we use only government regulated and approved campsites where recycling is of the utmost importance, and all camping and cooking rubbish is disposed on in a thoughtful and responsible manner. AFTER YOUR TOUR FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS We want to hear about your experience and stories from the road, so please feel free to us any comments, feedback or reviews whilst you are on tour or when you return home to: comments@grandamericanadventures.com. We value your feedback and tour reviews, which help us in developing and improving our programme. It s input and suggestions from travellers like you that has helped make Grand American Adventures what it is today. 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 them to comments@grandamericanadventures.com. You know what they say, a picture s worth a thousand words! HOW TO BOOK Contact us by telephone, 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: FURTHER QUESTIONS Please contact our UK Sales team on: Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Enquiries: info@grandamericanadventures.com This dossier was last updated 07 Mar 2018