Child Ages: 7+

Family Canadian Adventure

Canada - Trip code FCN Family
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
284Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Adventure awaits on this family tour of western Canada. From exploring the surface of the Athabasca Glacier to whale watching off the coast of Victoria Island and meeting grizzlies at a bear sanctuary, there's an awe-inspiring experience at every turn. Whether we're canoeing or tree-top walking, drum making or totem pole spotting, there'll be no time for boredom. Each night, we'll make Canada's lush nature our temporary home, camping under the stars and roasting marshmallows over an open fire.

Why we love this trip
  • Canada's rugged icons - Traverse the Rockies and beyond, taking in Canada's must-see sites from Banff National Park to the Icefield Parkway.
  • Non - stop adventure - From tree-top suspension bridges to nature trails and canoe excursions to glacier explorations, this tour is packed with thrilling activities.
  • Camping under the stars - Get even closer to nature, camping amidst forests and at the edge of lakes.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 11

    Lunch: 10

    Dinner: 8

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

  • Transport

    Maxiwagon

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    Accommodation

    11 nights simple camping

    2 nights comfortable hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    8 - 12

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trip starts in Vancouver

Our Canadian family tour begins in Vancouver. Known as the Jewel of North America, and easily one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Canada, Vancouver eases us into the country's wonderous nature, backed by Mount Seymour and set on the Pacific Coast.

Due to the number of evening flights into Vancouver, our tour leader - who is also our driver for the duration of the tour - will meet you on the morning of day two. A message will be left in the hotel reception with timings and anything you might need for the following day. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive into Vancouver at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Vancouver International Airport (YVC), which is a 40-minute drive from the hotel.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, our hotel is centrally located in the downtown area and is the perfect base to explore some of the city's highlights. You might like to head to the enormous rainforest in Stanley Park or to see the Granville Island public market.

Accommodation:

Century Plaza (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Explore Vancouver and catch ferry to Vancouver Island

This morning, we'll explore Vancouver including visiting Granville Island and its public market, Chinatown, the Gastown area of the city and Stanley Park. We'll enjoy a picnic in one of Vancouver's parks that overlook the bay and catch the afternoon ferry to Victoria on Vancouver Island where we'll camp on the outskirts of the city.

Although the island stretches almost 500 kilometres from north to south, it has a population of just 500,000 and, with its numerous provincial parks, it's easy to escape into the wilderness.

Accommodation:

Cedar Springs Campsite (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Whale watching trip and discover Victoria and its totem poles

Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to spot marine wildlife, being situated on the main migration route of several species of whale including Orca, Humpback, Grey Whales, and Minke. We'll board a catamaran for a whale-watching excursion around the surrounding islands. It may also be possible to spot Osprey, Bald Eagle, and other marine birds on our tour.

Upon returning to shore, we'll explore Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, including sites such as the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and the impressive Empress Hotel on the harbourfront. We'll finish our guided tour at Thunderbird Park, home to numerous totem poles that were carved by First Nation citizens, the original inhabitants of modern-day Canada.

The rest of the day is free for optional visits, including to the Royal British Columbia Museum or Butchart's Gardens which is world-renowned for its beauty.

Accommodation:

Cedar Springs Campsite (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Return to the mainland, treetop adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge and drive to Squamish

We'll take the morning ferry back to the mainland and stop off at Capilano Suspension Bridge for a treetop adventure 70 metres above the Capilano River. Manoeuvre from one Douglas Fir tree to another on a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 30 metres above the forest floor.

Afterwards, we'll continue to Squamish, situated at the end of the Howe Sound and surrounded by mountains, arriving in time to enjoy an evening meal cooked by our tour leader.

Accommodation:

MTN Fun Basecamp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Visit a First Nations cultural centre and make a traditional drum, continue to Hat Creek campground

This morning, we'll visit the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre and learn about the indigenous people of the region who'll show us how to make a traditional mini drum.

In the afternoon, we'll drive northeast to the Hat Creek campground, in the grounds of a historic ranch built in the Gold Rush era.

Accommodation:

Hat Creek Camping (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Drive to Clearwater via Spahats Creek Falls viewpoint, canoe in Wells Gray Provincial Park

Today, we'll explore more of the historic Hat Creek site and indigenous village. Continuing towards Wells Gray Park, we'll make a stop at Spahats Creek Falls viewpoint and take in the scenery while we tuck into a picnic lunch in the park.

Upon arrival at Wells Gray, our local guide will give us a detailed introduction to paddling techniques and environmental ethics before we take to canoes for a three-hour journey to our wild camping spot.

Please note, for the next two nights, we'll go back to basics as we wild camp. There'll be no showers or running water.

Accommodation:

Wells Gray Campground (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Full day in Wells Gray Provincial Park, canoe on Clearwater Lake and wild camp

After a hearty breakfast, we'll head back out onto Clearwater Lake to further explore the waters. After an hour of canoeing, we'll reach Eagle's View, where we can take in the vistas over the lake. There's a beach where we'll stop with time to enjoy a dip in the lake.

Back at our camp, this afternoon we'll learn some bushcraft skills as we prepare a campfire and assist our guide in making our evening meal. We'll spend the evening roasting marshmallows on the campfire and stargazing.

Accommodation:

Wells Gray Campground (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Walk along the Fraser Canyon and stay in Jasper

This morning, we'll paddle back to the launch and swap our canoes for our bus. If time permits, we'll make another stop along the road to complete our Wells Gray Park exploration, visiting either Helmcken Falls or Bailey's Chute.

Heading northeast towards Mount Robson Provincial Park, we'll see Mount Robson itself which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 meters. It's so tall that it has its own weather patterns and if we're lucky we'll be able to view it from top to bottom.

From here, we'll enjoy a walk along Fraser Canyon to Overlander Falls (a one-kilometre round trip/45-minute walk) and then drive on to Jasper, our destination for today. Look out for black bears, elks, and eagles en route, many of which can usually be spotted from the road.

We'll set up camp for the next two nights in the National Park.

Accommodation:

Whistlers Campground (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - Visit Maligne Canyon and walk the Bald Hill Trail

We'll dedicate today to Maligne Canyon. The canyon has a reputation for being one of the most spectacular gorges in the Canadian Rockies, with sheer, limestone walls that plunge 50 metres into the waters of the Maligne River. We'll take a short walk along the canyon passing by springs, waterfalls, bridges, and forests before visiting Maligne Lake, the largest lake in the Rockies.

After enjoying a picnic lunch near the lake, the afternoon sees us hiking along the Bald Hills Trail (around 13 kilometres/four-to-five hours of walking). There are several routes that we might take, and our leader will choose which one is best based on the makeup of the group. There are also opportunities to explore the lake by canoe or cruise boat (optional), before we drive back to Jasper through the Maligne Valley.

Accommodation:

Whistlers Campground (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 10 - Drive Icefield Parkway, snow glacier tour and arrive in Golden

Today's drive takes us along the Icefield Parkway to Golden. The road negotiates its way through a landscape of coniferous forests, towering mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and impressive glaciers. Possible scenic stops en route include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Athabasca Falls.

Along the way, we'll hop on board the Ice Explorer, a vehicle designed especially for glacial travel, for an excursion across the surface of the Falls Glacier. In the afternoon, we'll continue our drive to Golden with wildlife spotting as we go, so be on the lookout for black bears, elks and eagles.

Tonight, we'll stay in Golden, a small town in the heart of the Columbia Valley.

Accommodation:

Golden Riverfront Campground (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - Visit grizzly bear refuge and walk in Yoho National Park

This morning, we'll head to the remarkable Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge, the world's largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat. It offers us a unique opportunity to watch a grizzly behaving exactly as it would in the wild. After a short hike to the reserve, you'll have a chance to meet Boo, the refuge's very own orphan grizzly, and learn more about the life of these magnificent bears from one of the centre's resident naturalists.

Next, we head for Yoho National Park, to take a short walk up to Takkakaw Falls which is the second-highest waterfall in Canada. You can either relax at our campsite or stretch your legs on one of the nearby trails.

Accommodation:

Golden Riverfront Campground (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 - Walk by Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and drive to Banff

This morning, we'll drive for around three hours to Banff National Park - a landscape of mountains, meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. On our way, we'll stop for a walk around the postcard-perfect Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - the walk will be based on the groups' abilities with a choice of routes ranging from six kilometres (around two-and-a-half hours) to 14 kilometres (around five hours). You'll also have the option of renting a canoe and heading out on Lake Louise.

If time permits, we might have the chance to visit Banff on the way to our evening's campground for a bit of exploration.

Accommodation:

Tunnel Mountain Village Campground (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 13 - Explore Banff before hiking in Banff National Park and drive to Calgary

This morning, we'll take a hike in Banff National Park, which is rich in wildlife with over 60 species of mammals and 280 species of birds being recorded here, including golden eagles, cougars, and black bears.

We'll then drive to Calgary and spend the afternoon exploring on foot. There's the option to climb Calgary Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view over the city, set against a backdrop of the Rockies.

Accommodation:

Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 14 - Trip ends in Calgary

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Calgary International Airport (YYC), around a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Meals Provided: None

Trip information

Climate and country information

Canada

Climate

May-Sep is the best time to visit, when the weather is usually warm, dry and pleasant. Temperatures can be a little cooler on the coast and in the mountains; rain can be expected at any time. Early in the season, there can be snow in some areas which may limit walking possibilities.

Time difference to GMT

-7

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Roman Catholic, Protestant

Language

English and French

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


There are a number of exciting optional excursions you can do on your trip. These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Victoria - visit to Butchart Gardens CAD$ 35 / adult (CAD$ 18 for 13-17yr olds; CAD$ 4 for 12 yrs and under)

Whistler- Gondola CAD$ 69; Rafting CAD$ 109 (CAD $ 65 for 6-16yr olds) (option of class 1 to 2; class 2 & 3; or class 3 & 4 rapids)

Jasper - Bike rental from CAD$ 55 (for 5 hrs including helmet hire), Rafting trip CAD$ 69-102 (option of class 2 or class 3 rapids); Jasper Skytram $69; Canoe hire (Maligne Lake) CAD$63 for 1 hr; Maligne boat tour CAD$ 72

Athabasca Glacier - Ice walk CAD$ 110 (payable in cash only)

Kicking Horse - Rafting CAD$126 (without barbecue) CAD$139 (with barbecue) (option of class 2 & 3; class 2 to 4; or class 4 rapids)

Lake Louise - Canoe rental CAD$115 per half hour, CAD$126 per hour

Banff - Gondola CAD$ 65; Canoeing on the Bow River CAD$ 45 (1hr) CAD$ 70 (2 hrs); Hot Springs CAD$ 7.30; Three Sisters Peaks Helicopter tour (15mins) CAD$ 129/adult (CAD$ 64.50 for upto 12yrs old); Royal Canadian Helicopter (25mins) tour CAD$ 259 (CAD$ 129.50 for upto 12yrs old); Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter tour (30mins) CAD$ 314 (CAD$ 157 for upto 12yrs old)

Calgary - Climb on top of the Calgary Tower CAD$ 18

All optional excursion costs are subject to change at the discretion of the local supplier and are per person prices.

Clothing

Include some loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts with tight-closing cuffs (insects). Warm clothing for cool nights beside water or at higher altitudes is essential as is a good waterproof jacket. Also bring swimwear, sunglasses and a sun hat.

Footwear

Hiking boots are a must. Bring sandals or comfortable shoes for walking in the cities and at night at the camp.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

A main luggage backpack, case or holdall plus a daypack for hikes and trips and for personal items carried with you inside the minibus. (Main luggage is stored in the closed trailer towed by the minibus). Bring plastic bags to keep things dry.

Equipment

Bring a 3-season sleeping bag (see below), sleeping bag liner, a water bottle, biodegradable soap and shampoo, towel, sun block, and a small torch. Do not forget your camera. Binoculars are useful. Small flies and mosquitoes are part of the environment during forest evenings, so equip yourself with insect repellent.

Please note: Sleeping bags can be provided locally. These must be reserved at the time of booking and paid directly to your Explore Leader on arrival at a cost of 50CAN$ per sleeping bag hired for the duration of the trip.

We strongly recommend that if you intend to take part in the optional bike ride on this tour, you bring your own cycling helmet with you. Cycling helmets will be available to hire locally from a reputable supplier, but we cannot guarantee the structural integrity of local equipment. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between CAD$7 to CAD$14 per person per day as a guideline.
Local crew
In North America tipping 15%-20% is a recognised part of life across the service industry, including restaurants, activity suppliers, taxis and guides. Local staff will look to you for personal recognition of particular services provided.

Unlike other Explore trips, during our trips in North America our Explore leaders will not operate a tips kitty. However, they will be more than happy to provide guidance throughout the trip on who to tip when and to suggest appropriate amounts.

Canada

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£13.00
Dinner price
£20.00
Beer price
£3.00
Water price
£1.10
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Canadian Dollars.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Bring your money in Canadian Dollars or US Dollars cash which can be used almost everywhere, although local stores are not keen to change anything over $50.
Where To Exchange
Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities. Your tour leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in the towns.
Credit Card Acceptance
Widely accepted just about everywhere.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Maxiwagon

Accommodation notes

We'll spend most of our two-week Canadian adventure camping, bringing us even closer to the country's luscious wildlife. Aside from a couple of nights of wild camping, we'll stay at National Park and private campgrounds. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bags, but all other camping equipment is provided, including three-man tents (we usually allocate one tent per two people) and inflatable mats.

Part of the fun will be mucking in to set up and break camp, as well as day-to-day tasks like meal prep, washing and loading and unloading the trailer.

Campsite facilities typically include toilets, showers, and kitchen shelters where we'll have our meals, however, when we wild camp, basic facilities won't be available.

Family swimming

In rivers, lakes and natural hot springs

Canada

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Canada: (Including those in transit) Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia and passport holders from several EU countries can enter Canada with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required when flying into Canada or transiting via Canada. For more information and to apply see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

Please note you must also ensure you get an entry stamp when going through immigration on arrival. In most cases the border agents will provide this stamp automatically but if for any reason they do not provide one, please ensure you request one to ensure a smooth exit on departure.

USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html




If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Canada

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Family information
Typical vehicle used in Canada
Wells gray cabins
Vehicle information: The vehicles that we use on our Canadian trips are either low-roof or high-roof transit vans. Where possible, we aim to get the high-roof ones, allowing that little bit of extra comfort. Although not flashy, these small-group vehicles are perfect for exploring western Canada as they allow greater flexibility to get to those more off the beaten track places. Your Explore Leader will rotate seating positions regularly within the van. Please see the image gallery for further details.
 
Triple rooms: This trip allows the option for triple rooms, tents and cabins to be included within the booking on all nights except Whistler and Banff. If you would like this option, a discount may be applicable on the cost of the trip - please ask our Sales team for further information. Please note that triple or quad hotel rooms in North America have two queen size beds. For the camping nights whilst tents can accommodate 3 people we would suggest two tents between 3 to give you more space.

General rooming: In Canada, children under the age of 18 are not legally permitted to sleep in a hotel room without an adult. Where available, a triple room will be booked as a matter of course for families of three. 
 
Average Age: As a guide we have identified the actual average age of the children who have travelled on this trip over the last 5 years, to help you decide whether it's the right one for your family. The average age on this trip is 13 years old.

Minimum age: This trip is suitable for children of all ages from 7 upwards.
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Airport Transfers
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