Frequently Asked Questions
General/ Booking questions
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+ How can I reserve my space?
For your convenience, there are several ways you can reserve your space. If you are all set, you can click the "Book Now" button on each tour page to make an instant online booking. You will need your credit card for this. If you have questions or would like some help you can fill out the booking form or send us an email and we can take care of everything for you. If you would prefer, you can call us on the phone. International Calls: +1 (778) 871-2539
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+ What deposit is required? When is final payment due?
We require a $500 cad deposit per person to secure your booking. Once received, the deposit is non-refundable, however it is a Lifetime Deposit. Full payment is due 60 days before the tour departs.
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+ What happens if I need to change/ cancel my reservation?
Book with confidence with our Lifetime Deposits! Your booking with us is flexible, so if you need to change or cancel your reservation with us 60 or more days before your tour departs, you can use your deposit towards any future booking with us, for you or anyone you know.
If you need to cancel or change your booking less than 60 days to departure you will forfeit the deposit and any payments that have been made.
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+ What methods of payment can I use?
You can pay for your tour with VISA, Mastercard, American Express and several other credit cards. If you prefer an alternative payment let us know and you can pay by Interac email transfer, Paypal, or a wire transfer. Cash payments can be made in some circumstances.
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+ I am traveling SOLO. Will I have to pay more?
You absolutely won't! We have no mandatory single supplement fees for solo travelers. Your booking is double occupancy and we can pair you up with another solo traveler of the same sex. If there is no one to pair you up with, we will pay for the single room for you. If you would like to make sure you have a single room, you are welcome to upgrade to a single room.
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+ How early should I book my tour?
Our tours often sell out up to a year in advance, so we recommend booking as soon as you are able to. We also recommend booking your tour before booking air travel etc.
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+ Do I need trip cancellation/ travel insurance?
We highly recommend having trip cancellation insurance to cover the cost of your trip, just in case something comes up. You should also have travel medical insurance at the least, to make sure that you are covered in the event that you need medical attention while visiting Canada. Ideally, this should also cover expenses for remote evacuation services. You can get this insurance from a variety of places, including Costco or you national automobile alliance.
camping/ hiking questions
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+ What are the sleeping arrangements like?
We like to call if comfort camping! We use 3-4 person tents to ensure there is lots of space and headroom, so you don't feel cramped. There are also two doors and two separate areas for luggage to be kept, so it is very easy and comfortable to share a tent with someone. We pair two campers in a 3 person tent, or 3 campers in a 4 person tent, to ensure there is lots of space.
Our sleeping pads are second to none. They are nice and wide, and over 6 feet long to ensure you have plenty of space. They inflate to 3 inches (7.5 cm) thick and you can opt to inflate it so it is firm or soft, depending on how you like it. The top of the mattress is a soft fabric to increase comfort as well. With these mattresses you can sleep on rocks and roots and not feel a thing, but we won't make you do that!
It is common for first time guests to be concerned that they will have a hard time camping, with sore backs etc. We have actually never had someone on a cmaping tour that was uncomfortable and everyone has been pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they were while camping.
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+ I've never been camping- Is this OK?
Of course! Our tours are deisnged to be the perfect intorduction to camping for first timers, and also fun for veteran campers. We provide all the equipment and show you how to use it. If you've never set up a tent before, you will be a pro on the first night. All you really need on our tours is a thirst for adventure and a smile!
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+ Are there showers? What about toilets?
Yes, there are hot showers! During our camping tours in the Rockies, you will have access to showers everyday of the tour and be able to soak in hot springs a few times on your tour too! On our Vancouver Island camping tours you will have access to showers roughly half the nights and can swim everyday.
Toilets: You will have access to flush toilets everyday except 1 day that has outhouses. Our Rockies tours are really quite civilized. On our Vancouver Island camping tours you will have access to flush toilets half the time and outhouses the other half of the time. Throughout each day in both regions you will be able to have bathroom stops along the way.
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+ What is the food like? Can you accommodate my diet?
The food is one of the best parts of our camping tours. Your guides go to great lengths to bring high quality groceries, much of which is organic and locally grown. You will likely be surprised what we cook up for you. Some examples include: Grilled salmon with asparagus and pesto pasta, tequila lime shrimp tacos with mango slaw, tender grilled steaks with roasted veggies and potatoes.
Have a tricky diet? Don't sweat! We are probably the best company around at providing a top notch menu and we can cater to almost any diet. Many of our guides are vegans, or gluten free themselves, so it's pretty normal for us. We can accommodate vegan/ vegetarian, gluten free, kosher, halaal, wheat free, lactose intolerant and whatever else you can think of.
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+ How far do we hike? How strenuous is it?
A great question! We have perfected the art of a flexible tour that allows some people to push themselves and hike fast, while others can relax and enjoy the sceenery. With two guides we can ensure that you are never rushed and can hike at a comfortable pace.
Typical hikes are between 4 km (2 miles) and 16 km (10 miles), with moderate elevation gain (250-600 meters/ 500- 2000 feet). If you are wondering, you will be totally fine if you are able to go out for a brisk walk and hold conversation. Roughly 98 percent of our guests just like you have been comfortably able to do the hiking on these tours.
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+ Will anything bite me?
The short answer is maybe... but don't worry! There are barely any bugs in the Rockies and Vancouver Island. If you are concerned you can bring bug spray but we have never heard anyone complain about there being bugs on these tours. And bears don't bite either.
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+ Can I bring alcohol?
Surething! We stop for you to pick up some alcohol on the first day and a few times through out your tour. We do ask you to be responsible and considerate while you are consuming alcohol (and the rest of the time too).
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+ What is the weather like?
The weather is surprisingly beautiful most of the time. You can expect long sunny days, and starry nights. Expect 20-30 degrees C (70-90 f) during the day and just a little cooler at night. Though the weather is usually nice and sunny, you should know that it is possible for it to rain or even snow at anytime of year in the mountains.
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+ What should I pack?
At the very least, you should make sure you have the following:
- Bathing suit and towel (for swims and hot springs)
- Small daypack for personal items on hikes
- 2 changes of warm clothes (fleece, wool, polyester)
- Some clothes for warm weather
- Comfortable walking shoes/ hiking boots. (running shoes are fine)
- Rain jacket
- A backpack, suitcase or duffle bag are all fine
- Toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm
- Hat, sunglasses
Don't count on having access to laundry on the trip, so you can pack accordingly.
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+ Do I need to carry my luggage?
No! Your luggage will be safely transported in our trailer and van. You won't have to carry anything on your back during the hikes, so you can enjoy the scnery and focus on having fun.
ski tour questions
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+ Are snowboarders allowed on ski tours?
Of Course! These are ski and snowboard tours. Many of our guides snowboard and many ski. A note: our guides are good at making sure that snowboarders don't get stuck in flat spots too!
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+ How are different levels handled? Are guests broken up by ability?
With two guides on each tour, we are able to make sure that you are not held back, or pushed too hard and can ski/ ride at a pace that is comfortable for you. We typically start off as a group and see where everyone is in the first couple of runs, and then start to break out into an advanced group and a "chill" group.
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+ Do I need avalanche/ backcountry gear?
No, you don't but you are welcome to bring it. Our tours take place in avalanche controlled zones within resort
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+ Can I take lessons?
Yes, we can set you up with lessons any day of the tour. You can opt for half or full day and private or group lessons, whichever suits you best. Just let us know before or during your tour!
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+ Can I rent equipment?
You sure can! We can arrange rentals of skis, boots, poles, snowboards, boots, helmets and avy gear. The costs of this vary, but are generally between $300 to $400 for the tour.
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+ Where do we stay?
We stay at our handpicked hotel and lodging partners in each town during your ski tour. We work with hotels and lodges that are newly renovated, clean and comfortable and have a hot tub and exercise room. Most of these hotels are walking distance to downtown amenities too.
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+ Are these tours suitable for all levels?
Yes! While the guiding in the tour is focused on the intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders in the group, there is abundant terrain at each resort for every level of rider. If this is your first time skiing you will be fine and we can pair you up with an appropriate lesson.
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+ What do I need to bring?
Essentially, make sure you pack enough to be warm and dry, plus some outfits for around town and on travel days. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.
- Bathing suit and towel for hot springs excursions
- Ski jacket, pants, gloves, hat and underlayers
- Helmet and goggles (Helmets are mandatory on our tours)
- A couple of outfits for dinner and travel days
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+ How do meals work?
We typically go out to eat as a group at your guide's favourite places in town. These are generally places with the best food, service and atmosphere. You can join the group, but feel free to do your own thing as well. Meals and alcohol are not included in the tour.
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+ How should I pack?
There is really just one thing to consider when packing for a ski trip. What can you not replace if your luggage gets lost? This list should go in your carry on. This would be: a set of underlayers, gloves, goggles, hat, jacket and snowpants. You can bring your boots as a personal item. The rest can go in your ski bag. If your checked ski bag gets lost, you can rent skis and poles, and make due with what you have in your carry on for a few days. there is nothing worse than running around trying to get a base layer, gloves and snow pants on the first day of your tour.