Holidays in the Rocky Mountains:
The Rockies Wildlife Tour

Predeparture Information

Partial Document Only

This document contains information on:

1. Traveling Responsibly
2. Local Social and Environmental Issues
3. The Areas We Visit
4. Travel Information
5. Preparing for the Tour
6. Once You Arrive in Vancouver

Below is an excerpt from our pre-departure package:

4. Travel Information

Weather
The tables below provide the average year-round daily temperatures and precipitation levels in Banff, Alberta.

Local Language
On your tour of the Rocky Mountains you’ll find that most people speak English, although Canada has two official languages, English and French.  Visitors will find some British spellings such as "centre" and "labour," and the use of the metric system as in kilometers, not miles.

Local Currency
The Canadian dollar and cent exist in virtually the same denominations as their U.S. counterparts. There are 100 cents to the Canadian dollar. The C$1 and C$2 bills are no longer used and have been replaced by a C$1 coin known as the "loonie," after the loon that appears on it, and the C$2 coin, known as a "twoonie." U.S. dollars are accepted and are subject to current exchange rates. Currency can be exchanged at banks and at many hotels. Currency exchange bureaus are located at airports, train and bus stations, and in most major towns and cities. ATMs allowing access to a traveler's own account are widely available across the country. Fees may be slightly higher than at home. Credit cards are accepted nationwide.

Calling Codes
In BC the calling codes are 250 for Vancouver Island and 604 and 778 for the rest of the province. The area codes for Alberta are either 403 or 780. Pay phones are common throughout British Columbia and Alberta.  Local calls must be made by dialing the 10-digit number, including area code. From Canada and the U.S., phone calls can be made by direct dial using area code 403. For long-distance from outside the U.S. or Canada dial the country code, area code, and the number. Dial 0 for operator and 411 for directory assistance. Calling cards are readily available at most grocery stores.

5. Preparing for the Tour

To Do List

• Reserve flight to Vancouver, B.C.
• Ensure final payment has been made to Midnight Sun Travel
• Read, sign and forward the medical form and Waiver of Liability to Midnight Sun
• Gather passport, travelers cheques, and airline tickets
• Reserve gateway accommodation (pre & post tour)
• Check to see if you can store non-tour luggage at gateway hotel.
• Pack trip clothing and personal items as per the below checklist.

Personal Equipment Required For All Tours
The following list represents the basic type and amount of items you need to bring on your holiday in the Rocky Mountains. Clothing items are based on the “layer” method of dressing for the outdoors. We suggest the items that you bring represent a mixture of cotton and synthetics as cotton lacks warmth when wet.

Luggage will be transported either in the rear of the van or in a small trailer. Please limit your luggage weight to 50lbs. We advise passengers to pack lightly and use easy to carry luggage that they can and lift and carry themselves for at least 300 meters. We also suggest that you bring a fanny pack or day pack that you can take into the van and use on day hikes. Please clearly mark all your luggage. Here’s what we recommend to bring …