Rockies & Pacific Islands Tour Itinerary

Rockies & Pacific Islands Tour Itinerary
REF: NA9
VERSION: 13

Duration:	20 days - Calgary to Vancouver
Countries Visited:	Canada
Age Guide:	18-65 years
Max Group Size:	12
Transport:	Private Minibus, Ferry Boat, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotel (2 Nights), Camping at campsites with facilities (16 Nights), Comfortable Reclining Seats on Ferry (1 Night)
What's Included:	Fully Escorted Tour – Driver/Guide - All Taxes are Included - Complimentary Airport Shuttle in Calgary - All Entrance Fees to National Parks - All Camping Equipment (except Sleeping Bag) - Hard Foam Mattress - Camping Fees - Ferry Crossings as Per Itinerary
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Calgary - Hiking in the Canadian Rocky Mountains - Banff National Park - Lake Louise - Yoho National Park - Rogers Pass - Shuswap Lakes - Williams Lake - Tweedmuir Park - Bella Coola - Discovery Coast Passage - Vancouver Island - Tofino - Pacific Rim National Park - Victoria - Vancouver
Optional Highlights:	Banff Hot Springs - Silver Star Mountain Ski Lift - White Water Rafting - Trail Horse Riding - Scenic Flight over Tweedsmuir - Sea Kayaking - Whale Watching - Full-Day Pacific Rim Boat Cruise
Introduction:	A 3-week voyage of discovery crossing the majestic Canadian Rockies and exploring the Pacific Rim and it's coastline and islands. From Calgary to the stunning national parks of Banff and Yoho with great hiking and dramatic scenery. Travel through the remote wilderness of the North-West, experience the variety and vastness of the country from glacial lakes and huge cattle ranches to fjords and tiny fishing outposts. Take the Discovery Coast Ferry to Vancouver Island and here, at the westernmost edge, find yourself in an ancient forest. In sleepy Tofino go on a whale or bear watching cruise. Finally the cities of Victoria, and what many call the most beautiful city in North America, Vancouver.
Meeting Point:	Sandman Hotel Airport 25 Hopewell Way NE Calgary Alberta T3J 4V7 Tel: +1-403-219-2475
Day 1:	Calgary - If you are arriving at Calgary International Airport, the group hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle to the hotel. Details on how to catch the shuttle will be listed on your Tour Voucher. You need to meet your Tour Leader and the rest of the group at 6.30pm in the hotel lobby for a tour briefing. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy downtown Calgary.
Day 2:	Banff National Park - Short city tour of Calgary and 170 km (105 mi) drive into the Canadian Rockies. In the forested campground of Banff National Park you pitch your tent for the next two nights. This afternoon you go for the first guided hike on one of the many trails near Banff. Walking time 2 to 3 hours.
Day 3:	Banff National Park - A longer hike on one of the many trails near Banff is on the menu for today. Your guide knows the best destinations for the times of the season, even the lesser known ones, for example passes at 2300 m (7590 ft) with 655 m (2181 ft) gain and hidden lakes. Later you might want to relax in the warm sulphur pool and browse the many stores and boutiques of the little town. Walking time 7 hours.
Day 4:	Lake Louise - Yoho National Park - Countless photo opportunities along the Bow River and in the high alpine of Lake Louise. Here you can rent a canoe, hike to a romantic tea house and even further up the trails, or just sit and admire. The tents are set up in Yoho Park at the western flank of the Rockies. Walking time 2 to 4 hours.
Day 5:	Yoho National Park - This park boasts the most outstanding trails in mountain wilderness with glaciers and waterfalls. Planned for today is an 18 km (11 mi) loop through 2 passes at 2180 m (7195 ft). Walking time 5 hours.
Day 6:	Shuswap Lakes - Glacier Park is reached through the Rogers Pass. Snow avalanches have scarred the slopes of the steep valleys. A 5 km (3 mi) hike to 2290 m (7633 ft) is rewarded with an almost 360 degree view of the surrounding peaks. The Transcanada Highway takes you into the warm and dry plateau of British Columbia. We camp by one of many lakes in the area. Walking time 3 hours.
Day 7:	Shuswap Lakes - This area is a favourite outdoor adventure playground for many Canadians. Vast clear lakes for fishing, swimming and water sports, mountain solitude, lots of space and fresh air. Unless you wish to take it easy on the beach you can join the guide for another hike. One suggestion is the Silver Star ski area where a ski lift saves you the long ascent.
Days 8 & 9:	Williams Lake - Near 100 Mile House you reach the Cariboo Trail. During the 1870 gold rush this was the route from Vancouver to the Cariboo Mountain gold fields. At Quesnel Lake you are in the heart of gold rush country, and we set up camp on a lake beach. Not far away is a ghost town and Bullion Pitt, today still the world's largest hydraulic gold mine. Between 1880 and 1930 miners created a canyon 400 m deep and 1400 m wide by water pressure alone, an astonishing site. Highly recommended is a jet boat excursion into remote Cariboo River Park. Grizzlies, elk, deer, moose, black bear and wolf don't mind the cameras.
Days 10 & 11:	Tweedsmuir Park - Stretches of the road leading west into the remote Chilcotin Plateau are not paved. Heckman Pass at 1525 m (5000 ft) is the entrance to the province's largest and probably most scenic park (9810 sq km, 3787 sq mi). The trail into the Rainbow Range leads into an amazing landscape with stunning views. Glacier crowned mountain tops are best reached by bush planes which are an important means of transportation for this region. Walking time 4 to 7 hours.
Day 12:	Bella Coola - The winding road down from the Coast Mountains ends at the head of a long fjord. Life is quiet in this friendly, remote fishing village, nestled between the mountains and the sea. This a wonderful chance to visit and meet local Canadians, go salmon fishing, find the historic native rock paintings or explore one more mountain trail before leaving the mainland.
Day 13:	Discovery Coast Passage - For the next 24 hours you cruise past forested shores, many islands and the Hakai Marine Park. Eagles and sea birds are easy to spot, sea lions rest on the rocks, safe from the orca whales. The ferry stops at landlocked fishing outposts and sometimes picks up kayakers. It is a working ferry, not necessarily designed for tourists. In the relaxed, easygoing atmosphere on board it is easy to make new friends.
Day 14:	Port Alberni - Arrival early morning in Port Hardy on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Your bus takes you south through forests, past lakes and fjords. The town of Campbell River calls itself North America's Salmon Capital. Cathedral Grove is a forest of gigantic cedars and Douglas firs, some over 800 years old. Interpretive paths wind between fallen giants under blankets of moss and ferns. Camping near Port Alberni by a lake (showers) with the backdrop of cragged mountains. Hiking time 1.5 hours.
Day 15:	Tofino - Today's 6 km hike opens views of smaller islands, lakes and neighbouring peaks. Now another dramatic change of scenery as you cut through the centre of the island to the far western coast. The road is winding between swift rivers, lakes, mountains, through forests and finally down to the Pacific Ocean. We set up camp under ancient Douglas fir and hemlock trees in Pacific Rim National Park. Hiking time 4 hours.
Day 16:	Tofino - This is a magical place to relax or to explore, dig clams in the tidal flats at low tide, watch tremendous waves rolling in all the way from Asia, hike mysterious trails in a fairy tale forest of ferns and mosses and thousand year old trees. There is more: many artists have made the charming villages of Ucluelet and Tofino their home, small shops offer and unique and special souvenirs. A 7-hour boat excursion (optional) features a stop at natural hot springs. Sea kayaking is another safe and fun activity and either this or whale watching are highly recommended options.
Day 17:	Victoria - Along the picturesque coastal highway past the beaches of Parksville, Chemanius with it's colourful downtown murals, Duncan, the city of totems, to the capital city of British Columbia. Your campground under giant cedar trees has it's own little waterfall.
Day 18:	Victoria - Free day in Victoria with a large choice of sights and activities.
Day 19:	Vancouver - You catch the ferry back to the mainland. Early afternoon you arrive at the hotel in downtown Vancouver. The afternoon is free in what many call the most beautiful city in North America. So much to see: Robson Street, Chinatown, Gastown, museums, the harbor or the totem poles in Stanley Park. All easily reached by foot.
Day 20:	Vancouver - The tour ends
Finishing Point:	Empire Landmark Hotel 1400 Robson Street Vancouver British Colombia V6G 1B9 Tel: +1-604-687-0511

Pre Departure Information Follows


Please note:	This tour is operated in conjunction with our local partners in Canada. You will be joined by other Kumuka passengers as well as travellers who have booked through other agencies. The itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However, this tour visits areas that can be unpredictable and there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to abnormal weather patterns, the presence of wild animals, or any unforeseen local conditions that are out of our control. Please be flexible and respect the changes that your Tour Leader may have to make during the tour.
What to pack:	As well as your day to day clothes and personal items, you will need the following: A rucksack or backpack (we do not recommend bringing a suitcase) A daypack to carry camera, jacket, water, snacks, etc. on day hikes and outings 3 or 4 season sleeping bag (a hard foam mattress is provided, however you may wish to bring an inflatable mat for extra comfort) Waterproof jacket and trousers A good pair of walking boots, preferably waterproof, as well as a comfortable pair of shoes for wearing around the camp or in towns at night Fleece jumper Sun hat and warm hat and gloves A torch Sunglasses and sunscreen (for skin and lips) Power adaptor to suit US/Canada voltage type and plug fitting Water bottle Swimming suit and towel A walking stick is recommended but not essential (especially useful for walking downhill) Insect repellent
Travel Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:	If you wish to spend a few additional days in your starting or finishing city, then we can arrange accommodation for you. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise care in keeping it safe. It should be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take photocopies of your passport in case of loss or damage. Alternatively, you can scan copies of these pages and email them to yourself so that you can access them if you happen to lose your passport whilst abroad and have to apply for a new one at your nearest Embassy.
Visa & Entry Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your North America trip. The Kumuka website www.kumuka.com provides visa information, yet entry regulations can change without notice. Further consultation with your Travel Agent or nearest Embassy is recommended. Each client is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and entry requirements before joining a tour. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith. Important: If your travels involve entry into the United States, please read the following: Beginning 1st August 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be accessible via the internet for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP. The ESTA system becomes effective on 12th January 2009. All VWP travellers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. Full details are available at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Money:	We recommend that you bring your personal funds in local currency (including small denominations), travellers cheques, and/or use an ATM card to withdraw cash as you travel. ATMs are widely available, and Credit Cards are accepted in almost all shops and restaurants.
Meals:	Meals are not included in the cost of the tour. On average, if you follow the Tour Leader's cooking and meal plans, you should budget CA$12 per day for the food kitty.
Tipping:	In North America tipping is a way of life and very much expected, as well as appreciated. For many, receiving tips is a means of supplementing their salary which is usually based on minimum wage. The standard amount in restaurants and bars is 15% of the total bill (please note that sales and service taxes are automatically imposed in some restaurants and bars). Chambermaids usually receive $1 or $2 per night in a hotel, simply left on the bedside table. It is also customary in North America to show appreciation of your Tour Leader by tipping him/her at the end of the tour.
Participation:	The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from it, after all, group tours are all about participation. You will be expected to get involved with the daily duties and to assist the Tour Leader with setting up camp, pitching your own tent, preparing camp meals, washing up, and keeping a clean camp. The most successful tours are those where people become involved and it's also the best way to get to know your fellow travellers.
Optional Activities:	During the tour your Tour Leader will recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. To start planning and budgeting for any optional activities that you may chose on your tour, please visit: http://www.kumuka.com/North-America-Optional-Activities.aspx IMPORTANT: Some tours depart from the starting city very early on Day 1 therefore you might not have enough time to enjoy the optional activities in that area. Please check the tour itinerary. Furthermore, some tours end on arrival in the finishing city and your flight may leave early the following morning, therefore leaving no time to partake in any optional activities in that area. Again, please check the itinerary.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
Map:

This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

Return to tour page