The natural wonders of our planet are awe-inspiring. To ensure their beauty can be enjoyed for generations, we are committed to reducing single-use plastics on our tours and in our offices. On tours in this region, where the tap water is safe to drink, we encourage you to bring a reusable filter water bottle. Your Tour Manager will direct you to bottle refill stations throughout each day. By bringing your own bottle, you will reduce plastic waste and help to preserve the environment.

Thank you for helping us make the world a better place through travel and supporting sustainability!

At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.

A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours.

A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as most properties have only a limited number of these rooms available.

A triple room usually consists of a standard double room with two beds. A cot or fold-up bed may be added, but it depends on the room size and local fire codes. Triples are first come, first-served, as they are also very limited. If you booked a triple and only a double and single room is available at a hotel, appropriate charges for the single and double accommodations will be assessed.

Accommodations in Kamloops are of moderate standard. Rocky Mountaineer® will provide hotel assignments directly to your Tour Manager once the tour begins. In a triple accommodation, two people must share a bed.

We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees.

On every tour, we look to provide the highest quality accommodations in the best location. If you’re visiting a city, we want you in the heart of it.

Here are a few details to keep in mind:

Check in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room.

Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check out.

Hotel membership programs are not applicable.

If you have chosen our air-inclusive tour package, you have opted that we take care of all your air travels from your home to the destination and back. This also includes any inter-flights from city to city within the tour package if applicable. We ask that you keep the following in mind:

1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.

2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.

3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.

If you chose to purchase a land-only tour package, you have opted to purchase your own airline tickets to and from home. In this case, we ask that you keep a few important factors in mind when booking your round-trip flights:

1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.

2) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.

One of the ways we encourage you to make your journey your own is with Choice on Tour, letting you decide how to experience a destination or site based on your unique interests.

It’s your choice! Included in your itinerary, there may be a day, or days, featuring a choice of two (or more) activities during a designated time. You may have selected your preferred option(s) when booking your tour. In most cases, your selection may be made upon arriving on tour and discussing it with your Tour Manager. If no selection is made during the booking process, the default option is assumed.

While in the Icefields area, you have the choice between two activities.

Your first choice is to ride onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier by Ice Explorer; a massive vehicle specially designed for glacial travel. An experienced driver-guide shares a wealth of fascinating information about glaciers, icefields and their impact on our environment.

The Activity Level of this choice is a level 1.

Travelers should be able to get on and off a coach and walk on a glacier.

Your second choice is to walk beyond nature's edge and enjoy the view from a fully-accessible, cliff-edge walkway that leads to a glass-floored observation platform 918 feet (280 metres) above the Sunwapta Valley.

The Activity Level of this choice is a level 1.

ravelers should be able to get on and off a coach and walk for a 45 minute self-guided tour.

You're in for a treat! The foods of Western Canada offer your palate a variety of spices and flavors. The cuisine here is influenced by local sources, the traditions of the First Nations and a multiethnic population.

A few of the staples in the Pacific Northwest include cedar-plank salmon, Dungeness crab, mussels, oysters and prawns. These delicacies are served in many restaurants along the British Columbia coast.

From sushi to dim sum, Vancouver’s large Asian population provides its own take on many locally-sourced ingredients which you can experience at one of the city’s many Asian restaurants.

The gorgeous, sprawling prairies of Alberta comprise Canada's prime ranching country; it is no wonder the province is renowned for its beef.

Be on the lookout for other local meats such as bison and wild game like elk and venison.

Wild berries, such as the Saskatoon berry, are harvested all over the region and are often served with dessert items.

British Columbia’s Okanagan region and Southern Vancouver Island’s ideal climate produce a number of fruits and vegetables. These areas are quickly becoming leading wine-producing spots with their products being found on menus throughout the region.

Tipping is customary in Canada. For non-included meals, leaving a tip of 15% for your server is customary.

Western Canada has beautiful and pristine landscapes. Leave them as you found them, avoid littering and stay on marked trails.

Western Canada is known for its wildlife, including bears, elk, moose, and more. When in natural areas, maintain a safe distance from wild animals, and never feed them.

This area has a mix of indigenous cultures. Respect the customs and traditions of the local people and embrace diversity.

English is the primary language in Western Canada, but you could encounter some French speakers in British Columbia!

It used to be when traveling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city around the world just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.

You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than they are at the airport.

You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.

If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic stripe. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.

If you choose to review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar.

In North America, the voltage is 120V using plug types A and B, which have two flat, parallel pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor.

If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter, if necessary.

The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 7,500 feet.

Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our travelers, there aren't any scheduled activities on your first day of this tour. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.

Should you have some extra time to explore the vibrant and beautiful city of Vancouver before your tour begins, you'll find plenty to do! Bordered by snowcapped mountains and the gleaming Pacific Ocean, this modern city is a great place to explore.

Vancouver offers a great variety of shopping and dining options.

Stroll along trendy Robson Street for some excellent shopping opportunities. Visit the historic neighborhood of Gastown and pop into some of its boutiques and galleries. Take a seabus ride from downtown to the Lonsdale Quay Market.

Vancouver's Chinatown is one of North America's largest Chinatowns and is home to the unique Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden. Perhaps make a visit to Stanley Park and explore one of its walking trails. The Vancouver Aquarium is home to over 6,000 species including Beluga Whales.

Consider exploring a temperate coastal rainforest at the swinging Capilano Suspension Bridge. Your Tour Manager or hotel concierge will be happy to provide details about any of these opportunities.

Get excited – and get ready for your upcoming tour! As you look ahead to your tour, you’ll probably have some questions. Our team of travel experts assembled this booklet packed with answers so you can feel ready for your upcoming journey. Before you go, take time to review and get familiar with what to expect throughout your tour, and keep this information on hand during your travels.

By booking a guided tour, all the details of your trip are covered so you can make the most of every moment. You’ll join your tour group (a maximum of 44 people) to experience an expertly planned itinerary. Being part of a group tour is a great opportunity to meet new people and to share the adventure. You’ll also be accompanied by your Tour Manager, an expert guide who can answer questions and offer advice along the way. Get ready to see the sights, taste the cuisine, and explore the world – with all the logistics handled and in good company.

Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. Tipping is discretionary and should be on an individual basis.

Gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, on-tour motor coach drivers, and your Tour Manager are not included in the price of your tour.

The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. Plan to convert the total US Dollar amounts into the equivalent local currency, which is generally the preferred option when giving.

Tour Manager: equivalent of $10 US Dollars per person for each travel day, given at the end of your tour. For this 8-day tour, this would amount to $80 US Dollars total per person.

Local Guide: equivalent of $2-3 US Dollars per person, given at the end of your day or time with them. There is 1 local guide on this tour.

On-Tour Motor Coach Driver: equivalent of $5 US Dollars per person for each travel day, provided at the end of your tour or time with your driver.

Hotel Housekeeping: equivalent of $1 US Dollar per day, per room, left each morning.

Airport Transfer Driver: If your airport transfer is included in your package or purchased from Collette, gratuities might already be included. Please reference the transfer information section for confirmation. If gratuities are not mentioned, the suggested amount is typically $3 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person.

Onboard gratuities are included for your time on Rocky Mountaineer, but additional tipping is always at your discretion for outstanding service or personnel.

Please note, while onboard Rocky Mountaineer Train, you will not have access to your larger suitcase. It will be transported to your hotel in Kamloops on Day 3 and your hotel in Lake Louise on Day 4 directly. Your smaller carry-on luggage can be brought on-board with you, so we recommend you move any items you might need during the day to your carry-on. You will have your luggage each night for your overnight stay.

Please be advised baggage fees may apply on most trans-border flights. These fees are levied by each specific airline and may be subject to change. It is best to check with your airline carrier for specific fees and luggage restrictions.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline traveler is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.

Travelers flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.

Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.

Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. Your tour package includes luggage handling for one checked bag per person. You will be responsible for your backpack or tote bag as you travel between destinations. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.

Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.

Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 10 USD per bag per hotel.

We recommend you consider using a TSA-approved lock, as a theft prevention measure during transit and during your tour.

It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.

The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.

Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.

Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The average price for meals in this region ranges from 10 to 15 US Dollars for breakfast, 12 to 20 US Dollars for lunch and 20 to 35 US Dollars for dinner.

Customary gratuities for meals in Canada are approximately 15%. When dining in larger groups (normally 8 or more), a gratuity or service fee may be added automatically to your bill. Check your bill before paying and if in doubt, ask.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.

Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.

Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature-controlled.

While some coaches may have a toilet facility, it is for emergency use since local laws require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons. Rest assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.

Please note, outlets for charging devices may not be available on the coach. Therefore, if you anticipate using electronic devices, we recommend bringing portable power banks.

Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all travelers to change seats. This ensures that every traveler has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. Depending on availability, single travelers may be seated next to another traveler. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.

When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you.

In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you’re traveling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.

Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.

Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes and a thin pair of gloves.

For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.

If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.

Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.

In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.

You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.

It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.

If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.

If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.

Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our travelers. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a traveler who has special mobility or other like needs.

If your schedule allows, you may have selected to give yourself the advantage of an additional day or more in the starting or ending destination of your tour by booking a Pre-Night or Post-Night and arranging your flights accordingly. (Please note: A Tour Manager is not present during Pre-Night or Post-Night Stays.)

Check out the following book and movie recommendations that will immerse you into the destination long before your arrival. Let this set the scene for you as you prepare for the trip of a lifetime and get excited about all that is to come!

Books:

The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland - A historical novel inspired by the life of British Columbia painter Emily Carr, vividly capturing her journey to capture the natural beauty and indigenous art of the region while navigating societal expectations.

The Outlander by Gil Adamson - A literary western following a 19-year-old widow on the run disguised as a boy after accidentally killing her abusive husband in 1903 as she flees on foot through the harsh Canadian wilderness from her deceased spouse's twin brothers who want vengeance.

The Glittering Mountains of Canada by J. Monroe Thorington - Memoir recounting J. Monroe Thorington’s 1920 expedition through remote Glacier National Park to tackle the formidable challenge of ascending Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Alberta Place Names: The Fascinating People & Stories behind the Naming of Alberta by Larry Donovan - Dives into the intriguing history and individuals that have shaped the names of various locations in the province of Alberta, providing a captivating glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

Movie:

Double Happiness (1994) - This film follows a young Chinese-Canadian woman navigating her cultural identity while pursuing her dreams in Vancouver. It provides a glimpse into the multicultural and urban aspects of the city.

Canada’s National Parks (2020) - Five-episode mini-series that takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey to discover the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and experiences across Canada's extensive national parks system in this visually stunning documentary narrated by scientist David Suzuki.

Rocky Mountain Express (2011) - This IMAX film uses archival photographs and historic trains to tell the story of the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway through the breathtaking and treacherous Canadian Rockies in the 1880s.

If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment abroad, check that it is compatible with your PC or other home equipment.

One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. In the Canadian Rockies, native handcrafts such as wood carvings and artwork by aboriginals are very popular. Look for jewelry made from Canadian materials such as ammonite (a rare fossil that produces a precious gem stone) and jade in British Columbia. Please note that most goods and services will be subject to federal and/or provincial sales taxes. These taxes can range from zero to 12 percent depending on the item and province. In most cases the taxes will not be included in the sticker price of an item but will be added at the time of payment.

Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on property.

Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Travelers are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.

We Want to Hear From You!

• A few days after you return home, you’ll receive an email from us with a survey asking you about your experience. Your feedback is important to us and we use it to continually refine our tours to bring you more of what you want when you travel.

• Be on the lookout for our email when you get home.

• We look forward to seeing you on tour soon!

Download the Collette Compass smartphone app and enhance your tour with this easy-to-use digital companion that never leaves your side.

Find Your Way Around

• Easily navigate your destination like a local with detailed maps and offline turn-by-turn directions, all without using Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Plan Your Free Time

• Discover exciting activities, dining options, and local attractions during your free time, ensuring you make the most of every moment.

Stay Informed

• Review your daily itinerary, on-tour inclusions, as well as information on your hotels and transfer services.

Record the Fun

• Create your own trip journal as you travel, including text and photos. Share it with friends and loved ones back home!

Live Flight Tracking

• Check in online* for your flights and stay up to date on your schedule with real-time** tracking of your flight status, gate changes, and delays.

*Online check-in subject to availability

**Requires Wi-Fi or Cellular Data

Alberta is on Mountain Time which is 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time. British Columbia is on Pacific Time which is 3 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.

Peace of mind for our travelers is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert on the people, places, history, and culture and ensures that you will have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.

We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.

If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.

If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.

Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.

As an added measure of confidence while traveling internationally, visit www.travel.state.gov. The U.S. State Department offers a “Smart Travelers Enrollment Program” (STEP), which you may individually choose to enroll in. This allows the U.S. to better assist with lost passports or in the event of any emergency abroad.

Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:

1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and inquire about any charges you may incur.

2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be traveling to avoid any charges being declined.

3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank will be able to tell you if your card will work at the ATM machines to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.

Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.

We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.

During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.

Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for servers of included meals as outlined in your itinerary, bellmen, and door attendants.

Wi-Fi access has improved, with free or cheap internet available in many public spaces. Some restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though at times it may not reach rooms in hotels. Wi-Fi may not be available onboard motorcoaches or other modes of transportation used during your tour.