8 Day National Parks of Canada with Lake Louise
From
$2149
Land Only
$2559*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Sunday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chateau Lacombe Hotel | Edmonton, AB | |
| The Westin Edmonton | Edmonton, AB | |
| Forest Park Hotel | Jasper, AB | |
| Mountaineer Lodge | Lake Louise, AB | |
| Elk + Avenue Hotel | Banff, AB | |
| Banff Park Lodge | Banff, AB | |
| Delta Calgary Airport Hotel | Calgary, AB | |
| Wednesday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| The Westin Edmonton | Edmonton, AB | |
| Forest Park Hotel | Jasper, AB | |
| Mountaineer Lodge | Lake Louise, AB | |
| Elk + Avenue Hotel | Banff, AB | |
| Banff Park Lodge | Banff, AB | |
| Moose Hotel & Suites | Banff, AB | |
| Delta Calgary Airport Hotel | Calgary, AB | |
| Friday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chateau Lacombe Hotel | Edmonton, AB | |
| The Westin Edmonton | Edmonton, AB | |
| Forest Park Hotel | Jasper, AB | |
| Mountaineer Lodge | Lake Louise, AB | |
| Banff Park Lodge | Banff, AB | |
| Delta Calgary Airport Hotel | Calgary, AB | |
Select a Date to Book
Select a Date to Book
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1100 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $2849 | $3269* | |||||
Not Included:
Transfers, optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Transfers are not included with Air & Land packages nor available on an optional basis. See Arrival & Departure in Trip Preparation for more information regarding options to transfer to your hotel.
Departure transfer is not required as Delta Calgary Airport Hotel is connected to Calgary International Airport.
All sightseeing and itinerary inclusions are subject to favorable weather conditions and seasonality. In those instances, and until the roads are available for travel, often unpredictable until the last moment, roads, routes and sites will be amended.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights Seattle-Edmonton, Calgary-Seattle
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - 7 nights accommodations
- 1 night Edmonton
- 2 nights Jasper
- 1 night Lake Louise
- 2 nights Banff
- 1 night Calgary
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- 10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Travel to Jasper, an alpine community with views of sparking blue lakes and the Rockies
- Cruise to magical Spirit Island, the iconic crown jewel of Jasper National Park
- Travel on the Icefields Parkway past glaciers, ice fields, and majestic mountains
- Take a thrilling Ice Explorer excursion onto the surface of the massive Athabasca Glacier
- A day filled with unmatched beauty at crystal-clear Moraine Lake with its indigo blue waters
- Visit scenic Yoho National Park, on the western slopes of the Great Divide
- Views of glistening Lake Louise, located in the heart of grand and historic Banff National Park
- Explore wondrous Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Calgary, set between prairies and peaks, a city that grew out of the Canadian West
Not Included:
Transfers, optional tours gratuities. (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
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The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
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The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
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The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This superior tourist class hotel is located in Jasper, a short drive from the town center.
Hotel Details
This superior tourist class hotel is located in Jasper, a short drive from the town center.
Hotel Details
This superior tourist class hotel is located in Jasper, a short drive from the town center.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Join a raft trip on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. The trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. This same route was used by the fur traders over two centuries ago. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery around as your guide does all of the rowing and provides expert commentary.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours*
*Length of tour is subject to change due to season and river flow
| Day #3 | 01 May 2026 - 31 Oct 2026 | $78.00 |
Join a raft trip on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. The trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. This same route was used by the fur traders over two centuries ago. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery around as your guide does all of the rowing and provides expert commentary.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours*
*Length of tour is subject to change due to season and river flow
| Day #3 | 01 May 2026 - 31 Oct 2026 | $78.00 |
Join a raft trip on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. The trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. This same route was used by the fur traders over two centuries ago. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery around as your guide does all of the rowing and provides expert commentary.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours*
*Length of tour is subject to change due to season and river flow
| Day #3 | 01 May 2026 - 31 Oct 2026 | $78.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Canada - The weather in Canada varies according to geographical area. The hottest period is from July to August and the coolest from November to March. Expect rainy weather throughout the months of November and December. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. Canada Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| North America Intra-flights - If your program includes intra-flights, Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline on those intra-flights. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Canada Airport Transfers - Canada programs do not offer airport transfers (except departure transfer on the Canadian Rockies Walking Tour and group departure transfer on the 5 Day Canadian Rockies Express and the 5 Day Affordable Canadian Rockies). There are various options you may book to suit any budget and service level. Here are a few options that may be available as well as more info about the cities you will visit. Hotel Shuttles - Some hotels offer complimentary or fee based shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. Many times these require long wait times and shared service with other clients of the hotel. Taxi - Taxis are readily available at the exits of airports for reasonable rates. Little or no service with bags can be expected from the drivers Ride Share Services - Using these apps makes for an easy and affordable option to transfer to the hotel. Little or no service with bags can be expected from the drivers Shared Shuttles - Local companies may offer shared shuttle transfer services for affordable rates. This offers convenience of pre-booking transfer service however many times these require long wait times and mediocre service. Private Car Transfers - while expensive, provides excellent door-to-door service and hassle free experience. |
| Calgary * Distance from Airport to Hotel: 12 miles / 19 km * Approx. Taxi Cost: $35 * Approx. Ride Share Cost: $28 * Approx. Airport Shuttles Cost: $36 * Approx. Private Car Cost: $45 |
| Edmonton * Distance from Airport to Hotel: 19 miles / 30 km * Approx. Ride Share Cost: $38 * Approx. Private Car Cost: $45 |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Jasper - Jasper hotels are generally smaller and seem more like motels than hotels. You can expect lower standards at the hotel properties with fewer amenities as compared to those in bigger cities like Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Canada - The Canadian dollar is the currency. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Canada
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| Languages |
| Canada - English & French are the official languages. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Canada - The voltage used is 110 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Canada - Canadians tend to be very friendly and informal, even with strangers. Greetings are usually casual and speaking on a first name basis is common. A handshake is the customary greeting, especially upon first meetings. Casual attire is generally expected unless in a formal situation. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Canadian Rockies - Restaurants do not always have as much of a selection as elsewhere in Canada. Additionally, due to lack of resources, overall food quality can be viewed as lower. Meals typically consist of a meat and side, however there will always be another option for vegetarians although menu choices for dietary restrictions can be even more limited. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Canada |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16: Family Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday Apr 6: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 18: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 3: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 7: Labour Day Oct 12: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 15: Family Day Mar 28: Easter Mar 29: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 24: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 2: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 6: Labour Day Oct 11: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: North America |
Tour Manager: US $12 per person per day Driver: US $5-7 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Canada - The weather in Canada varies according to geographical area. The hottest period is from July to August and the coolest from November to March. Expect rainy weather throughout the months of November and December. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. Canada Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| North America Intra-flights - If your program includes intra-flights, Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline on those intra-flights. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Canada Airport Transfers - Canada programs do not offer airport transfers (except departure transfer on the Canadian Rockies Walking Tour and group departure transfer on the 5 Day Canadian Rockies Express and the 5 Day Affordable Canadian Rockies). There are various options you may book to suit any budget and service level. Here are a few options that may be available as well as more info about the cities you will visit. Hotel Shuttles - Some hotels offer complimentary or fee based shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. Many times these require long wait times and shared service with other clients of the hotel. Taxi - Taxis are readily available at the exits of airports for reasonable rates. Little or no service with bags can be expected from the drivers Ride Share Services - Using these apps makes for an easy and affordable option to transfer to the hotel. Little or no service with bags can be expected from the drivers Shared Shuttles - Local companies may offer shared shuttle transfer services for affordable rates. This offers convenience of pre-booking transfer service however many times these require long wait times and mediocre service. Private Car Transfers - while expensive, provides excellent door-to-door service and hassle free experience. |
| Calgary * Distance from Airport to Hotel: 12 miles / 19 km * Approx. Taxi Cost: $35 * Approx. Ride Share Cost: $28 * Approx. Airport Shuttles Cost: $36 * Approx. Private Car Cost: $45 |
| Edmonton * Distance from Airport to Hotel: 19 miles / 30 km * Approx. Ride Share Cost: $38 * Approx. Private Car Cost: $45 |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Jasper - Jasper hotels are generally smaller and seem more like motels than hotels. You can expect lower standards at the hotel properties with fewer amenities as compared to those in bigger cities like Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Canada - The Canadian dollar is the currency. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Canada
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| Languages |
| Canada - English & French are the official languages. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Canada - The voltage used is 110 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Canada - Canadians tend to be very friendly and informal, even with strangers. Greetings are usually casual and speaking on a first name basis is common. A handshake is the customary greeting, especially upon first meetings. Casual attire is generally expected unless in a formal situation. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Canadian Rockies - Restaurants do not always have as much of a selection as elsewhere in Canada. Additionally, due to lack of resources, overall food quality can be viewed as lower. Meals typically consist of a meat and side, however there will always be another option for vegetarians although menu choices for dietary restrictions can be even more limited. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Canada |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16: Family Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday Apr 6: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 18: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 3: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 7: Labour Day Oct 12: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 15: Family Day Mar 28: Easter Mar 29: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 24: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 2: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 6: Labour Day Oct 11: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: North America |
Tour Manager: US $12 per person per day Driver: US $5-7 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Canada - The weather in Canada varies according to geographical area. The hottest period is from July to August and the coolest from November to March. Expect rainy weather throughout the months of November and December. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. Canada Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| North America Intra-flights - If your program includes intra-flights, Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline on those intra-flights. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Canada Airport Transfers - Canada programs do not offer airport transfers (except departure transfer on the Canadian Rockies Walking Tour and group departure transfer on the 5 Day Canadian Rockies Express and the 5 Day Affordable Canadian Rockies). There are various options you may book to suit any budget and service level. Here are a few options that may be available as well as more info about the cities you will visit. Hotel Shuttles - Some hotels offer complimentary or fee based shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. Many times these require long wait times and shared service with other clients of the hotel. Taxi - Taxis are readily available at the exits of airports for reasonable rates. Little or no service with bags can be expected from the drivers Ride Share Services - Using these apps makes for an easy and affordable option to transfer to the hotel. Little or no service with bags can be expected from the drivers Shared Shuttles - Local companies may offer shared shuttle transfer services for affordable rates. This offers convenience of pre-booking transfer service however many times these require long wait times and mediocre service. Private Car Transfers - while expensive, provides excellent door-to-door service and hassle free experience. |
| Calgary * Distance from Airport to Hotel: 12 miles / 19 km * Approx. Taxi Cost: $35 * Approx. Ride Share Cost: $28 * Approx. Airport Shuttles Cost: $36 * Approx. Private Car Cost: $45 |
| Edmonton * Distance from Airport to Hotel: 19 miles / 30 km * Approx. Ride Share Cost: $38 * Approx. Private Car Cost: $45 |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Jasper - Jasper hotels are generally smaller and seem more like motels than hotels. You can expect lower standards at the hotel properties with fewer amenities as compared to those in bigger cities like Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Canada - The Canadian dollar is the currency. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Canada
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| Languages |
| Canada - English & French are the official languages. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Canada - The voltage used is 110 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Canada - Canadians tend to be very friendly and informal, even with strangers. Greetings are usually casual and speaking on a first name basis is common. A handshake is the customary greeting, especially upon first meetings. Casual attire is generally expected unless in a formal situation. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Canadian Rockies - Restaurants do not always have as much of a selection as elsewhere in Canada. Additionally, due to lack of resources, overall food quality can be viewed as lower. Meals typically consist of a meat and side, however there will always be another option for vegetarians although menu choices for dietary restrictions can be even more limited. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Canada |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16: Family Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday Apr 6: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 18: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 3: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 7: Labour Day Oct 12: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 15: Family Day Mar 28: Easter Mar 29: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 24: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 2: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 6: Labour Day Oct 11: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: North America |
Tour Manager: US $12 per person per day Driver: US $5-7 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
The Quebec City trip was wonderful! From our meeting with our tour guide, Francis, till we left the hotel, everything was first class. We liked the convenience of the hotel and the breakfasts there were always very nice. All tours were presented in a professional manner with hometown compassion shining through the guide's presentations. We've come to expect nothing but the best from Gate 1 and my family has yet to be disappointed.
Sharon R.
I recently took a tour to the Christmas markets in Québec city, I had a wonderful time. Everything was perfect. I 100% enjoyed Micky our tour guide. He was a delight and I hope I am able to tour with him again.
Susan L.
Fabulous! We went December 11 and the entire time we were there in Montreal it snowed. It was really magical. The trip to Tremblant was absolutely fantastic. Our guide John was also fantastic. This was our fifth Gate 1 trip and we will be back!
Mary E.
Our 37th GATE 1 trip, though only a few days, was excellent thanks to a well-designed itinerary and Francis, one of the best GATE 1 guides we've ever had. He TRULY cared that we as a group got the most out of the experience.
Richard P.
The experience was exceptional. Our tour guide Greg was incredible and even with somewhat inclement weather conditions on a couple of days made the experience enjoyable. Our driver Dennis was also exceptional. We will certainly be back for future trips.
Edwin P.
Just wanted to give some kudos to our Tour Manager, Greg . He led our tour with friendliness and professionalism. Made the group comfortable. His knowledge of the places we went was excellent. He introduced us to each area with enthusiasm and humor, always making us smile. Keep this guy, he's a Winner!
Maria D.
This was a wonderful trip. The Hilton was a clean, comfortable hotel outside the old city gate. Chuck was a great tour guide- funny, patient and knowledgeable. Very well done.
Julie E.
Our trip to the Canadian Rockies was great. My husband and I loved the snow even if we're not expecting the very cold season at this time. I can't say enough about our tourist director, Sinead, I would really like to commend her for her exceptional service. She is very kind, accommodating, helpful, knowledgeable and most of all a very caring person.
Vivian A.
This collaboration between Gate 1 and Holland America made this one of the best trips ever! The combination of having a Gate 1 tour manager and time with her prior to the cruise (and her support on the cruise) made for an outstanding vacation. This was our 5th Gate 1 trip and Catherine was easily one of the best tour managers we've ever had! Please continue to provide trips that combine Gate 1 and Holland America!
Elizabeth B.
I have taken over 25 tours with G1, and this was probably one of my best tours. It exceeded my expectations for sure. Part of that was the spectacular scenery of the Canadian National Parks, it was breathtaking. But what really made this tour so special was our Tour Manager, Tina and our bus driver Binil. Both were fantastic and kept us informed, entertained, on schedule and excited about each day. Tina entertained us with information about Canada, the scenery we were seeing and all the little nuances of the area. She obviously was very familiar with the area and was able to show us some unique places and scenery along the way as we traveled from one point to another. Binil was excellent in the safe operation of our bus. He was always careful and expertly moved us from each of the sights of the week-long tour. He went out of his way to provide us with a level of service that was outstanding Both Tina and Binil were fantastic together and made our 8-day Canadian National Parks tours memorial. Thank you so very much for the fantastic experience.
Patricia T.
We had an incredible trip on the Rocky Maintainer through the Canadian Rockies. We loved the two-day train trip and the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains. We have always had good tour managers with Gate 1, but our tour director, Nancy, was the absolute BEST EVER. From our first meeting, she made sure we all felt a part of a family group and took care of every detail and then some. Nancy had great knowledge of the local flora and fauna, history of the area, wildlife and always had extra surprises for us along the way. She had incredible humor and kept us laughing the whole way. Hang on to her!! She made our trip special. We also had an incredible bus driver, Bruce, who also had great knowledge of the area and had wonderful stories to tell. It's the first time I've hugged the bus driver when our trip was over. If you ever get a chance, put the two of them together. What a team. They took good care of my husband who needed a cane. Every day the scenery was more beautiful than the last. Highlights of the trip were the train trip and the wonderful service by the staff, boat trip, glacier trip and gondola ride. What a beautiful area.
Linda S.
I am writing to enthusiastically commend Greg as an exceptional tour guide on our recent trip to the Canadian Rockies (9/18-9/27). I had the pleasure of being on his tour group and it was a truly unforgettable experience. Greg possesses a remarkable depth of knowledge; he didn't just recite facts, he brought the history and hidden gems to the group while engaging us in a truly professional and enthusiastic way. He is a truly helpful individual who helped with logistics, recommended local businesses and adapted the tour in an interactive atmosphere, ensuring we felt engaged and valued. His professionalism and genuine care for his guests make him an invaluable asset to your company. I have completed 11 Gate 1 trips and am signed up for 2 more in the coming months. I will not travel with any tour company except yours!
Maureen S.
I wanted to say that this was our second tour with John, and he did a wonderful job with all the details of this trip. We actually booked this specific tour so that we could do a trip with John as our guide. John is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful and he manages to keep a sense of humor throughout the entire trip. He provided assistance with dinner reservations, recommendations for places to shop, things to do and places to eat. His knowledge of all the history of the cities is amazing. I truly don't know how he keeps all those facts in his head, but he does, and it made the trip a lot more interesting learning about the history of each Canadian city. Our bus driver, Peter, was also wonderful. He does a fantastic job driving such a large bus, and we were always comfortable and safe. We absolutely love Gate 1 and recommend them to our friends. We will definitely be traveling with you again!!
Dawn S.
The trip was amazing. It actually was so much more than what I expected. Our tour guide, Caroline, was so knowledgeable and fun. We had a great time meeting new people and going to places we would never have known about on our own.
Suzanne D.
Thank you to our tour manager, Rania and bus driver, Benil for making our trip so special. The way they connected stories, culture, and local insights made me see the place in a whole new light. Their energy, warmth and caring made the group feel like family, and I'll definitely remember this experience for years to come. The stunning scenery of both Banff and Lake Louise truly enhanced the trip and created a memorable journey.
Heidi H.
Calgary & Banff were great destinations. It was such a wonder that we got to view & enjoy so much in just a few days. Yet it didn't feel that hectic. We had time to enjoy Calgary & especially Banff on our own after the day tours, my kind of schedule. Calgary was a revelation. I didn't know that its downtown was bigger, or so it seemed, than San Francisco where we flew out of and its high-rises were certainly nicer & more modern! The visit to its Olympic Park was the highlight. Residence Inn was comfortable & convenient, being accessible to restaurants & to Safeway. Banff was incredible, nature at is best I daresay! My husband & I were in awe of Emerald Lake, Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, Bow River, Kicking Horse River, The Canadian Rockies Mountain of which Lake Louise is a part. Tour Director Carolyn made it all happen because she was not just knowledgeable about Calgary & Banff but more importantly, made sure everybody was on time for breakfast, departures for tours & all! I would highly recommend this short but action-packed Canadian Rockies Gate 1 Tour to my friends. Gate 1 never disappoints!
Gwendolyn G.
The trip was wonderful, our tour guide Greg was the best, very knowledgeable about the towns we visited great sense of humor, hotels were clean and quiet. We enjoyed the people that were on tour with us. All in All it was a very nice getaway.
Richard R.
Thank you and although it is nice to be home we had a fabulous trip. From the moment we arrived in NFLD until the day we left we had a fun, informative and fantastic time. Also met some new people and made new friends. So happy we booked this trip and thank you Gate 1 for making a trip I have been wanting to do for a while so stress free.
Carol C.
This trip to the Canadian Maritimes met all of our expectations - thank you! Our tour manager, Julia, did an excellent job. she has the perfect personality for the job - very upbeat and personable. She is one of the best tour managers I have experienced on my many trips with GATE 1. I will continue to travel with GATE 1 as long as you maintain this level of excellence.
Diana S.
I just wanted to give a "five-star" rating to Pejman, the tour manager on my recent 9-day Canadian Rockies tour, and Neil, the bus driver. On long bus rides, Pejman delivered fascinating and informed commentary about our surroundings, Canadian history, wildlife, and his experience as an immigrant from Iran to Canada. It was a highlight of the trip. And Neil was extremely personable and just an all-around asset to the tour. Both these gentlemen showed up for work every day dressed professionally, polite and patient, and with a can-do attitude that never faltered. Very impressive.
Susan L.
The Canadian Rockies were absolutely breathtaking. What truly made the experience exceptional was the personal attention we received from Sinead. She took wonderful care of us, ensuring our needs were always met, and her extensive knowledge of every place we visited made the journey even more enriching. Without a doubt, she was the best tour manager we've ever had on any of our Gate 1 Travel trips. We definitely will be using Gate 1 for our future travels.
Amratben P.
The main reason that our trip was so wonderful was because of our tour guide Tina. She was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and courteous. She gave us so much information on the history of the places we visited and the places where we stayed. The places we traveled to were amazing and scenery was spectacular. We would like to thank Tina for making our trip outstanding. We will definitely request Tina to be our tour guide if we book another tour with Gate1 Travel. Also, the driver Naza on our coach was wonderful. She was very friendly and did an amazing job of driving our coach. Thank you.
Catherine C.
Great! Shelly our guide was exceptional, our driver was great. We enjoyed the itinerary and all the optional and included tours. Once again Gate 1 has exceeded our expectations.
Lou K.
Absolute destiny! The travel guide and driver were both amazing although we did get lucky with a fantastic group! I've traveled with Gate one before and it's all about the peeps! We had a fantastic trip (I should say adventure) Stunning views, stunning atmosphere, and a great stay at many hotels. Gate One did well on this one! And I would certainly recommend anyone that has not seen the west coast of Canada to do so! The Lakes were amazing, the small towns, the travel, and the WEATHER was great!
Joseph P.
Our trip was wonderful! The itinerary was great. We will highly recommend this trip to others. This was our 7th trip with Gate 1, our trip leader Tina was outstanding. Tina was absolutely the BEST we have ever had. Tina was very well prepared from start to finish, clearly providing expectations for the group, adding her insights and humor throughout, always thoughtful and accommodating to everyone. Tina is on the top shelf and deserves high praise. We told everyone who was new to group travel how fortunate we were to have traveled with Tina. We hope to travel with her again!!
David M.
Our guide (Patrick) was especially great. With not a lot to see and do, he made the trip more interesting and fun, and he was such a positive guy. We cannot say enough about our driver, Josh. He not only got us everywhere safely, but since he was from that area, he contributed a lot of information and even arranged for his wife's cousin talk to us at St Pierre church where she grew up and had very interesting information about the area. No other driver has done that, and Patrick and he worked together so nicely. The oyster farm presentation was also very interesting!
Richard H.
I loved the trip to Canada! We did so many exciting things from walking on a glacier to whitewater rafting, had some absolutely delicious meals. Chantelle was a terrific guide...so knowledgeable and entertaining. She's quite funny. Look forward to my next gate1 tour!
Joan S.
My husband and I have taken 20 Gate 1 trips and trips with 4 other companies, and I am writing to tell you that Alina far surpassed any of the other tour guides we have had. Not only was she prepared she was extremely prepared with information about the places we visited and just right amounts of history along the way. She prepared games, tea and Canadian food bits for us to break up the many mile bus rides we were on. One of the fun things we had on the bus was the play list of music that she created using each of our favorite music. She knew everyone by name on the first day and always had a friendly word for all of us. John, our bus driver was fantastic! He also knew us and all the places we visited. He kept us entertained and informed with stories at different stops. He was an excellent driver and an enjoyable travel mate!
Melissa R.
This is our 1st tour ever and we wanted to to give our praise to Alina, our tour guide and to John, our driver. We appreciated Alina's organization, attention to detail, humor, and patience. We were impressed with her vast knowledge of all of the sites, interpretations, history, and science. Her warmth and smile made us feel welcome right away. We appreciated her sharing her personal stories and tea, snacks, jelly, candy, Canadian music (rocks and trees and ...water!). She made our trip as fun as possible. Summed up, she (and John, our driver) had a wonder sense of hospitality, which is not learned but a gift one is born with. John was a wonderful, professional, and funny (loved his dad jokes). Alina and John were a terrific team (it was their 1st time working together). Please continue to team them up. Overall, a wonderful experience.
Anthony D.
8 Day National Parks of Canada with Lake Louise. This trip went far beyond our expectations. We not only enjoyed the breathtaking beauty of the lakes and mountains, but also gained a deeper understanding of the culture and a greater appreciation for protecting the environment, Gary is an excellent tour guide --Thanks to his insightful explanations and knowledge. Both Gary and Neil (the driver) are very friendly, courteous, and attentive to everyone's needs. Their punctuality and excellent organization made the trip so enjoyable. We always felt safe and well cared for on the coach This is our third trip with Gate 1 and looking forward to other future trips with Gate1.
Diep L.
Trip was wonderful! My husband & I very much enjoyed our trip & saw many places that we've never known since we live on the West Coast of Canada. Our guide, Geoff, was excellent & had so much knowledge to share with us. He was also a great communicator in all aspects, anticipating our needs & giving warnings & what to expect where the situation may be unusual. He also kept us entertained :)) Overall, this is a special trip to a historic & unique part of Canada that even us Canadians would enjoy!
Myrna C.
Canada Nat'l. Parks w/ Mickey was absolutely the best arranged and lead trip we've had w/ Gate 1. Mickey and Ken (driver) worked seamlessly to show us more than expected. I give credit to Mickey for making this group a family during our trip. We all were on time and ahead of schedule for everything allowing us more time at each stop. We've never left a tour group where everyone was hugging and getting contact information from other tour members so we could stay in touch. We've taken four Gate 1 tours before and this was, without a doubt, the best trip/tour we've experienced w/ Gate 1. Please give Mickey and Ken kudos for their "job well done".
Thomas A.
This was our first Gate 1 tour but will not be our last. We went on the 9 day Canada trip visiting Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Montréal. The trip was an excellent primarily because of our tour guide John and our coach driver Mark. Both live in Canada and had pride and a wealth of knowledge regarding all aspects of Canada. John went the extra mile for everyone on the trip. Any issue he addressed quickly. Mark was not only as knowledgeable but also an excellent experienced coach driver. I felt incredibly safe with Mark behind the wheel. In all, John and Mark were a stellar duo that made experiencing Canada even more enjoyable. My wife and I want to return to Canada possibly in the fall.
Edward B.
Our tour guide, Nancy, went above and beyond to make our entire tour the best it could. She was always ready to answer any questions we had concerning our journey and if she did not have the information for us at that moment, Nancy made sure to get back to us. In addition, she was delightful and fun to be with.
Kathleen P.
Our trip to the Canadian Rockies was exceptional! Our Tour Director, Micky, provided a wealth of information, kept us on schedule (to the point where he added numerous additional stops/sites for us to enjoy, and generously provided additional items for us to enjoy (e.g. Timbit sample, a make-shift picnic that included Canadian maple cookies, and a Canada flag pendant for us to wear and enjoy). Micky was top-notch, and we'd love to have him as our Tour Director again! Additionally, our driver, Ken, was very personable and kept us safe and on time. He also offered bits of information about Canada, and he was a joy to converse with. Again, this was an exceptional tour!
Brian J.
It was great! Cat was amazing, as was our driver, John. Every day was interesting in a different way. I liked that it was broken up with various boat trips, with each one being different. The long travel days were necessary, as anyone who looked at the map of our travel could see. Cat helped with telling us about various historical facts about where we were going. We also had some fun with music requests to break up the tedium. Both city tours by outside guides were excellent as well. On the whole, I would say it was a terrific trip, made even more so by our very upbeat, charming and helpful guide, Cat. I would take another trip with Gate 1, and also any trip with Cat.
Bernadine M.
My husband and I are veteran travelers, and many of our trips were happily made with Gate 1. There are many good reasons to travel with Gate 1: interesting itineraries, reasonable costs, comfortable accommodations, experienced coach drivers and expert guides. On our recent journey to the Canadian Rockies in late July, 2025, we experienced unmatched, majestic scenery, very agreeable fellow passengers, and a safe, and competent driver. What catapulted this trip to be among our favorites were all the above, but most importantly it was our guide, our tour manager, Sinead. As I said we have traveled extensively and experienced many outstanding guides, yet Sinead outranks them all. Being a local resident she was very familiar with the terrain from Calgary to Jasper, Alberta. In addition her knowledge of geology, botany, mountaineering, folklore and history was beyond impressive. Not only was Sinead forthcoming with reams of information which rounded out our daily experience, she did so with an open heart, with her full personality, and we as a group trusted her guidance. She was mindful of our comfort and safety and gave us the unmistakable feeling of being so well cared for.
Jeffrey K.
Our tour director Marc and Bruce the driver were excellent. We had a really great time with Marc, he was very funny, caring and organized at the same time. He gave us very detailed recommendations for our free time as well as places to go for dinners. Everyone loves him as our tour guide, we will definitely join Gate 1 in the future. Hopefully Marc can be our guide in the future.
Joyce L.
This is the first group travel I have been on, and it was a wonderful experience! I will definitely consider Gate1 for my next trip. I really enjoyed the train and was very impressed with the service and food. Not having to deal with luggage at each hotel was such a pleasure. Just placing it inside the hotel room door and it magically appeared at the next stop! It's the little things that make a difference... I could not have asked for a better guide. Glenda was just super! She went over and above, always thinking about the small things to make the trip comfortable and memorable!
Carole F.
This Canadian Rockies/Waterton Lakes tour was my fourth tour that I've taken since 2019. Pejman was the best tour guide/manager that I've had of all my four tours. He was super friendly, approachable, funny, kind and generous with his giving us little treats now and then, very knowledgeable with a wealth of information about history and sights we saw along the tour and restaurant or food recommendations and was very organized. He was also very good at giving us a heads up on any safety concerns on stops we made or the trails we'd walk. I hope to encounter more tour managers like Pejman on my future Gate 1 trips. Pejman rates up there as an A+++ in my ratings. Thank you, Pejman, for making my Canadian Rockies tour a wonderful trip!
Emily D.
We very much enjoyed our trip. Aaron (TM) & Olmec (driver) make a great team, making sure that we maximize the number of places that we tour while ensuring our safety. Aaron is among the best TM. This is our 9th Gate 1 tour & he is probably the best one we have had. On the first day, he personally wrote our names on the ID card & personally gave it to us (unlike other TMs who gave us the pen to write our names ourselves). And this is for a good reason, he knew & called all 42 of us in the group by our first names by the 2nd day!! He is very organized, jolly, kind, very much concerned about our well-being, very clear on rules & firm to remind the first timers who came late in the mornings about being punctual. He is very knowledgeable about the history, people & interesting facts about the places we visited, which he shared with us in a very clear & entertaining manner. Meanwhile, Olec is a very good driver-he is such a gentle, soft-spoken & low-key person. He kept the bus always clean. On certain evenings we saw him from our hotel room window washing the bus even in the rain. Aaron & Olec are commendable in their efforts to ensure that we all have fun.
Armida J.
Our tour manager, Aaron, and driver, Olek, did a great job giving our group a wonderful tour in the Canadian Rockies. Aaron created a safe internet place for sharing photos; providing free tastes of Canadian treats with Olek; playing on the PA system during down times a good Canadian comedian, as well as Canadian TV excerpts such as on tagging bears, shared info on history/sports/life in Canada, which all truly added to the Canadian experience. Meanwhile we felt safe and secure with our expert driver who always had a friendly smile. At the end of the rafting trip, they went out of their way to cook a bbq of hamburgers and hotdogs which was over the top in personal touch and service! The tour was safe, memorable in many ways, and fun!
Linda F.
Our Tour Director, Simone was excellent. She was very organized, friendly, informative, and helpful. Simone is also very knowledgeable. She definitely added to the excellent experience we had on this trip to Canada.
Peter B.
We just completed our trip - 9 days Canadian National Parks with Lake Louise. This was our first trip with Gate1, and we were pleased and impressed with the attention & travel information provided as well as the itinerary. We especially want to recognize Greg, our tour director. Greg was knowledgeable, professional, organized and you could see how much he loved Canada. We learned so much from him and each day was better than the day before. He's a great asset to Gate1. Our coach driver, Liz, was also excellent. Safety was the top priority along with her professionalism and knowledge. She kept us all safe and we felt & knew we were in the best hands. Our group was very cohesive and had a wonderful vacation trip - this was due to Greg & Liz. Above and beyond in their roles leading this tour.
Doreen F.
Canadian Rockies Tour by Gate 1 was truly an amazing experience for us. We enjoyed all the places that we visited, especially Jasper and Banff. The towering peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes and lush forests was just breathtaking. Our Tour Director, AARON, was simply the best! He's very funny, attentive to our needs, shared a lot of information about the places we visited. The extra things that he did for the group like barbecue after raft tours, coffee and Timbits by the lake, a taste of local foods in the bus and a recap of our trip on our last day during dinner made our trip even more special. A special Thank You to our driver LESS, very friendly, courteous, attentive and for driving us around safely. I will definitely recommend this tour to my friends and families by Gate 1, especially if Aaron is the Tour Director!
Marilyn A.
We have been traveling with another couple for a number of years, with a number of tour companies. My buddy saw Gate 1 and looked at what you offer, and told me to check your site out. We were a bit hesitant due to the much lower cost of Gate 1 tours, but we decided to give you all a try. To say we were pleasantly surprised, and incredibly happy with our experience would be understating the experience. Our driver Clint was not just professional, he was also excellent at his job and provided knowledge and insight which added to the tour. We've done many bus tours, and most of the drivers were good, but Clint went out of his way to help make our tour memorable. I can't imagine having a better driver than Clint. Our tour director was Karina, and WOW. She was above excellent! Karina should be the model that tour directors strive to be. She got to know a little about every couple, which allowed for a more personal experience. Her knowledge and clear, upbeat delivery were exemplary. She made the tour not only informative, but more importantly fun. Her suggestions for what to do during our free time was somehow tailored to our desires, and right on point. She put a fantastic tour well over the top. Both Clint and Karina exceeded our expectations, and in fact made the trip something we will always remember! This experience has opened up our consideration and desire to travel with Gate 1 again.
Robert F.