5 Day Canadian Rockies Express
From
$999
Land Only
$1339*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Wednesday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel | Calgary, AB | |
| Banff Park Lodge | Banff, AB | |
| Saturday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel | Calgary, AB | |
| Banff Ptarmigan Inn | Banff, AB | |
| Banff Park Lodge | Banff, AB | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $450 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
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$1049 | $1439* | ||||
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$1049 | $1359* | ||||
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$999 | $1389* | ||||
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$999 | $1329* | ||||
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$999 | $1339* | ||||
Not Included:
Arrival transfer, optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Arrival transfer is not included with Air & Land package nor available on an optional basis. See Arrival & Departure in Trip Preparation for more information regarding options to transfer to your hotel.
Land only price does not include departure transfer, nor is the transfer included if flight schedule does not meet the schedule below:
Passengers departing Banff to Calgary International Airport on Day 5 should select flights that depart no earlier than 2 PM. One group transfer will depart at approximately 8 AM. Banff is approximately a two-hour drive from the Calgary International Airport.
It is recommended that passengers select flights that arrive in Calgary no later than 5 PM on Day 1.
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
- Round trip flights Seattle-Calgary, Calgary-Seattle
Some departure dates may be offered from an alternate nearby airport. Check flight itinerary options when booking.
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 4 nights accommodations
- 1 night Calgary
- 3 nights Banff
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- Departure transfer included only with airfare purchase on package departure date†
- Breakfast daily
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Calgary, set between prairies and peaks, a city that grew out of the Canadian West
- 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
†Departure transfer is available for purchase for land only. Departure transfer is only available on package departure date
Is This Trip Right for You?
This active program covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from one to two hours walking on some touring days. The pace is fast, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, steps and slopes. The altitude in the National Parks varies and may be a consideration for those who have heart conditions or are otherwise affected by height. Hotels in National Parks provide limited amenities. Some hotels in Banff are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable, even at higher elevations. Arrival transfer is not included with Air & Land package nor available on an optional basis. See Arrival & Departure in Trip Preparation for more information regarding options to transfer to your hotel. This is an Express program. For more information, click here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- 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
Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain via gondola to experience a stunning bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges. Your adventure begins with an eight-minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. Glide up over the treetops to the crest of a steep-sided Rocky Mountain peak and step out into a mountaintop experience at an elevation of 7,486 feet. Stroll along the ridge top boardwalk or perhaps step inside the newly transformed, state-of-the-art summit facility. Experience interactive interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation before descending back down the mountainside.
Approximate tour duration is 2 hours include transfers.
| Day #4 | 01 May 2023 - 31 Oct 2023 | $56.00 |
Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain via gondola to experience a stunning bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges. Your adventure begins with an eight-minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. Glide up over the treetops to the crest of a steep-sided Rocky Mountain peak and step out into a mountaintop experience at an elevation of 7,486 feet. Stroll along the ridge top boardwalk or perhaps step inside the newly transformed, state-of-the-art summit facility. Experience interactive interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation before descending back down the mountainside.
Approximate tour duration is 2 hours include transfers.
| Day #4 | 01 May 2023 - 31 Oct 2023 | $56.00 |
| 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/res 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 |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. 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. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. Canada Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#canada-weather |
| 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 you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| 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. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. 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. |
| 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 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 * Approx. Taxi Cost: $35 * Approx. Ride Share Cost: $28 * Approx. Airport Shuttles Cost: $36 * Approx. Private Car Cost: $45 |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, 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. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. 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. |
| 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. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: North America |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $12 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : US $5-7 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Hotel porters: Included |
| 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 buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| 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 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day observed Feb 20: Family Day Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 22: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 7: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 4: Labour Day Oct 9: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 20: Family Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 20: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 7: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 2: Labour Day Oct 14: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| 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/res 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 |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. 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. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. Canada Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#canada-weather |
| 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 you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| 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. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. 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. |
| 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 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 * Approx. Taxi Cost: $35 * Approx. Ride Share Cost: $28 * Approx. Airport Shuttles Cost: $36 * Approx. Private Car Cost: $45 |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, 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. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. 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. |
| 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. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: North America |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $12 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : US $5-7 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Hotel porters: Included |
| 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 |
|
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 buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| 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 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day observed Feb 20: Family Day Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 22: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 7: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 4: Labour Day Oct 9: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 20: Family Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday (Quebec) May 20: Victoria Day Jun 24: St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec) Jul 1: Canada Day Aug 7: Civic Holiday (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) Sep 2: Labour Day Oct 14: Thanksgiving Day Nov 11: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day |
Wonderful. Thank you Mr Tony for facilitating this trip. I will always sing the praises for Gate 1 travel. We lucked out. Our tour director Sinead was awesome. She was very knowledgeable of the place, the history of the Rockies. Ours was the express trip and I appreciated the place with the background Sinead provided. Her 27 years in the place plus her experience with hiking, skiing provided helped us appreciate the place more. We lucked out on the weather. Sinead was precise with instructions of expectations for time - the amount of time in each place plus the time expected of people. With little tidbits of Canada each day a toast at the end and start of the tour plus quirky little things Canadian (ketchup chips!) plus maple flavored cookies. Thank you so much. Hopefully I can still go on future Gate ! Tours.
Noena L.
We have been on 6 Gate1 tours all around the world and can't say enough good things about them, but what really stands out are your tour managers/guides. Robyn was outstanding! She is so knowledgeable, organized, and caring. She got to know everyone on the trip and was able to make us into a cohesive and fun group. The sights were spectacular and luckily so was the weather. The restaurant, chosen in Jasper for the group dinner was excellent. Staying at the airport hotel in Calgary made travelling back so much easier without having to worry about getting to the airport. Thanks again Gate1 for a wonderful trip.
Frank H.
I have travelled on many of your trips and Lisa was one of the very best guides I have had! She was extremely knowledgeable, always positive with a smile on her face, very organized, brought us treats on the bus during the day, and made our travels fun and exciting. Lisa was always looking for doing something extra that was not in the plan such as taking us for a walk in our free time to show us more of the cities, and she looked after each of us at all times to make sure we were having fun. She made excellent suggestions of where to shop and eat! Lisa made all of us very happy and it showed in how well we all got along as a group. This was a trip I will always remember and Lisa greatly helped to make it that way!!!!
Susan L.
We usually do not expand on our feedback but we just had to let you know what a great job the driver did on this tour. Rob was friendly and took an interest in each and every passenger. We looked forward to getting on the coach each day and seeing Rob. Great asset! The Golden Skybridge is a must-do. Everyone who did it was thrilled. The Planet Bee Honey Farm was great. The brief lecture was informative and engaging. We did not have lunch there as it was too early, but you absolutely should schedule lunch there. It looked delicious. This stop is a keeper. The other stops we did that day were not nearly as good. The Summerhill Winery lunch was delicious. So filling, in fact, we could not eat dinner that night. This is the first time on all of our trip with Gate 1 (6 of them) that the entire group meshed perfectly and got along. I attribute that to Tina clearly setting the guidelines on what is expected from everyone when traveling as a group.
Nancy D.
Can't thank Laura F. enough for introducing us to Banff and its remarkable surroundings! Canada has a LOT to offer and Laura made it so amazing from her perspective as a local! She shared a lot of the Canadian culture and the history behind Banff, as well as took us to the less touristy and more hidden local gems, like Canmore! She gave great presentations and tips on how to spot a black bear versus a Grizzly, and what NOT to do as well!!! Her candor and sense of humor made the trip more memorable and enjoyable than we were expecting! She played a variety of Canadian songs and snippets of the Vinyl Cafe, hosted by Stewart, which gave us a glimpse of the Canadian humor and way of life!! She and our driver, Chris, gave an outstanding introduction to a taste of the Canadian Rockies, along with why Canadians have such a strong love affair with the great outdoors!! You can feel the love Laura has for her country as she shares stories of growing up in Canada! She was so kind enough to share with us some local Canadian treats, like cookies and candy, along the ride. We had a fantastic group and felt like one big happy family traveling together! So thank you again, Laura, for sharing your enthusiasm and love for Banff and this beautiful country of yours! And thank you, Chris, for keeping us comfortable, safe and on time to our various destinations!! We left even more excited about visiting the provinces of Alberta and BC, and look forward to visiting again in the future!!
Maribel A.
It was one of my bucket list that I like most aside from the Switzerland trip last year . Our tour guide Carolyn made our tour very formative and livelier she took us to the most places that are very nice and beautiful . Our driver Bruce made our Trip safe and sound he was such a good driver and very caring . Thus trip was so memorable in fact those pictures I posted in Facebook some of my friends admired the places we have have been too . Overall it was a fantastic trip thank you stacy you are such a good and helpful agent of Gate one travel .
Rebecca E.
What an excellent trip! Just a few specific things I figured I'd note: Mereille was a terrifically friendly guide, and I appreciated her little touches to make the bus commute days better (e.g. playing Bingo!) John was THE BEST driver I've ever had.. and I've been on a lot of these trips! He had an awesome sense of humor and handled the bus like a boss. The deluxe lunch at Chez Dany was an absolute blast. I really appreciated that they provided a vegetarian version of the meat pie for me! The guide in Quebec City was hilarious and informative. I had the pleasure of meeting up with her later in the trip and she continued to be funny, friendly, and helpful. A random tip for encouraging travelers to arrive at the Montreal airport extra-early for departure: there is a free play arcade in the terminal! I enjoyed spending an hour there while I waited for my departure flight.
James K.
Was a great trip , Jeff our guide is so knowledgeable about Canada , Nova Scotia , New Brunswick , Prince Edward Island etc . I always know a good guide when I get done with a trip and I look back and say "I'd like to travel with that guide again somewhere " . It might not even be a Gate one tour they are just so nice . Jeff was one of those .We are now thinking of driving to the area on a later date . The city guide for Halifax was very knowledgeable too , and so proud of his home town. Enjoyed his graveyard knowledge of the Titanic graves wow .
Mark M.
Awesome! My first trip with Gate1 but definitely not the last. First day 'til the last day was filled with beauty, information, and excitement. Lodging was fabulous, breakfasts were good, our tour guide Howard was on point for his knowledge and any question you had for him. Can't wait to book another tour. By the way, due to fires in Canada and being rerouted thru Edmonton was all flawless. No hiccups to the patrons whatsoever.
Connie P.
This was my first experience with gate one and due to the absolutely fantastic trip I just experienced I will now be a regular customer. The tour Director, Greg J, was outstanding; rarely do you see someone who is able to be professional, cheerful and fun all at the same time while continuing to make sure our safety is the first priority. With such a diverse number of personalities, it is difficult to make sure everyone is happy all the time, but Greg did his best to make sure that was everyone's experience was fantastic! The tours were brilliant, beautiful, and so educational. Each day started with a greeting from Greg outlining all that we would be doing that day. Throughout the day, he would check in with everyone to see how things were going. I saw him interact with all of my fellow travelers in a very kind and interested manner. At the end of the day, he would always check in with everyone and ask for our honest reviews of where we had been. He did a wonderful job making sure we felt heard. Greg is not only an outstanding individual with a kind heart and winning smile. He is what I will now picture in my mind when I think about gateway travel and due to his terrific work you can be sure I will coming back time and again. (I have already told three friends about my experience.) Please let Greg know how much I appreciate what he did to make this trip my very favorite out of the other 67 countries I have visited. He's incredible and the gold standard for your directors. I would also like to thank our bus driver, Paul. He and Greg had a very good working relationship and due to their conversations and planning I believe we saw more of the true Newfoundland and Labrador that other people I saw on tour groups around us. And just to let you know, other tour groups were very envious of how much fun we were having!
Jean W.
The trip was great and the weather was great as well. We had a one-night stop over in Kamloops on our long drive to the Victoria ferry and that AM we woke up to fairly heavy smoke but we left there right after breakfast and the smoke cleared as we travelled toward the ferry. It was all blue skies after that. I spotted a grizzly bear on our rafting excursion. Overall, the scenery was spectacular, the guide (Micky) was great, and the people in our group were a lot of fun. Thanks for a flawless vacation set-up.
Christine H.
I just finished an absolutely AMAZING trip with Micky through the Canadian Rockies. Micky wanted us to know and love Canada the way that he does. As a result we not only SAW Canada, we EXPERIENCED it! He went "above and beyond" at each turn for us. The best example of that, I think, was the trivia quiz he did about where each of us (couple or individual) came from. That took extra time and effort on his part, as did so much of what we received from him over the course of the ten days. Micky made sure that we were aware of what was happening and, given the threat of smoke on our route, what could potentially happen. While we didn't need to make any adjustments (and we know we were fortunate in that), he wanted to be sure that we weren't surprised if we did.
John W.
We just returned from the Canadian Rockies & Vancouver Island trip, starting at Calgary and ending in Vancouver. We had the most wonderful time! First and foremost, our guide, Carolyn, was absolutely fantastic! Not only was she knowledgeable about the places we visited, she shared her personal perspectives of her country and countrymen, the nuances of life on the right and left sides of Canada, and always had interesting tidbits about sports, culture, food. Our driver, Adrian, was top-notch--friendly, personable, polite, conscientious to a tee, kept his bus sparking clean inside and out. It felt to us like window-cleaning fairies magically did their job during our comfort stops; not once did we actually witness the cleaning but each time you got back on the bus, windows had been refreshed! Our fellow travelers consisted of 29 interesting, considerate, kind, friendly people. Thank you, Gate1, for consistently "selecting" such fine folks to enjoy its tours (smiles)!
Elizabeth W.
This was my first trip since the pandemic. I went to Dubai with you before the pandemic. I had a wonderful time. I was a little skeptical about traveling with the global rising of the Covid variants. However I went anyway. I had a ball. It was a great trip. Most of it was due to the wonderful Tour Director, Gary, who was with us the whole time. We also had a wonderful bus driver named Betty, The two of them were meant to be together. All of the old people on the trip had a blast. They kept us laughing the whole time. Laughing is so infectious and that is what we all needed. Gary was so funny that when you look at him, you would start to laugh. His knowledge of the areas was great. However his personality was a plus for all of the trip participants. I travel with Gate I and I hope that I meet up with him again. I have been to Australia and Dubai with Gate One. You do a great job. Gary is a great asset to your trips. Kudos to Gary.
Barbara W.
From the moment we embarked on our journey to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies with Gate 1, it was evident that we were in for a treat. The professionalism and personal touch of our tour guide, Aaron, set the tone for what was undeniably a memorable experience. Right from the onset, Aaron made every individual in our group feel welcomed and at ease. His meticulous explanation of our travel itinerary and consistent effort to ensure that all our needs were met were commendable. One particularly heartwarming gesture was his attention to the personal milestones within our group. Celebrating the three birthdays that occurred during our trip made the experience feel even more special and intimate. Then, there was our bus driver, Kong. His dedication to our comfort and safety was palpable. The bus, our home on wheels, was always immaculately clean, and the care he showed for our luggage was as if he was handling his own personal belongings. On the winding roads of the Rockies, having a competent and skilled driver is crucial. With Kong at the wheel, we always felt secure. This being our first outing with Gate 1, my wife and I approached the trip with a touch of apprehension, keen to evaluate if this was a travel company we could trust for our future adventures. By the end of our journey, not only were our doubts erased, but we found ourselves eagerly perusing the Gate 1 catalogue, itching to book our next two trips within the forthcoming six months. In summary, our trip to the Canadian Rockies with Gate 1 was nothing short of phenomenal. The combined efforts of Aaron and Kong made it an experience we'll cherish and eagerly share with friends and family. A hearty 'job well done' to the team, and we look forward to our upcoming adventures with Gate 1.
Solomon T.
The 9 day Gate1 tour of SE Canada was absolutely fabulous! Loved it. Great guide + bus driver and local guides. Great hotels , food, etc. Highly recommend this tour.
Delores S.
Our bus driver, Keith, was the best! He gave us a smooth, comfortable ride. He was an experienced driver and friendly and we all enjoyed and loved him by the end of our trip. Our tour guide, Karen, was top notch! She was so knowledgeable and shared so many interesting stories about the areas we passed and visited. She gave very explicit directions when we stopped for washrooms, meals, and hotels/lodging. She also shared some of Canada with us each afternoon as we traveled to our next destination in the form of treats (huckleberry taffy, maple cream cookies, and more). She would also take pictures of people, if requested. You could tell she enjoyed her job and was proud of her country. Karen and Keith were very professional, worked well together, and both had a good sense of humor as did our whole group, which made our trip even more enjoyable and memorable.
Debra R.
This was our first trip with Gate 1 and it was fabulous! Our host and guide, Shinead, was the reason we will come back. She was professional, very organized and her knowledge of the area was incredible. She was calm, funny, outgoing and pulled strangers together to be a "unified" group by the end of the trip. The trip of the Canadian Rockies proved more stunning than we could have ever imagined. We saw a lot of territory in a short amount of time. The points of interest were perfect! I will be highly recommending this trip to all my friends. I also want to give a recommendation to our bus driver, Clint. He was very professional and got us safely to and from all our destinations. All in all this was an amazing trip that Gate 1 has put together. Thank you. Now to plan our next trip!!!!! Thank you.
Carol G.
I wanted to send a note expressing how wonderful our tour manager Jeff was. He was so knowledgeable about everywhere we went and timed everything perfectly. We were impacted by fires on our driving route going to Jasper and he handled this with ease. Keep him on as long as you can! Additionally, the tour itself was great. It hit all the high points and was a great value! This is my second Gate 1 tour and I'll be back for more tours with you. Great job!
Lori H.
We had a wonderful time and our tour guide Jeff was exceptional. What an awesome tour guide! He was so knowledgeable, make you feel so important, shared his experiences and showed us pictures where we are since his been there, very hospitable and let us tasted some of the treats from Canada e.g. maple leaf cookies and cream liquor, help us take pictures. We thank Jeff for everything since we can't have a better experience that that if not for him. We give a big thanks to James (driver) for making us safe at all times, his driving skills is excellent, the bus is always clean, make us sure we're hydrated since water is ready at your side. He deserved to be recognized as well. But most of all we enjoyed the group (38) we joined, since everyone was nice, punctual and organized. Thank you Gate 1, we had an excellent experience on this tour, we loved all the places we visited and we couldn't experience it without Jeff and James. Thank you so much for both of them.
Patricia M.
My trip to the Canadian Maritimes was enjoyable right from the beginning. Our guide Julia was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about everything and Kevin was an excellent driver. Every day, Julia had surprises for us - things which were not in the itinerary and which made the trip more enjoyable. I made friends and found that the arrangements for single people were very appropriate. For these reasons, I have already booked my next trip with Gate 1 Travel.
Susan R.
My wife and I have been on many a tour over the years. The one thing we have found, is it is the guide and his knowledge that can make or break a tour. We have had guide's ranging from fair to good. But on our last tour with GATE ONE, (4 day tour to Quebec City, Canada), Time frame, 8th - 11 December, 2022. We found our guide nothing less than excellent. Mr. John was knowledgeable, answered all questions, both current and about the history of the area. He also would go above and beyond by helping out the people in his group, no matter what the situation was. His personality and good humor made everyone in the group feel at ease, and helped make to tour a complete success. If your company had a training section for guides. I would highly suggest that you use Mr. John as an instructor to show other how to be an excellent professional guide.
Carter D.
Our trip was fantastic! Our Tour Manager was Deanna and our bus driver was Betty. They worked really well together as a team. They were very personal and personable with everyone. Everyone felt special. They were caring and addressed everyone's needs. They were always there to answer questions or give advice on what to do. We rate each of them with a 10+ rating and higher if we could. We started out as strangers and over the week, because of Deanna's personality and games, we learned about each other and became friends. The itinerary was great. Being able to stay at least 2 nights made it relaxing and easier to see each city. Niagara Falls was awesome. You can't describe it's beauty in pictures. The boat ride was so much fun. As was other stops along the way during the week. We lucked out with the weather and the scenery was spectacular! This is not our first trip with Gate 1. We have a couple more trips booked. One is with friends who have never travelled with Gate 1. We want them to feel the way we did on the last trips we have taken. We hope to get a tour manager and driver as good as Deanna and Betty. In closing, thus far, we have been treated very well with you in the past and hope to have that feeling in the future.
Douglas K.
Our tour guide John was excellent. He went above and beyond to make each guest feel comfortable. He is approachable and helpful, making dinner reservations as well as suggestions for use of our free time. He had a great rapport with our driver, John, and kept our tour moving at an agreeable pace. John, our driver, was personable as well. They were a great combination for our trip.
Debra I.
It was great! The scenery was amazing! We enjoyed all of the activities from boat rides, the gondola up the mountain, riding on the glacier and the hiking. Would recommend this trip to others. Thank you Gate1 for another awesome adventure!
Maria V.
I want to take this opportunity to commend our tour guide, Tina and our coach driver Chris for their exceptional service and competence. Not only were they both very friendly, informative and considerate but they also had to deal with last minute changes because of the power grid failures due to the mountain forest fires. They kept us aware of the situation and did so professionally and with concern. They worked hard behind the scenes to assure us we were safe and had comfortable accommodations when we couldn't stay in Jasper. They were willing to go the "extra mile" when we had to stay at a place that didn't have porters on staff and really were considerate of people's needs even when some were rather demanding. They were a terrific team and I would look forward to another tour with either or both of them. Thank you for having such wonderful, competent people working in your company. They made the trip an experience to never forget!
Robert L.
Our trip was fabulous, beautiful, fun and just awesome. We were with a great group of people and our tour guide Jenny went above and beyond to make sure all were taken care of. She knows the answer to everything, and if she doesn't, she finds out. She truly has a great love for her job and her state and it shows. A tour guide can make or break a trip....and she made it! Cheers to her for going above and beyond with music and treats and conversations.....and the list goes on and on, but I just don't have enough time. Cheers to her and our trip!
Lynn F.
Joe and I had a fantastic trip to the Maritimes. Our guide Francis was amazing. Everyone who had other gate 1 trips said Francis was the best they ever had. This sets the bar high for our next trip. We will be looking at trip options for next fall. Francis was so informative and kept us laughing. Very organized and professional. Our driver Brian was also amazing. Parking a bus in tight spots and having water available. Both Brian and Francis made a great team. Joe and I enjoyed all the sights, sounds and good food of the maritime. I will be recommending this trip to my friends. Joe was amazed at the history we were told that we didn't know. We were the only Canadians and enjoyed our American friends on this tour.
Anne D.
Our tour manager, Diana, was outstanding. She gave local history of people, culture & government of the areas we were in which made the tour much more interesting. She handled very well the different personalities within our group. She prepared us for the differences in the hotels which were significant. She used her good sense of humor to manage individuals. She gave us options on meals by showing us where grocery stores were for picnics as well as telling us about the restaurants and the average price ranges that would be available the next 1-2 days. She gave excellent orientation walks of each city after we arrived. She gave a fun wrap-up of our tour with a game of questions with prizes.
Anne H.
This 9-Day Canadian Rockies with Lake Louise trip was life changing. It was absolutely amazing nature at it's best, the beauty touched our souls. Jeff was an absolutely AMAZING guide. The knowledge and personal experience he shared with us was so thorough, tremendously helpful & meaningful! His personality, excitement and helpfulness were amazing and sincere. He truly loves sharing his country with others. Nothing was too much trouble. He's an amazing, delightful individual. And Binel, our motor coach driver was SO kind, helpful and SAFE driver. Another amazing individual. Memories of this trip will remain with us forever! We will likely return to this amazing place
Janine H.
I wanted to compliment and praise our tour guide Aaron. He was outstanding and deserves to be acknowledged beyond the excellent rating in the survey. He was knowledgeable, punctual, patient, kind, watched out for everyone, especially the mobility impaired guests. He is very good in preparing us for each day's activities and schedule so that we were prepared and therefore a prompt on/off the bus situation. He made the longer bus segments fun by playing songs, giving us background information and providing a taste of local snacks. He should be commended in all aspects!
Arlene C.
Just some additional compliments about our tour guide, Aaron (9 Day National Parks of Canada, August 2022). His enthusiasm, energy and resourcefulness were unparalleled. This was our first Gate1 tour and, based on the itinerary and the excellence of our tour guide, we plan to take more! Aaron went "above and beyond" each day, guiding us through a full itinerary, imparting his wide range of knowledge, responding to any situation that "popped up", and always making sure that we had the best experience. He personally introduced us to local Canadian treats and provided helpful guidance on what to do during our free time (restaurants, shops, attractions, etc.). He asked each one of is to provide our favorite songs and then compiled a playlist for us to enjoy during our drives. He also set up a photo sharing app where we could upload and enjoy each other's pictures. He took special note of and accommodated individual needs with genuine grace and concern. Aaron had amazing attention to detail and always remembered to research and address any additional questions we might have. He was always approachable, observant, attentive and fun! We realize that Aaron has recently joined Gate 1, and we hope he will continue for a long time! He has set a very high standard indeed.
Laura O.
OUTSTANDING!! This was our 4th Gate 1 trip and they get better every time. Robyn, our tour leader, took great care of us and was very knowledgeable about every location. Yoshi, our driver, was very skilled on the highways and curves, and made sure we reached every destination safely. Keep up the great work.
William R.
We had the most fabulous time! The places we went to were amazing! Aaron, the tour manager was incredible! He went above and beyond, to make it wonderful for all of us. Dave the bus driver was fantastic too! Definitely will consider another Gate 1 Travel trip!
Susan M.
It was great! Our group had so much fun with the beautiful sceneries in Banff Alberta. We loved our Tour manager, Gary M. He was so connected to the group, very pleasant, of course knowledgeable of the places we were in. He answered all questions with spontaneity. We loved that he gave us recommendations how and where to spend our "own time " hours. I find the pace of the tour, relaxed, no pressure at all. Hotel Accommodations were first class including the food. We enjoyed our first tour with Gate 1, that we booked our second tour already lol! We are looking forward to our Danube River Cruise in July 2023!
Mitos S.
I just came back from the 5 day Canadian Rockies Express tour and had to express how much I appreciate our tour guide, Gary. He was the most amazing individual who was able to deal with all types of people with grace and kindness and always had a smile on his face. Everything was fun with him. This is my second Gate 1 tour but I have toured with other Vendors and he was by far the best I have met. Our first night in Calgary, he offered a voluntary tour of the city which he provided to us on his own time. He was very knowledgeable and extremely entertaining. A few days later, he provided a picnic spread at his expense which was extremely generous of him!!! I would like it if he would be my tour guide for my next trip with Gate 1!!!
Lynn C.
Our trip was great and very exciting. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Everything was well planned and entertaining. Our Tour Manager Aaron did a wonderful job and certainly trip exceeded my expectations. The experience from the beginning with you helping with the bookings and valuable advises then help with the air bookings and rest Tour Manager Aaron made whole trip like a dream. We are very happy and would like to thank Gate1, To you Olga and tour manager Aaron for giving us such a wonderful time and memories.
Dinesh J.
We had a wonderful time on our Calgary to Vancouver trip! Everyone in our group was SO nice, and we met many lovely Canadians along our route. We can't say enough about our Tour Manager, Greg. He was extraordinarily welcoming, efficient, knowledgeable, and just a joy to be around during our ten days on the road. THANK YOU Gate 1 Travel. We shall be back!
John B.
Simply wanting to take the initiative to express our appreciation for our tour guide Deanna! She was a blessing, excellent in every way, highly professional, knowledgeable, fun, had a great personality, caring and a wonderful sense of humor. With all her responsibilities, logistics, etc. she maintained a joyful spirit & therefore, created a joyful atmosphere throughout the trip for us all. Bottom line is that Deanna is a tremendous asset to Gate 1 & we've traveled with you on multiple occasions & plan to continue! Also, our driver Bob was great & he & Deanna had a very effective partnership & worked well together! Thanks for allowing me to share this with you! Keep on keeping on!!
Charles R.
Just completed a Canadian Rockies tour on July 17. The trip was wonderful. I would like to highly recommend our tour guide Chris and bus driver Binnnel. Everything about the tour was smooth as silk. Chris has exceptional knowledge about the Rockies and the history that goes with it...not to mention his uplifting personality that just blended everyone in our group to make the perfect tour. This has been my 4th Gate 1 tour and will certainly consider another one in the future.
Lea T.
My travel partner and I both want to give the highest compliments to our tour guide in Canada, Jeff. His extensive knowledge, personal experiences and love of the area of Canada we traveled through made the trip exemplary! He was always positive, had a great sense of humor and played fun videos, song play lists and games during some of the few long bus days. He even provided fruit, vegies and Canadian maple cookies for a lovely picnic by a lakeside park on the way to Kamloops. This was my 3rd Gate1 tour and the guides have all been awesome. However, Jeff was above and beyond the others!
Patricia A.
Gary is the best tour manager we have ever had - he made our travel very enjoyable and easy. We had four hotels on the road and his organization and distribution of room keys and getting everyone oriented was smooth. We knew what to expect at our stops along the Canadian Rockies, he planned ahead if we needed to grab lunch so that we could see and experience another magnificent view, making the most of our time. His stories and pride in Canada made us feel at home. His laughter and joy of travel was infectious and made everyone relax and enjoy our time together. Gary is a treasure!!
Doreen H.