Travel Notes

INTRODUCTION TO CANADA:
Traveling overseas to Canada is an exciting prospect! We would like to make your tour as pleasant and as easy as possible. We invite you to review the following information that may assist with your travel plans. We strongly suggested that you consult the following website for travel advisory information: www.smarttraveller.gov.au

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT?
For International flights, we suggest that you arrive at least two hours prior to your departure time. In fact, for a more leisurely and relaxed check in, we would even suggest allowing up to three hours. This allows ample time to check your baggage and to pass through customs.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I FLY HOME?
If you are returning home as part of an escorted tour, we will make sure that you are at the Vancouver International Airport up to three hours prior to your departure. The Vancouver Airport is a lovely airport with a good selection of shops (for those last little items) and also offers a wide range of restaurant options. There is a $15 Airport Improvement Fee (AIF) that you will need to pay before going through customs. This fee can be purchased at several kiosks located in the airport or from a ticket agent located just outside the entry into security and customs.

WHAT IF I AM FLYING INTO VANCOUVER AND THEN ONTO SOMEWHERE ELSE - DO I STILL HAVE TO PAY AN AIRPORT FEE?
If you are transferring from an International flight, hold onto your international boarding pass as the CAD $5 Airport Improvement Fee (AIF) will be waived. However, if you have arrived prior to the domestic flight date (for example, you have booked a tour component to another part of Canada before or after your escorted tour), you will be required to pay the AIF fee.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT AS PART OF A GROUP TOUR?
As part of our escorted tour series, your group will be met by your Australian Farmers / Responsible Travel Tour Guide after you clear security and customs and have your baggage. You will be transferred to your first hotel accommodation. If you are arriving at a different time from the escorted group, you must make your own way to the hotel. In all major cities, you can make this transfer by Taxi or Airport Shuttle Bus. The cost of a taxi from the airport to the downtown region is approximately $35 - $45 one way. The taxi ride is approximately 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Taxi stands are available just outside the airport terminal. The Airport Shuttle option is approximately $12 to 15 per person for a one way ticket. The shuttle will take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the hotel route chosen. You can purchase a ticket for this service at the airport. Departures are approximately every 20 minutes.

WHO DO I TALK TO ABOUT SPECIAL TRAVEL REQUESTS?
When you confirm your travel arrangements with our office, please let us know if you have any special requests for seating on the airplane, have any specific dietary requests or if there is any medical condition that we should be aware of. Any pertinent information will be given to our Canadian partners.

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO CANADA?
You do not need a VISA to enter Canada or the USA when you are traveling with an Australian or New Zealand Passport.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
For travel to Canada or the USA, you will need a VALID passport that is valid for a minimum of six months after you return home.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
We have given a luggage allowance for one suitcase per person while on tour. The maximum weight allowed is 20 kilograms. All guests may carry a small overnight bag on the coach and airplane. If you wish to bring additional bags beyond the baggage allowance, there will be an additional cost of approximately $7 per day per bag. Luggage handling and porterage of your luggage is included in your tour cost based on the luggage allowance mentioned above.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Canada offers a diversity of landscapes and the weather tends to change from region to region. Vancouver and Vancouver Island tend to be much warmer than the mountain regions but also have more precipitation. Overall, the spring and summer months in Canada are warm (by Canadian standards). Temperatures in April, May and early June can be as warm as 20 degrees while July and August can range between 18 degrees and 28 degrees. Autumn temperatures feature warm days but at night the temperature can drop below 10 degrees. It's not uncommon for a September morning to be as cool as 4 degrees or even experience the first fall frost. We suggest a "layered" wardrobe that can be versatile depending on where you are. Bring a warm jacket or sweater and a waterproof jacket. An umbrella would also be suggested. Good walking shoes are highly suggested.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
We suggest bringing a wardrobe that can be versatile. As mentioned above, a layered approach to dressing is highly recommended. The days might start out below 10 degrees but warm up to over 25 degrees and then cool down to 4 degrees. Once again, the key is versatility. Choose a few key items from your wardrobe that can be used for everyday tour or dressed up for evening dinner.

HERE IS A SUGGESTED LIST:
THE BASICS:
• 1 or 2 jumpers and / or a warm jacket (consider purchasing a fleece jacket in Canada!)
• 4 to 6 shirts (casual, sportswear)
• 3 skirts / pants
• 1 or 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 "dressier" combinations for evening dining
• 1 Formal attire for a more formal evening out
• For guests choosing to incorporate an Alaskan Cruise, jacket and tie for gentlemen.
• Hat, gloves and scarf and a sun hat.
• One comfortable pair of walking shoes / one pair dress shoes / a pair of sandals
• Enough socks and underwear that you don't have to spend your free time washing (an idea is to pack a plastic bag to hold clothes that need to be laundered)
• Rain Jacket or Gortex jacket
• Personal Toiletries -We suggest packing most toiletries in plastic to prevent any leaks. Sunscreen and lip balm are excellent items to pack along with any other personal items.
• The Other Little Things - Be sure to have enough film, a camera, if you are using a digital camera, have a second battery and film card on hand. Camera and mobile phone charger, pocket calculator (to help with currency conversion), aspirin, travel alarm clock, spare pair of glasses or contacts. Some Canadian money to have on hand when you arrive, a good book, your address book, ATM card, credit card and travellers cheques. Many guests like wearing a money belt to hold Passport, money and travel documentation.

WHAT IF MY LUGGAGE GETS MISPLACED?
On the odd occasion, a bag might be delayed. We suggest packing a toothbrush, toothpaste and other daily toiletries in your hand luggage that you bring on the plane. It's also an idea to have a change of socks, underwear and an extra shirt should your luggage be delayed. This way you will have something fresh to wear while your luggage catches up. IF your luggage is delayed, your tour escort will assist with all the arrangements.

WHAT ELECTRICITY IS USED IN NORTH AMERICA?
Canada and Alaska operate on 110 volts at 40 cycles per seconds. Appropriate adaptor plugs should be purchased before leaving home to use for items such as razors and mobile phones.

WHAT SHOULD I CARRY WHILE ON THE COACH?
Your carry on bag can be used daily on the coach. We suggest that you always have on hand, spare batteries for your camera, extra film, an umbrella, light jacket, sweater, sunscreen, hat, your pocket calculator and a water bottle. Tissue and small candies are also popular items.

DO I NEED TO BRING AN IRON?
All hotels utilized on the tour provide an iron.

CAN I USE THE SAME CURRENCY IN CANADA AND THE USA?
In Canada, Canadian currency is used and while in the USA, American currency is used. Canada does not have one or two dollar bills. Coins are used instead. A "Loonie" is a one dollar coin and a "Twoonie" is two dollar coin. In the US, they use one dollar bills and no two dollar bills. Canadian money is different colors while the US currency is all green - be careful that you pay attention as a one dollar bill looks almost the same as a ten dollar bill!
As suggested above, try and obtain a small amount of Canadian and US dollars that you can use on day one of your tour at the airport. Some flights might include a stop in a US destination and US dollars will come in handy. Once in North America, you can exchange money at either a currency exchange office or at a local bank.

CAN I USE CREDIT CARDS AND MY ATM CARD?
Most major stores, restaurants and attractions accept international ATM and credit cards. VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted in almost all locations, Diners Club and American Express are not as widely accepted especially in small restaurants and shops. Some banks and institutions ask that you advise them if you are going overseas and that you will be using your ATM or credit card.

EXCHANGING MONEY:
Our guests have chosen to bring over American Travellers cheques and then exchange into Canadian currency upon arrival. If you prefer to use your ATM card, current, daily exchange rates along with a possible small service fee will be applied.
Currency exchange offices are available at all airports and sometimes found in hotel lobbies. Bank hours are generally from 9am until 4pm from Monday to Friday. Not all banks have facilities that accept Australian currency. This is particularly true in smaller cities and towns.

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST ABOUT GRATUITIES?
Gratuities or "tipping" in North America is an accepted practice utilized to show appreciation for a service received. This includes at restaurants, housekeeping in hotels, coach drivers (one way transfers), taxi drivers, doormen and bell people. Tipping is voluntary but in North America, many of the service industry employees rely on tipping as a part of their personal income.
Your Escorted Tour includes the following tipping:
• Baggage Handling fees
• Gratuities to tour escort and coach driver

As a guide the following tipping is customary:
• Restaurant Meals: 15% of the total bill before tax has been added;
• Housekeeping at hotels: it is customary to leave $1 or $2 per person under your pillow for the housekeeping staff when they make up your room;
• Coach drivers on transfers: when a coach driver does a one-off transfer (i.e. from the hotel to the train Station or the Pier) a $1 or $2 per person tip would be an appropriate amount to thank the driver for moving your luggage on and off the coach;
• Taxis: 15% of the bill;
• Gratuities for the Rocky Mountaineer are at your personal discretion, a suggested guide is $10 / day or speak to your Australian Farmers / Responsible Travel tour escort for further suggestions.

WHAT ABOUT TAXES IN CANADA?
Canada has a 7% tax called the GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST). For any goods purchased in Canada and exported (i.e. souvenirs, clothing, etc) you may claim a rebate of the GST if it exceeds $50. Claim forms are available at all Canadian Airports and must be stamped by Canadian Customs before you leave the country. Claims must be mailed to the appropriate government agency in Canada after you have returned home.
The Canadian Government provides international visitors a rebate of Goods & Services Tax for short-term accommodation. Please note that Scenic Tours have arranged for this tax to be paid on your behalf and have claimed the rebate. Therefore no additional rebate on hotel accommodation can be claimed.

HOW DO I CALL HOME?
The international telephone services are generally of excellent standard. It is important to remember, however, that telephone calls from hotels are surcharged. Ship-to-shore telephone calls can also be extremely expensive. If you decide to make a direct call to Australia - always remember to dial the international access code 011 followed by the country code 61 (Australia), the area code (without the 0) and your phone number.
Phone Cards: We suggest that for the best value, you purchase a phone card from a local Canadian Postal Outlet. Cards can be purchased at $5, $10 and $20 volumes. Watch for connection fee charges when you purchase your cards.
Reverse Charge Calls: To make reverse charges or collect phone call to Australia while in Canada or the United States, please dial the relevant phone number listed below. The operator will assist you with your preferred charge type. - In Canada: 1800 663 0683 (Teleglobe)- In the United States: 1800 682 2878 (AT&T) or 1800 676 0061 (Sprint)

WHAT TIME IS AT HOME?
Please use the following as a guideline only, as daylight saving changes will alter respective time variances: - Alaska (Anchorage) = 18 hours behind Australian Eastern time; - Pacific (Vancouver) = 17 hours behind Australian Eastern time; - Mountain i.e. Banff = 16 hours behind Australian Eastern time; - Atlantic (Toronto/New York) = 14 hours behind Australian Eastern time.

HOW DOES IT WORK ON THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER? Following are the procedures for train travel on the Rocky Mountaineer:
Gold Leaf: Your bags will be checked through to your hotel rooms in Kamloops. If you have purchased the Two River Junction show our Tour Director will have your voucher and accompany you to the show. If you are not going to the show you will be given a voucher for dinner in the hotel. You have limited hand luggage space in Gold Leaf.
Red Leaf: Remember to pack down to an overnight bag; you will have plenty of storage space above you on the train. Your luggage will go straight through to Vancouver and be waiting for you when you arrive at the hotel. Our Tour Director will be in Vancouver to greet you.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GO ON A POST TOUR CRUISE?
If you're heading off on the cruise don't forget to take your passport and cruise documentation. Cruise lines do not always pre-allocate cabin numbers. If your cabin number is not shown on your documentation, your cabin will be assigned when you board the ship. From time to time, cruise liners may upgrade passengers at no additional cost, yet this is on a random basis only. Please note that your dining preferences are on a request basis and not guaranteedDue to increased security measures at airport and cruise terminals, please have all of your cruise documentation and immigration forms ready and available (not in your suitcase).

WHAT CAN I BRING HOME?
Apart from personal effects, returning travellers over 18 years of age are allowed to bring into Australia the following goods duty free. Alcohol - 1 x 1125ml bottle, cigarettes/tobacco - 250 grams or 50 cigars, other articles up to a total combined value of AU$400 are free of duty and tax, but goods in excess of this may attract both.
Unlike at home where GST is included in the total purchase price Canadian taxes such as GST/PST (Goods & Services Tax 7.5% and Provincial Sales tax 7.5%) are added after the displayed purchase price. Ensure when comparing prices and converting it back to your own currency you include all taxes.
Passengers must be aware that certain materials cannot be exported and there are restrictions for imports into Australia. Some of these materials like whale, bear, lynx etc are illegal while others like caribou, mammoth and mastadon ivory and walrus can possibly be imported with the appropriate paper work. Also many of the Alaskan Dolls have fur on them and that might not be permitted in Australia. When purchasing Native art such as carvings look for an igloo in Canada and a silver hand or a polar bear in Alaska which verify the artwork is authentic Native Art.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE SEE WILDLIFE?
If you encounter any wildlife during your holiday please exercise caution and keep a reasonable distance away. Don't forget cars drive on the other side of the road in Canada and Alaska- so remember to look left when you cross the road. You'll find you will tend to look both ways twice before you get orientated.

CAN I RENEW MY PRESCRIPTION IN CANADA AND THE USA?
We suggest that you pack an ample supply of any medicine you are taking, copies of prescriptions and the telephone/fax number of your doctor. Because of strict drug laws in some countries, drugs you take on doctor's orders should be carried in their original container showing the prescription label. Always keep your medication in your hand luggage. It may be possible to renew your prescription but not always.

WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS SERVED ON TOUR?
For our tours, we have arranged with hotels to offer an expanded continental breakfast that features cereals, breads, muffins and plenty of fruit. Entrees are main courses and appetisers are entrees just to confuse you. Remember your favourite food items will not always be available as they eat very different food to us especially at breakfast. If you are a fan of a particular breakfast item (like Vegemite), we might suggest you bring a small private collection! To the best of our ability, we have incorporated healthy, hearty meal selections that make it easier to travel away from home.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
Canada is a fantastic country! We hope that you will enjoy the friendly hospitality of Canadians and the people of the USA. If you have any specific questions that we haven't covered, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you!