Rocky Mountain Pioneer Tour Itinerary
REF:
NAF5
VERSION:
10
| Duration: | 14 days - Calgary to Edmonton |
| Countries Visited: | Canada |
| Age Guide: | Child 8-11 years
Adult 12-55 years |
| Max Group Size: | 10 |
| Transport: | Private Van, Mountain Bike, Canoe, On Foot |
| Accommodation: | Hotels (2 Nights), 4 Bed Cabin (2 Nights), Camping (9 Nights) |
| What's Included: | Airport Transfers - All Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 11 Dinners - Camping Equipment (Except Sleeping Bag) - Admission to Banff and Jasper National Parks - Camping Fees - Full Day Mountain Bike Rental with 2 Hour Skills Course and Tour of the Trails - Mountaineering and Rappelling Course - Evening with Local Native - Canoe Training - 3 Days with 2 Person Open Canadian Canoes - 30 Litre Dry Bag - Services of an Expert Guide |
| Local Payment: | NO LOCAL PAYMENT |
| Highlights: | Canada - Calgary - Banff National Park - Mountain Biking Banff National Park - Mountaineering Course Banff National Park - Jasper National Park - Saskatchewan Glacier - Maligne Lake - Hinton / Blue Lake - Canoeing Blue Lake - 2 Day Canoe Adventure - Edmonton |
| Optional Highlights: | Canada - White Water Rafting - Boat Trip to Spirit Island - Horse Riding - Hot Springs |
| Introduction: | The Canadian Rocky Mountains are an impressive outdoor playground offering a multitude of fun activities. During these two weeks you spend the days hiking mountain trails, biking world class single track, practising camping skills, rappelling on a mountaineering course and sightseeing. A three day canoe trip down the North Saskatchewan River retraces the ancient transportation route of the Natives, trappers and early pioneers. The local trained guide for the group ensures that everyone is active and stimulated, while parents, if they so desire, have time to recharge. These fourteen days in mountain air and wilderness make an unforgettable family adventure. Please note that the youngest we can safely accommodate is 8 years old. |
| Meeting Point: | You will be met at the airport by your transfer driver. A meeting will be held on Day 1 at 6:30pm with the guides and the rest of the group at the joining hotel. |
| Joining Hotel: | Sandman Hotel Airport
25 Hopewell Way NE
Calgary
Alberta T3J 4V7
Canada
Tel: +1 403 219 2475
Fax: +1 403 219 2476 |
| Day 1: | Calgary - Arrive in Calgary and transfer to the hotel. Light snacks and pre trip information in the hotel with the guides at 6.30pm. If you arrive into Calgary early, then the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. |
| Day 2: | Banff National Park - Board the bus for the ninety minute drive west into the mountains of Banff National Park. On a campground (showers) under pine trees you pitch your tent for the next four nights. This afternoon you go for the first hike, perhaps following the shore of Lake Minnewanka. Dinner on the campground. Hiking time 2 to 3 hours. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3: | Banff National Park - Today you hit the trails on a mountain bike on some of the best cross country trails in Rockies. After a one hour skills course you are ready to spend the day exploring the trails and single track. The bikes are first rate and the trails offer such variety everyone will enjoy this day. An evening of stories around the campfire makes the perfect end to a Canadian mountain day. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4: | Banff National Park - Fun and thrills with an optional 5-hour white water rafting adventure on the Kicking Horse River in eight person rubber rafts. Or join the guide for a day hike into the mountains. For example an 8 km hike into a wide alpine meadow for scrambling and exploring. From here you can ascend into a pass at 2330 m elevation. Hiking time 4 to 6 hours (B,L,D) |
| Day 5: | Banff National Park - Don’t you wish you were as sure footed on the rocky slopes as the mountain sheep and goats you saw during yesterday’s hike? Today is your chance to learn. During a mountaineering course with expert instructors you practise abseiling and climbing skills, using ropes and harness. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6: | Jasper National Park - Past picture postcard Lake Louise you travel one of the most spectacular alpine routes, the Icefields Parkway. At the immense Columbia Icefields you hike Parker Ridge with magnificent wide angle views of Saskatchewan Glacier, Mounts Athabasca and Andromeda and the icy cap of Snow Dome. Mighty Athabasca Falls count among the attractions of Jasper National Park. You can make your way down into an abandoned canyon carved out of the rocks by the raging waters over millions of years. Two days on a campground (with showers) near the mountain village of Jasper. Hiking time 1 to 2 hours. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7: | Jasper National Park - The side trip to Maligne Lake takes you through a valley once thought to be magical because of another lake along the way which disappears during the summer. Once at Maligne Lake you hike a 8 km circuit through flower covered alpine meadows to an elevation of 2150 m or take a boat cruise (optional) to Spirit Island at the far end of the lake. Suggested for this afternoon is a 2-hour trail ride in western saddle into the mountains on quiet horses and led by experienced horse wranglers. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8: | Hinton/Blue Lake - The peak experience of Sulphur Skyline is a perfect last impression of the Rocky Mountains. Starting almost at tree line with a short but steep climb you reach a ridge with the most excellent views. Of course if you feel you already have enough photos you can relax in the warm outdoor pool of the Miette Hot Springs (optional). Now you leave the National Parks and enter the forest and lakes region of the eastern foothills. Soon you reach a remote log house resort nestled between two lakes. Each family moves into their own cabin with private bath. Meals served in the main lodge for the next two days. Hiking time 3 hours. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9: | Hinton/Blue Lake - Get ready for the canoe training on a quiet lake, gaining paddling skills and confidence. No experience is necessary. You learn the basic paddle strokes, safety procedures for the open Canadian canoes. You receive tips regarding personal equipment and work sharing of the crews. This evening local Natives come by for a visit, story telling and drumming. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10: | Drayton Valley - There is an opportunity for last minute shopping before you move to a campground (with showers) by the North Saskatchewan River where you prepare for tomorrow’s canoe trip. The selected river stretches are not dangerous, even for the beginner, but the current and gravel bars demand vigilance. Safety and the comfort of the participants are the main concerns of the guides. (B,L,D) |
| Days 11-12: | On The River - Not needed luggage may stay in safe keeping. For the next two nights you pitch your tent on sandy islands or comfortable spots along the shore. This "Canadian Classic" is an excellent river trip. It starts out just east of the Rocky Mountain foothills entering the Prairies. One of the most appealing aspects of this river is that it a paddler can choose whether or not to run the "big" water. There are numerous islands for camping. Moose, deer, black bear and other wildlife are common in the forested valley. Five or six hours daily are spent on the river, sometimes leisurely drifting downstream, but always with an eye for gravel bars and obstacles. There is time for swimming, fishing, exploring and evening campfires. (B,L,D) |
| Day 13: | Edmonton - The canoe trip ends early afternoon. The bus with the luggage you left behind is waiting for the short drive to your hotel. Dinner on own. (B,L) |
| Day 14: | Edmonton - Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to Edmonton airport. (B) |
| Finishing Point: | Executive Royal Inn West
10010 – 178 Street
Edmonton
Alberta T5S 1T3
Tel: +1-780-484-6000 |
| | Pre Departure Information Follows |
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| Please note: | This tour is operated in conjunction with our local partners in Canada. You will be joined by other Kumuka passengers as well as travellers who have booked through other agencies.
The itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However, this tour visits areas that can be unpredictable and there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to abnormal weather patterns, the presence of wild animals, or any unforeseen local conditions that are out of our control. Please be flexible and respect the changes that your Tour Leader may have to make during the tour. |
| Insurance: | Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.
Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance. |
| Passport: | Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that when possible you keep your passport in a deposit box at your hotel, or kept on you, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Alternatively, you can scan copies of these pages and email them to yourself. |
| Visa & Entry Requirements: | It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your North America trip. The Kumuka website www.kumuka.com provides visa information, yet entry regulations can change without notice. Further consultation with your Travel Agent or nearest Embassy is recommended.
Each client is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and entry requirements before joining a tour. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Important: If your travels involve entry into the United States, please read the following:
Beginning 1st August 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be accessible via the internet for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP. The ESTA system becomes effective on 12th January 2009. All VWP travellers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. Full details are available at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov |
| Money: | We recommend that you bring your personal funds in local currency (including small denominations), travellers cheques, and/or use an ATM card to withdraw cash as you travel. ATMs are widely available, and Credit Cards are accepted in almost all shops and restaurants. |
| Tipping: | In North America tipping is a way of life and very much expected, as well as appreciated. For many, receiving tips is a means of supplementing their salary which is usually based on minimum wage. The standard amount in restaurants and bars is 15% of the total bill (please note that sales and service taxes are automatically imposed in some restaurants and bars). Chambermaids usually receive $1 or $2 per night in a hotel, simply left on the bedside table.
It is also customary in North America to show appreciation of your Tour Leader by tipping him/her at the end of the tour. |
| Food: | This tour includes delicious camp-style meals. Vegetarians or those with other special dietary needs - please notify Kumuka of your special requirements as soon as possible so we can make arrangements in advance. |
| Accommodation: | This outdoor vacation starts and ends with a night in a good middle class hotel, for the camping nights we supply one tent per two persons. The tents are rated as 4-person tents, which leaves plenty of room for luggage. The cabins on days 8 and 9 have four single beds each and private bathroom. A family of 3 or 4 stays in one cabin. Larger families can stay in cabins with 6 single bunk beds. |
| What to Pack: | Mother Nature can be unpredictable up in the mountains, so you need to come well prepared for every type of weather. Clothing that is easily layered works the best. You can always remove what you don't need, but you still have it just in case. Also, bring your most comfortable gear - this is not the time to break-in new boots or a new hat, nor is it the place to be fashion conscious.
As well as your day to day clothes and personal items, you will need the following:
- A rucksack / backpack or duffle bag (we do not recommend bringing a suitcase)
- A daypack to carry camera, jacket, water, snacks, etc. on day hikes and outings
- 3 or 4 season sleeping bag - rated for minus 10C (It won't get that cold though!)
- A hard foam mattress is provided, however you may wish to bring an inflatable mat for extra comfort)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- A good pair of walking boots, at least half high (to ankle) preferably waterproof, as well as a comfortable pair of shoes for wearing around the camp or in towns at night
- Fleece jumper
- Sun hat and gloves for paddling
- A torch Sunglasses and sunscreen (for skin and lips)
- Power adaptor to suit US/Canada voltage type and plug fitting
- Water bottle Swimming suit and towel
- A walking stick is recommended but not essential (especially useful for walking downhill)
- Insect repellent (can be bought upon arrival)
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| Average Temperature: | These are average temperatures at an elevation of 4,538 ft (1,390m). Temperatures will drop at higher elevations.
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| Drug Policy: | Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund. |
| Staying in Touch: | Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:
Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.
Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.
Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka
Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts
Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does! |
| Tour Feedback: | Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback
Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com |
| Contact Details: | KUMUKA WORLDWIDE
UK OFFICE
Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com
AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au |
| Map: |  |
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets
and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information
available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any
of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable
for compensation or refund. |
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