Canadian Rockies

Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper, Banff, Calgary

September 15-22, 2022

The Canadian Rockies trip you’ve been dreaming of!
This custom itinerary allows your group to experience the best of both worlds with rail and private land tours.

You’ll be able see the highlights of the Canadian Rockies from a luxury train and a private coach, drift down the rivers, have tea on Lake Louise, drive onto a glacier and watch in awe the beauty of nature from high above the ground.

TRAVEL DETAILS

arrivecan app and travel forms

Step by Step through the ArriveCAN app:

You will be able to upload a picture of your vaccination card now- but you’ll have to wait until 3 days prior to your flight to Vancouver, to complete all the rest of the ArriveCAN form.

Mandatory use of ArriveCAN (account, proof, help)

ArriveCAN continues to be mandatory for all travellers to Canada. It is also required to qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption from quarantine and testing. If you don’t submit your travel information and proof of vaccination using ArriveCAN you could be fined $5,000.

You must use the ArriveCAN mobile app or sign in on a computer to enter your proof of vaccination and travel information.

• To be ready for your trip, create your free ArriveCAN account

• Proof of vaccination and travel documents can be saved in your ArriveCAN traveller profile before any planned travel

• To get an ArriveCAN receipt, submit your travel and vaccination information within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada

No smartphone or short trip? You still need to enter your information and submit in ArriveCAN up to 72 hours before your arrival in Canada or before a short trip outside Canada. Sign in to ArriveCAN from a computer to get your ArriveCAN receipt. Print your receipt and take it with you when you travel. You can also have someone submit your travel information on your behalf.

How to upload proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN before you travel:

1. Locate the Proof that you’ll need to upload -(you’ll likely use your vaccination card)

   • must be official certificates, passes, cards, receipts, or confirmations that show any first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine you received

   • can't show only a QR code

   • must show as text:

     • your name

     • the name of the government or organization who administered the vaccine

     • the brand name or any other information that identifies the vaccine(s)

     • the date(s) you received the vaccine(s)

   • must be in English, French, or a certified translation into English or French

   Use the original file you received, or take a clear well-lit photo of your paper proof

   • file formats accepted: PDF, PNG, JPEG or JPG

   • maximum file size for upload: each image upload has a 2 MB size limit

2. Save or move your proof of vaccination file(s) to have ready to upload -(take a picture of your vaccination card)

   • if you'll be using the ArriveCAN mobile app, save the file(s) onto your phone or you can take a picture of your paper proof of vaccination

   • or if you'll be signing into ArriveCAN online, save onto your computer

   • you can also send your proof to someone who'll complete your ArriveCAN form for you

   • To be ready for your trip, create your free ArriveCAN account

3. Upload your proof in ArriveCAN in the traveller profile - (you can use the camera on your phone to do this)

   • Upload your proof of vaccination and your travel documents before any planned travel:

   • Sign in to ArriveCAN from a computer or use the mobile app

   • Select 'Travellers' and '+ Add traveller' to set up your profile and the profile of other travellers who are likely to accompany you

   • Enter your travel documents and vaccination information

   • When asked to upload your proof of vaccination, click the button labelled 'Add file/photo' and select the PDF file or photo you saved in Step 2 or use the camera to take a picture of your proof

     • If proofs of vaccination for your first and second dose are in separate files or photos, click the on Add file/photo button again to upload the second proof

   • A screen will show that your traveller profile is being saved

   • You can add, delete or save travellers at any time by clicking on the ‘travellers’ tab at the bottom of the screen

   • Within 72 hours before your entry, click on ‘start’ on the home screen to start your ArriveCAN submission. You’ll need to answer questions about your travel plan. To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, your ArriveCAN receipt must show an A, I, or V next to your name

   Final determination of your vaccination status will be made at the border. You must bring a digital or paper copy of your proof(s) of vaccination with you and keep it for 14 days after entry.

   Complete your ArriveCAN form to get your receipt within 72 hours before your return or trip to Canada. - this cannot be done before 72hrs prior to your arrival into Canada.

Checklist of what you need to have ready at the border

To enter or return to Canada as a fully vaccinated traveller, you must follow all of these requirements.

Whether you’re driving or flying, have the following items with you for assessment by a government official at the border (land border crossings do not provide WiFi for travellers):

1. ArriveCAN receipt with letter A, I, or V beside the vaccinated traveller’s name

2. Proof of vaccination that was uploaded into ArriveCAN (original or paper copy)

3. Prepare for arrival testing if selected

4. Travel document entered in ArriveCAN (e.g. passport)

covid-19 requirements

COVID-19 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Unvaccinated travelers: Unvaccinated travelers entering Canada will need to provide a negative COVID test and will be subject to a mandatory 14 day quarantine (even with the new changes after April 01, 2022). There was no indication when this may change.

Vaccinated travelers: The Canadian government has announced that starting April 1, 2022, pre-entry tests will no longer be required for fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada by land, air or water.

Guidelines as of April 1, 2022 (this may change by the time the group will travel)

To enter to Canada as a fully vaccinated traveler, you must follow all of these requirements:

• Fill out information on the ArriveCAN app/website before arrival: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan/help.html#a2

• Proof of vaccination being FULLY vaccinated (no boosters required at this time)

Vaccinated travelers might still be subject to a random testing upon arrival into Canada but they will no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their results.  

More details and information can be found on the Canadian Government website: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada

Health and safety protocols

Mask Mandate: Please note that all our guests are currently still required to wear a face covering onboard the train, except when eating or drinking.

For further updates on our health & safety protocols, please visit: https://www.rockymountaineer.com/onboard-experience/health-safety (we will have an update regarding these new changes published on our website shortly)

To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller to Canada, you must:

1. have received at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine accepted for travel, a mix of 2 accepted vaccines

   • or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine

2. have received your second dose at least 14 calendar days before you enter Canada

   • Example: if your second dose was anytime on Thursday, July 1, then Thursday, July 15 would be the first day that you meet the 14 day condition

   • this timing is only required for your second dose, not for third or fourth doses

3. have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19

4. have ArriveCAN receipt with letter A, I, or V beside your name by uploading proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN

Arriving by air

On your entry to Canada, check your email to find out if you’ve been selected for mandatory random arrival testing.

If you’re selected for testing, you’ll receive an email within 15 minutes of completing your customs declaration and receiving your kiosk receipt. This email will have important information about where and when to get tested. It will be sent to the same email address you used for ArriveCAN. The email will be from noreply.pasdereponses@notification.canada.ca or quarantine.covid19.quarantaine@phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Follow the instructions in the email. It will have important information about where and when to get tested.

• You can take public transportation, including connecting flights without waiting for your arrival test results.

• You aren’t required to quarantine while awaiting your test result if you’re randomly selected for a mandatory arrival test.

If you’re landing in one of the airports listed below, you may be selected for mandatory random testing. If selected, you must contact your test provider for instructions on where and when to complete your test.

When you register, use the same email address you used for your ArriveCAN account.

You can complete your test in-person or pick up a self-swab kit at select test provider locations, select pharmacies, or via a virtual appointment for a self-swab test.

Take advantage of near-airport locations, where available, for the quickest and easiest way to complete your arrival test.

Vancouver (YVR) – LifeLabs

• If you’re arriving at the Vancouver airport (YVR), you can complete your arrival test at the LifeLabs nearby walk-in airport location: 6084 Russ Baker Way, Richmond, British Columbia (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PDT)

Completing your arrival test (if selected)

Use only the test kits that you received at the border, not any other test kits you may have. The instructions, web links and telephone numbers are all provided in the kit.

To complete your arrival test you must:

1. Register with the approved test provider for the province of your point of entry. Use the same email address you used for ArriveCAN.

2. Schedule your test with the test provider

3. Complete the test by end of day the next calendar day after arriving into Canada

• For example, if you arrived to Canada at 9:00 a.m. on July 1, you should complete your arrival test by 11:59 p.m. on July 2.

You must keep your ArriveCAN e-receipt number until your test is complete. If you arrived by air, you should also keep the email notification.

If you haven’t completed your test on time, you’ll be contacted by phone from 1-888-336-7735. It’s important that you answer this call.

F.A.Q.

What time should I book my arrival flight into Vancouver on September 15?

We recommend you arrive around 2pm into Vancouver to take our private tour bus to the hotel.

The hotel check in is at 3pm.
The Welcome dinner is at 5pm.
This will give you enough time to check into the hotel and get ready for dinner.

If you arrive at the hotel earlier than 3pm, you may have to have the hotel hold your luggage while you enjoy the city.

*If you arrive much earlier than 2pm or past 3pm on September 15, you will be responsible for taking a taxi/Lyft/Uber or other shuttle (at your own expense) to the hotel.

What time should I book my departure flight home on September 22?

We will have one airport transportation time available from the hotel, so please consult with the group to make sure your departure time is close to everyone else’s flight time.

*If you are departing much earlier or much later than the rest of the group, you will need to arrange separate transportation to the airport at your own expense.

What is the difference in Silverleaf service and Goldleaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer?

Guests opting for GoldLeaf Service travel in a bi-level dome coach. In the upper-level, panoramic views are enjoyed through fully domed windows while gourmet meals from regional cuisine are served in the exclusive dining room lined with large picture windows on the lower level. 

Guests opting for SilverLeaf Service while onboard Rocky Mountaineer travel in a custom-designed single-level dome coach with oversized domed windows. Guests enjoy delicious hot entrées served to them in the comfort of their seats.

Both GoldLeaf Service and SilverLeaf Service guests enjoy gourmet meals and story-telling by our onboard host team. No matter which class of service is chosen, all guests will get to experience the jaw-dropping scenery and so much more.

Below is a side by side comparison of the two classes of service.

We have 9 Goldleaf seats available to upgrade.
This is available on a first come, first served basis (so please fill out your registration form as soon as possible).

What is the food service like on the Rocky Mountaineer train?

Let’s talk about the food—because you sure will be! Each day onboard, you’ll enjoy your meals served in your seat, selected from menus featuring dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Lunch might include Pacific salmon served with garlic herb rice, or short ribs braised in Colorado pale ale with locally grown potatoes.

Pair your meals with local wines, craft beers, or just a relaxing cup of tea—all beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are included.

While onboard, you’ll also be treated to morning and afternoon snacks. Chat with other guests, make new friends and share your experiences while enjoying a melt-in-your-mouth scone or a freshly baked cookie.

*Note- There are NO dinner options served onboard the train.

Who is our Tour Guide and how do I get in touch with them?

Sascha Ghods
Cell: 561/635-8837

Sascha’s cell phone is only available from Sep 15-22.
For questions prior to that date, or afterwards, please reach out to your travel agent, Christian Tamte 614/556-1945

Do I have to wear my mask the whole time?

Yes.

To keep everyone as safe as possible, we require the wearing of masks in all public areas and while on the bus.

When you are on your own, please follow all local laws-ask your guide if you are unsure about each city's current COVID19 Mask policy.

Is breakfast included?

Yes!

The serving times vary by hotel (they will tell you at check-in), but usually breakfast is served starting at 6:30am.

How dressy is too dressy?

While the Welcome and Farewell dinners are at nice restaurants... attire is a bit more relaxed in the Rockies.

You can still dress up if you like!
But you will fit in just as well if you want to do more of a business casual attire instead.

Do I need binoculars?

NEED? No.

Want?? Probably.

The Guide will have a pair of binoculars onboard the bus for wildlife viewing. Keep in mind that there are 38 guests on this trip- so if you have a pair of binoculars, bring them with you!

What should I bring on the bus each day?

Snacks and a water bottle.
Since you’ll be on the bus all day (most days), we encourage you to bring some snacks and a water bottle with you to keep up your energy!

Jacket/scarf/gloves/hat
The weather changes frequently in the Canadian Rockies during this season!
Watch the weather forecast for the day- links to the forecast are listed above for each location you’ll be visiting!

Camera
You know we all love seeing your photos of the adventures you have together!

Cash
You’ll be purchasing lunch each day, and possibly purchasing souvenirs along the way.

Binoculars
If you’ve got ‘em- bring ‘em!
The guide will have one pair of binoculars onboard the bus, but it may not (probably won’t) be enjoyable to take turns using them to see the wildlife.

Is there a bathroom on the bus?

Yes.

Will there be electric outlets on the bus?

Usually there are, yes. …. but we cannot guarantee it.

We’ve tried to get a more solid answer for this question, but the bus won’t be officially assigned until just before the start of the tour.
It’s rare not to have electric outlets somewhere on a 55 passenger touring bus; however, it has happened before.

If having a power source is important to you, we recommend bringing a portable power bank with you to charge your devices on the road.

Is the Onboard Gratuity added in already for the Rocky Mountaineer?

Yes!
Just like a cruise, it’s just easier to pay the onboard gratuity in advance. We have added this into your package already.

Note: We have ONLY added the gratuity for the hosts on the Rocky Mountaineer. We have NOT added gratuity for your bus drivers in Vancouver or for your land tours), or for your guide, Sascha. Please make sure to tip them appropriately.

How much should I tip the guide and driver?

They worked hard for you all week- please take care of them appropriately.

Please consider a tip of (at least):
$32/pp for the driver

$56/pp for the guide
(so- that’s a minimum of $88 per person) -(and yes, cash is best)

You can tip at any point in the tour; however, it is customary to tip on the last tour day (before you get off the bus at the hotel in Calgary.)

It is also customary to tip any other guides that may lead part of your itinerary- $5-8/pp is a nice gesture.

Is smoking permitted on the train?

No.

To ensure the preservation of the fragile environment of the areas in which you will be traveling and for the comfort of all guests, there is no a smoking or vaping policy of any kind including cigarettes, cannabis, cigars, and e-cigarettes onboard Rocky Mountaineer, including vestibules, restrooms, inside the station, on the platforms or near the tracks.

There is also no smoking in hotel rooms. We recommend that you prepare for the journey accordingly.

Can I pay by Zelle?

Yes!

We started taking Zelle payments last month and we found this to be a fast and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).

Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go in to your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.

Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.

Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.

The Pros for using Zelle:

• It is FREE (no processing fees)!

• It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)

The Cons for using Zelle:

• Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.

• It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.

Can I pay by PayPal?

Yes!

You may even be able to apply your Credit Card rewards points to your purchase! (this is unverified)

We would ask that you pay with the “Friends and Family” option in PayPal as opposed to the “Goods and Services” option. This keeps the fees lower; however, if you feel that you need to pay with the “Goods and Services” option, please add 4% to cover the required fees from PayPal.

Can I pay by check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 3%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.

You can make checks payable to “Zone Travel”

Please mail your checks (allowing 3-5 business days for delivery - PRIOR to deadline) to:
Zone Travel
PO Box 12052
Columbus, OH 43212

Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.

REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

flight information

Please submit this form with your flight information REGARDLESS of if you purchase travel insurance

Pricing details

price Per Person: 

$3999 (quad occupancy)
$4095 (triple occupancy)
$4321 (double occupancy)
$5034 (single occupancy)

An optional upgrade to Goldleaf service is available for the Rocky Mountaineer. The additional cost for this is $714 and can be added to your invoice by selecting the upgrade in your Registration Form.

*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.
*Price is based on minimum of 35 people registered, and could go up if under 35 people travel on this trip.

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

• Ground Transportation

  • Arrival: Vancouver Airport (airport to hotel)

  • Rocky Mountaineer (Silverleaf service)

  • Private Coach during tour (listed above)

  • Departure: Calgary Airport (hotel to airport)

• Hotel accommodations

• Private Tour Guide and Tours

  • Daily tour itinerary listed above

• Some Meals

  • Breakfast each day

  • 2 Lunches

  • 2 Dinners

• Entrance Fees

  • Entrance fees to attractions, National Parks and activities listed in the itinerary

• Some Gratuities

  • Gratuities for Rocky Mountaineer Hosts

  • Gratuities for Welcome and Farewell Dinner

• Most taxes and fees

  • Tour taxes and fees

  • Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

NOT INCLUDED

• 3-4% processing fee per payment (if paying w/cc via invoice or PayPal G&S)

• Airfare

• Local taxis

• Most meals/beverages (unless included in the itinerary)

• Tips

  • Local guides (recommended at least $5/pp)

  • Bus driver (recommended at least $32/pp)

  • Tour director (recommended at least $56/pp)

• Optional Travel Insurance *DUE AT TIME OF BOOKING- PLEASE REVIEW THE DETAILS OF EACH PLAN THOROUGHLY

  • Basic (starting at $200/ea)

    • Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Cancel for Anytime (starting at $373/ea)

    • Please Note: Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

  • Other insurance options are available, if you have questions or want more coverage options, please let us know at time of booking.

SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

There are three payment options available to you. 
*Payment schedule does not include insurance costs. Insurance is due with initial payment. 
*All payment options include a 3% processing fee (this has not been included in the costs.)

Option 1:
(Most affordable overall)
Full payment (plus insurance)- due no later than February 20, 2022.
*Please keep in mind, a 3-4% processing fee may be charged at time of payment. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Option 2: 
(A one time $50/pp administrative fee for the third payment is applicable for this delayed payment option)
*Please keep in mind, a 3-4% processing fee may be charged at time of payment. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Split amount due into 3 payments.

• The first payment must be a minimum of $200 + insurance, due by February 20, 2022.

• The second payment must be a minimum of $350 due by March 10, 2022

• The third payment must be the rest of the amount due- and be paid no later than July 10, 2022.

(If you choose this option, your third invoice will be sent to you with a due date of July 10, 2022. You can choose to pay the full amount any time between now and July 15, 2022. Payments cannot be broken into smaller amounts, if this is what you are wanting to do, you’ll have to switch to payment option #3, below.)

Option 3: 
(in addition to a one time $50 fee per person, an additional 10% administrative fee per payment is applicable for this delayed payment option)
*Please keep in mind, a 3-4% processing fee may be charged at time of payment. (this has not been included in the costs.)

(Payment plan based on a minimum of 35 travelers)

Quad Occupancy:
(price per person)
Feb 20: $250 + insurance
Mar 10: $350
April 10: $949
May 10: $949
June 10: $949
July 10: $949

Triple Occupancy:
(price per person)
Feb 20: $250 + insurance
Mar 10: $350
April 10: $976
May 10: $976
June:10: $976
July 10: $976

Double Occupancy:
(price per person)
Feb 20: $250 + insurance
Mar 10: $350
April 10: $1037
May 10: $1037
June 10: $1037
July 10: $1037

Single Occupancy:
Feb 20: $250 + insurance
Mar 10: $350
April 10: $1233
May 10: $1233
June:10: $1233
July 10: $1233

REGISTRATION 

• A completed registration form (per person)

FINAL PAYMENT

• Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

• Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

• Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

• Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE - AVAILABLE FOR ALL USA CITIZENS - DUE WITH INITIAL PAYMENT

Zone Travel LLC strongly suggests purchasing Trip Cancellation insurance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider as most U.S. medical coverage will not cover you outside of the country.

Insurance costs are based on the total package cost, including air taxes and charges listed under "Included."

Approximate amounts can be given at time of reservation in order to purchase the appropriate amount of insurance.

BASIC PLAN:

The Basic Plan is so affordable you can have your fun and protect it too - all while staying within your budget. The plan has a wide-variety of covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption, and it can also include coverage for existing medical conditions so you can book your trip with complete confidence.
Please Note: This plan does NOT include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $10,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $50,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $500.00

Baggage Delay: $200.00

Travel Delay: $300.00

24-Hour Hotline Assistance: Included

CANCEL ANYTIME: 
(NY RESIDENTS-PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT SIMILAR OPTIONS)

The Cancel Anytime Plan gives you the extra flexibility of knowing you can cancel your trip for almost any unforeseen reason that the Classic plan does not already cover at 100% and receive 80% of your non-refundable trip costs back. It includes benefits like trip cancellation protection, primary emergency medical benefits, 24-hour travel assistance, and more. This plan also has SmartBenefitsSM that can pay you proactively and simplify your claims process with no receipts required. Under certain conditions, covered reasons for some benefits of this plan include epidemic or pandemic-related illness, individually-ordered quarantine, and denied boarding.
Please note: This plan must be purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and must cover the full non-refundable trip cost ($10,000 maximum). You could also be eligible for pre-existing condition exclusion waiver if all requirements are met (please refer to plan documents for details).
Important information about this plan: Plan charge includes costs of insurance benefits and assistance services. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, your plan excludes losses due to that condition unless you qualify for a waiver under the terms of your plan. See Plan and Pricing Details for more information.

Trip Cancellation: Trip Cost

Trip Interruption: Trip Cost

Emergency Medical/Dental Coverage: $25,000.00

Emergency Medical Transportation: $500,000.00

Baggage Coverage: $1,000.00

Baggage Delay: $300.00

Change Fee Coverage: $500.00

Loyalty Program Redeposit Fee Coverage: $500.00

Travel Delay: $800.00

24 Hour Hotline Assistance Plus: Included