Canadian Rockies

Vancouver, Kamloops, Lake Louise, Banff

May 2-10, 2023

Optional Pre-Tour to Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island- (arrival May 2)

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.

PRE-TOUR ADD ON:

TRAVEL DETAILS

REGISTRATION FORM

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

F.A.Q.

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.

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. (but not to worry, the food is plentiful! You will not go hungry.)

Do I have to wear my mask the whole time?

This is an evolving scenario. 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?

For the Rocky Mountaineer portion of this trip, you will want to dress in business casual attire.
Gentlemen will not be out of place with a sports coat; however, a nice sweater and slacks or nice jeans will also suffice.
Ladies we do not recommend a dress or flowing skirt due to the wind and updrafts when enjoying time on the open air vestibule. (If you are in Gold Leaf, you will go up and down some stairs, so please wear flats.)

For the rest of the tour, you can still dress up if you like!
But you will want to wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes (there is no real “hiking”, but you will be walking on a glacier as well as some paved (and non-paved) walkways to view lookout points.

Do I need binoculars?

NEED? No.

Want?? Possibly.

There are lots of great wildlife sightings on this tour!
We saw Big Horn Rams up on the hills outside of Kamloops, bears, bald eagles, deer, elk and many other animals.
Sometimes these animals are close enough to see with the naked eye or right beside the railroad tracks and roadways, but other times they were not as easily seen.

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 while traveling on the bus, and possibly purchasing souvenirs along the way.

Binoculars
If you’ve got ‘em- bring ‘em!

Is there a bathroom on the main tour bus?

Yes.

Will there be electric outlets on the main tour 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. Please make sure to tip them appropriately.

How much should I tip the guide and driver?

Please consider a tip of (at least):
$10/pp for the driver

$20/pp for the guide

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 Banff.)

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 check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 4%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.

Pricing details

PRE-Tour Add-on Price per person:

$461/pp (double occupancy)*

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.
*Pricing is based on a minimum of 11 people participating in the pre-tour

(additional pricing available for other room configurations)

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

• Ground Transportation

  • Arrival: Vancouver Airport (airport to hotel)

  • All ground transportation to/on/from Vancouver Island

  • Round trip BC Ferry

• Hotel accommodations

• Entrance Fees

  • Entrance fees to Butchart Gardens

• Most taxes and fees

  • Tour taxes and fees

  • Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

NOT INCLUDED

• 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

  • Bus driver (recommended at least $10/pp)

Main Tour price Per Person: 

$3827 (quad occupancy)
$3960 (triple occupancy)
$4241 (double occupancy)
$5343 (single occupancy)

Prices and availability are subject to change and are not guaranteed until completed through the booking process.

INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE

• Ground Transportation

  • Rocky Mountaineer (Silverleaf service)

  • Coach transportation during tour (listed above)

  • Departure: Calgary Airport (hotel to airport)

• Hotel accommodations

• Tour Guide and Tours

  • Daily tour itinerary listed above

• Some Meals

  • Breakfast each day

• Entrance Fees

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

• Some Gratuities

  • Gratuities for Rocky Mountaineer Hosts

• Most taxes and fees

  • Tour taxes and fees

  • Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

NOT INCLUDED

• 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 $10/pp)

  • Tour director (recommended at least $20/pp)

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

  • Basic (starting at $254/ea)

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

  • Cancel for Anytime (starting at $487/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 4% processing fee (this has not been included in the costs.)

Option 1:
(Most affordable overall)
Full payment (plus insurance)- due upon completed registration form.
*Please keep in mind, a 4% processing fee may be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (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 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Split amount due into 3 payments.

• The first payment must be a minimum of $150 + insurance, due by August 15, 2022.

• The second payment must be a minimum of 50% due by December 1, 2022.

• The third payment must be the rest of the amount due- and be paid no later than March 1, 2023.

(If you choose this option, your third invoice will be sent to you with a due date of March 1, 2023. You can choose to pay the full amount any time between now and March 1. 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 4% processing fee will be charged at time of payment if paying with credit card. (this has not been included in the costs.)

Pricing divided between remaining months prior to full payment due.
Insurance is suggested to be included in the first payment.

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