best of the canadian rockies: calgary to vancouver

2016

Best of the Canadian Rockies: Calgary to Vancouver

LAND TOUR

Plus optional extensions in

Yellowstone National Park & Montana Victoria & Vancouver

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Grand Circle Travel Handbook Best of the Canadian Rockies: Calgary to Vancouver

Table of Contents

1. PASSPORT, VISAS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS .......................................................................... 3 Passport Required .................................................................................................................................... 3

Visa Not Required ................................................................................................................................... 3

Entry Process in Canada .......................................................................................................................... 3

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? ......................................................................................................... 4

Backup Photocopies ................................................................................................................................. 4

2. YOUR HEALTH ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Keep Your Abilities In Mind ................................................................................................................... 5

Health Check ............................................................................................................................................ 6

High Altitude ........................................................................................................................................... 6

Prescription Medications ......................................................................................................................... 6

3. LUGGAGE REGULATIONS & AIR TRAVEL ............... .................................................................. 7 Luggage Limits ........................................................................................................................................ 7

Luggage Suggestions ............................................................................................................................... 8

Airport Security/TSA ............................................................................................................................... 8

Air Inclusive Travelers ............................................................................................................................ 9

Airport Transfers ...................................................................................................................................... 9

Flight Confirmation ................................................................................................................................. 9

4. MONEY MATTERS ............................................................................................................................ 10

How to Carry Your Money .................................................................................................................... 10

Local Currency ...................................................................................................................................... 10

ATMs ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Debit Cards ............................................................................................................................................ 11

Credit Cards ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Optional Tour Payments ................................................................................................................... 11

Shopping ................................................................................................................................................ 12

Shopping by Destination ................................................................................................................... 12

U.S. Customs Regulations and Shipping Charges ................................................................................. 13 Problem with a Purchase? ...................................................................................................................... 13

Tipping Guidelines ................................................................................................................................ 14

5. PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP ............................................................................................................. 15

In General .............................................................................................................................................. 15

Packing Your Carry-On ......................................................................................................................... 15

Travel Gear Suggestions ........................................................................................................................ 16

Consider … ....................................................................................................................................... 16

Medicines .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Other Gear ........................................................................................................................................ 17

6. REGIONAL CLIMATE INFORMATION ................... ..................................................................... 18

7. TRAVEL AND TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 21 In General .............................................................................................................................................. 21

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Regional Electricity ............................................................................................................................... 21

Phones and Calling ................................................................................................................................ 22

Photo Gear ............................................................................................................................................. 23

8. ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS ...................................................................................................... 24 Your GCT Program Director ................................................................................................................. 24

Embrace Nature’s Unexpected .............................................................................................................. 24

In General .............................................................................................................................................. 24

Calgary in Brief ..................................................................................................................................... 25

Vancouver in Brief ................................................................................................................................. 26

Victoria in Brief—Optional Extension .................................................................................................. 28

9. STATE & PROVINCE STATISTICS ................................................................................................ 29

10. ADDITONAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................................. 30

Suggested Books .................................................................................................................................... 30

Suggested Movies .................................................................................................................................. 32

Grand Circle Community & Useful Websites ....................................................................................... 33

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1. PASSPORT, VISAS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Passport Required

U.S. citizens need a passport, passport card, or NEXUS card for this itinerary. Of the three, a passport is best—it will help to avoid delays for the entire group when crossing the border. Please take a moment to check if your passport meets all of these requirements. If these requirements are not met, you may be refused admittance to Canada and, consequently, required to return to the U.S. immediately. Your passport should meet these requirements for this itinerary:

• It should be in good condition • It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S. • It should have the recommended number of blank pages (see below for details). • The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and

Endorsements” are not acceptable. Recommended number of blank pages:

• Main trip only : If you are taking only the main trip, you will require 2 blank pages • Pre- and/or post-trip extension: No additional pages are needed for either extension.

If you need to renew your passport: Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport.

Visa Not Required For U.S. citizens, a visa is NOT required for entry into Canada. If you are staying longer than 180 days, you should check with their embassy or consulate for the applicable regulations.

Entry Process in Canada As part of their routine entry process Canadian authorities may run a background check or ask general questions about the purpose and duration of your stay, your health, what funds are available to you during your trip, etc. This same process applies if you exit and re-enter Canada (for example, when we visit Glacier National Park). For more details see the Canadian embassy’s website at www.can-am.gc.ca/.

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Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about possible visa requirements. For your convenience, we recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Backup Photocopies

The smartest security precaution you can take is to make photocopies of your passport’s personal information pages, your air tickets, your traveler’s check serial numbers (if you’re using them), and your credit cards. Also, bring extra passport-sized photos. Make a list of the phone and fax numbers for reporting lost credit cards, your travel protection plan company (if you have an optional travel protection plan) and medical emergency network. Keep these documents separate from the originals, and they can save you immeasurable time, money, and trouble if your originals are lost or stolen as you travel. In addition, scan these photocopies and email them to your email address; you can then print out replacement copies if necessary.

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2. YOUR HEALTH

Keep Your Abilities In Mind We’ve worked closely with our local Program Directors and regional associates to identify the aspects of this vacation that you should be aware of, from physical requirements to cultural factors. Please carefully review the information below prior to departing on this trip. Of particular note on this trip is the need for long motorcoach transfers; on the main trip alone we’ll cover more than 1,150 miles total. Please feel free to bring whatever you need to be comfortable on the bus (pillow, blanket, etc.) and come prepared for long drives. Pacing

• 8 locations in 15 days, including 1 single-night stay • 5 days feature 6-8 hours of travel by motorcoach

Physical Requirements

• Walk 1 miles unassisted and participate in 3-4 hours of physical activities daily, including stairs • Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters • Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can

assist them • Program Directors reserve the right to modify participation or send travelers home if their

limitations impact the group’s experience Terrain & Transportation

• Uneven walking surfaces, including unpaved paths, steep hills, stairs, and cobblestones, and ice • Travel by 55-seat motorcoach, Ice Explorer snowcoach, and air tram

Climate

• Daytime temperatures range from 48-78°F during touring season • June-August are the warmest months • May and October are the coolest months, when snow and frozen lakes are common • Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable throughout the year and change quickly

You can encounter unaccustomed challenges on even the shortest journey — this land tour, for instance, features an active itinerary with long days of sightseeing, walks that follow steep and uneven pathways, and long motorcoach transfers. In addition, terrain can be uneven, rocky or precarious; both included and optional tours can require extended walking to guarantee a truly rewarding experience. Some of the places you visit may not have not been improved with elevators, escalators, ramps, railings or other aids. If in doubt, consult your physician describing the length and type of rigors you’ll encounter.

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Health Check Feeling healthy and confident of your mobility is essential if you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad. If you have ongoing medical conditions or concerns about your health, we highly recommend that you schedule a checkup with your personal physician at least six weeks in advance of your departure date.

• Discuss with your doctor any aspects of your international itinerary that may affect your health and be guided by his or her advice. (You can use the “Keep Your Abilities in Mind” on the previous page as a guideline to discuss with him or her.)

• You may want to have a dental exam before your trip. A loose filling or developing cavity would be difficult to remedy while you are traveling.

• If you have a condition that requires special equipment or treatment, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items related to your condition.

High Altitude You will be at high altitudes—up to 7,200 feet above sea level—for portions of your itinerary, plus have overnight stays in towns in the 3,500 to 4,600 feet range (Calgary, Banff, and Jasper). Travelers on the pre-trip extension in Yellowstone will have even higher elevations to content with—on average the park is 8,000 feet above sea level. At high elevations there is not only less oxygen but also lower atmospheric pressure, which can have all sorts of odd effects on the body. These effects vary from one person to the next and physical fitness isn’t a factor. Over time the body can adjust on its own, but in the meantime, common altitude sickness symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Eating well, drinking lots of water, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding alcohol will help reduce the chances of developing altitude sickness. Once you feel sick, however, the only real cure is the passage of time so your body can adjust at its own pace. On arrival at high elevations, we suggest you take things easy at first, and give yourself a chance to acclimate before engaging in physical activities.

Prescription Medications If you take medications regularly, be sure to pack an ample supply that will last your entire trip, as obtaining refills of your medication can be difficult during your trip. Pack these medications in your carry-on bag, and keep them in their original, labeled containers. To be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications, you should also bring copies of the prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name.

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3. LUGGAGE REGULATIONS & AIR TRAVEL

Luggage Limits

It may seem early to discuss luggage and packing, but if you know current industry standards for your flights you can start to plan what type of luggage you’ll use, how much clothing to bring, etc. The following information can help you in your trip preparations.

MAIN TRIP LIMITS Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on bag per person

Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The current standard is 50lbs for checked bags and 15 lbs for carry-on bags.

Size restrictions Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear inches.

Luggage Type A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

The extensions have the same overall luggage restrictions as the main trip.

During the post-trip extension the distribution of weight is slightly different—the ferry to Victoria allows one piece of checked luggage of up to 49 lbs—but you can bring a carry-on of 16 lbs on the

ferry, so the total weight remains the same.

REMARKS / SUGGESTIONS

One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you'll be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for everyone’s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to check a suitcase. Note: Luggage limits are a matter of airline policy. Enforcement may include spot checks and may be inconsistently applied. Expect penalties and fines to be imposed immediately, however, when and if enforced. Before you choose to ignore the published restrictions you should ask: Do I feel lucky? And, even if you answer yes, you should make sure that you have the ability to pay the fine.

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Should I confirm luggage restrictions before departure? Absolutely, confirm current restrictions about a week or so before your departure. You should take this step because there may be recent changes, such as new security regulations, or an update to the standard weight/size allowances. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section. You should also check with the airlines on luggage fees—many airlines charge to check luggage. Others may charge a fee if you bring a second carry-on item, like a purse or a laptop. These fees are not included in your trip price ; they are payable directly to the airlines.

Luggage Suggestions Consider a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase for your checked luggage. Due to space limitations on our motor coaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Porterage at airports and hotels is provided for one bag per person. All bags should have luggage tags. Consider a daypack or small backpack as your carry-on bag. It can do double duty during excursions and walking trips. A daypack leaves your hands free and distributes its weight onto your back. Packed with daily travel needs (sweater, camera, rain/wind shell, water bottle, etc.), it will compress to fit the storage space of foreign motorcoaches, and yet still have room for an impulse buy at a street market. TIP: Bring a second, empty lockable bag folded into your main suitcase, with a luggage tag and small lock. Use this to carry souvenirs home – but remember that you may incur extra luggage fees. If you’re traveling with a companion we recommend “cross-packing,” i.e., pack 2 outfits of your clothing in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed.

Airport Security/TSA

Restrictions on what can be included in your carry-on luggage may change. To avoid inadvertently packing restricted items in your carry-on, we suggest that you consult the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov, which keeps a current list of restricted items. Follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids: Liquids must be in a 3.4 ounce or less (100ml) bottle (by volume); all bottles must be in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. The 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure. Note that this rule is used increasingly throughout the world. Locking your luggage: To reduce the risk of damage to your luggage, either do not lock your bags when checking in for flights that originate in the U.S. or use TSA-approved locks. (These are locks that TSA screeners can open and relock with a special tool, avoiding damage to your luggage or lock if a physical inspection is required. Look for the words “TSA” or “TSA-approved” on the lock’s packaging.)

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Air Inclusive Travelers

If you have purchased international air with Grand Circle Travel, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know.

• Air Itineraries: We’ll be sending you a preliminary flight itinerary—and posting it online in My Account—no later than 100 days prior to your departure. (If you booked your trip inside 100 days, then expect it a week or two after booking.) Due to restrictions from the airlines, air itineraries cannot be confirmed more than 330 days before your travel dates. If you have booked your trip a year in advance, we cannot send you a preliminary itinerary or answer questions about your flights until you are inside this 330 days timeline.

• Flight Delays: Grand Circle Travel is not responsible for flight delays or cancellations. In the

unfortunate circumstance that your flight is delayed or changed, please try to reach the regional GCT office (their number will be in your Final Documents) in order to make new arrangements for your transfer. Due to airline regulations our staff is not notified of flight rerouting, and our local representative won’t necessarily be aware of your new arrival time. In these cases you will need to arrange your transfer by taxi to your hotel.

• Flying with a Travel Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion from a different

household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you’d like to travel together and we’ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to your flights, please be sure that both you and your companion tell us that you still want to fly together.

Airport Transfers If you have purchased international air with Grand Circle Travel and have not customized your dates of travel, then airport transfers are included in your program price. If you will be booking your own flights or will be customizing your travel dates with our air department, then airport transfers will NOT be included in your program price. Transfers must be purchased separately, as an optional add-on, and are subject to availability. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835. You can also find more information online at www.gct.com/airporttransfers. Please note: You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as Grand Circle travelers who purchased included airfare, and transfers are only available the same day that the group arrives or departs.

Flight Confirmation Please don’t be surprised if your Program Director asks you to confirm your flight details directly with him or her before your departure; this is a routine check on their part. It ensures that any last-minute changes are accounted for, especially in the case of travelers who have made their own air arrangements.

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4. MONEY MATTERS

How to Carry Your Money Carry a mix of local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card: You'll be well prepared if you plan on this combination for payments on your trip. Traveler’s checks—not recommended: We urge you not to rely on traveler's checks. They are very difficult to exchange and the fee for cashing them is quite high. Most banks or exchange offices will not exchange them, and few businesses accept them. Using U.S. dollars in Canada: In major tourist centers like Banff, Jasper, and Vancouver, many stores will accept U.S. currency (but the exchange rate for cash is typically lower than that offered for credit card transactions). While there is no need to obtain Canadian dollars before your trip, many travelers do exchange $50 to $100 or so before they arrive. This can smooth your arrival should you run into closed banks/exchange offices or broken ATMs. Once you are on the trip, you can withdraw Canadian dollars from an ATM. You can also exchange money at banks, most hotels, and money exchange offices. Canadian bank hours are similar to those in the U.S., generally 9 am to 3 or 4 pm. Please note that torn, dirty, or taped bills may not be accepted.

Local Currency Americans should have little difficulty understanding the Canadian currency system: both countries have money systems based on 100 cents to the dollar, although the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar are not always equal in value. (At time of writing, the Canadian and U.S. dollars were just about equal, but this can change since exchange rates fluctuate daily.) Your Program Director will advise you of the exchange rate upon your arrival. For current exchange rates, please refer to our website, or the financial section of your newspaper.

Canada Canada uses the Canadian dollar (“le dollar” in Canadian French) which is divided into 100 cents. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

� Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars � Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 dollars

ATMs ATM cards give you ready access to Canadian currency on the go. We recommend, if possible, that you make withdrawals at ATM machines when you need cash, as it will allow you the flexibility of accessing money at your convenience without relying on bank hours for money exchanges. When traveling, typically PLUS, Cirrus, and other bank networks are available throughout large cities and small towns.

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Always notify your bank before you leave home that you are going abroad so that they may remove any blocks on your account (yes, even to Canada). Also ask them about the number of withdrawals you may make abroad. For cash withdrawals, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number), as many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their numeric keys, they only display digits. Note on ATM use: Many banks have begun imposing a fee ranging from $1 to $5 every time you use an ATM in a foreign city. You may want to limit the number of withdrawals that you make. Your Program Director can advise you on locations, but when to exchange money is left to your discretion.

Debit Cards Debit cards are popular in Canada, and are widely accepted, but will almost always require a PIN. Many U.S. banks offer a combined ATM and debit card. Check your ATM card, and if it has a Visa or a MasterCard logo, ask your bank if it can be used as a debit card in Canada. (If there’s no logo, then you probably can’t use it as a debit card, but your bank will know for certain). If it can be used as a debit card, all you’ll need is the same PIN you use at the ATM.

Credit Cards Though major American credit cards are accepted in Canada, always inquire if your type of credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase. When using a major credit card you may receive a different exchange rate than if you pay with cash; inquire about the rate first. Please be aware that credit cards might not be accepted for small purchases or in the markets. Note that the Discover credit card is not widely accepted outside the U.S. Keep your receipts in case you have questions about the conversion or exchange rate. Also, keep your receipts as proof of purchase for items to be shipped home. TIP: Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company or bank that you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure.

Optional Tour Payments Optional tours can only be purchased with a credit or debit card (cash is not accepted.) Payments made by credit card may take up to 3 months to process. For this reason we ask that you use a credit card that will not expire until three months following your trip. We accept Visa, MasterCard Discover Card, or American Express credit cards only. We accept debit cards with the logo of one of those credit card companies, but it must be a card that allows you to sign for purchases. Because our headquarters are in Boston, charges may appear to be from Boston or might be labeled as "OPT Boston" (depending on your credit card company).

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Shopping There is no requirement to make a purchase during stops at local shops or markets, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. Grand Circle Travel cannot be responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Sales Tax When thinking of sales tax, please keep in mind two things: It varies from place to place and it is subject to change without notice.

• Montana does not have a general sales tax. • Canada levies a federal goods and services tax (GST) of 5% throughout Canada. Each province

can also charge their own provincial sales tax on top of the 5% o Alberta (Calgary, Banff, Jasper) does not charge a provincial sales tax, so you’ll pay 5%

sales tax in Alberta. o British Columbia (Kamloops, Whistler, Vancouver) does charge their own tax on top of

the federal 5%. Their sales tax is 12% total on all goods and services, including meals greater than $7 Canadian.

Shopping by Destination Calgary: Travelers who enjoy mixing their shopping and their strolling will like Calgary’s Stephen Avenue—a pedestrian-only mall noted for its people-watching and striking metal “tree” sculptures—or the shopping and entertainment district on 17 Avenue SW. If you’d prefer an artsy flair, try Inglewood, a neighborhood with galleries and small boutiques. Banff and Jasper: Most of the prime shopping in Banff is downtown, on either Bear Street or Banff Avenue. In Jasper head for Patricia Street or Connaught Drive. In both towns, look for souvenirs made from local materials like Ammolite, items made by First Nations peoples, and outdoor sports gear. Kamloops and Whistler: Boutique shopping in Kamloops is concentrated on Victoria Street; the town also has several shopping centers and malls. In Whistler the shops are largely in the village neighborhood, and often focus on outdoor sports (like skiing), art, or knitwear/outwear. Vancouver: A lot of the best shopping in Vancouver is for gourmet food—microbrew beers, smoked salmon, maple syrup products, local wines, etc.—most of which can be found at or near Granville Island Market. Shopping districts include the city’s bustling Chinatown, eclectic Little Italy (on Commercial Drive), designer-conscious Granville Street, former hippie hangout Kisilano, and cutting-edge Yaletown. Victoria: Popular souvenirs include hand-knitted Cowichan sweaters; First Nations art and craftwork, such as moccasins, carvings, and prints; antiques; and Victoria-themed bric-a-brac. There are a number of craft shops along Douglas and Government Streets that sell First Nations crafts, but do peruse the goods first; quality items are expensive and mixed in are lots of imitations. For general shopping there’s the Bay department store, at 1701 Douglas Street; and Market Square, on the corner of Johnson and Wharf Streets, which has two stories of shops and restaurants.

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U.S. Customs Regulations and Shipping Charges

For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511. The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• 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.

Problem with a Purchase?

The best way to address a problem with a purchase is to not have one in the first place! So don’t forget to examine merchandise before paying for it, check contracts or agreements before signing, and review your receipt before leaving the shop. For major purchases, don’t hesitate to ask in advance about the return policy—local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up. But what if you do discover an issue with an item later on? In that case, your best recourse is to contact the vendor directly. For this reason we recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. due to delays in communication, the complexities of international shipping/customs duties, and even cultural differences in how business is conducted.

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Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines.

• GCT Program Director: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your GCT Program Director at the end of the trip. We recommend $4-$6 per traveler for each day your Program Director is with you. Please note that tips for your Program Director can only be in the form of cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Program Director during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

• Hotel Housekeeping: Many travelers will leave $1-$2 per day, per room for the hotel

housekeeping staff.

• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

Time at Leisure During the times that you explore independently, you may dine in a local restaurant, take a taxi, or avail yourself of some other service where tipping is customary. Tip throughout your tour as you normally would at home. Some restaurants will add a service charge to your tab, and, in this case, it is still a nice gesture to add a little more if you have received good service. Your Program Director will tip waiters for the included meals when the group dines together.

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5. PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

In General Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. Eliminate all but the essentials and start packing a few days before you leave. That way, you'll have time to think—not fret—about what you might be forgetting. To have a varied travel wardrobe, yet keep your luggage light, we recommend you select a color scheme and pack color-coordinated clothing items that can be mixed to create different outfits. TIP: Did you know you can pack lighter by bringing fewer clothes and having them washed along the way? You’ll have different laundry options available to you at different points: Our hotel in Jasper features self-service laundry machines for your use, other hotels offer laundry service. And of course, there’s the tried-and-true method of washing a couple of items in the bathroom sink of your hotel room and letting them dry in the shower. Consider clothing designed for travel, sports, or camping: With modern fabrics, lightweight packing for comfort and protection through a wide range of weather is easy. A visit to any online or local sporting goods/outdoor stores (L.L. Bean, REI, EMS, etc.) will yield a treasure trove of lightweight, specialized, and fashionable clothing and gear that is readily adaptable to your itinerary. Pack casual clothes: In today's age of informality, comfortable and informal apparel is perfectly acceptable at each of your destinations. Basic pants, shirts, walking shorts, sportswear, everyday dresses/skirts, cotton sweaters, supportive shoes, and functional outdoor clothes that are relatively easy to care for are recommended. Men do not need jackets or ties and women do not need nice dresses—bring these only if you are planning a special night out on your own. The presiding clothing style of this trip is casual. Warm clothes are essential year-round: Plan to dress in layers. Then you can add a layer, or peel one off, according to any temperature fluctuations. Thick knits, light woolens, and a fleece pullover or warm jacket are essential for evenings, regardless of your month of travel, as temperatures always drop in the mountains once the sun goes down. Keep a sweater handy for the air-conditioned motor coach rides. Good walking shoes are essential: The mountain communities, museums, and park trails truly invite exploration by foot. But negotiating the pathways can put great demands on your feet. For your comfort, you'll need supportive walking shoes that offer good traction. Light rain gear: Rains of any variety (heavy downpours or short-lived drizzle) are possible at all your destinations. A compact umbrella and/or waterproof shell, preferably with a hood, may come in handy.

Packing Your Carry-On Use your daypack as your carry-on bag for your flights. We strongly urge you to pack in your carry-on case at least one full change of clothes, your camera gear, all medications, changes of socks and underwear, your important travel documents, and other irreplaceable items, in case your checked bags are delayed. Store camera gear and important papers in plastic bags to protect them from dirt and moisture.

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Travel Gear Suggestions To travel wisely these days you must juggle your personal needs and preferences against the physical constraints of your transportation—whether it’s an airplane, a transfer motorcoach, or a small ship. You’ll have to distinguish between what you must have, what you’d like to have, whether you can zip your suitcase closed, and what you can reasonably expect to wrestle through airport hallways and security checkpoints. Consult the following items to create your personal checklist – ignoring what you don’t need and making the tough decisions over borderline cases. Remember that many airlines today will charge you extra for added luggage. What not to pack: Do not pack aerosol cans, as they tend to leak during air travel. Avoid packing glass bottles; use plastic containers instead. Leave at home checkbooks and any credit cards not essential for your trip, valuable jewelry, and anything that you would hate to lose.

Consider … Hotels supply soap, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, and shower caps. If you prefer a certain brand you may want to bring your own, but otherwise you can rely on what the hotel provides.

� Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush/comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc.

� Spare eyeglasses/contact lens and your prescription

� Sunglasses with a neck strap

� Sunscreen, SPF 15 or stronger

� Insect repellent with DEET at 30%-35% strength

� Travel money bag or money belt, to be worn under a shirt/jacket if possible

� Moisturizer, lip balm

� Swimsuit in case your hotel has a pool

� Compact umbrella

� Wide-brim sun hat/visor

� Pocket-size tissues

� Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial waterless hand cleanser

� Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards (and originals!)

� Written prescriptions for your medicines

� Items for your comfort on the bus (pillow, blanket, etc.). This tour involves several long drives.

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Medicines All the over-the-counter medications and first aid supplies listed below are available locally in Canada, and stores frequently carry U.S. brands.

� Your own prescription medicines

� Vitamins

� Cold remedies: Sudafed/Dristan

� Pain relievers: Ibuprofen/aspirin/Naproxen

� Laxatives: Senokot/Ex-Lax

� Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta

� Anti-diarrheal: Imodium

� Band-Aids

� Moleskin foot pads

� Antibiotic creams: Neosporin/Bacitracin

Other Gear

� Camera gear

� Compact binoculars

� Hanging toiletry bag with pockets

� Basic sewing kit

� Reading materials

� Hand-wash laundry soap, and maybe clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper

� Travel journal/note pad

� Home address book

� Collapsible walking staff

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6. REGIONAL CLIMATE INFORMATION We can't predict the weather you’ll have on your travels – our local weathermen are lucky to get tomorrow right! So, as your departure nears, it's a great idea to visit the My Account feature of www.gct.com for a current 10-day forecast of temperatures and conditions at your destinations. Or check Internet weather sites (http://www.wunderground.com/ is very comprehensive) for those forecasts and tweak your wardrobe accordingly. You'll find historical averages and general information on local climates below – but, given recent weather extremes, it’s even more important to consult up-to-the-minute resources.

By Destination Calgary, Canada: Americans may associate Canada with ice and snow, but Calgary actually has relatively mild winters. It does get below freezing (especially at night), but the Chinook winds that often blow over the city in winter bring warmer air, so daytime highs in the 50s aren’t unheard of. Spring and fall are both pleasant, with daytime highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 40s and 30s. Summer can bring a heat wave, but mostly stays in the 70-80 degree range and humidity is low. Overall the city is fairly sunny, with 2,396 hours of annual sunshine, on average. But when it does rain, chances are high it will be a downpour or a thunderstorm, especially in summer. Canadian Rockies: The Rocky Mountains boast a pleasant summer climate with low humidity and average temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s (F). Be prepared for light rains, but don't expect them; and remember: nights tend to be chilly. Fall comes early and brings brisk weather in the 40s and 50s, though spells of warm, sunny days still occur. In Banff and Jasper, be prepared for cooler temperatures. Vancouver, Canada: The coastal region of British Columbia has the mildest weather pattern of any region in Canada. The range of temperatures is not as great as in other provinces, varying between the 30s in the winter and high 60s and 70s in summer. Spring and autumn are cooler, but still pleasant. Comfortable evenings rarely dip below 50°, except during peak winter months. Showers, of course, are a year-round event, though they tend to be short-lived, and rarely spoil the day. Downpours, in fact, only pass through on occasion. Light drizzles and misty fog are what Vancouver is famous for. Yellowstone National Park (optional extension): The climate within the park is influenced by elevation. Generally speaking, the higher up into the mountains you go, the colder the climate, and the bigger the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Be prepared for chilly nights even during summer—in July and August the high at noon might be in the 80s or 90s, but it could be in the 40s or 30s at night. Rainfall can happen at any time of year, but thunderstorms are more common in the summer. In the fall and spring, the temperatures usually stay in the 60s during the day but might be in the 30s or 20s at night. Winter is downright freezing—with highs in the 20s—and very snowy.

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Climate Charts The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. As your departure approaches you may wish to monitor current weather conditions online. Here is the official data from the weather observation stations closest to our destinations:

Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall MONTH CALGARY , Canada BANFF, Canada

Temp. High-Low

% Relative Humidity (am-pm)

Average # of Days

with Rain

Temp. High-Low


Average # of Days

with Rain JAN 30-08 66-55 -- 27-10 75-63 1 FEB 33-11 68-53 -- 31-12 74-51 1 MAR 40-18 71-50 1 41-20 74-44 2 APR 52-28 70-41 4 50-28 74-41 5 MAY 61-38 72-44 10 59-35 76-41 13 JUN 68-45 76-49 14 66-42 78-40 16 JUL 74-50 78-47 13 71-45 80-40 16 AUG 73-48 79-45 11 71-44 83-40 15 SEP 64-39 76-44 9 62-37 81-43 9 OCT 53-30 69-44 4 50-30 75-45 6 NOV 38-17 69-54 1 32-17 77-62 2 DEC 31-09 66-55 -- 23-08 77-66 1

MONTH WHISTLER , Canada VANCOUVER , Canada

Temp. High-Low


Average # of Days

with Rain

Temp. High-Low


Average # of Days

with Rain JAN 33-23 94-86 11 44-34 89-81 18 FEB 38-24 94-75 9 47-35 87-75 15 MAR 45-28 93-66 12 51-38 86-70 18 APR 53-33 92-58 14 56-42 84-65 15 MAY 62-39 91-53 15 62-48 83-64 13 JUN 68-45 89-53 14 67-53 81-62 12 JUL 74-49 90-48 10 72-57 82-61 6 AUG 75-48 93-48 9 72-57 85-62 7 SEP 68-42 95-52 10 66-52 89-67 8 OCT 52-36 95-70 17 56-45 89-76 15 NOV 38-29 94-86 15 49-38 89-80 20 DEC 32-22 94-87 8 43-34 89-81 18

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MONTH BILLINGS , Montana YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

(optional extension) Temp.

High-Low % Relative Humidity (am-pm)

Average # of Days

with Rain

Temp. High-Low

% Relative Humidity

(avg)*

Average # of Days

with Rain JAN 36-18 64-56 8 35-12 -- 6 FEB 40-21 66-53 7 39-15 -- 7 MAR 49-27 69-48 9 48-23 -- 7 APR 58-35 68-42 10 58-31 -- 8 MAY 68-44 71-42 11 66-41 -- 11 JUN 77-52 72-41 11 76-50 -- 11 JUL 88-59 64-32 7 86-57 -- 7 AUG 86-57 61-30 6 86-55 -- 6 SEP 73-48 64-37 7 73-44 -- 7 OCT 59-37 63-42 6 59-33 -- 7 NOV 45-26 65-53 6 45-20 -- 5 DEC 35-18 64-56 7 35-12 -- 6

*data not available Please note: The data cited above reflect climate as opposed to weather conditions, and serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. A 60 degree average high temperature means that days may be as warm as 80 or as cool as 40 – but it’s most likely you’ll encounter temperatures in the 50 to 70 degree range.

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7. TRAVEL AND TECHNOLOGY

In General

Smartphone, tablet, digital camera/camcorder, MP3 player: travel today can involve technology that didn’t exist even five years ago. The usefulness of digital devices is enormous: smartphones can keep you connected and offer up-to-the-minute information via your cell plan or a local Wi-Fi connection. With a tablet (or smartphone) you can store multiple country guidebooks, access maps and connect to the internet in a small, lightweight device. (Tip: you can download this document from the Grand Circle Travel website and import it into your tablet or e-reader, many of which can display PDF files.) Compact and lightweight, digital camcorders and cameras take high definition movies and still images of the people you meet and places you visit. For robust use a laptop may be effective; for occasional use it’s wiser to rely on Internet cafes or a tablet and hotel Internet access rather than shoulder the heft and size of a laptop. You’ll need to assess your power and data storage needs, and the accessories required to recharge/connect/use these devices. Finally, it’s smart to read the owner’s manual before you depart. Pay particular attention to electrical, power and storage requirements to ensure that you understand exactly what you need. Thorough preparation is the best guarantee that your devices will work up to their potential.

Regional Electricity

Both Canada and the U.S. use Type A and Type B plugs and receptacles, with 110V AC and 60 Hz. If you bring small American appliances, you will not need adapters or a transformer—you appliances should work just as they do at home.

If you use multiple digital devices—cell phone, digital camera, and MP3 player for instance – it’s handy to have a travel power strip, perhaps with a surge suppressors and USB-style port for charging cell phones, MP3 players or e-readers without the use of a device-specific plugs.

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Phones and Calling

When traveling over the Canada-U.S. border, your U.S. cell phone switches from its U.S. network to the Canadian cell phone network partner. Your cell phone will still function in Canada—but you may be charged high roaming fees by your U.S. phone plan. You can contact your provider to get specifics on your cell phone plan while you travel in Canada. Some service providers offer “North American” plans that let you to make calls in both countries without roaming fees. You can also purchase a short-term Canadian cell phone plan if you plan to us the phone heavily in Canada. Calling Canada from the U.S., or vice versa, follows the same process as making a long-distance call within the U.S. Simply dial “1” + area code + 7-digit number.

Data Use It will require some effort to get the most out of your smartphone when you travel. Even with an international roaming plan, costs can add up quickly – those handy apps often pile up download fees. The simplest solution is to shut down all cell phone functions, automatic data feeds and roaming options, and take advantage of the apps via available Wi-Fi. With an Internet VOIP app (like Skype) you can make inexpensive calls. If necessary, turn international roaming back on and your phone will work as usual – albeit at some cost. If your phone doesn’t support international roaming (most smartphones do), some carriers offer loaners. App quality, availability and costs vary – as do platforms (iPhone, Android, Blackberry …), so again you’ll need to do some legwork. Apps come in all forms: packing lists, currency converters, language translators, maps, journals, Wi-Fi hotspot finders … one problem is going to be searching through the vast array of available apps to uncover what works best and what you’re likely to use most. Smartphones have a lot to offer, but their small size can be a drawback for some uses (maps, extended reading, etc.)

Phone Calling Cards If you don’t want to carry a phone, you can use a prepaid calling card to call the U.S. with minimal additional charges. Besides the prepaid long distance charges, you might have a local fee of a few cents and possibly a connection fee if you are using your card at a hotel. Check with the reception desk prior to using it to avoid unexpected charges. Calling cards purchased locally are usually less expensive than those purchased in the U.S. and are more likely to work with the local system. If you do buy a card in the U.S., check before you buy to make sure it will work in Canada and to see if you need a special phone number to use it. (Some card have you dial a 1-800 number, but that number may not work in Canada or may be considered long distance.)

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Photo Gear

For many people, capturing the highlights of their travel experiences in photographs or movies and sharing them is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the journey. Remember, however: some individuals and cultures and are less tolerant of photography than others. It’s always best to respect local customs. And in some places you may be charged for photography at specific sites, or restricted from any photography at all. Digital cameras and camcorders are excellent travel companions—and many do dual duty by recording movies and still images. Fist sized camcorders can capture HD movies and high quality still photos; cameras the size of a deck of cards are great for snapshots and casual movie clips. With an ample supply of high-capacity memory cards you can record your whole trip with a small, lightweight package. But you must remember the batteries. Recharging batteries is sometimes impossible, cameras can drain batteries very quickly, and replacements may be unavailable. Whether you need standard or proprietary batteries, it’s good to have spares. Be sure to bring more than enough memory cards—they may be hard to find or you may not have time to shop for them during the trip. Memory cards are small, thin and light: you can never have too much storage. Compact cameras are impractical for distant subjects. Some models have a zoom lens of up to 120mm, which is good for middle distances. For distant subjects a megazoom (with a zoom lens of at least 300mm) or a single lens reflex (DSLR) camera with up to a 300mm telephoto lens are good choices. With a DSLR you can use multiple lenses, though your gear can quickly get complex, weighty and cumbersome. Cameras or lenses that need a tripod are impractical for travel photography. A single mid-range telephoto lens coupled with a small, fast prime lens (for low light/no flash situations) is an effective, flexible and compact kit. Consider mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILC), which combine small bodies and multiple, small lenses with high quality for both still and HD movie images. If you use a DSLR or MILC camera, protect the lenses with a UV filter and bring lens caps, covers, cleaning paper and a waterproof bag (a heavy duty Ziploc-style bag is good) to protect your gear. Be sure your camera has a flash that you can turn off, and if it’s detachable, remember to pack it. (At many sites and museums, flashes are not permitted.) Consider disposable cameras, as well. They are inexpensive and capable of acceptable photos as long as the light is not too dim or bright. X-rays do not damage the data of digital cameras (in any media format), and so pose no problems for travelers using digital cameras.

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8. ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS We’re including some handy practical details and a brief introduction to the places you’ll visit on your Land Tour. If you expect to explore in depth on your own, we recommend that you consult one of the many available book-length guides to your destinations. If you have one or two specific sites, museums or features that you’re interested in, an internet search is the ideal way to get-up-to-date information and details. And of course your Grand Circle Travel Program Director will be able to assist you with suggestions and arrangements of activities you wish to participate in during your stay.

Your GCT Program Director During your Grand Circle Land Tour, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times from an onsite Grand Circle Travel Program Director. Your experienced Program Director can give you an inside perspective on your destinations and may be supported along the way by local tour guides, who guide you expertly through particular sites and cities. Many Grand Circle Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, training that is based on what we’ve learned from thousands of past travelers about how to make the trip most enjoyable. Your Program Director offers both a deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you. Your Program Director will provide sightseeing tips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need.

Embrace Nature’s Unexpected Please keep in mind that road closures and seasonal changes are fairly common inside the national parks, both in the U.S. and Canada. This could be for a variety of reasons—weather, road work, conservation efforts—and may not be announced by park authorities until that day. As a result, we may need to make adjustments to our activities inside the parks. (For example, we might travel by a different route than originally planned, or switch the order of two activities.) Your Program Director will keep you informed of any such changes as they happen.

In General

Drinking Water Tap water is safe to drink throughout your trip.

Laundry Service Your Program Director or concierge can assist you with making arrangements for this service. Some hotels have self-service washers and dryers.

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Calgary in Brief

City Layout and Detail Calgary’s layout is defined by the two rivers that run through the city: the Bow River, which cuts diagonally through the city from the west to the south, and the Elbow River, which meanders from the south towards the north. The two rivers meet at an angle, and the wedge in between them is downtown Calgary. At the point of the wedge—the place where the two rivers join—is the historic heart of the city, where you’ll find the commanding Fort Calgary (built in 1875) and the Deane House (built in 1906). The rest of downtown is subdivided into three neighborhoods (the East Village, Central, and West End Village). Just south of the downtown area is the Rivers District, which also includes three neighborhoods (Beltane, Chinatown, and Eau Claire).

Evening Entertainment As you’d expect in a city with over a million people, Calgary offers several entertainment options, from the classic Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (which performs an average of 65 concert a year) to cutting-edge contemporary theater at the Alberta Theatre Projects, to stand-up comedy clubs. The music scene is particularly vibrant, and caters to all tastes, but blues, country, and honky-tonk are particularly well-represented. (If you like to two-step there are several places that offer live dancing.) Current listings of performances and cultural events can be found in local newspapers or online at websites like www.visitcalgary.com or www.discovercalgary.com.

Local Transportation Calgary Transit offers bus and train service to almost anywhere in the city. The train—which is known as the C-Train—is especially useful for visitors because it is free of charge as long as you stay in the downtown area. (In this case, “downtown” usually means any stop on 7 Avenue.) One-way tickets for both the bus and C-Train (if you are going outside of the downtown area) cost $3.15 per person. Once used, the ticket is good for 90 minutes and transfers between lines are free. Or you can buy a day pass for $9.50. Remember: Fares are in Canadian dollars, and are subject to change without notice, so use them as guidelines only. You can buy tickets in person from the vending machines at C-Train stations, from some grocery or convenience stores, and from Calgary Transit’s Customer Service Centers. You can also find information and buy tickets in advance online; a good place to start is www.calgarytransit.com.

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Vancouver in Brief

City Layout and Detail Vancouver is a city surrounded by water. Built on the Burrard Peninsula, it juts out into the Strait of Georgia, which in turns feeds into the Pacific Ocean. (Between the strait and the ocean is Vancouver Island, which is separate from the city, but named for the same person—explorer George Vancouver.) To add to the watery theme is the Fraser River, which flows just south of the city proper. Inside the city, the streets are laid out as a grid. Pay attention to the full names of roads as they can indicate direction—usually any road with “street” in its name runs north to south, while any road that ends in “avenue” runs east to west. Like in New York City, avenues are usually numbered (5th Avenue, 6th Avenue, etc.), with two exceptions: Broadway (replaces 9th Avenue) and King Edward Avenue (replaces 25th Avenue). Ontario Street is treated like the center dividing line, and splits avenues into east and west. For example, West Broadway is anything on Broadway Avenue west of Ontario Street. Vancouver's primary business, arts, and entertainment district is the part of town that falls between. Burrard Inlet (part of the strait) and False Creek (another part of the strait). This includes the neighborhoods of West End, Downtown (also called “Central”), Gastown, and Yaletown. Also popular are the nearby neighborhoods of Chinatown, Kitsilano, Srathcona, and Grandville Island, which are all centrally located, but not considered downtown proper.

Evening Entertainment There’s no lack of things to do for a night out in Vancouver. Each neighborhood seems to have its own specialty: dance clubs in West End, laid-back bars and patios in Kitsilano, late-night dinning in Chinatown, and trendy wine bars in Yalestown. The performing arts also shine with a year-round calendar of events. If you like dance, the city has a ballet troupe of its own (the Ballet British Columbia) and a space for visiting artists (The Dance Center). If you prefer the theater, there are several good venues scattered throughout town, including the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, Fireball Arts Centre, and Queen Elizabeth Theater. And if classical music is your thing, then you have a choice between the Friends of Chamber Music, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Recital Society, and Early Music Vancouver (a group that specializes in music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance).

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Local Transportation The city’s public transit system uses buses, elevated trains, commuter rail, ferries, and even a cable car. Of these, the elevated SkyTains and the SeaBus ferries are the most useful for out of town visitors.

• SkyTrain: The SkyTrain system has three lines that radiate from the downtown area (and a fourth line underway). Most of the stations are elevated (hence the name) but some stations are underground, especially in the downtown area.

• SeaBus: The SeaBus runs up and down Burrard Inlet. Payment is on an honor system—you are

expected to pay your fare before you enter the terminal—but there are surprise checks by ticket inspectors. There are also ferries that travel to Granville Island, but these are private companies and not part of the public transit system; you pay your fare directly to the ferry company.

Most of the public transit system takes TransLink tickets. When you buy a TransLink ticket, you have 90 minutes to use the ticket, with an unlimited number of transfers during that 90-minute window. The ticket price will depend on what zone you are traveling in, but as long as you stay in Vancouver proper you’ll only need a Zone One ticket. (The other zones are for the suburbs and nearby towns like Richmond.) If you plan to use the system a lot during the day, then an easier and less expensive option is to get a TransLink day pass. Day passes provide unlimited use of the buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus for one calendar day and can be used in all zones. Tickets and day passes can be purchased at the automated machines in the SkyTrain stations and at most 7-Elevens, Safeways, or London Drugs. You can also buy a ticket (but not a day pass) directly from a bus driver if you have exact change.

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Victoria in Brief—Optional Extension

City Layout and Detail Victoria, the second largest city in the province and the provincial capital, lies at the south-eastern end of Vancouver Island, 54 miles southwest of Vancouver. Although bounded on three sides by water, it is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by the Olympic Peninsula across the Juan de Fuca Strait in Washington state. It is actually closer to the U.S. than to the Canadian mainland. A gentle and genteel town-like city, full of British flavor, Victoria’s downtown area is simply laid out and relatively small. It is bounded on two sides by water and has very few high-rise buildings, so you can see a long way. The focal point is the Inner Harbour, a section of Victoria Harbour, which is overlooked by several of the city’s most important structures, including the enormous provincial Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. In between the two, on the corner beside the Netherlands Centennial Carillon, is the Royal BC Museum. To the east of the museum is Thunderbird Park, with its totem poles, and south of this is Beacon Hill Park, the city’s largest. Encircling the park and extending down to the ocean are well-kept residential houses with gardens. Along Wharf Street, north of the Empress Hotel, is the central Travel Infocentre, on the corner of the Inner Harbour. Following Wharf Street along the water will take you through the Old Town, the original area of Victoria that has now been restored. Meeting Wharf Street at right angles are Fort, Yates, and Johnson Streets. Just up a few steps from Wharf Street is Bastion Square, the Old Town’s square, lined with historic buildings. Parallel to Wharf Street and a couple of blocks east is Government Street, one of the major downtown thoroughfares. One block east is Douglas Street, the main commercial street of Victoria. The area around Douglas Street, Government Street, and Bastion Square is the center of the business area, with banks, offices, and department stores.

Evening Entertainment Victoria has a number of live theaters that provide venues for plays, concerts, comedies, ballets, and operas. There are also cinemas, nightclubs that host live bands, and plenty of pubs (that brew their own beer). The Travel Infocentre at 812 Wharf Street, by the water at the Inner Harbour across from the Empress Hotel, has information on what’s current. You can also check local newspapers for listings of performances and cultural events. Local Transportation Bus: Victoria’s city buses cover a wide area and run quite frequently: every 10 to 30 minutes. All-day passes are available at various outlets, such as convenience stores, around town. Ferry: Victoria Harbour Ferry runs an enjoyable, albeit short, round-trip ferry ride of about half an hour, from Inner Harbour to Songhees Park (in front of the Ocean Pointe Hotel), Fisherman’s Wharf, and Westbay Marina. The boat takes just a dozen people per trip and is an inexpensive way to see the area from a new perspective.

Newspapers & Magazines Where Magazine, the free weekly entertainment paper, has extensive coverage of events and activities of interest in the city. You can pick up a copy at various spots around town or in your hotel room.

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9. STATE & PROVINCE STATISTICS

Montana Area: 145,556 square miles Capital: Helena Entered Union (rank): November 8, 1889 (41) Motto: Oro y plata (Gold and silver) Nickname: Treasure State State Symbols: flower: bitterroot bird: Western meadowlark song: “Montana” (1945) tree: ponderosa pine gemstone: sapphire and agate Time zone: Montana State is on Mountain Time, two hours behind Eastern Time.

Canadian Province of Alberta Area: 661,185 square kilometers Capital: Edmonton Government: Federation of ten provinces and three territories Entered Confederation: September 1, 1905 Languages: English, French (both official) Religions: Roman Catholic, 46%; United Church, 16%; Anglican, 10% Time zone: Alberta is on Mountain Time, two hours behind Eastern Time in the United States.

Canadian Province of British Columbia Area: 948,596 square kilometers Capital: Victoria Government: Federation of ten provinces and three territories Entered Confederation: July 20, 1871 Languages: English, French (both official) Religions: Roman Catholic, 46%; United Church, 16%; Anglican, 10% Time zone: British Columbia is on Pacific Time, the same as the West Coast of the United States.

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10. ADDITONAL RESOURCES

Suggested Books

If your local store or library doesn’t stock the books or movies below, the Internet offers a wide variety of options for finding older or rare stock – try AbeBooks (abebooks.com), Alibris (albris.com), Amazon (amazon.com) or Barnes & Noble (bn.com) — or any of the smaller websites. Of course, this selection is not meant to be comprehensive (the list could easily be 10 pages longer), and is offered only as a starting point for your further enjoyment and research. The Great Divide: the Early History of Western Canada by Brian Patton (History) Chronicles the early events that shaped the western Canadian provinces, including British Columbia and Alberta. The Illustrated History of Canada edited by Robert Craig Brown (History) The only one-volume history of the entire nation. The text was compiled by seven of Canada’s leading historians, and is accompanied by hundreds of pictures of all sorts—photographs, maps, posters, cartoons, lithographs, etc. The 1997 edition has been fully updated to include events of the 20th century’s last decade. Island Sojourn: A Memoir by Elizabeth Arthur (Memoir) A married couple recalls their retreat to the wilderness of British Columbia, and share introspective observations on nature, wildlife, and the wilderness. Men for the Mountains by Sid Marty (Memoir) A former warden at Banff National Park writes with humor, insight, and reverence about his days as a caretaker of the Canadian Rockies. His observations and anecdotes evoke the "sights, sounds, and smells of mountain life [and are] guaranteed to arouse nostalgia or anticipation." —Book Review Digest People of the Totem by Hunt N. Bancroft (Culture) Bancroft’s history of the art and culture of the Indians of the Pacific Northwest—from Alaska to upper Washington and through British Columbia—is also an honest exposé of the white man’s damaging impact on Indian civilizations. Puget's Sound: A Narrative of Early Tacoma and the Southern Sound by Murray Morgan (History) This history of the region spotlights selected historical personalities and spans the era from the arrival of Vancouver until the establishment of Fort Lewis. When You and I Were Young, Whitefish by Vivian Paladin (Memoir) The author recounts her childhood in stories that not only are a personal history, but also a social history of her hometown: Whitefish, Montana. “A lighthearted look into the life of a growing Western town in the early 20th century. These fresh, jaunty tales of youth radiate good humor.”—American West Winter: Notes from Montana by Rick Bass (Memoir) Acclaimed writer Rick Bass spent a winter without electricity in the wilderness of Montana. This illustrated narration of his experiences “juxtaposes realistic accounts of ordinary chores … with stunning insights into nature and self.”—The New York Times Book Review

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This House of Sky by Ivan Doig (Autobiography) A portrait of growing up in the wild and rugged Montana of a tumultuous, yet enlightening, time in history when life was slower, the landscape was less cluttered, and neighbors more neighborly. Doig paints a vivid picture of a tightly knit family living in a rugged terrain and struggling for survival. Guidebooks: Your Program Director will be happy to provide recommendations and suggestions during the trip, so a guidebook is not a necessity. But a good one can be invaluable as a one-stop reference, so for those travelers who have asked for suggestions, we offer these guidelines. Since different guidebook series each have their own target audience and structure, it is well worth your time to browse your local library or bookstore to find the one(s) you like best. To get you started, here is some general information on the most popular series: Culture Smart! – Focuses on local customs and etiquette instead of sights, dining, etc. DK Eyewitness – Innovative visuals make these books easy to use and a nice souvenir once the trip is over. The focus is primarily on the sights and activities. Fodor’s – A classic guidebook with strong information on activities, shopping, and dining. Good mix of upscale recommendations and budget suggestions. Frommer’s – A comprehensive guide series that is known for its restaurant recommendations. Insight – Offers more information on history and culture than usual, nice visuals, good maps. Lonely Planet – Practical guides geared towards a more adventurous traveler on a budget. National Geographic – From the same company that publishes the magazine. Excellent photographs, good information on history, nature, and culture. Rough Guides –For the independent traveler on a budget. Particularly known for their maps. Maps: Most hotels will provide maps free of charge at the reception desk or in your room. These maps are usually sufficient for our travelers, but if you plan on any independent exploration, you may wish to consider purchasing a map before your departure. Some recommended map series include: Rand McNally international maps (especially the StreetWise series), Insight’s FlexiMaps, and Rough Guide’s destination maps. We suggest that you visit your local bookstore or library to get a better sense of which type of map is best for your needs before making a purchase.

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Suggested Movies Here are few of our favorite movies that are about, or set in, or from the region you'll be traveling. Most are available at movie rental stores and websites-or even your public library. Sometimes films produced outside of the US may be hard to find, but they are usually available online. Lists are highly subjective — if your favorites are missing, start a chat with fellow travelers and you'll likely find even more treasured movies to share. Canada Last Stand of the Great Bear (National Geographic) The Great Bear Rainforest occupies the British Columbia coast from Vancouver Island to southeast Alaska. It is a temperate rain forest wilderness of bears, wolves, grizzlies and salmon. This National Geographic film depicts a team of scientists trying to prove that the area mush be protected from development. These experts search for the rare white "spirit bear" and collect details that will help unravel the life of the forest's inhabitants and ecosystem. Never Cry Wolf (Carroll Ballard, 1983) Starring Charles Martin Smith, Brian Dennehy Carroll Ballard's 1983 adaptation of Farley Mowat's autobiographical novel depicting his experiences studying wolves in Canada's inhospitable North. Tyler is a green biologist sent by the Canadian government to "prove" that wolves are depleting the caribou herds. He finds instead a natural world in harmony with itself, and learns how to survive in this landscape and with the local animals-both two and four legged. The film captures the natural beauty of the Canadian north with power and poignancy. The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat) (2002) Starring Natar Ungalaaq,, Sylvia Ivalu Adapted from an Inuit legend, The Fast Runner centers on a charismatic young hunter struggling for the affections of Atuat, who has already been promised to another. The story, set again their daily struggle for survival, is both passionate and primal. Filmed in Northern Canada in the Inuit language, using Inuit actors, this film features magnificent cinematography that brings the frozen North to life. United States Ken Burns: The National Parks: America's Best Idea A six-episode series produced by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan. Filmed at some of nature's most spectacular locales - from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska. It is also the story of people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved. A River Runs Through It (Robert Redford, 1992) Starring Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt Robert Redford cinematic take on Norman Maclean's 1976 autobiographical novella of the same name is set in early 20th century rural Montana. It's a coming-of-age story about brothers who are sons of a Scottish Presbyterian minister. Raised with love, sternness, and a deep understanding of the beauty of their land the brothers inherit, in Maclean's words, a belief that "there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing." Filmed in Montana and Wyoming, the cinematography won a 1993Oscar.

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Grand Circle Community & Useful Websites The following sites offer a wealth of information: Visit the Grand Circle Community website for a world of travel news and information: www.gct.com/community Government websites: International health information: CDC (Centers for Disease Control) www.cdc.gov/travel U.S. Customs & Border Protection: traveler information www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel Transportation Security Administration (TSA): agency responsible for screening luggage in U.S. www.tsa.gov/public National Passport Information Center (NPIC): for passport information www.travel.state.gov General travel information websites: Travel books www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com World weather www.intellicast.com www.weather.com Travel tips: packing light, choosing luggage, etc. www.travelite.org Net café guide: 100s of locations around the globe www.cybercafes.com Electric current and plug types www.kropla.com/electric2.htm Foreign exchange rates www.oanda.com/converter/classic ATM locators www.mastercard.com/atm for Cirrus ATMs www.visa.com/pd/atm for PLUS ATMs

Country and state information: www.discoveralberta.com Alberta World Web Travel Directory www.banffnationalpark.com Banff National Park www.discoverbc.com British Columbia World Web Travel Directory www.nps.gov/glac Glacier National Park www.venturekamloops.com Kamloops Tourism www.visitmt.com Travel Montana www.tourism-vancouver.org Vancouver Convention & Visitors Bureau www.tourismvictoria.com Victoria Tourism