Q - What am I responsible to bring on the trip?
A - We suggest each person brings their own day pack as it is easier for cameras, water, sunscreen, etc. to be with you each day. For camping we would also suggest some kind of flashlight and bug spray. Sunscreen is a must, and sunglasses are pretty much a necessity! We will send you a detailed checklist of suggested things to bring when you book your trip.
Q - What kind of clothing do I need?
A - We suggest layers. Although we have beautiful weather during the summer, certain areas like the Rocky Mountains (and when we are walking on glaciers), can get quite chilly. Bring a sweater/sweat shirt, maybe even mitts and a "toque" (that's Canadian for a winter hat) And, although not normal, we may see some rain, so rain gear is highly recommended. Other than that - the dress during Canadian summers is very casual; shorts, T-shirts, sandals, etc.
Q - How much money should I budget on top of the trip price?
A - This is a very difficult question to answer as each person is different and wants different things from their trip. However, you should budget about $10 dollars a day just for things like drinks and snacks - although we have lots during the day - the ice cream and chocolate shops are hard to resist. We also have a 2-3 lunches, and 2-3 dinners where you are on your own (number depends on what trip you are taking) so approximately $60-75 will cover casual meals.
From there, it's all about the adventures you choose. In each destination you will have options, and you could opt to do the Free B's every time, and budget nothing extra and still have millions of things to do. However, there are activities like white water rafting and extreme mountain biking tours that some people want to experience and will need to budget for. On average the Not-so-free B's are in the $50-75 dollar range. For example, canoe rentals are $15 dollars, whale watching is about $150 and most guided tours are around $50. After you book your trip, we will send you an information package with more details on the cost of each activity.
Q - What about Tips?
A - Tipping in Canada is 15-20%, but not mandatory for most services. On some of your activities, such as those needing a guide (like horseback riding) you can decide if you want to tip and what. Restaurants expect 15 % but again - not mandatory unless you go to the higher class restaurants where it may be added to the bill. As for tipping the FreeBird staff - there is no set number. We do what we do, because we want you to have a great trip, if you want to show your appreciation, it is totally up to you.
Q - Can I bring my own gear?
A - Yes. You can bring any sleeping bags, tents, etc you want - however we will not set up/take down tents for you, as we can not be held responsible for any damage or extra time it may take. We also have room for bikes and other sporting gear you may want to bring - just check with us first on space and insurance issues.
Q - Do you cater to special diet restrictions and requests?
A - Yes. To a certain degree. Our meals are all healthy, home cooked and hearty. If you have special requirements or requests, you will need to tell us prior to the trip, so we can make adjustments. There may be an extra charge for certain requests.
Q - Can I bring my kids / pets?
A - No. The minimum age requirement for our trip is 19. This is not a family oriented trip. There will be activities (such as pub crawls and wine tours) that can only be done if you are of legal age (18 in Alberta, 19 in BC). (However, in 2009 we will have certain weeks where we open it to families and change the "feel" of our trip to accommodate kids).
Q- Can I start or finish anywhere on the route?
A - The norm is to start in Calgary and this is our suggestion. However, special requests can be made in advance. If we are not fully booked we may be able to accommodate pick ups part way through.
Q - What experience level do you have to have for the camping?
A - None! We have first time campers and it is an incredible way to have your first experience as we do everything for you. We also have hard core campers come on our trip and they also enjoy it, as they have the option to go on their own for backwoods camping some of the nights.
Q - What about bears?
A - They're amazing! And you will see them on this trip - hopefully from the bus window! We do a bear education talk on the first day and we stay in "Bear Aware Campgrounds", and we have some bear protection for our clients on hikes and on the back trails (bells, horns, spray, etc.) so we cover as much of the risk as possible, however, there are bears - it's one of our greatest attractions in the national parks!
