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TRIP NOTES

Canada Gold Rush Trail17 days | Calgary to Anchorage

Canada Gold Rush Trail - 17 days updated on 18-05-2015

www.onthegotours.comUK  020 7371 1113  [email protected]  1300 855 684  [email protected] 0800 44 77 69       CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

These Trip Notes have been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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Travel from Calgary to Anchorage

through spectacular scenery, on

this exciting overland adventure.

Go hiking in the rugged Rocky

Mountains, explore the popular

towns of Banff and Jasper and

visit beautiful Lake Louise. Spot

bears and moose along the scenic

Cassiar Highway, bathe in Takhini

Hot Springs and go panning for

gold in Dawson City. All this and

more in 17 action packed days.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Trip Highlights• Calgary - the gateway to the Rockies. Extend

your stay to explore the city• Banff - hiking up Sulphur or Tunnel

Mountains, having a soak in the local HotSprings and exploring Lake Louise

• Jasper in the heart of the Canadian Rockies -enjoying a whole host of optional activitiessuch as mountain biking, hiking andwhitewater rafting

• Icefields Parkway - travelling along oneof the most picturesque roads in NorthAmerica, where glaciers, lakes and waterfallsabound

• The Yellowhead Highway - wheremountains and river valleys abound.Exploring the Fur Trading Post area

• K’san Historical Village - Viewing originaltotem poles and learning about Indianhistory

• Meziadin Lake Provincial Park - seeing blackand brown bears fishing along the manycreeks and visiting the Bear Glacier

• Cassiar Highway - spotting black bears andmoose

• Teslin - Home of the Tlingit First Nation.Learning about their culture and lifestyle

• Whitehorse on the Yukon River - taking adip in Takhini Hot Springs

• Dawson City - a lively and historic city.Visiting Diamond Tooth Gertie’s GamblingHall and trying the Sour Toe Cocktail

• Tok - Spectacular views of Wrangell andChugach Mountains and the Matanuskaglacier

• Anchorage - in the heart of the wilderness.Extend your stay to explore the city

What's Included• 15 nights camping, 1 night hostel• 16 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 13 dinners• Touring in a fully equipped overland

vehicle - with high quality 4 person tents(sleeping only 2), camp chairs and cookingequipment

• Visit to K’san Historical Village, Takhini Hotsprings in Whitehorse and Banff Hot Springs

• Gold Panning in Dawson City

• Entrance into Diamond Tooth Gertie’sGamblingHall Dawson City

• Hiking at Tunnel or Sulphur Mountains,Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway

• Entrance fees to national parks andmonuments

• Escorted by two trained/commerciallycertified leaders/drivers

What's Not Included• Airport transfers• Flights and visas• Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Local PaymentUSD $890

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 : CalgarySituated along the Bow and Elbow Rivers,Calgary is a perfect gateway to theCanadian Rockies. Arrive in Calgary and makeyour own way to our accommodation in timefor our welcome meeting at 6pm. After themeeting, enjoy a group meal to get to knowyour fellow travellers.

Included: Pre Departure Meeting, HostelCalgary Overnight - Calgary (hostel)

TRIP NOTES

Canada Gold Rush Trail

Canada Gold Rush Trail - 17 days updated on 18-05-2015

www.onthegotours.comUK  020 7371 1113  [email protected]  1300 855 684  [email protected] 0800 44 77 69       CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

These Trip Notes have been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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Days 2-3 : Banff & LakeLouise

Calgary - Banff. A short drive from Calgarywill take us into the Canadian Rockies. Banffis a popular tourist destination, and for goodreason. Hike up Sulphur or Tunnel Mountainsand have a soak afterwards in the local HotSprings. Day 2 will take us to explore thefamous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake precededor followed by a drive down the Bow ValleyParkway.

Included Activities: Banff Hot Springs, VisitLake Louise/Moraine Lake, Banff National ParkOptional Activities: Hiking Sulphur or TunnelMountain,Banff Gondola, Rock Climbing, Canoe Rentals, &More Overnight - Banff (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Day 4 : Icefields Parkway

Banff - Icefields Parkway. Today we travel alongone of the most picturesque roads in all ofNorth America. Glaciers, lakes and waterfalls linethe road to make even the most basic cameracapture the most spectacular shots. We will bestopping many times throughout the day totake short walks to viewpoints and stop for amultitude of animal sightings.

Included: Scenic Drive Icefields ParkwayOvernight - Icefield Parkway (B, L, D)

Days 5-6 : Jasper

Icefields Parkway - Jasper. Located in the heartof the Canadian Rockies, our next stop isJasper, which gives the adventure travellersample opportunities to explore the wildernessand enjoy adrenaline pumping activities. Lesstouristy than Banff, Jasper is no less anentertaining little town. Hiking, mountain bikingand other activities are available. Take in thecharm of Jasper downtown and step back intime exploring the Jasper National Park InfoCenter, train station, post office, old fire hall,Jackman House and Robson House.Included Activities: Group Dinner at a localfood restaurantOptional Activities: Mountain biking, hiking,Jasper Tram, Whitewater Rafting, HorsebackRiding and Fishing Overnight - Jasper (B:2, L:2,D:2)

Day 7 : Yellowhead Highway

Jasper - Fraser Lake. Mountains and river valleysabound as we follow the Fraser River, travellingthrough the historic Cariboo Gold Rush andFur Trading Post Area, as we traverse Albertainto British Columbia along the YellowheadHighway. Tonight we camp beside Fraser Lakeand explore the area. The dense forest andagricultural lands drive the economy and theFraser Lake area has been dubbed “White SwanCapital of the World.” Overnight - Fraser Lake(B, L, D)

Day 8 : 'Ksan Village

Fraser Lake - 'Ksan Village. Today we ventureout to visit the ‘Ksan Historical Village. The ‘Ksanvillage is a great example of how the First Nationhas continued to survive in harsh environmentsand keep their culture alive. We'll view originaltotem poles and learn about Indian history.

Included Activities: ‘Ksan Historic Village andMuseum Overnight - 'Ksan Village (B, L, D)

Day 9 : Meziadin Lake

'Ksan Village - Meziadin Lake. Today we’ll makeour way to the start of the Cassiar Highwayand Meziadin Lake. The junction at MeziadinLake Provincial Park has a large concentration ofblack and brown bears fishing along the manycreeks. Alaska just sits 40 miles away and manyon the Canadian side of the border like to arguethat this is part of their land. We’ll visit themassive Bear Glacier that once filled the BearRiver Pass only 50 years ago.

Included: Bear Glacier Overnight - MeziadinLake (B, L, D)

TRIP NOTES

Canada Gold Rush Trail

Canada Gold Rush Trail - 17 days updated on 18-05-2015

www.onthegotours.comUK  020 7371 1113  [email protected]  1300 855 684  [email protected] 0800 44 77 69       CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

These Trip Notes have been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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Day 10 : Cassiar Highway

Meziadin Lake - The Cassiar Highway. TheCassiar Highway is one of the most scenic roadsand a great place to spot black bears, mooseand stone sheep. The road passes deep canyons,high glaciers, mountains, and can be rough attimes and, but the reward of travelling roadslike this is wonderful feeling of being out in thewilderness!

Included: Jade City Overnight - The CassiarHighway (B, L, D)

Day 11 : Teslin

The Cassiar Highway - Teslin. The day will startoff with the preparation of our sign to beincluded at the Sign Post Forest in WatsonLake. There are already 100,000 signs there fromaround the world and if you want, you canalso bring one from home. Camping along theNisutlin Bay and visiting the Northern WildlifeMuseum will give you a great perspectiveof Tlingit First Nation whose livelihood iscentered around traditional hunting, trappingand fishing.

Included: Sign Forest & Northern WildlifeMuseum Overnight - Teslin (B, L, D)

Days 12-13 : Whitehorse

Teslin - Whitehorse. We cross over into theYukon Territory where there are more caribouthan there are people! Whitehorse is located onthe Yukon River where you can check out the oldpaddleboat, the SS Klondike. Included in the tripis a worthwhile visit to soak our tired and wearybones in the Takhini Hot Springs.

Included Activity: Takhini Hot SpringsOptional Activity: Yukon River canoe tripOvernight - Whitehorse (B:2, L:1, D:1)

Days 14-15 : Dawson City

Whitehorse - Dawson City. visit to lively andhistoric Dawson City includes checking outDiamond Tooth Gertie’s, Klondike Gold Rush,Midnight Dome, Robert Service Cabin and theJack London Museum. Some might even dareto try the Sour Toe Cocktail! This small townwas once home to over 40,000 gold feveredprospectors and we’ll even try our hand at a littlegold panning to try and strike it rich!

Included Activities: Entrance Diamond ToothGertie’s Gambling Hall, GoldPanning

Optional Activities: Visit Jack London Museum,hike Midnight Dome, Paragliding, or gamblingthe night away! Overnight - Dawson City (B:2,L:1, D:1)

Day 16 : Tok

Dawson City - Tok. We cross over the Yukon Riveron a short ferry ride to drive the “Top of theWorld Highway.” As we make our way to Tok,there are many remnants of old mining sitesthroughout the wooded areas and as we reachthe highways apex, Poker Creek border crossingawaits us. The most northerly land border in theUSA, it’s somewhere few have had the pleasureof visiting. Then, it’s down the hill to Chicken,Alaska! Chicken, Alaska?? Why would they callsomeplace chicken? You’ll just have to visit it tofind out.

Included: Ferry Ride Yukon River, BorderCrossing Overnight - Tok (B, L, D)

Day 17 : Anchorage

Tok - Anchorage. Today we enjoy a beautifuldrive surrounded by the Wrangell and ChugachMountains. There are some spectacular views ofthe Matanuska glacier, taiga forests and someof the highest peaks in North America. Arrivinginto Anchorage, our trip will end by 3pm.

Included: Lunch Stop at Matanuska Glacier (B, L)

Arrival InformationThe address of the joining hostel in Calgary is:HI-Calgary City Centre520 7th Avenue SECalgary, Alberta T2G0J6

TRIP NOTES

Canada Gold Rush Trail

Canada Gold Rush Trail - 17 days updated on 18-05-2015

www.onthegotours.comUK  020 7371 1113  [email protected]  1300 855 684  [email protected] 0800 44 77 69       CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

These Trip Notes have been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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Getting ThereAirport transfers are not included. If you arearriving into Calgary International Airport a taxito HI-Calgary City Centre hostel will cost approx.$35 - $45 Canadian Dollars. Alternatively youcan catch the Airport Express Bus #300 whichstops two blocks away from the hostel or bookthe Allied Shuttle Bus which departs every 30minutes. The Allied Shuttle counter is on thearrivals level near gate "C" and is open from 8amto midnight. The shuttle will cost approx $15Canadian Dollar.

Arriving at the Hostel there will be a reservationunder your name (and/or Infinite Adventures).If you are arriving before 4pm your room mightnot be ready, but you can leave your luggage atthe reception and explore Calgary.

We will be meeting at 6pm at the hostel on theday the tour starts. You will find a welcome noteat the reception that day to provide you with anyfurther information. Please bring your passportand insurance details (if not send beforehand)with you. We can’t wait to meet you!

If you need pre or post touraccommodation please make a reservationdirectly with the hostels: Calgary- http://www.hihostels.ca/westerncanada/354/HI-Calgary_City_Centre.hostelAlaska - http://alaskabackpackers.com

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Infinite AdventuresOur North America tours are operated by InfiniteAdventures.

Local PaymentOur North America trips have a Local Paymentwhich is collected in US Dollars and will needto be given to your trip leader on day 1 at theWelcome Meeting. The local payment is part ofthe overall tour cost and is used to pay someof the day to day operational costs that areincurred while we are on the road. You willfind the Local Payment amount noted underExclusions at the beginning of these Trip Notes,please budget accordingly.

Group ParticipationOn an overland journey you are more than just apassenger, you’re part of the crew, pitching in toset up camp, shop for food, cook and generallyhelp out. We operate a rota system, dividing thegroup into smaller units, so that these dutiesare shared equally amongst the group. Thesejobs will include things like collecting water andfirewood, loading the back locker, etc.

MealsOn our overland journeys, all included mealsare cooked at campsites and this means thatyou will be working as a group to preparemeals and cook for your group. If you have anydietary requirements please tell us at the timeof booking and also remind us at your welcomemeeting.

A typical camp breakfast might be toast withspreads, cereal and sometimes something hotsuch as eggs or pancakes as well as tea andcoffee. Lunch is almost always a sandwichheaped high with healthy salad and assortedfillings, sometimes with fruit to follow. Dinnermight be a BBQ, risotto, pasta dish and there isalways the chance to try some local food.

We do cater to vegetarians/vegans andmost types of food allergies. However pleaseunderstand that in a group environment thereare limits and often the vegetarian dish will bethe same as the main dish just with the meatleft out/cooked separately. Also in Alaska as wellas in Canada there are some areas with limitedsupply on e.g. lactose/wheat free products soit is recommended to bring certain productswith you or understand that they might not beavailable.

The Overland TruckThe overland vehicle that we use in NorthAmerica is rather unique because it's aconverted US school bus and it even has aname - ATKA. The truck provides ample spacefor everyone to stretch out along with providingat least 8 passengers tables for card playingor writing in their journals. The multitude ofwindows are big and open easily to allow youto take pictures at any time from the bestangles. The overland vehicle is a large part of theexperience and most travellers think of it as asecond "home" by the end of the trip.

The truck includes:• Viewing platform on top of vehicle for taking

360 Degree pictures of wildlife or landscape• Wood rack to carry firewood for campfires• Interior tables for at least 8 people to write

journals or play cards during the ride• Coolers for drinks and food• Individual overhead lockers for personal

belongings• Overhead lights and speakers (to switch on

and off individually)• Individual seats (no benches) which are fitted

with seatbelts• Plenty of windows which are not tinted and

open for maximum view and possibility totake photos at any time

• On-board safe for passenger passports andmoney

• Safety rating of the overland vehicle(statistics show that school buses built after1977 are 8 times safer than passengervehicles)

• Overland Vehicle that withstands the worstgravel roads

CampingOur North America trips are overland campingadventures. We provide 4 person tents toaccommodate 2 people. The tents are easy toput up and take down. You will need to packyour own sleeping mat, pillow and sleeping bag.

The first night of our North America tours isspent at a hostel/hotel. In hostels we reservetwin share rooms with shared facilities. Twin/double hotel rooms are ensuite. If we have oddnumbers there might be the occasional tripleshare room, but this is rare.

CampsitesMost of the campsites we stay are establishedcampgrounds with flush toilets and hotshowers. However we try to get out intothe wilderness and this means some of ourcampsites are bush camps with an outhouseonly and no showers. But don’t worry, you willbe rewarded with spectacular views on glaciersand mountains and the next campsite we go tothe shower will feel even better;) If you are indoubt, please contact us: we also do carry water

TRIP NOTES

Canada Gold Rush Trail

Canada Gold Rush Trail - 17 days updated on 18-05-2015

www.onthegotours.comUK  020 7371 1113  [email protected]  1300 855 684  [email protected] 0800 44 77 69       CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

These Trip Notes have been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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with us, so that you can have a basic wash, ifyou’d like to.

Camping with bearsSome might be thrilled about this possibility;some might feel slightly nervous about it. Yes,bears might visit our campsites but as long as wefollow certain rules while hiking and camping inthe wilderness, there is little to worry about.

While you are hiking we always stay togetherin groups. This gives us the opportunity to talkand make some noise to make sure wild animalsare aware of our presence. Bears have usuallyno interest in human beings and tend to stayaway. Making noise scares them and most likelyyou won’t even see them as they turn their backtowards us and go the other direction. If wecome across one of these big hairy fellows, thebest thing is to stop and talk calmly to the bear.We will all stay together in a group and makeus look as big as possible while slowly movingbackwards. And if you are still not convinced: tobe on the safe side we will carry bear spray to usein the very unlikely event a bear comes too close.

Camping with bears requires some other/additional rules to be safe. The main reasonbears are interested in a campsite is food. Thiswill mean for us to not have any food (includinggranola bars, peanuts or any kind of snacks) inyour tents. Also tooth paste with its minty smellseems to be of bears’ interest which means thatall your toiletries will stay in our overland vehicleduring nights.

When we cook dinner we make sure that all trashwill either go back into ATKA or will be safelydisposed in bear-proof bins, which are providedby many National Parks or campsites/rest areas.It comes without saying that also all our cookinggear will be safely stored away during night.Bears need to feed all summer to prepare forthe long winter season. If they don’t expect andsmell any food in our camp there is hardly anychance we will have a visitor during night.

What to packHigh quality outdoor gear is a nice thing to have,but is not a necessity! As long as you have somedecent rain gear, shoes you feel comfortablehiking with, comfortable sleeping pad, a warm

sleeping bag and some layers to keep you warmin chilly nights you will be fine.

We can't, with 100% certainty, tell you what willgive you the optimal comfort in your overlandadventure. But, we can give you a good ideaabout what to bring and then you can add onwhatever you might feel is essential to yourpersonal needs.

We get lots of questions about the weatherconditions and climate in Alaska and Canada.All we can say is that the summer up north canaverage between 15 to 25 C during the day, andthe nights can get chilly. Weather can changepretty quickly; the best way to dress is in layers!Here you can find a packing list with what wethink is worth bringing...

THE BASICS1. Passport (along with any visas needed)2. Travel Insurance3. Backpack or soft luggage (max. 23 kg/50 lb)4. Daypack5. Sleeping bag (3-season)6. Sleeping Mat7. Travel Pillow8. Personal Medical Kit/Medications/Prescriptions9. Extra Glasses/Contacts/Solution10. Sunscreen SPF 25+/After-sun lotion11. Insect Repellent12. Antihistamine/After bite cream13. Antibacterial gel14. Head torch/lamp15. Alarm Clock16. Sunglasses17. Hat18. Water Bottle19. Travel Towel20. Toiletries

CLOTHING1. Warm microfleece/sweater2. Long sleeve shirts3. Long trousers4. T-shirts5. Thermal shirt/trousers6. Underwear7. Beanie8. Water proof jacket/pants9. Socks (cotton/smart wool/trekking)10. Mid-weight gloves

GEAR1. Waterproof bags2. Comfortable hiking shoes/boots3. Sandals/flip-flops4. Binoculars5. Camera gear6. Extra batteries/charger/memory cards7. Universal Adapter8. Hiking Sticks (if you are used to them/needthem)9. Rubber Boots (if you have space/like to wearthem)

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES1. MP3/Ipod2. 16/32 GB flash drive (for group compilation ofphotos)3. Notebook/Journal4. Magazines/Books/Kindle

LaundrySome campsites we stay at provide washingmachines and dryers for a small charge. Thefollowing campsites are a good place to dolaundry: Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Calgary,Dawson City, Teslin, Tok, Denali, Valdez, Seward,and Homer and of course the hostel inAnchorage.

WIFI and Cell PhoneReceptionAlaska is called “The Last Frontier” for a reason!The same applies to the northern parts ofCanada. There will be times and days wherethere might be no cell phone reception orinternet. Some of the campsites and lodges westay do offer wifi, but some of them run onsatellite connection, which is not as reliable andfast as broadband. However we will make youaware of internet cafes and any wifi possibilitiesthat will occur during our trip.

Electrical equipmentOur overland vehicle will be equipped with a12 volt socket to charge your iPod, MP3 player,camera, laptop and mobile phone. Please beaware that only a limited amount of equipmentcan be charged at a time and it will not beallowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’sbatteries low.

TRIP NOTES

Canada Gold Rush Trail

Canada Gold Rush Trail - 17 days updated on 18-05-2015

www.onthegotours.comUK  020 7371 1113  [email protected]  1300 855 684  [email protected] 0800 44 77 69       CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

These Trip Notes have been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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Batteries may also be recharged from hotelroom wall sockets and the majority of thecampsites we stay at have electrical outletsso please bring along your normal chargingadapters as well. Youwill need to ensure that you have the correctcountry adaptor for your specific charger.

Mosquitos in Alaska/CanadaYou may have heard some bad stories aboutmosquitos in Alaska and that they are oftenjokingly referred to as the state bird. There are 35different species in Alaska and yes, sometimesthese little insects can get annoying. But theyare not nearly as bad as rumors have it. Whilemosquitoes can gather in big swarms, it is veryrare.

Nevertheless there are a few places wheremosquitos definitely can be a pain in the butt.But the good thing is: You can do somethingabout it!

• Cover up! Alaska can be warm but in thelate afternoon when mosquitos are mostactive you will be fine with an extra layer.Long trousers and long sleeve tops arerecommended.

• Spray your neck and your ankles with somemosquito spray.

• We carry two big cook tents with mosquitomesh on the sides to make it breathable yetmosquito resistant. So while we are cookingand hanging out in the evenings we will becovered for the most part. Also the entranceto the truck is protected with a magic meshso that we don’t have to deal with a mosquitoinvasion while having our next truck party.

• If you really get angry with the mosquitos forbiting you, you can take your revenge withelectric tennis rackets. They are fun to playand you'll be doing a good deed for yourfellow passengers!

Personal SpendingBased on the range that previous travelers havespent on trips with us, we recommend you allowbetween a minimum of US$10 and a maximumof US$25 per day. This will cover individual

expenses such as drinks, meals whilst out andalso when staying in hotels, souvenirs, tips.

Please bear in mind that we don’t knowyour personal preferences (yet;): If you are anexcessive souvenir shopper or desperate forcoffee and snacks every single time we stop youmight reconsider the extra amount of moneyneeded. We also are giving an overview in theitinerary what optional activities will cost. Theseprices are estimated and can change!

Emergency Phone NumberThe emergency phone number for this trip is +1877 763 4958

Please do not call if you forgot to pack yourfavorite socks. This is for emergencies (flightdelays, etc) only.

Canada Country Guide

VisasPlease be advised that visa requirements aresubject to change and that visa procurement isthe responsibility of the traveller and not On TheGo Tours. Please also ensure that your passportis valid for at least 6 months from your planneddate of departure from Canada.

USA, UK, Australian and New Zealand passportholders do not require a visa to enter Canadafor stays up to six months. They must howeverhold a valid passport, provide proof of return oronward travel from Canada and prove sufficientfunds for the duration of their stay.

South Africans are required to apply for a visain advance of travel to Canada. Please contactthe Canadian embassy for a visa form andinstructions.

TimeCalgary is 7 hours behind Greenwich Meantime(GMT). From March to November Canadaobserves Daylight Saving and Calgary is 6 hoursbehind GMT.

VoltageStandard voltage in Canada is between 110and 120 volts. Primary sockets generally requirethe 2 flat-pin variety. We recommend youpack a universal travel adaptor and you will

need a voltage converter to use non-US/Canadaappliances.

CurrencyThe official currency in Canada is the CanadianDollar (CAD).

Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars and othermajor currencies can be exchanged locally orbefore you travel. While exchange facilities willbe available at most airports they can incursubstantial fees, therefore it is recommendedto change money at a bureau de change orbank. Cash can also be withdrawn from ATMsand debit/credit cards are accepted at mostestablishments. It’s advisable to request banknotes in a mix of denominations, as smallernotes are handy for cheaper purchases andgratuities.

HealthYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to Canada from your local healthpractitioner to ensure you receive all of theappropriate vaccinations. As a guide Tetanusand routine vaccinations are recommended.Emergency health care in Canada can beexpensive therefore it is important to ensureyou have invested in good travel insurance.

WaterThe water quality in Canada is good and tapwater is always drinkable.

FoodWhile it may prove hard to get your taste budspast the iconic sweet maple syrup and saltysavoury bacon, Canadian cuisine has so muchmore to offer travel foodies. The variety of farediffers across the nation making it difficult todefine one particular cuisine; instead it has beeninspired and adapted by the many differentcultures that have passed through here, as wellas what can be sourced from the land. On thewest coast fresh seafood – salmon in particular,is incredibly popular; while in the more remotenorthern reaches seal meat is eaten, and acrossthe country caribou is a real favourite.

Other common Canadian treats include poutine– French fries slathered with gravy and toppedwith cheese curds; a hunk of deep fried doughcovered with sugar and cinnamon known as

TRIP NOTES

Canada Gold Rush Trail

Canada Gold Rush Trail - 17 days updated on 18-05-2015

www.onthegotours.comUK  020 7371 1113  [email protected]  1300 855 684  [email protected] 0800 44 77 69       CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

These Trip Notes have been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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a Beaver Tail; a flaky sweet Butter Tar pastry;a unique assortment of flavoured crisps, fromketchup to pickle; and peppery slices of spicedbeef served between two slices of thick ryebread.

WeatherFor our spring departure in Canada you canexpect long hours of daylight (up to 20 hours)once we start making our way up towardsthe Yukon Territory. The average temperaturesin May are between 15 and 20 Celsius andnights can get pretty chilly. For the autumndeparture you will have less daylight (around15 hours), but this means you have a chance tosee the Northern Lights. Average temperaturesare about the same as spring. To prepare forall weather conditions we recommend a goodthermal mattress and a warm sleeping bagalong with some warm layers and rain gear/good hiking boots.

Usa Country Guide

VisasPlease be advised that visa requirements aresubject to change and that visa procurement isthe responsibility of the traveller and not On TheGo Tours. Please also ensure that your passportis valid for at least 6 months from your planneddate of departure from Canada.

Canadian passport holders do not require avisa to enter America, but must carry theirpassport on them. British, Australian and NewZealand passport holders do not require a visato enter the USA for up to 90 days under theVisa Waiver Program. These nationalities requiremachine-readable passports valid for the lengthof their stay, and must have proof of returntravel. To travel under the Visa Waiver Program,passengers must obtain authorisation fromthe Electronic System for Travel Authorization(ESTA) by filling out a form at least 72 hoursprior to arrival. Note: There is a fee of US$14and receiving authorisation from ESTA does notguarantee entry to the USA.

Visa Waiver Program website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

South Africans are required to apply for avisa in advance of travel to the USA. Pleasevisit the relevant embassy for a visa form andinstructions.

TimeLas Vegas and other western states are 7hours behind Greenwich Meantime (GMT), andAnchorage in Alaska is 8 hours behind GMT.From March to November the United Statesobserves Daylight Saving and is 6 hours behindand 7 hours behind GMT.

VoltageStandard voltage is between 110 and 120 volts.Primary sockets generally require the 2 flat-pinvariety. We recommend you pack a universaltravel adaptor and you will need a voltageconverter to use non-US appliances.

CurrencyThe official currency in the USA is the US Dollar(USD).

Euro, British Pounds and other major currenciescan be exchanged locally or in advance ofdeparture. While exchange facilities will beavailable at most airports they can incursubstantial fees, therefore it is recommendedto change money at a bureau de change orbank. Cash can also be withdrawn from ATMsand debit/credit cards are accepted at mostestablishments. It’s advisable to request banknotes in a mix of denominations, as it cansometimes be hard to get change from largenotes and smaller notes are handy for smallerpurchases and gratuities.

HealthYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to the USA from your local healthpractitioner to ensure you receive all of theappropriate vaccinations. As a guide Tetanusis recommended. Emergency health care inthe USA is expensive therefore it is importantto ensure you have invested in good travelinsurance.

Water: The water quality in the USA is good andtap water is always drinkable.

FoodThe palate of the United States is much morediverse than most would expect it to be, witha different speciality from state to state, andthere is much more to it than hotdogs andhamburgers! In the northernmost state of Alaskathe traditional Eskimo staple of caribou is a firmfavourite with steak and reindeer burgers on themenu at most restaurants. The nation’s belovedsweet wobbly treat of Jell-o is most popular inUtah, and you can even try it deep fried at thestate fair. In Arizona fried dough was once astaple for many Native American tribes and isstill eaten today, either plain or with groundbeef, beans and cheese. If you’re in Nevada, trylocally-made pesto or pignoli cookies made withpine nuts that have been harvest here for over10,000 years. Or in Wyoming chow down onbuffalo jerky, just like the cowboys did.

Eating out is very common in the USA, withfamilies dining at restaurants on the weekendsand during the week too. Most cities will havea wide range of restaurants and cuisines tochoose from, ranging from traditional Americanfavourites to more exotic dishes. You’ll also findeating establishments to suit any budget ortime-frame, whether you want to grab a quickbite at a fast food joint or are looking to splashout as a Michelin-starred restaurant. If eating outit is important to remember that most wait staffrely on tips as the basis of their income, andgenerally expect to receive between 15-20% ofthe total bill price.

Weather in AlaskaOur Alaska trips run in the summer monthswhen we can camp and enjoy the greatoutdoors like hiking, sea kayaking or iceclimbing. You will be spoiled with 18 to 20 hoursof daylight and daytime temperatures between14-25 but it is colder at night.

June: The longest days of the year come inthe month of June. The sun does set belowthe horizon at Anchorage and the surroundingareas below the Arctic Circle, but it will neverget completely dark. You will experience whyAlaska is called the land of the midnight sun!The beginning of June can sometimes still bechilly and you might spot some snow pilesin shady areas. That being said, if you follow

TRIP NOTES

Canada Gold Rush Trail

Canada Gold Rush Trail - 17 days updated on 18-05-2015

www.onthegotours.comUK  020 7371 1113  [email protected]  1300 855 684  [email protected] 0800 44 77 69       CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

These Trip Notes have been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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our guidelines for what to pack, you’ll becomfortable throughout the trip.

July: Days are still long and on average this isprobably the warmest and driest out of the foursummer months. July starts berry season andwhere there’s berries, there are usually bearschomping away on hundreds of thousands ofthese delectable treats. Along with the berries,the salmon runs are finding their way along theshorelines and into the world-renowned Kenaiand Russian Rivers. Anglers will test their skillalong with their courage, as brown bears love towatch the local fly fisherman catch a potentialmeal.

August: Nights will bring some hours ofdarkness and at the end of the month in someregions temperatures during night might get abit chilly, all the more reason to build ourselvesa beautiful campfire. The highest peaks willget their first dusting of snow, which amplifiesthe amazing scenery. By August, the mosquitoshave almost tapered off completely and rainfallcan be more common. The salmon are runningup all rivers and streams and the ecosystem issaturated with an abundance of food sources.

Weather in the SouthwestOur Southwest America trips operate in thespring and autumn when the weather isgenerally nice. It's important to note that thesetrips pass through very different climate zonesand we will go from the desert of Nevada toCalgary, which is the gateway to the RockyMountains. This means average temperaturesin spring and autumn can vary from 30 Celsiusin Las Vegas and some of the national parksin Arizona/Utah to 15 Celsius in Yellowstoneand Calgary (day temperatures) and nightsin general can be pretty chilly. As weatherconditions vary you need to be prepared bypacking some warm layers and a good sleepingbag.