JUNE 17 – 24, 2016
Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566 Visit www.adventurecanada.com for full prices and itinerary details.
ADVENTURE CANADA 14 Front St. S. • Mississauga, ON • L5H 2C4
Narwhals & Polar Bears
Baffin IslandFloe Edge:
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 0 — Arrival in OttawaParticipants will need to be in Ottawa the night prior to our flight to Pond Inlet. We are happy to help arrange this night in Ottawa; if schedules allow, we can meet for an evening meal. Those arriving early may enjoy a visit the Canadian Museum of Nature before dinner. Night in Ottawa.
Day 1 — Travel to Pond InletWe leave Ottawa in the morning for our flights to Pond Inlet at the northern tip of Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. After a plane change in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, we should arrive in Pond Inlet in the afternoon. After dinner we will have plenty of time for a short walk around town because the sun does not set at this time of year. Hotel night in Pond Inlet.
Day 2 — Travel to the floe edgeIn the morning we will explore the shoreline, tundra, and ponds close to Pond Inlet. We will encounter some of the more common species such as the Lapland longspur, horned lark, and snow bunting, with possible American pipit and northern wheatear. We will be looking for common ringed plover here and elsewhere. This mostly Palearctic species has a very small breeding range in North America, restricted to the eastern Arctic of Canada. After lunch, we will depart for the floe edge. We travel by komatik, a wooden sled lashed together and pulled behind a snowmobile; this replaces the traditional means of travel for the Inuit, with motors filling the role of dog teams.
En route we may have the opportunity to get up close and personal with several icebergs that have spent the winter frozen in place. These can be both beautiful and enormous as they await break up of the ice before they continue to
HIGHLIGHTS• Travel by komatik (sled) on the sea ice with Inuit guides• Unique arctic birds and mammals• Spectacular scenery• Comfortable camping near the floe edge
• Close views of narwhal • Polar bear sightings• Cultural experience of traveling with and learning from local Inuit guides
Trip Details
Date: June 17– 24, 2016 Duration: 8 daysPrice: US$4,895 + HST (based on double occupancy)Credit Card Price: US$5,091 + HST (based on double occupancy)Limit: 5–11 adventurersTour Starts & End: Pond Inlet, Nunavut Fitness level: Easy to moderate walkingGuide: Cam Gillies
*Single rooms cannot be guaranteed in the Pond Inlet hotel. Single tents are available.
What’s Included
• Your guides• Accommodation: 2 nights in hotels, 5 nights camping (equipment provided)• All meals during the tour• Transportation during the tour
What’s Not Included
• Price does not include round-trip airfare from Ottawa to Pond Inlet (approx. US$2,400)• Personal expenses• Mandatory medical insurance
Rugged mountains, stunning glaciers, flocks of northern seabirds, the wonderful narwhal, and traditional Inuit culture—this is what awaits us on a truly amazing tour to the wilderness of northern Baffin Island. We experience this dramatic Arctic landscape at a time of year when the sun never sets and wildlife is returning. There are northern birds in abundance, including thick-billed murres, black-legged kittiwakes, and king and common eiders. Other highlights include Sabine’s and Thayer’s gulls, red-throated loons and—with much luck—we may see the all-white ivory gull! In addition, the mixing of ocean currents from Baffin Bay
and Lancaster Sound makes the marine life very rich. At this time of year, the sea ice is melting and marine mammals are traveling north along the ice floe edge where food is concentrated. We hope to see several species of seals and the amazing spiral-tusked narwhal. With luck, we will also see polar bear or the endangered bowhead whale. Remote wilderness, striking Arctic landscapes, rich northern wildlife, and fascinating culture—this promises to be the adventure of a lifetime!
drift southward. The floe edge is where the winter ice meets the open waters of Baffin Bay and it is where the wildlife is concentrated on their northward migration. We should have wonderful opportunities to photograph and enjoy the wildlife. The birding at the floe edge should be superb—hundreds of northern fulmars, common and king eiders, and all three species of jaegers will be a treat. We will see hundreds or even thousands of thick-billed murres, many black guillemots, and with luck, several dovekie in their very sharp breeding plumage! We will also see a collection of northern gulls: glaucous, Thayer’s, Sabine’s, black-legged kittiwake, and, with much luck, ivory gulls and even Ross’s gulls are possible. You have to travel very far north to find this beautiful all-white Arctic gull, but here we will be in the heart of its range. Unfortunately, they have become quite scarce in the last several years and are now an endangered species. We will have the opportunity to watch as these and possibly other species move northward along the floe edge.
Days 3–6 — Floe edge and Bylot IslandOur daily activities will depend on the location of the floe edge and weather conditions, but will likely include these highlights. We will use a camp near the floe edge for these nights.
Bylot IslandBylot Island is part of the recently declared Sirmilik National Park and is one of the largest bird refuges in the world. We plan to go for a walk near our camp to see the remains of several traditional sod and whalebone houses, used until recently by the Inuit. On the tundra, we look for many of the common northern
species that are returning from the south at this time of year. Shorebirds are sparsely distributed, but we hope to find several species nesting including American golden-plover, Baird’s sandpiper, white-rumped sandpiper and red phalarope. On the cliffs, we will look closely for gyrfalcon, including white-morph individuals, and peregrine falcon. In the ponds on Bylot Island and around Pond Inlet, we will search for red-throated loon, cackling goose, greater snow goose, and long-tailed duck. It should be a spectacular setting being on the tundra surrounded by the rugged snow-covered mountains that rim the eastern Arctic.
Visit to Seabird ColonyFrom our camp, if ice conditions permit, we will travel to the seabird colony on Bylot Island. North of Cape Graham Moore, these cliffs rise thousands of feet and host over 40,000 thick-billed murres and 6,500 black-legged kittiwakes. Hundreds of them will be coming and going from their precarious ledges as they head east to feed at the floe edge.
At the Floe EdgeWe will likely spend most of our time at the floe edge with the hope of seeing some of the more elusive species that will be moving by, including marine mammals. Waiting patiently at the floe edge should improve our chances of seeing that amazing northern whale,
the narwhal. We will be watching for groups of these bizarre creatures, with their long spiraled tusks—the males’ tusks can be up to seven feet long! This will surely be a highlight! It is also possible to see bowhead whales, walrus, and legendary Nanook, the polar bear—but we will need some luck for these. The floe edge will also give us the chance to see ringed, and possibly bearded and harp seals.
Day 7 — Return to Pond InletAfter a final morning at the floe edge, we leave our camp for our return to Pond Inlet. On our journey we may view the towering cliffs of Bylot Island plus the spectacular landscape of mountains and massive glaciers. Hotel night in Pond Inlet.
Day 8 - Travel to Ottawa and onwardWe reluctantly leave this magical northern hamlet and fly south to Iqaluit and on to Ottawa, arriving in the afternoon, usually with time to catch connecting flights home. We will head home with many fond memories from this amazing adventure in the land of the midnight sun.
PLEASE NOTE: This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather, sea, and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Early June is still cold in the Arctic. Temperatures may not be much above freezing and it could snow, but warm layered clothing along with the waterproof boots should keep you warm. It is usually sunny though and the sun is up twenty-four hours, so bring sunscreen. We will provide all of the necessary outdoor equipment including a warm sleeping bag for the nights camping.
Our daily activities will be focused on looking for and watching birds and other wildlife at the floe edge or on the tundra, but we won’t hesitate to enjoy other aspects of the natural and cultural history of this area.
While we have outlined the detailed itinerary, this schedule and our daily activities will be very dependent on the daily weather and ice conditions as well as possible schedule changes from the airline. In addition, we cannot guarantee single occupancy in our hotel in Pond Inlet.
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June 28 – July 8, 2016
Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566 Visit www.adventurecanada.com for full prices and itinerary details.
ADVENTURE CANADA 14 Front St. S. • Mississauga, ON • L5H 2C4
Birdingthe High Arctic & Northwest Territories
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YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 — Arrival and OrientationThe tour begins in the evening in Leduc, just south of Edmonton, Alberta, and close to the airport. We meet for dinner at 6:30PM for a meet-and-greet and for a brief introduction and orientation. We will spend the night in Leduc.
Day 2 — Elk Island National ParkWe leave early and head towards Tofield in the aspen parkland. Small wetlands in this area are very productive and hold breeding populations of red-necked, eared and pied-billed grebes, black terns, ruddy ducks and several other species of waterfowl, American avocets, Wilson’s phalaropes and Franklin’s gulls. Swainson’s and red-tailed hawks hunt over pastures that are occupied by Richardson’s ground-squirrels. We then head to Elk Island National Park; over two hundred species of birds have been identified within its boundaries.
Year-round residents include hairy and pileated Woodpeckers and boreal chickadees. Migrant and nesting passerines include gray catbird, red-eyed and blue-headed vireos, Le Conte’s, Nelson’s (sharp-tailed) and clay-colored sparrows, northern waterthrushes and mourning warblers. Marshes and ponds support a diverse array of waterbirds including white pelicans, trumpeter swans and ring-necked duck. The park is also home to forty-four different species of mammals, including wapiti (elk), moose, white-tailed deer, coyote, muskrat and porcupine. The most noticeable of the park’s mammals—and we are likely to see them—are the two different sub-species of bison. North of the park we are likely to find mountain bluebirds and vesper sparrows. In mid-afternoon, we head north of Edmonton to the edge of the boreal forest. Our target species are boreal forest owls such as great gray, northern saw-whet and northern hawk-owl. We have the possibility of northern goshawk. We
HIGHLIGHTS• Amazing wildlife amid fascinating tundra and taiga habitats• Great breeding bird and flower photography opportunities
FEATURED BIRDS & MAMMALS:• yellow-billed loon • king eider • Sabine’s gull • red phalarope • long-tailed jaeger • snowy owl • great gray owl • Thayer’s gull • Pacific loon • musk ox • Arctic fox
This very special tour takes in three different areas—exquisite high Arctic tundra above the Arctic Circle and far north of the treeline on the south shore of Victoria Island at Cambridge Bay (Ikaluktutiak), where the sun never actually sets; boreal forest and lakes around Yellowknife, NT, on the north arm of Great Slave Lake; and aspen parkland and potholes of Central Alberta where Beaverhill Lake and Elk Island National Park lie, and where we may find northern owls such as northern hawk-owl and great gray owl.
We encounter a diverse array of birds and other wildlife on our tour; nesting king eiders, Sabine’s gulls, greater white-fronted geese, Pacific and yellow-billed loons and long-tailed
ducks in arctic pools, breeding shorebirds such as red and red-necked phalaropes, semipalmated, Baird’s and stilt sandpipers, ruddy turnstones, and American golden-plovers on the tundra, and long-tailed and pomarine jaegers and snowy owls may be nesting, provided that lemmings are in good numbers. The sight of several herds of musk oxen out on the open tundra will not be soon forgotten! The area is steeped in history and culture, from explorers searching for the Northwest Passage, Amundsen’s Maud, to the Inuit of the western Arctic. The high quality and exciting wildlife viewing make for a long-remembered tour!
What’s Included
• Your guide• Accommodation• Breakfast and lunches during the tour• Transportation during the tour• Flights from Edmonton to Yellowknife and to Victoria Island plus return• A two hour boat trip in Yellowknife Bay
What’s Not Included
• Return flights from your home to Edmonton• Personal expenses• Evening meals• Mandatory medical insurance
Trip Details
Date: June 28 – July 8, 2016Duration: 11 daysPrice: US$5,330 + HST, single supplement US$635 + HSTCredit Card Price: US$5,543 + HST, single supplement US$660 + HSTLimit: 12 adventurersTour Starts & End: Edmonton, AlbertaGuide: Richard Knapton
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could also add to our tally of mammals with beaver and red fox. We will spend the night in Leduc.
Days 3, 4 and 5 — YellowknifeToday we leave Leduc, head to the airport and board our plane to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. In the Yellowknife region we explore boreal habitats in the Great Slave Lake area, looking for specialties such as red-necked grebe, mew and Bonaparte’s gulls, rusty blackbird, sandhill crane, northern shrike and bohemian waxwing. We should encounter several boreal forest species such as Tennessee, Wilson’s, blackpoll and orange-crowned warblers, alder and olive-sided flycatchers, gray jay, Lincoln’s and white-crowned sparrows, and possibly white-winged crossbills. Lesser yellowlegs and Bonaparte’s gulls perch on the tops of trees, and northern goshawks are possible. A highlight will be a boat ride in Yellowknife Bay, an arm of Great Slave Lake, the second largest in Canada; weather permitting, we’ll take a boat tour among the house boats and islands of the bay and up the Yellowknife River, searching for lake species such as surf scoters, Pacific and common Loons, and common, Caspian and Arctic terns. Our nights will be spent in Yellowknife.
Day 6 — Flight to Cambridge BayWe spend the morning birding around the Yellowknife area before taking an afternoon flight to Cambridge Bay. We spend the rest of the day getting our bearings about town, noticing that the common town birds are snow buntings and Lapland longspurs—quite a change from house sparrows and starlings! We will spend the night in Cambridge Bay.
Days 7-10 — Cambridge BayFrom Cambridge Bay we make daily excursions to various birding locations around town. One day we travel by vehicle on one of the few roads in the area—provided the road is passable—to the base of Mount Pelly, where we should see common bird species such as American golden plover, semipalmated, Baird’s and stilt sandpipers, red-necked phalarope, long-tailed jaeger, Arctic tern, horned lark,
Lapland longspurs and snow buntings. American pipits breed on the slopes of the mountain. The impressive yellow-billed loon breeds in this area, so we will look for nesting pairs. We should also find several groups of musk ox and see Arctic foxes and Arctic hares.
On another day, we travel along the West Arm to Dease and Simpson Straits, which overlook the Northwest Passage. Throughout the trip we hike out onto the tundra looking for signs of those famous arctic rodents: lemmings. If their numbers are high, we should see many of the predators that depend on lemming populations, such as all three species of jaegers, snowy owl and rough-legged hawk. As well, we will enjoy the abundant waterfowl, loons and shorebirds, perhaps with their broods. Greater white-fronted geese, king and common eiders and long-tailed ducks might have flotillas of young, Pacific loons will be on just about every medium-sized pond, and many shorebirds (that may include ruddy turnstone, pectoral and buff-breasted sandpipers) will be scattered over the tundra. Our eyes will be constantly searching the frozen waters of the Northwest Passage for ringed seals hauled up on the ice.
We drive along an inlet of Dease Strait to view the remains of Roald Amundsen’s ship, the Maud. We also visit an ancient traditional Inuit hunting site marked by stone tent rings and seal caches on the tundra. Nearby is an area with nesting birds such as Sabine’s gull and tundra swans. We will experience the beautiful flora and butterflies of the tundra and revisit areas for a second try as well. Some species, such as white-rumped sandpiper and rock ptarmigan, will require persistence, luck, and patience. We also visit the town dump, where glaucous and Thayer’s gulls gather and in the past we have found slaty-backed and glaucous-winged gulls. We will have the opportunity to get in some souvenir shopping in town, and spend our nights in Cambridge Bay. On Day 10, we board our plane for Yellowknife and on to Edmonton. Last night in Leduc.
Day 11 — DepartureThe tour concludes after breakfast.
PLEASE NOTE: This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather, sea, and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.
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WHAT TO EXPECT:
• Warm and possibly cold weather• Wonderful mammals including musk oxen right outside of town• Flights from Edmonton to Yellowknife and to Victoria Island plus return included• Easy to moderate walking, short drives, comfortable vehicles• 4 to 8 participants with one leader; 9 to 12 with two leaders• A two hour boat trip in Yellowknife Bay
Because Victoria Island has a relatively small road network, meals will be slotted in around bird activity and weather patterns. We are never more than an hour’s drive from the Hotel. There will be no need for early morning risings as we will witness twenty-four hours of daylight! Bird activity often peaks at mid-day! Polar Bears are unlikely to be encountered; however we should see musk ox, Arctic fox, ringed seal, Arctic hare and lemmings. We can expect a high diversity of land and water birds during our visit to central Alberta and the Yellowknife area.
Our daily itinerary will be responsive to weather conditions. Driving will be limited to either small or moderate stretches. Lunch will be variable in time and location depending on the day and the level of birding. The weather can vary from a sweltering 25°C to around freezing in the day, with frequent night-time frosts. It may snow, and participants should layer their clothing as conditions can change quickly while we are in the field. Participants should include bug repellent and perhaps a head net in their luggage, as there will be some mosquitoes, especially in Yellowknife. Sturdy footwear that will keep your feet dry is recommended, as we will be doing some tundra hiking. Each evening a recap follows the evening meal. We review the day’s events, birds, mammals, and other observations and look forward to the next day’s activity.
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May 9 – 20, 2016
Birding Point Pelee & Algonquin Park
Call us at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566 Visit www.adventurecanada.com for full prices and itinerary details.
ADVENTURE CANADA 14 Front St. S. • Mississauga, ON • L5H 2C4
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YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 — Arrival and OrientationThe tour begins with arrival in Toronto. Night in Toronto.
Day 2: Carden PlainWe depart early in the morning for Algonquin Park. During the day we stop at Carden Plain, which is an open area of thin soils on limestone bedrock and poor agricultural potential, called an alvar. Because of this neglect, much of the area is old field, supporting an abundance of birds like upland sandpiper, eastern bluebird, golden-winged warbler, bobolink, eastern meadowlark, grasshopper, vesper, field, savannah and possibly clay-coloured sparrows, as well as eastern kingbird, and loggerhead shrike. The shrike is the Carden Plain’s most famous inhabitant, as there are only a handful of sites in northeastern North America that support this endangered subspecies. We also visit wetlands of the area to see black
tern, American bittern, marsh and sedge wren, osprey and northern harrier. Following this visit, we continue on our way to the Algonquin area to spend the night. Night at Oxtongue Lake.
Days 3–5: Algonquin ParkAlgonquin Park is one of Canada’s best regions to view wildlife. Its rugged topography lends itself to vast areas of broad-leafed forests, typical of more southern areas, as well as cold, mossy bogs and coniferous forests found throughout most of Canada’s north. This mix of habitats creates a fantastic diversity of birds that use the park to breed. By visiting in early May, we will be present when returning migrants are at full song. We can expect to see more than fifteen species including wood warbler, hermit thrush (one of North America’s best singers), blue-headed vireo, yellow-bellied sapsucker, winter wren, ruby-crowned and golden-crowned kinglets, white-throated sparrow, rusty blackbird, purple finch plus many more. American woodcock
HIGHLIGHTS• The songbird migration spectacle at Point Pelee• The Boreal Forest specialties of Algonquin Park• Lots of mammals, from otters to moose• Relatively easy and productive birding in scenically
impressive and diverse areas
FEATURED BIRDS & MAMMALS:• loggerhead shrike • prothonotary warbler • black-backed woodpecker • spruce grouse • upland sandpiper • little gull • American woodcock
Join us for an exciting birding tour of Point Pelee and other spring migration hot spots of southern Ontario!
On this incredible tour of Ontario, we start on the Carden Plain which supports Upland Sandpiper, Bobolink, Golden-winged Warbler and Loggerhead Shrike. Then it is on to marvelous Algonquin Park, where we look for boreal chickadee, spruce grouse, black-backed woodpecker and
other northern specialties while keeping an eye out for moose, otter, maybe even wolf! At the “Big 3” migration hotspots on Lake Erie, Point Pelee, Rondeau, and Long Point, we search for species such as red-bellied woodpecker, white-eyed vireo, and Kentucky, cerulean, hooded and Prothonotary warblers; during some spring migrations, up to thirty-five species of warblers may be observed at Point Pelee alone!
What’s Included
• All accommodation (Lakeside cottages; modern motel accommodation)
• Ground transportation (15-passenger vans)• Includes all breakfasts and lunches• Guides• All park, conservation, entrance fees• Gratuities
What’s Not Included
• Flights to and from Toronto• Evening meals• Travel Insurance• Items of a personal nature
Trip Details
Date: May 9 - 20, 2016Duration: 12 daysPrice: US$2,740 + HST, single supplement US$540 + HSTCredit Card Price: US$2,850 + HST, single supplement US$562 + HSTLimit: 12 adventurersTour Starts & End: Toronto, Ontario Guides: Kyle Horner & Steve Ogle
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will be in display flights over open areas. In addition, we’ll pursue species typical of the boreal forests of Canada like the common loon, spruce grouse, gray jay, black-backed woodpecker, boreal chickadee and the wanderers of the north, red- and white-winged Crossbills. The extensive forests of the park are good habitat for residents like the pileated woodpecker, barred owl, and ruffed grouse. Of course, we are always on the lookout for the many species of mammals commonly found in the park such as marten, black bear, red fox, eastern wolf and river otter—but these species are shy and not often seen. We should, however, encounter Algonquin’s largest inhabitant on a daily basis: the moose. In the spring, moose visit roadside ditches and wetlands in search of salty water, created by runoff of winter salting of the highways. At this time of the year, Algonquin will truly be an amazing place you won’t soon forget. Nights at Oxtongue Lake.
In the afternoon of day 5 of our trip we will travel southwest to Long Point, stopping along the way to check out interesting bird habitats. Night in Simcoe.
Day 6: Long PointWe spend the morning birding around the Yellowknife area before taking an afternoon flight to Cambridge Bay. We spend the rest of the day getting our bearings about town, noticing that the common town birds are snow buntings and Lapland longspurs—quite a change from house sparrows and starlings! We will spend the night in Cambridge Bay.
Days 7-10 — Cambridge BayOne of the “Big Three” migration hotspots of the northern shore of Lake Erie, Long Point is home to North America’s oldest bird observatory. We visit one of the field stations early in the morning to see what migrants have arrived overnight. Later, we move inland to the some spectacular forest tracts to see southern species on their breeding grounds such as hooded, cerulean, and blue-winged Warbler as well as the Louisiana waterthrush, yellow-throated vireo and blue-gray gnatcatcher. Night in Simcoe.
Day 7: Long Point and transfer to RondeauWe spend the morning birding around Long Point, looking for specialties not already found. After lunch, we head southwest to Rondeau National Park, arriving in time to take in some of the birding areas. Night near Rondeau.
Day 8. Rondeau Provincial ParkConsidered by many to be as fantastic a birding location as the famous Point Pelee, Rondeau is a beautiful Carolinian forest, which receives fewer visitors, and hence gives a more personal birding experience. We walk some of the many kilometers of trails in the Park, looking for resident red-bellied woodpecker, red-headed woodpecker, prothonotary warbler, yellow-billed cuckoo and sort through the flocks of returning migrants. Later in the afternoon we continue our westward journey to the town of Leamington where we spend our next few nights.
Days 9-10: Point PeleePoint Pelee is a world-renowned birding location which can host thousands of migrating birds given the proper weather conditions. When warm air flows up from the south and meets a sudden cold front during the night, the resulting rain can force hundreds of passerines to descend on Pelee during their nocturnal procession northwards—which is what Point Pelee is partially famous for. We will bird the park in the mornings and visit surrounding sewage lagoons and wetlands in the afternoons for migrant shorebirds, such as Wilson’s phalarope, short-billed dowitcher, stilt sandpiper and dunlin, plus ruddy duck. Anything can turn up at Pelee—and usually does!
To give you a taste of what the birding is like at Pelee, consider the following: a day when a hundred species are not seen is considered a poor showing, and on a good day you may see between twenty-five and thirty species of warblers alone—all at the height of their colourful breeding plumages. There is also variety; you may see birds like little gull, worm-eating warbler, bald eagle, white-rumped sandpiper, orchard oriole, and Philadelphia vireo all on the same day! Nights in Leamington.
PLEASE NOTE: This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather, sea, and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.
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Day 11: Point Pelee and transfer to TorontoWe spend the morning birding Point Pelee. After lunch, we head back to Toronto. Night in Toronto.
Day 12: Departure from Toronto The trip concludes in Toronto, after breakfast.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Our daily travel schedule will vary to account for weather, bird species and habitat. You can expect some early morning, before-breakfast walks as we search out migrating passerines, as well as late evening viewing, including one or two owling expeditions for those interested. Our tour involves generally easy walking and some hill climbing, sometimes for periods up to four hours. During these walks we stop frequently. We follow woodland trails and venture forth into low brush and occasional swampy and uneven terrain. When we have two leaders, we sometimes split into “faster” and “slower” groups.
Around noon time we stop for a sit-down meal at a restaurant or to have a picnic lunch. If it is hot, as it can be in southern Ontario, we may rest for an hour or so during the middle to late afternoon. In the evening, we usually arrange to go to a local restaurant. During this time we discuss the day’s activities and review the list of birds seen and heard, and plan for the next day.
Spring weather in southern Ontario can be extremely variable and you should be prepared for anything from cold rain to muggy heat, however, the snow will have gone by then. While Ontario is widely known to be infested with mosquitoes and other biting insects in late spring and summer, feel secure in the fact that our trip will occur before the insect season begins. For the most part, May is very comfortable and a lovely time to visit the province.
July 3–12, 2016
© N. Bowes© Gwaay Randy
© Hellobc.com
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Our Adventure Canada guide will lead this incredible expedition to Haida Gwaii, focusing on Canada’s Haida Nation, one of North America’s most culturally rich and developed groups of indigenous people. Signs of the ancient and living culture remain throughout the islands—longhouses and intricately designed totem poles tell a story of rich human history. We are privileged to be able to visit these ancient sites with Haida interpreters, sharing stories, history, and archaeological marvels of Canada’s heritage.
We’ll travel creeks threading through old-growth forests and navigate the rugged headlands and waterways between the many communities of the islands. We’ll take in views of incredible landscapes and search for the elusive wildlife—puffins, auklets, and eagles as well as stellar sea lions, and a variety of whales. Indeed, the plethora of species that call Haida Gwaii home have led to the affectionate nickname “Galapagos of the North”.
The richness of the landscape and the sophistication of Haida society allowed for the development of a strong artistic outpouring in visual arts and ceremonial life. We will encounter both on our journey, for Haida culture remains alive and vital. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the customs and traditions of this great people—a people whose bond to the natural world is enduring and reciprocal. This bond is reflected in their unique art and reverent way of life.
This reverence means that the cultural landmarks are slowly returning to the land from whence they came—ancient totems and dwellings are slowly slipping back to the earth
and before long will disappear entirely. See these living, ever-changing markers of a cultural epoch before they are gone forever.
Join us aboard the Island Roamer and take a step through the living history of one of Canada’s true cultural treasures. Bring your camera, journal, and sketchpad—for Haida Gwaii is one of the world’s most inspiring places.
MARINE WILDLIFEBecause the islands lie on the edge of the continental shelf, a particularly robust plankton base bolsters the food chain. This plankton forms a rich feeding area for all manner of wildlife—particularly whales. Historically, blue, sperm, minke, fin, humpback, and orca whales have all called Haida Gwaii home. Though whaling in the early twentieth century devastated their populations, humpback and fin whales are now on the rebound and are regularly spotted by visitors. Harbour seals and Stellar sea lions congregate in large communities on shore and ply the waters for fish. LAND ANIMALSThe Queen Charlotte Islands’ black bear is the largest in the world. In isolation from their mainland brethren these bears developed a larger lower jaw to aid in shoreline foraging. Both black-tailed deer and raccoons have flourished on the island—problematically. Both species were introduced to the region, and without natural predators their ecological impact is becoming more pronounced each year. Bird colonies are at risk from the racoons and the local cedar forests—foundation of Haida culture—are suffering from the over-browsing of the deer.
Haida Gwaii: The Queen Charlotte Islands
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Your Guide: Heather Beecroft Heather has worked to promote Indigenous artists and their work during a lengthy teaching career and within the cooperative system. For the past fifteen years she has marketed directly to her clients via lectures and art shows. Travel is her passion, which she shares with fun and vigorous enthusiasm in her connections with all adventurers. A champion of culture, Heather works with Adventure Canada to develop innovative programming and partnerships.
HAIDA CULTUREThe Haida name for the southern islands is Gwaii Haanas, which aptly translates to “islands of beauty” or “place of wonder”. As a nation, the Haida were divided into two social groups, or moieties, called Raven and Eagle. Their mythology, like that of many other coastal tribes, was based on the epic cycle of Raven and his exploits. A trickster to the core, Raven will set the universe in order at one moment only to throw it into chaos at the next. A greedy, mischievous lecher, Raven nevertheless unintentionally teaches mankind how to live well. He disguised himself to enter the home of the Sky Chief, from whom he stole the sun, moon, and stars to give to humankind. Most Haida objects are decorated with crests—the figures of animals, birds, sea creatures, and mythic beings. These crests are used to identify the moiety and often the lineage of their owners. The precise arrangement and interaction of various crests and recurring motifs act as a personal signifier, and much can be gleaned from an individual’s totem. The true “text” of a single totem pole is impossible to read without a thorough knowledge of the mythology involved.
Although the Haida have almost seventy crest figures, less than twenty are in general use. The orca whale in particular endures as a symbol of power, intelligence, cunning, and skill. Permanent Haida villages consisted of one (or more) rows of houses along a beach. Generally, the house belonging to the town chief was larger and located near the centre of the settlement. According to myth, the house was one of the main contributions that Raven made to Haida life (after stealing the idea from Beaver). These houses formed the centre of Haida social, political, and economic life. They were build out of western red cedar with a framework of corner posts and massive structural beams. Like their houses, the Haida’s canoes were hewn from red cedar—they were exquisite craft and widely praised by the chiefs of other nations along the coast. Like their totems, houses, and tools, these craft were intricately adorned with crests, symbols, and motifs to identify their owners and their stories.
4
Included:• All meals from lunch July 3 to breakfast July 12• Hotel night in Vancouver at Skwachàys Lodge• Hotel night in Sandspit• All museum and park fees• Passage aboard the Island Roamer• All ground transportation
Not included:• Flights from home to Vancouver and Vancouver to Sandspit• Mandatory emergency medical and evacuation insurance• Personal items• Any expenses incurred due to changes beyond our control• Gratuities to Island Roamer’s crew
Guide: Heather M. Beecroft Cost: $5,595 usd + hst or by credit card $5,818 usd + hst
Max: 14 adventurersFitness Level: moderateDate: July 3–12, 2016
Details
Itinerary
• Explore the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and the National Marine Conservation area• Enjoy a traditional Haida meal hosted at the home of a tribe elder• Visit Haida Gwaii Museum and the Qay’llnagaay Heritage Centre• Explore villages in old-growth forests and destinations inaccessible by land• Tour SGang Gwaay Linagaay, UNESCO World Heritage Site• Embrace quiet moorings and free time to sketch, photograph, and explore• Seek out multitudes of seabirds and marine mammals in their coastal habitats
Highlights
Day 1: VancouverArrive in your own time in the morning to begin our program in the afternoon. Guests arriving the day prior to departure will have the opportunity to tour the University of British Colombia’s Anthropology Museum with Heather Beecroft. In the evening we will gather at Skwachàys Lodge for a welcome dinner as well as an opportunity to meet an artist in residence.
Day 2: SandspitWe fly to Sandspit today to begin the Haida
Gwaii expedition. Upon arrival, we have a short walk to accommodation in Sandspit, where we will spend the night. Our guide will point out highlights of the area and you will have the evening to relax and get to know your fellow travellers. Sandspit is home to a wide array of activities, including beach combing , sports fishing, crabbing, bird watching, rock hounding, wilderness camping, boating, photography, sight-seeing, hiking, sea kayaking, canoeing and golfing, but we suggest having a quiet dinner and resting up for the adventure ahead.
5Day 3: Graham IslandBegin your day with a hot breakfast prior to your departure for the Island Roamer. Our guide will keep you up to date on all departure and check-out times. Please be sure to keep luggage on hand as you leave the hotel.
We will be enjoying a shuttle land tour of the area before being transported to the ferry landing at Alliford Bay. There, we will be ferried across to Skidegate Landing on Graham Island, a trip of approximately twenty-five minutes.
Our first stop is the Haida Heritage Centre, Kaay Llnagaay, for a guided tour; afterward, we will enjoy a traditional Haida lunch and then return to the ferry. We will move onward to Moresby Island and head to Moresby Camp to rendezvous with the Island Roamer and her crew.
After boarding, introductions will be made; a safety orientation and cabin assignments will take place shortly thereafter. Dinner will be served, and we will spend our first evening at anchor, departing early the following morning into the waters of Southern Moresby Island to explore the Gwaii Haanas Park Reserve.
Day 4-9: Moresby IslandWe will spend these days exploring the eastern and southern shores of Moresby Island. Daily activities include wildlife watching and shore excursions to a wide variety of sites including ancient villages, old growth forests, beautiful creeks and shoreline intertidal zones. We hope to spot humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, and orca whales. A plethora of seabirds including puffins, auklets, and eagles call this area home.
We also hope to catch sight of the mighty Gwaii Haanas black bear foraging along the shoreline
and can expect to be amazed by the myriad intertidal creatures found in these nutrient-rich areas.
We visit the ancient Haida village of SGgan Gwaay, a unesco World Heritage Site. There, we will see the totem poles in their solemn watch along the shoreline.
Each evening we will anchor in a different secluded bay, with time for relaxing and reflection as well as enjoying the food aboard the Island Roamer. While at anchor, there are ample opportunities to explore the shoreline by kayak.
Day 10: SandspitThe voyage will finish mid-morning with disembarkation at Moresby Camp and a transfer via charter bus to Sandspit airport. This trip takes approximately one hour and you may expect arrival at midday. Prior to your return to Vancouver, you will have the opportunity to do any last-minute shopping at the park office and souvenir vendors within the airport. Lunches may be purchased from local restaurants or at the airport.
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Originally built as a luxurious private yacht in 1984, the Island Roamer completed a major renovation in 2003 to update the cabins and all safety systems. She features eight private cabins (double occupancy), three heads with hot showers, and a comfortable salon with a natural history library. On deck, the large deckhouse provides a comfortable spot to watch for wildlife.
A certified Canadian Ministry of Transport passenger vessel, the Island Roamer has all of
the safety equipment, electronic navigation aids, and features you would expect from a vessel of her standard. All cabins have adequate storage space for your bags, personal items, and jackets. Coat hangers and life jackets are stowed in every cabin for your convenience. There is electricity in each room, so you can charge your camera batteries and enjoy a reading light in the evening.
The Island Roamer
Island Roamer Particulars
• Designed by Stan Huntingford• Built by Cooper Yachts in 1983• Canadian Ministry of Transport certified for 18 passengers• Length – 68’• Beam – 17’ 10”• Displacement – 45,300 kg• Draft – 2m• Sails: - 1,682 square metres of sail area - Cruising Spinnaker 181 square metres
• Fuel – 3,785 litres• Water – 3,785 litres• Engines – twin Perkins turbo-charged diesels• Generator – Onan 7.5 KW 120 V• Cruising speed – 8 knots• Two double and three single sea kayaks• 4.5-metre Polaris inflatable tender
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Photography by Craig Minielly at Aura Photographics
A unique Aboriginal art experience, this stunning boutique hotel in the heart of Vancouver is the result of a partnership between six of the city’s best hotel designers and six Aboriginal artists. Together, they produced eighteen installation pieces—one for each room. The hotel also features a traditional sweat lodge and smudge room, as well as all the comforts of high-scale lodging.
Skwachàys Lodge — Vancouver
Bears of Churchill
Call Sheryl at 905-271-4000 or 1-800-363-7566 Ext 224 or email [email protected] www.adventurecanada.com for full prices and itinerary details.
ADVENTURE CANADA 14 Front St. S. • Mississauga, ON • L5H 2C4
5 Night DeparturesFrom October 11 to November 19, 2016
To visit Churchill is to see not only the magnificent King of the Arctic, Manitoba’s polar bears, but also to experience the history and culture of the region. Led by very knowledgeable guides, this program includes activities other than bear watching, such as a town and area tour, entrance to the Eskimo Museum and Parks Canada facility and a private slide presentation. Dog sledding or a cultural-arts program is included.
Photographers will delight in the two days spent viewing the polar bears up close from the amazing Tundra Buggy platform.
A variety of departures are available, please call us for specific availability.
Your ItineraryDAY 1 Winnipeg, MBArrive at leisure to Winnipeg.
Overnight at the Four Points Sheraton at the Winnipeg airport. Downtown Winnipeg is only about 15 minutes away by taxi for those interested.
21:00 - Orientation at the hotel
DAY 2 Winnipeg to ChurchillCoffee and snacks at hotel and repeat of orientation for those arriving late the night before
07:00 - Charter flight departure for Churchill (2 - 2.5hrs) breakfast on plane.
09:30 - Arrive in Churchill - join our town tour A guided bus tour of local and historical points of interest surrounding Churchill, including such attractions as Cape Merry, Port of Churchill and Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility (weather permitting).
Mid-day: Lunch Afternoon: Eskimo Museum followed by free time to check in and enjoy your hotel This museum contains one of Canada’s finest collections of Inuit carvings, kayaks
and artifacts dating from pre- Dorset, Dorset, Thule, and modern Inuit times.
Overnight: Churchill Hotel.
DAY 3 Tundra BuggyAll day spent in a Tundra Buggy with knowledgeable guide, viewing polar bears and other Arctic wildlife.
The best way to experience an intimate encounter with a wild polar bear is on an authentic Tundra Buggy. All of our Tundra Buggies are furnished with dual-pane frost-free windows and contain propane heating systems that closely resemble a cozy fireplace, with real flame (behind glass). Each day, we depart early and board our world famous Tundra Buggies looking for polar bears and other wildlife out on the tundra. You will enjoy picnic style lunches and refreshments while you are bear watching.
Evening Slide Show conducted by seasoned residents. Relax and soak-up years of northern experience communicated in enchanting stories and magnificent photography.
Overnight: Churchill Hotel.
Highlights
• Excellent photographic opportunities• Dog-sledding experience• View Polar Bears up close form the comfort of the Tundra Buggy
What’s Included:
• 2 hotel nights in Winnipeg• 3 hotel nights in Churchill• Return air from Winnipeg to Churchill• All meals in Churchill• Ground transportation• Professional Interpretive Guide• 2 full days aboard a Tundra Buggy• Churchill and area tour• Entrance to the Eskimo Museum and theParks Canada Interpretive Center
• Evening slide show presentation• Dog sledding excursion
What’s Not Included:
• Insurance• Alcoholic beverages• Flights to/from Winnipeg• Items of a personal nature• Any expenses incurred due toitinerary changes beyond ourcontrol
Trip Details
Price: $5,599 USD + HST per person based on double occupancy
PLEASE NOTE: This is our intended itinerary. Wildlife sightings and some activities depend on favourable conditions. As with all of our adventures, weather, sea and road conditions are a determining factor and will dictate our itinerary.
DAY 4 Dog Sledding and Parks CanadaMorning: Dog Sledding Hosted by a local resident and dog sledding expert, you will learn about the history associated with dog sledding in Northern Canada. Enjoy an exhilarating ride behind a strong team of huskies on a custom-made sled (or cart, weather permitting). Join the mushers for hot chocolate and freshly made bannock after your ride and share their personal stories of their dog sledding adventures.
Afternoon: Visit to Parks Canada Interpretive Center. Walk back in time viewing detailed and exciting wildlife dioramas, fur trade exhibits. View a series of videos on the history, culture and wildlife of the area. You leave chock-full of natural and historical information from the Churchill region.
Evening: Overnight at Churchill Hotel
DAY 5 Tundra Buggy and WinnipegMorning: Early Breakfast and Full day Tundra Buggy Tour with lunch on the Buggy
19:00 - Evening flight back to Winnipeg - arriving 21:00-21:30 - Dinner on Plane
Overnight at Four Points Sheraton
DAY 6 WinnipegDepart Winnipeg at leisure.
HOW TO REGISTERTo register for an Adventure Canada expedition each participant must complete the registration form and return along with a $1000 USD deposit. THE REGISTRATION FORM IS DOUBLE SIDED AND YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED ON BOTH SIDES. By returning the registration form and deposit you are acknowledging and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions and release required for participation on any Adventure Canada excursion. All cheques must be made out to: Adventure Canada. Full payment by credit card is subject to credit card pricing.
ITINERARIESWeather, sea, and government regulations may require changes to be made to the itineraries and/or the cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every attempt, within the limits of law, time and safety, will be made to adhere to the itineraries described. There may be a planned alternate for your route, please inquire at the time of booking. In the event of changes, passengers are not entitled to any refund or other compensation. Expedition fees are based on group participation. Should you choose not to take part in any activity or make use of services provided, no refund will be given. Vessels and dates are subject to change.
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATIONPrior to your tour we will send you a pre-departure package including a statement of account, log in details to access your online profile, a booklet describing life aboard the ship, reading list, packing suggestions and other useful travel tips.
ONLINE PROFILEAdventure Canada collects personal information from our passengers via a secure online account. You will be required to provide select medical and personal information and acknowledgement of select liabilities. Online accounts are set up by booking reservation. This means that all passengers on a given reservation will have access to each others information. You will be asked to acknowledge this process on our reservation form by checking off the box ‘I/we agree that all passenger details will be viewable by all persons on this registration/reservation’. If you prefer to have individual access to the online account please do not check this box on the reservation form and advise your Adventure Specialist by calling or communicating your request by email. If you prefer to provide your personal information to Adventure Canada by mail or fax please contact us and we will send you paper copies. We ask that your personal information be completed at your earliest convenience, but at least 120 days prior to departure. You will not receive your final documents until these forms are completed and submitted.
INSURANCEAdventure Canada strongly advises all passengers to obtain travel insurance at the time of deposit. If you have not yet purchased your commercial airfare you may increase your insurance coverage afterwards. By not purchasing coverage
at the time of booking you are not fully covered. Adventure Canada’s cancellation terms apply to all passengers. Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance is required for participation in all Adventure Canada expeditions.
ACTIVITY LEVELAdventure Canada expeditions are intended for people in reasonably good health. Zodiac cruises and transfer times can be lengthy. On the Island Roamer you must be able to climb stairs between decks. You must also be able to climb the external ladder in order to transer to the Zodiac landing craft. Our guides and crew are available to assist you in and out of the Zodiacs. Adventure Canada expeditions may involve extensive walking in variable weather over sometimes hilly, uneven terrain.
ZODIAC CRAFTZodiacs are the favoured means of transportation for all our expeditions and, indeed, wherever shallow waters and beaches ring the shoreline. They are stable, versatile craft which cruise at an approximate speed of four knots, and in windy weather can make for rather splashy rides. We therefore recommend wearing wet weather gear for Zodiac transfers. Life preservers are absolutely compulsory. Zodiac landings will generally entail disembarking onto rocky or gravelly beaches. The beach landings may be wet, meaning that there may be some spray en route to shore, and that you may have to step into water up to 25 cm/10 inches deep. Rubber boots are highly recommended.
MEDICAL FACILITIESThis expedition is intended for persons in good health. Passengers who are not fit for long trips for any reason, including disability, heart or other health conditions, are advised not to join the tour. Should any such condition become apparent, we reserve the right to decline embarkation. Our vessel is not equipped to handle serious medical conditions. Medical and Emergency Evacuation insurance is mandatory and may be purchased through Adventure Canada at the time of booking. All passengers must carry a minimum of $75,000 USD per person emergency medical and evacuation coverage. This may not cover the full cost of a medical emergency. Additional expenses are the full responsibility of the passenger
GRATUITIESOur crew works hard and tips are heartily appreciated. In fairness to all of those who work together to make your cruise enjoyable, tips are collected at the end of the voyage and distributed equitably among the crew. Although we leave tip amounts to your discretion, in the past many passengers have asked for a recommended amount. We suggest a rate of $15USD per day, per passenger, as a kind and generous offering.
Important Information
TERM
S AN
D CO
NDIT
IONS
Thes
e Ter
ms an
d Con
dition
s (“te
rms a
nd co
nditio
ns”)
are e
ntere
d into
betw
een 7
5020
7 Onta
rio In
c op
erati
ng as
Adve
nture
Can
ada (
Ontar
io Re
gistra
tion N
o. 04
00 14
00) (
“Adv
entur
e Can
ada”
) and
the
pass
enge
r (as
detai
led on
the R
egist
ratio
n For
m). C
ertai
n itin
erar
ies ar
e ope
rated
by To
ur P
rovid
ers
(inclu
ding
but n
ot lim
ited
to: E
agle
Eye
Tour
s, Bl
uewa
ter A
dven
tures
, Fro
ntier
s Nor
th Ad
ventu
res,
The
Huma
n Na
ture
Comp
any
and
Wild
land
Tour
s) (“T
our P
rovid
er”).
Plea
se re
ad th
e ter
ms a
nd
cond
itions
care
fully
as th
ey co
ntain,
amo
ng o
ther t
hings
, a re
lease
of A
dven
ture
Cana
da a
nd th
e To
ur P
rovid
er a
nd p
rovis
ions l
imitin
g the
liabil
ity o
f Adv
entur
e Ca
nada
and
the
Tour
Pro
vider.
The
de
liver
y by t
he pa
rticipa
nt of
the de
posit
toge
ther w
ith a
signe
d cop
y of th
ese t
erms
and c
ondit
ions
to Ad
ventu
re C
anad
a sha
ll con
stitut
e the
partic
ipant’
s con
sent
and a
gree
ment
to all
of th
e pro
vision
s co
ntaine
d he
rein.
Ce
rtain
Tour
Pro
vider
s wi
ll re
quire
pas
seng
ers
to sig
n the
Tou
r Pro
vider
’s “P
asse
nger
Tick
et” in
addit
ion to
thes
e ter
ms an
d con
dition
s
The
pass
enge
r her
eby
certifi
es th
at he
/she
does
not
have
a m
ental
, phy
sical
or o
ther c
ondit
ion
or d
isabil
ity th
at wo
uld cr
eate
a ha
zard
for h
im/he
r or o
ther p
asse
nger
s. Th
e pa
ssen
ger a
gree
s to
hone
stly
comp
lete
the p
erso
nal in
forma
tion
requ
est f
rom
Adve
nture
Can
ada
via its
web
site
or b
y re
ques
ting p
aper
copie
s, pr
ior to
depa
rture
. Adv
entur
e Can
ada r
eser
ves t
he rig
ht to
requ
est fu
rther
inf
orma
tion f
rom
the pa
ssen
ger’s
phys
ician
.
ITIN
ERAR
IES
The
itiner
aries
/prog
rams
des
cribe
d ar
e su
bject
to ch
ange
or
canc
ellati
on a
t the
disc
retio
n of
Adve
nture
Can
ada.
Thes
e ar
e tou
rs to
remo
te pa
rts o
f the
world
. Adv
entur
e Ca
nada
, res
erve
s the
ex
clusiv
e rig
ht, in
its
sole
discre
tion,
to alt
er, o
mit o
r can
cel a
ny p
art o
f the
itine
rary
or c
hang
e an
y re
serva
tion,
staff
memb
er, fe
ature
and
/or m
eans
of c
onve
yanc
e wi
thout
notic
e an
d for
any
re
ason
wha
tsoev
er in
cludin
g bu
t not
limite
d to
weath
er c
ondit
ions,
avail
abilit
y of
trans
porta
tion,
force
maje
ure,
gove
rnme
nt re
gulat
ions,
politi
cal c
ondit
ions
and
other
facto
rs be
yond
the
contr
ol of
Adve
nture
Can
ada
and
witho
ut all
owan
ce o
r refu
nd a
nd w
ith a
ny a
nd a
ll extr
a co
sts re
sultin
g the
refro
m pa
id by
the p
asse
nger.
In th
e eve
nt of
chan
ges,
pass
enge
rs ar
e not
entitl
ed to
any r
efund
or
othe
r com
pens
ation
. Fee
s are
base
d on g
roup
partic
ipatio
n. Sh
ould
the pa
ssen
ger c
hoos
e not
to tak
e par
t in an
y acti
vity o
r mak
e use
of se
rvice
s pro
vided
, no r
efund
will
be gi
ven.
Acco
mmod
ation
s, ve
ssels
and d
ates a
re su
bject
to ch
ange
. Adv
entur
e Can
ada,
expr
essly
rese
rves t
he rig
ht to
canc
el,
witho
ut pr
ior n
otice
to th
e pa
ssen
gers,
any
tour
prio
r to
depa
rture
, in w
hich
case
tour
fees
will
be
refun
ded w
ithou
t furth
er ob
ligati
on on
the p
art o
f Adv
entur
e Can
ada,
includ
ing, b
ut no
t limi
ted to
the
paym
ent o
f inter
est a
ccru
ed th
ereo
n. Ad
ventu
re C
anad
a rec
omme
nds t
hat th
e par
ticipa
nt ob
tain f
ull
trave
l insu
ranc
e cov
erag
e and
purch
ases
fully
refun
dable
air t
ickets
.
Decis
ions
to alt
er th
e itin
erar
y/pro
gram
as
afore
said
shall
be
made
in th
e be
st int
eres
t of a
ll pa
ssen
gers.
Adv
entur
e Ca
nada
, exp
ress
ly re
serve
s the
righ
t in
its s
ole d
iscre
tion
to ca
ncel
the
rese
rvatio
n of, o
r rem
ove f
rom
the to
ur, an
y par
ticipa
nt at
any t
ime.
GROU
P SI
ZE A
ND T
RIP
COST
SIn
keep
ing w
ith A
dven
ture C
anad
a’s ph
iloso
phy o
f sma
ll gro
up tr
avel,
mos
t of la
nd-b
ased
prog
rams
op
erate
with
2-30
pass
enge
rs. If
Adve
nture
Can
ada d
oes n
ot ge
t the r
equir
ed nu
mber
of pa
ssen
gers
and c
ance
l the t
our, y
ou w
ill be
notifi
ed as
soon
as po
ssibl
e. In
the ev
ent o
f a ca
ncell
ation
, tour
fees
wi
ll be r
efund
ed w
ithou
t furth
er ob
ligati
on on
the p
art o
f Adv
entur
e Can
ada,
includ
ing, b
ut no
t limi
ted
to the
pay
ment
of int
eres
t acc
rued
ther
eon.
Adve
nture
Can
ada
reco
mmen
ds th
at the
par
ticipa
nt ob
tain f
ull tr
avel
insur
ance
cove
rage
and p
urch
ase f
ully r
efund
able
air tic
kets.
SING
LE T
RAVE
LLER
SSi
ngle
room
s, if a
vaila
ble, w
ill be
prov
ided o
n req
uest
for an
addit
ional
fee as
outlin
ed in
the p
rogr
am
litera
ture.
For p
asse
nger
s tra
vellin
g alon
e, bu
t wish
ing to
shar
e, Ad
ventu
re C
anad
a will
arra
nge f
or a
shar
ed ro
om if
poss
ible.
If a ro
omma
te is
not a
vaila
ble, a
sing
le su
pplem
ent w
ill be
char
ged.
CANC
ELLA
TION
& R
EFUN
D PO
LICY
All re
ques
ts for
canc
ellati
ons m
ust b
e rec
eived
in w
riting
. Upo
n Adv
entur
e Can
ada r
eceiv
ing a
writte
n no
tice
of ca
ncell
ation
at l
east
120
days
prio
r to
the s
ched
uled
date
of de
partu
re, t
he p
asse
nger
sh
all re
ceive
a fu
ll refu
nd o
f its
tour f
ees,
less
an a
dmini
strati
ve p
enalt
y of
$500
per
per
son.
If a
writte
n noti
ce of
canc
ellati
on is
rece
ived b
y Adv
entur
e Can
ada b
etwee
n 91 a
nd 12
0 day
s prio
r to th
e sc
hedu
led d
ate o
f dep
artur
e, the
pas
seng
er sh
all re
ceive
a re
fund
of 35
% o
f its t
our f
ees.
Plea
se
note
that w
ithin
the 9
0-da
y lim
it, all
fees
, dep
osits
and
tariff
s re
ceive
d by
Adv
entur
e Ca
nada
are
for
feited
. For
thes
e and
othe
r rea
sons
men
tione
d belo
w, pa
ssen
gers
are s
trong
ly ad
vised
to ob
tain
trip ca
ncell
ation
insu
ranc
e at
the tim
e of
depo
sit. N
o re
funds
shall
be
made
to p
asse
nger
s who
do
not p
artic
ipate
in an
y par
t of, o
r othe
rwise
do no
t com
plete,
the t
our f
or an
y rea
son w
hatso
ever.
DELA
YSIn
the e
vent
of a
delay
, pas
seng
ers
will
be re
spon
sible
for a
ll co
sts a
nd e
xpen
ses
asso
ciated
the
rewi
th, in
cludin
g, wi
thout
limita
tion,
any a
dditio
nal fo
od, lo
dging
or t
rans
porta
tion
costs
resu
lting
from
such
dela
y. Ad
ventu
re C
anad
a re
comm
ends
that
the p
artic
ipant
obtai
n ful
l tra
vel in
sura
nce
cove
rage
and p
urch
ase f
ully r
efund
able
air tic
kets.
INSU
RANC
EDu
e to
the n
ature
of t
he to
ur in
whic
h the
pas
seng
er w
ill pa
rtake
, the
pas
seng
er s
hould
hav
e in
place
prio
r to
depa
rture
, com
preh
ensiv
e ins
uran
ce c
over
age
includ
ing w
ithou
t lim
itatio
n me
dical,
em
erge
ncy
evac
uatio
n, trip
can
cella
tion
and
inter
rupti
on,
accid
ent
and
bagg
age
insur
ance
. Ad
ventu
re C
anad
a stro
ngly
advis
es al
l pas
seng
ers t
o obta
in tra
vel in
sura
nce a
t the t
ime o
f dep
osit.
If the
partic
ipant
has n
ot ye
t pur
chas
ed hi
s/her
comm
ercia
l airfa
re th
e pas
seng
er m
ay in
creas
e his/
her
insur
ance
cove
rage
after
ward
s. Ad
ventu
re C
anad
a’s ca
ncell
ation
term
s app
ly to
all pa
ssen
gers.
Any
losse
s sus
taine
d by
the
pass
enge
r as a
resu
lt of t
he p
asse
nger
fail
ing to
obta
in pr
oper
insu
ranc
e co
vera
ge sh
all be
the s
ole re
spon
sibilit
y of th
e pas
seng
er. F
or fu
ll cov
erag
e, inc
luding
canc
ellati
on
cove
rage
prior
to de
partu
re, p
asse
nger
s are
stro
ngly
reco
mmen
ded t
o obta
in ins
uran
ce at
the t
ime
of de
posit
.
Emer
genc
y Me
dical
and
Evac
uatio
n Ins
uran
ce is
not
mand
atory
for p
artic
ipatio
n in
Adve
nture
Ca
nada
’s sm
all g
roup
tour
s. Ho
weve
r, the
par
ticipa
nt re
cogn
izes
that t
here
are
inhe
rent
risks
tra
vellin
g to
remo
te re
gions
, Adv
entur
e Ca
nada
stro
ngly
advis
es E
merg
ency
Med
ical E
vacu
ation
Ins
uran
ce fo
r all p
asse
nger
s. Ad
ventu
re C
anad
a is
not r
espo
nsibl
e for
any
med
ical t
reatm
ent o
r re
patria
tion c
osts.
DAT
E:
DD
/ M
MM
/ Y
Y
SIG
NAT
UR
E R
EQU
IRED
SIG
NAT
UR
E R
EQU
IRED
BAGG
AGE
Bagg
age
is so
lely
at the
par
ticipa
nt’s
risk
and
expe
nse.
Comm
ercia
l airli
ne lu
ggag
e all
owan
ce is
typ
ically
one p
iece p
er pa
ssen
ger a
nd on
e piec
e of c
arry-
on lu
ggag
e, su
bject
to we
ight r
estric
tions
, bu
t plea
se ch
eck w
ith th
e airli
ne fo
r cur
rent
stand
ards
. Exc
ess b
agga
ge is
not p
ermi
tted o
n cha
rter
flights
. Any
exce
ss ba
ggag
e cha
rges
for c
omme
rcial
flights
are t
he re
spon
sibilit
y of th
e pas
seng
er.
IMAG
ES A
ND P
RIVA
CY
Durin
g the
tour,
imag
es, li
kene
sses
and
per
sona
lity m
ay b
e ca
pture
d on
pho
togra
ph, v
ideo,
soun
d re
cord
ing, l
ive a
ction
inter
net t
rans
miss
ion a
nd o
n oth
er m
edia
(the
“Per
sona
l Ima
ge”),
and
that
Adve
nture
Can
ada o
r the T
our P
rovid
er m
ay w
ish to
use t
hese
Per
sona
l Imag
es fo
r pro
motio
nal a
nd
other
bus
iness
pur
pose
s. Th
e pa
ssen
ger r
elinq
uishe
s and
fore
ver w
aives
the
rights
relat
ing to
the
conte
nt of
the P
erso
nal Im
ages
and t
heir b
eing c
aptur
ed, r
epro
duce
d and
used
(whe
ther o
r not
for
profi
t) on a
ny su
ch m
edia
form(
s), in
cludin
g any
priva
cy rig
hts or
any m
oral
rights
or an
y othe
r righ
ts tha
t may
be fo
und i
n the
conte
nt of
use o
f the P
erso
nal Im
ages
.
PASS
PORT
S &
VISA
SPa
ssen
gers
are
resp
onsib
le for
obta
ining
per
sona
l Visa
s, pa
sspo
rts, h
ealth
cer
tifica
tes, o
ther
requ
ired d
ocum
ents
and i
nocu
lation
s if re
quire
d at th
eir ow
n exp
ense
. Entr
y to a
nothe
r cou
ntry m
ay
be re
fused
even
if the
requ
ired i
nform
ation
and t
rave
l doc
umen
ts ar
e com
plete.
EXCL
USIV
E GO
VERN
ING
LAW
AND
JURI
SDIC
TION
Th
ese t
erms
and c
ondit
ions a
nd an
y acti
ons a
nd pr
ocee
ding b
roug
ht he
reun
der s
hall b
e gov
erne
d by
the
laws
of the
Pro
vince
of O
ntario
and
the
laws
of Ca
nada
app
licab
le the
rein
witho
ut re
gard
to
confl
ict o
f law
s pr
incipl
es.
Any
actio
n or
lega
l pro
ceed
ing to
enfo
rce a
ny p
rovis
ion h
ereo
f, or
ba
sed
on a
ny ri
ght a
rising
out
of, th
ese
terms
and
cond
itions
shall
be
exclu
sively
in th
e co
urts
of the
City
of T
oron
to, in
the
Prov
ince
of On
tario,
and
all o
f the
par
ties h
ereto
her
eby c
onse
nt to
the
exclu
sive
jurisd
iction
of s
uch
cour
ts an
d of
the a
ppro
priat
e ap
pella
te co
urts
in an
y suc
h ac
tion
or
legal
proc
eedin
g and
waiv
e any
objec
tion t
o ven
ue or
juris
dictio
n in c
onne
ction
ther
ewith
.
RELE
ASE
AND
LIMI
TATI
ON O
F LI
ABIL
ITY
The
pass
enge
r clea
rly u
nder
stand
s tha
t the
liabil
ity o
f Adv
entur
e Ca
nada
and
or t
he To
ur P
rovid
er
is de
finitiv
ely lim
ited
as a
fores
aid. T
he p
asse
nger
has
care
fully
read
the
terms
and
cond
itions
set
out h
erein
as w
ell a
s the
mate
rials
rega
rding
the
tour p
rovid
ed b
y Adv
entur
e Ca
nada
or t
he To
ur
Prov
ider a
nd is
awa
re th
at su
ch to
ur in
volve
s the
risk
of p
erso
nal i
njury
or d
eath
and
dama
ge
or lo
ss o
f pro
perty
. The
pas
seng
er a
ckno
wled
ges
that t
ours
are
cond
ucted
in re
mote
area
s, no
t alw
ays o
n esta
blish
ed ro
ad/w
aterw
ays,
and t
hat th
ere a
re si
gnific
ant r
isks i
nher
ent in
the t
our. T
he
pass
enge
r also
ackn
owled
ges t
hat ri
sk an
d dan
gers
may b
e cau
sed b
y the
negli
genc
e of A
dven
ture
Cana
da a
nd o
r the
Tour
Pro
vider,
its o
wner
s, dir
ector
s, em
ploye
es, c
ontra
ctors,
offic
ers o
r age
nts
or th
e ne
glige
nce
or p
artic
ipatio
n of
other
pas
seng
ers.
The
pass
enge
r ack
nowl
edge
s tha
t risk
and
da
nger
s may
aris
e fro
m for
esee
able
and
unfor
esee
able
caus
es, in
cludin
g we
ather
and
othe
r acts
of
natur
e. Th
e pas
seng
er ac
know
ledge
s tha
t the a
forem
entio
ned r
isks,
dang
ers a
nd ha
zard
s are
a
poten
tial in
conn
ectio
n with
recre
ation
al ac
tivitie
s whic
h may
take
plac
e dur
ing th
e pas
seng
er’s
tour.
In co
nside
ratio
n of th
e ben
efits
to be
deriv
ed fro
m pa
rticipa
tion i
n the
tour,
the p
asse
nger
volun
tarily
ac
cepts
all ri
sk of
perso
nal in
jury o
r dea
th an
d pro
perty
dama
ge or
othe
r loss
arisi
ng fro
m pa
rticipa
tion
on th
e tou
r and
here
by ag
rees
that
he/sh
e and
his/h
er de
pend
ents,
heirs
, exe
cutor
s, ad
minis
trator
s, leg
al pe
rsona
l rep
rese
ntativ
es, s
ucce
ssor
s and
ass
igns,
do re
lease
and
hold
har
mles
s Adv
entur
e Ca
nada
and o
r the T
our P
rovid
er, an
d its
owne
rs, em
ploye
es, o
fficer
s, dir
ector
s, ag
ents,
contr
actor
s, tru
stees
and r
epre
senta
tives
from
any a
nd al
l clai
ms, in
cludin
g clai
ms of
negli
genc
e, illn
ess,
perso
nal
injur
y, de
ath o
r pro
perty
dam
age
or lo
ss, h
owev
er ca
used
, aris
ing fr
om o
r rela
ted to
this
tour.
The
pass
enge
r has
read
care
fully
these
term
s and
cond
itions
, and
will
abide
by t
he co
nditio
ns se
t by
Adve
nture
Can
ada a
nd in
the t
erms
and c
ondit
ions h
ereo
f or e
lsewh
ere p
ublis
hed.
The p
asse
nger
affi
rms
that h
e/she
has
not
rece
ived
or re
lied
on a
ny o
ral o
r writt
en re
pres
entat
ion o
f Adv
entur
e Ca
nada
as a
basis
for a
gree
ing to
the r
eleas
e con
taine
d in t
hese
term
s and
cond
itions
.
CONTACT:Adventure Canada14 Front St. S.Mississauga, ON, L5H 2C4
Phone: 905-271-4000 or [email protected]: www.AdventureCanada.com