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Pacific Northwest
Experience the craggy peaks and glaciers of the North Cascade Mountains, the picturesque beauty of Puget Sound, and the cosmopolitan cities of Seattle, Victoria, and Vancouver on this Pacific Northwest tour in Washington and British Columbia. Catch great views aboard a ferry ride through the San Juan Islands, on a floatplane tour over the Gulf Islands, and atop Seattle’s Space Needle. Visit The Butchart Gardens and enjoy a regal afternoon tea in Victoria; meet the elite Smokejumpers; check out the scene at Seattle’s Pike Place Market; and tour the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, and a historic Victorian fishing village.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2009 Itinerary
Day 1: Seattle views
Upon arrival, enjoy city views westward across Puget Sound to the snow-capped Olympic Mountains on the Olympic Peninsula. Your Pacific Northwest tour begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle. Meet your Tauck Director and fellow travelers at the welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, WA
Day 2: A day in Seattle, the "Emerald City"
Take in the incredible views (weather permitting) of the city, Cascade Mountains, and Olympic Mountains from the 520-foot-high observation deck of the Space Needle, built for the 1962 World’s Fair held in Seattle. Visit colorful Pike Place Market offering fresh fish, crabs, and produce. In the afternoon, pursue what interests you most in this cultured city.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, WA
Day 3: The Cascades, cowboy country and a Bavarian village
Travel over Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountains to the alpine village of Leavenworth, which resembles "Old World" Bavaria. Descend from the mountains to the Columbia River valley, where a series of dams constitutes one of the largest hydroelectric power sources in the world, and past the apple and peach orchards of Washington's sun belt. Follow the Columbia, then head north through cowboy country to your rustic mountain lodge overlooking the North Cascades.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop, WA
Day 4: Forest fires & forest rides
Meet the famed Smokejumpers, considered the most skilled forest fire fighters in the U.S., and hear about their incredible experiences. Enjoy a free afternoon, perhaps taking a trail ride on horseback, or visiting the historic Old West town of Winthrop.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop, WA
Day 5: The mountains, the sea and a San Juan Island cruise
View the heavily glaciated North Cascade peaks, and the lakes of the Skagit power project that lights Seattle, as you make your way to British Columbia today. Visit La Conner, a 19th-century Victorian fishing village now filled with art galleries. Take a ferry through the pristine San Juan Islands, and watch for orcas, seals, porpoises, sea lions, and bald eagles before arriving in Victoria for a two-night stay at the Fairmont Empress.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Day 6: Victoria, The Butchart Gardens and high tea
From your Victoria hotel, travel to The Butchart Gardens to view its colorful floral displays. Established in 1904, it’s a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore Victoria in the afternoon, highlighted by a regal afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress on the city’s picturesque waterfront. Enjoy dinner at your leisure in the hotel's Empress Room.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Day 7: Island floatplane tour
Marvel at the view of the Gulf Islands and the Coast Mountains on a floatplane ride, a Pacific Northwest tour highlight. Continue on to the city of Vancouver, where you'll spend the afternoon exploring as you please; your hotel is centrally located close to many landmark sights. Please join us this evening for a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers at the waterfront Sequoia Grill in Stanley Park.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Day 8: Homeward bound
Your Pacific Northwest tour ends in Vancouver. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Hyatt Regency Vancouver to Vancouver International Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Book this Pacific Northwest tour to see the sights of Washington and British Columbia by floatplane and ferry – call now!
Prices
8 Days from $2,730 plus airfare
| Double | Single | Triple | |
| 2009 Price per Person |
$2730 | $3374 | $2583 |
13 meals included.
Airfare is additional – Tauck can book your air to Seattle and from Vancouver, for travel originating in the U.S., subject to availability; inquire upon booking for special airfares that may be available.
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Note: Due to seasonal ferry schedules, tours departing in early June and late September will cruise to Victoria via the BC ferries through the Gulf Islands, instead of via the Washington State Ferries through the San Juan Islands.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach, luggage handling, admissions and services of Tauck Directors and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Seattle Airport and provide transportation to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Tauck will also provide transportation from the Hyatt Regency Vancouver to the Vancouver International Airport on the day of your departure.
Hotel Accommodations – Tauck’s price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ from place to place, this standard remains uncompromised. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals – Meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Meal codes are: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Gratuities for luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, dining room servers, housekeepers, local guides and the ship and train crew are included.
Tauck Director – Pacific Northwest is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
No Options Sold – With the exception of select options detailed in the itinerary, Tauck’s price includes special dinners, entertainment, sightseeing and most activities. Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Hotel Accommodations – Tauck’s price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ from place to place, this standard remains uncompromised. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals – Meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Meal codes are: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Gratuities for luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, dining room servers, housekeepers, local guides and the ship and train crew are included.
Tauck Director – Pacific Northwest is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
No Options Sold – With the exception of select options detailed in the itinerary, Tauck’s price includes special dinners, entertainment, sightseeing and most activities. Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before & After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Hotel Rooms Before & After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcohol and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, visa fees and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcohol and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, visa fees and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director and Driver Gratuities – The customary gratuity to the Tauck Director and driver is not included. These gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures ― In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking here.
Air Services ― Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures ― Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes & Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to passengers. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Note: Although not expected, prices in this brochure may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at time of booking. The tour begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the last day of the tour. Transportation is provided to Vancouver International Airport regardless of the day and time of your departure. We suggest you allow a minimum of two hours for departure flight check-in at the airport.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour ―Occasionally, we will use photograph taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Photography on Tour ―Occasionally, we will use photograph taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing to Go
Air Conditioning - The motor coaches used on this Pacific Northwest tour are air-conditioned for your comfort. The Fairmont Olympic, Sun Mountain Lodge and Hyatt Regency Hotel have air conditioning; the Fairmont Express Victoria does not.
ATM and Credit Cards ― We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing - Select a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended for sightseeing during the day. Casual resort attire is appropriate for most evenings on this itinerary. Some hotel restaurants may request that gentlemen wear a jacket for dinner, but it is not required. However, for the Welcome and Farewell receptions men may choose to wear a sport jacket.
All of the hotels on this itinerary have room hair dryers and irons, so it is not necessary to pack these items. If they are not found in your room, they can be furnished upon request. Laundry services (coin or valet) are available as well.
We recommend that you pack your prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last through your journey) along with your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage to avoid any inconvenience, in the event that your flight is delayed or the airline loses your luggage.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack:
All of the hotels on this itinerary have room hair dryers and irons, so it is not necessary to pack these items. If they are not found in your room, they can be furnished upon request. Laundry services (coin or valet) are available as well.
We recommend that you pack your prescription medicines (an adequate supply to last through your journey) along with your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage to avoid any inconvenience, in the event that your flight is delayed or the airline loses your luggage.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack:
- Shorts and pants for casual daytime wear
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Bathing suit
- A light sweater or jacket for the cooler months or a breezy night
- Rain jacket, waterproof shell or umbrella
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Appropriate (sealed) footwear for the optional whitewater boat ride; strapless sandals are not suitable.
Elevation –The maximum elevation on this itinerary is 5477 feet. If you have any concerns about the elevation we urge you to speak with your physician before your departure.
Health – There is a moderate amount of walking on this Pacific Northwest tour. To fully enjoy this itinerary, participants must be in fairly good health and be able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. However, for the most part, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and in cities/towns is at your discretion. If you have a medical condition, which might limit your participation in activities, please advise us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you have a walking difficulty, be sure to advise your Tauck Director at the beginning of the Pacific Northwest tour so that rooms close to the public areas or on the ground floor can be requested if possible.
Travelers Needing Special Assistance – Tauck regrets that it cannot provide individual assistance to guests for walking, dining, wheelchairs or other personal needs. Persons needing such assistance must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them.
Luggage Restrictions
Health – There is a moderate amount of walking on this Pacific Northwest tour. To fully enjoy this itinerary, participants must be in fairly good health and be able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. However, for the most part, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and in cities/towns is at your discretion. If you have a medical condition, which might limit your participation in activities, please advise us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you have a walking difficulty, be sure to advise your Tauck Director at the beginning of the Pacific Northwest tour so that rooms close to the public areas or on the ground floor can be requested if possible.
Travelers Needing Special Assistance – Tauck regrets that it cannot provide individual assistance to guests for walking, dining, wheelchairs or other personal needs. Persons needing such assistance must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them.
Luggage Restrictions
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage – General
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – Pacific Northwest begins and ends in the U. S. If you are not a citizen of the United States, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary.
Currently, all U.S. citizens, including children, and citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda traveling by air, land or sea between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document to enter or depart the U.S. Click here for more information on the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Patrol website.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not require a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation. If you are a frequent traveler to Canada from the U.S., you may benefit from the NEXUS program which is joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at Vancouver International Airport, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet site by clicking here.
Anyone with a criminal record (including some misdemeanors such as Driving While Impaired (DWI) charges) may be excluded or removed from Canada, and should contact a Canadian embassy or consulate well in advance of any planned travel to ensure proper travel documentation.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not require a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation. If you are a frequent traveler to Canada from the U.S., you may benefit from the NEXUS program which is joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at Vancouver International Airport, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet site by clicking here.
Anyone with a criminal record (including some misdemeanors such as Driving While Impaired (DWI) charges) may be excluded or removed from Canada, and should contact a Canadian embassy or consulate well in advance of any planned travel to ensure proper travel documentation.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children –
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that guests refrain from cell phone usage during motor coach travel, group functions, sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to Washington and Canada.
Currency and Exchange Rates –For the best exchange rates, we suggest using ATMs, which are easily available throughout Canada, or major credit cards. Although it is not necessary for you to exchange money prior to your arrival in Canada, it may be useful to have a small amount of local currency with you when you arrive in Calgary. If upon arrival you require local currency you can visit the currency exchange facility at the airport, use and ATM, or exchange currency at your hotel. Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine whether you will be able to use your credit card or ATM card in Canada.
Please note that your hotel is unable to exchange large amounts of currency.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. If you are returning from Canada, your purchases are eligible for reduced duty rates if they were grown, manufactured, or produced in Canada, as defined by the NAFTA. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs website for further details and up-to-date limits at www.cbp.gov.
If you are a resident of another country, you should refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Canada levies a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most consumer goods and services. Canada has canceled its Visitor Rebate Program and you can no longer request a refund of the GST if you bring the items purchased out of the country. You may still ship purchases directly from a Canadian business to your non-resident address without being taxed.
The individual states within the U.S. levy sales taxes on consumer goods and services. There is no federal tax similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT) or GST used by other countries that permits non-residents to obtain refunds of the sales taxes levied by each state.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to Washington and Canada.
Currency and Exchange Rates –For the best exchange rates, we suggest using ATMs, which are easily available throughout Canada, or major credit cards. Although it is not necessary for you to exchange money prior to your arrival in Canada, it may be useful to have a small amount of local currency with you when you arrive in Calgary. If upon arrival you require local currency you can visit the currency exchange facility at the airport, use and ATM, or exchange currency at your hotel. Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine whether you will be able to use your credit card or ATM card in Canada.
Please note that your hotel is unable to exchange large amounts of currency.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. If you are returning from Canada, your purchases are eligible for reduced duty rates if they were grown, manufactured, or produced in Canada, as defined by the NAFTA. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs website for further details and up-to-date limits at www.cbp.gov.
If you are a resident of another country, you should refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Canada levies a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most consumer goods and services. Canada has canceled its Visitor Rebate Program and you can no longer request a refund of the GST if you bring the items purchased out of the country. You may still ship purchases directly from a Canadian business to your non-resident address without being taxed.
The individual states within the U.S. levy sales taxes on consumer goods and services. There is no federal tax similar to the Value Added Tax (VAT) or GST used by other countries that permits non-residents to obtain refunds of the sales taxes levied by each state.
Electrical Current –Canada operates on the same electrical system as the United States (110 volts). All outlets look exactly the same and no special attachments or converters are required for using appliances from the United States in Canada.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Fairmont Olympic Hotel – High-speed access in rooms for a fee
Sun Mountain Lodge – High-speed access in rooms for a fee
Fairmont Empress – Access for a fee available in rooms, if requested; computers and lap-top hookups also available for a fee in Business Center.
Hyatt Regency Hotel – High-speed access in rooms for a fee
Guests who are members of the Fairmont President’s Club receive complimentary internet services.
Time Zones – Vancouver and Seattle are 8 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From early March through early November, these cities switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 7 hours behind. To determine current time major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website www.timeanddate.com.
Weather –Temperatures in this region typically range from 50° - 70° F in the summer. However, be prepared for occasional extremes which are common in mountainous and coastal regions. Temperatures during late September and October can get a bit cool, down into the 40°'s F at night. We suggest that prior to departure you check a newspaper or the weather forecast on the Internet for up-to-date information.
Canada operates on the same electrical system as the United States (110 volts). All outlets look exactly the same and no special attachments or converters are required for using appliances from the United States in Canada.
Weather –Temperatures in this region typically range from 50° - 70° F in the summer. However, be prepared for occasional extremes which are common in mountainous and coastal regions. Temperatures during late September and October can get a bit cool, down into the 40°'s F at night. We suggest that prior to departure you check a newspaper or the weather forecast on the Internet for up-to-date information.
Canada operates on the same electrical system as the United States (110 volts). All outlets look exactly the same and no special attachments or converters are required for using appliances from the United States in Canada.
If You Have To Cancel
Cancellations Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Please click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase the Tauck Protection Plan, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$350 per person
59-8 days before departure
$600 per person
7-1 days before departure
$900 per person