Best of the Rockies 17 DaY CaMPING TOuR - Adventure holidays

North, Central & South America 

Small Group Adventures 

TRIP DOSSIER 

Best of the Rockies 17 Day CAMPING Tour 

Active 

+ 

CAMPING HOTELS 

5 US States & 2 Canadian Provinces: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Alberta & British Columbia 

At a glance: 

Trip Code: PBR 

Length: 17 days 

Departs: Seattle 

Location: Western USA/Canada 

Style: Active 

Accommodation: 12 nights camping, 

3 hotel nights in 3 star accommodation 

& 1 night mountain lodge. 

Meals: All meals whilst camping 

& at mountain lodge 

is this tour for me 

Cross the stunning mountain ranges of North America and travel along the 

Continental Divide to the best National Parks of the Rockies. Enjoy camping under 

stars in the most rugged terrain and pristine ecosystem the region has to offer on 

this active trip. This trip is suitable for those interested in outdoor activities and 

lifestyle, rugged mountainous settings, and wildlife viewing. 

Trip overview 

Known for its incredible diversity, we’ll explore Olympic National Park’s distinct 

coastline, rainforest and alpine regions. See Mt Rainier National Park’s impressive 

namesake, a volcanic peak standing over 14,000 feet tall and home to 26 glaciers, 

including the largest in the contiguous United States. 

Cross the Cascade Mountains to Craters of the Moon National Park, an otherworldly 

landscape of lava fields and the world’s deepest rift. 

Stop at the western town of Jackson to take in the rodeo and marvel at the Grand 

Tetons. View some of North America’s biggest wildlife and witness geothermal 

wonders at the world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park. 

After a relaxing stop at our exclusive Montana lodge, take in the sites in ‘hiker’s 

paradise’, Glacier National Park. Enjoy the stunning views and excellent nightlife in 

Banff National Park. Follow the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park where 

you can opt for one of the many optional activities. 

Visit the old Gastown district or pay homage to Vancouver’s original inhabitants with 

a stroll amongst the totems of Stanley Park. 

Highlights: 

Scenic ferry with views of Olympic Range and Mount Rainier 

Yellowstone National Park’s thriving wildlife & geothermal wonders 

Authentic Western Montana Ranch stay with cowboy fire & home-cooked meals 

The abundant wildlife & sparkling glaciers of Glacier National Park 

The magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountains at Banff & Jasper National Parks 

Vancouver’s world-renowned Stanley Park & vibrant nightlife at Gastown 

GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE 

UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921 FAX +44 (0)20 8675 0551 

USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: info@grandamericanadventures.co.uk 

www.grandamericanadventures.com 

ABTA No.Y0696 

Accredited Agent 

91-2-74330 

6576

Itinerary & Details 

Day 1 - Seattle > Olympic National Park – We begin the journey with a 

short drive west to rugged Olympic National Park. From the crashing 

waves of the Pacific coast through coastal rainforests to glacier capped 

peaks, this is a primeval sanctuary for humans and wild creatures 

alike; over 95% of this park is a designated wilderness area. 

Options: Various hikes from easy to strenuous and wildlife viewing 

Accommodation: Camping with dinner included 

Day 2 - Olympic National Park – With two nights camping here, 

we’ll have the chance to enjoy a stroll through the Hoh Rainforest, 

relax in Sol Duc Hot Springs, or enjoy a magnificent sunset over the 

spectacular Lake Crescent. There are many optional walks on offer 

and the choice is yours - you can do as much or as little as you please. 

Options: Various hikes from easy to strenuous and Sol Duc Hot Springs 

Accommodation: Camping with all meals included 

Day 3 - Mount Rainier National Park – On to the stunning snow covered 

peak of Mount Rainier in Washington State. At over 14,000 feet this 

active volcano looms large over the horizon of the Pacific Northwest. 

Draped in snow, Mount Rainier has the greatest single peak glacial 

system in the United States, covering 36 square miles of the mountain 

with sheer ice! With over 260 miles of well maintained trails winding 

through varied terrain; from old growth forest to subalpine meadows, 

there are plenty of different hiking options available. 

Options: Various hikes from easy to strenuous 


Day 4 - Baker City, Oregon – Travelling over the Cascade Mountains, 

we make our way to Baker City nestled deep in Oregon’s ancient 

national forest land. The town was founded out of the gold rush boom 

and is littered with examples of ornate architecture from its gold rush 

heyday. Why not visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive 

Centre to learn more about the history of those who travelled on the 

Oregon Trail. Tonight we’ll stay in the historic, charming and elegant 

Geiser Grand Hotel. 


Accommodation: Hotel with meals paid locally 

Day 5 - Craters of the Moon National Monument – This “weird and 

scenic” landscape contains three major lava fields covering half a 

million acres! This harsh and arid environment, used by NASA for 

Apollo mission training, has clearly visible black lava flows and tubes, 

volcanic craters and spatter cones, all laying in the cradle of Idaho’s 

Snake River Plain. We’ll take the 7 mile loop road to explore some of 

the more interesting phenomena of the park. 



Day 6 - Grand Teton National Park & Jackson – Continuing our journey 

in Wyoming, we pay a visit to Grand Teton National Park where a walk 

to Inspiration Point with views over Jenny Lake and the stunning Teton 

Range will be high on your ‘to do’ list. We stay in Jackson to enjoy a 

truly friendly and authentic western town experience. Once home 

to trappers and a hideout for outlaws and rustlers, Jackson is now 

renowned for its cafes and western style saloons! Why not whet your 

whistle at the world-famous Million Dollar Cowboy Saloon tonight 

Options: Various hikes from easy to strenuous, western saloon evening 

and rodeo (in season) 


Day 7/8 - Yellowstone National Park – Nature at its best! This National 

Park is so large its boundaries cross into three states. Yellowstone has 

one of the highest concentrations of geothermal activity on the planet. 

Buffalo roam amongst the erupting geysers and steam rises from hot 

spring-fed rivers running through the park. A fire in the 1980s ravaged 

much of Yellowstone, which is now a living testament to nature’s power 

of regeneration. Keep an eye out for elk, grizzly bears and wolves as 

we witness the many geothermal wonders and pristine wilderness of 

this park. 

Options: Various hikes from easy to strenuous, geothermal geysers 

and mud pools, and wildlife viewing 


Day 9 - Montana Lodge – Our next stop is a hidden secret, nestled deep 

in the wilderness of the Tobacco Root Mountains. This is an authentic 

working guest ranch, complete with on-site taxidermy! Enjoy the wide 

expanses where we get a chance to absorb the tranquillity of the great 

outdoors on an optional horseback ride. Later, we fill our bellies with 

an old-fashioned home-cooked cowboy meal and enjoy a camp fire 

under Montana’s ‘big sky country’! 

Options: Horseback riding, enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and 

ranch hospitality 

Accommodation: Lodging | Dinner & breakfast at ranch included 

Day 10/11 - Glacier National Park – We continue north into Montana 

and Glacier National Park - the ‘Crown of the Continent.’ A rugged 

landscape of glacier-carved valleys underneath towering peaks, this 

park crosses two mountain ranges and an international border. It 

encompasses over one million acres, contains 25 glaciers and is prime 

habitat for hundreds of animal species including mountain goats, bald 

eagles and grizzly bears. With exposed peaks rising abruptly from 

alpine lakes, this park is sure to leave most visitors speechless! In our 

time here we get to jump on board the free shuttle bus and enjoy the 

spectacular glacial scenery or partake in some wildlife viewing. 

Options: Various hikes from easy to strenuous, wildlife viewing and 

stunning glacial scenery 


Day 12/13 - Calgary & Banff National Park – From Montana we 

cross the border into the province of Alberta, in Canada and stop by 

Calgary en route to Banff National Park along the Trans-Canada 

Highway. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff 

National Park was established in 1885 and is Canada’s oldest 

national park. Its mountainous terrain encompasses coniferous 

forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers. 

Banff is a veritable outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with opportunities 

to raft the white waters of the Kicking Horse River or ride up the 

gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Another exciting optional 

activity is to view all this scenic grandeur from a helicopter ( ). 

Outstanding hikes are available and, with an abundance of wildlife 

around, there is always a chance of seeing something. There is 

nothing better after a hard day of fun than a soak in the Sulphur 

Mountain Hot Springs. Banff’s nightlife offers great live music and 

a fine selection of restaurants. 

Options: Various hikes from easy to strenuous, whitewater rafting, 

cycling and scenic helicopter flight 


Day 14 - Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park – We travel on the 

Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), one of the world’s most spectacular 

scenic drives along the continental divide to Jasper National Park. 

We’ll stop to gaze at Peyto Lake’s brilliant turquoise hues and then 

have the option to traverse a portion of the imposing Athabasca 

Glacier on a guided glacier walk. We carry on to Jasper and finish up 

this active day by setting up camp for a two-night stay. 





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Options: Various hikes from easy to strenuous and stunning scenery 


Day 15 - Jasper National Park – Jasper National Park is the largest 

national park in Canada, covering an area of 18,878 square kilometres 

(4200 square miles). Far less developed than the other parks of western 

Canada, it offers a truly remote wilderness feel. While here, we can 

take advantage of Jasper’s many optional activities. We can take the 

cable car to Whistler Mountain for a bird’s eye view of this splendid 

park, mountain bike or hike amidst glorious lakeside scenery, or visit 

Mount Edith Cavell for tremendous views of Angel Glacier. 

Options: Various hikes from easy to strenuous, mountain biking and 

visit to Mount Edith Cavell 


Day 16 - Hope, British Columbia – Travel west through the arid Central 

Valley before entering the awesome Fraser River Canyon, gateway to 

the lush coastal region. The town of Hope is ideally located within a 

network of parks, rivers and pathways and the Othello Tunnels in 

Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park make for a great stop. Walk through 

the hand carved tunnels and enjoy views of the surrounding gorge and 

admire the perseverance of British Columbia’s early settlers to build 

this stretch of railway. 

Options: Enjoy spectacular views of this lush region 


Day 17 - Vancouver – On the edge of the western Canadian wilderness 

lies the vibrant city of Vancouver. With a metropolitan population of 

over 2.3 million, this is one of the most attractive cities in the world, 

surrounded by water and home to one of the best urban parks in 

the world. We enjoy a short orientation tour of the city that takes us 

through the thriving downtown neighbourhoods of Chinatown and 

Gastown while stopping at the pristine Stanley Park. 

Why not book additional nights accommodation in Vancouver to 

explore this vivacious city. 

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can 

book your post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If 

you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs 

before 21:00 hrs. 

Inclusions 

• Services of professional tour leader 

• Transportation in customised vehicle 

• 12 nights camping fees & equipment (except sleeping bag), 3 hotel 

nights & 1 night mountain lodge 

• All meals whilst camping 

• Exclusive mountain lodge stay 

• Sulphur Mountain hot springs 

• Scenic ferry with views of Olympic Range and Mount Rainier 

• Stay in the historic Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker City 

• Sightseeing in Vancouver 

• Set foot on the Athabasca Glacier 

• Entrance to Olympic, Mount Rainier, Glacier, Craters of the Moon, 

Yellowstone, Banff & Jasper National Parks 

Optional Activities 

There are many opportunities for optional activities during your 

tour. Your tour guide will organise these on your behalf and you will 

pay locally in cash. Featured activities and approximate prices are 

listed below: 

• Horseback riding US$/CAD$45-$115 

• Mountain biking US$/CAD$45-$95 

• Western saloon evening US$/CAD$10 

• Seattle Space Needle US$/CAD$18 

• Guided glacier walk US$35-$175 

• Western Rodeo (in season) US$/CAD$10-$25 

• Whitewater rafting (in season) US$/CAD$100-$200 

• Scenic helicopter flight over the Rockies ( ) CAD$195 

• Scenic glacier flight US$/CAD$195 

• Scenic walks and hikes US$/CAD$FREE 

High / Low Temperatures in Celsius (ºC) 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 

Seattle HIGH 7 9 11 14 18 21 24 24 20 15 10 7 

LOW 2 3 3 5 8 10 12 13 10 7 4 2 

Mt. Rainier HIGH 2 4 7 12 17 19 28 23 20 14 7 4 

NP LOW -4 -3 -2 0 3 6 8 8 6 3 -1 -2 

Olympic HIGH 8 9 11 13 16 18 20 20 19 15 10 8 

NP LOW 1 2 2 3 6 8 10 10 8 5 3 2 

Yellowstone HIGH -4 -2 2 6 11 17 22 22 17 9 1 -4 

NP LOW -17 -17 -13 -8 -2 2 6 4 1 -4 -10 -15 

Banff HIGH 6 0 3 9 14 18 21 21 16 10 0 -6 

NP LOW -15 -12 -8 -3 1 5 7 7 2 -1 -8 -14 

Jasper HIGH 6 0 3 10 15 19 22 21 16 10 0 -6 

NP LOW -15 -12 -8 -3 2 6 8 7 3 -1 -8 -14 

Vancouver HIGH 6 8 11 12 16 19 21 21 18 13 9 6 

LOW 0 1 3 4 8 10 12 13 10 6 3 1 

C / F Conversions: -10ºC = 14ºF 0ºC = 32ºF 10ºC = 50ºF 20ºC = 68ºF 

30ºC = 86ºF 40ºC = 104ºF 

Physical Rating/Preparation 

Our active tours are suitable for people of all levels of experience and 

fitness. Active tours embrace the nature of the explorer and usually 

include a range of adventurous activities, such as walking and hiking 

as well as city sightseeing. Walks, hikes and activities cater to everyone 

from beginner to expert, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. 

There will often be a wide variety of options available depending on 

your interest, budget and ability. 

Tour Itineraries 

Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount 

of flexibility and from time to time your tour leader may suggest 

changes. This may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a 

special attraction or event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is 

key and often a side diversion will be a highlight of the tour. Hikes and 

optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on 

ability, group interest, local weather conditions and time of year. 

All details are provided in good faith. Due to the nature of travel, this 

information can change and should therefore be taken as an indication 

only and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Grand American 

Adventures. If you have any questions, please contact us. 

Please also ensure that you download an up-to-date copy of this 

dossier before you depart to join your tour to ensure you have the most 

up to date information as occasionally our itineraries may be amended 

either in response to feedback from customers or for operational 

reasons. This dossier was last updated on 22/10/2013. 





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Customer Feedback 

When asked, “what was the best part of the tour”, passengers said: 

“Meeting great people, mountain biking and going on some fantastic 

hikes in Banff and Jasper were the highlight for me.” 

– Julian Tozer from the UK 

Before You Depart 

PRE AND POST TOUR HOTELS 

Grand American Adventures tours begin and end at our gateway 

hotels, which are conveniently located in our departure and arrival 

cities. Generally our tours depart from our gateway hotels at 

07.30am and finish at around 17.00, so it is advisable to book a room 

in these hotels at the beginning or end of your tour. 

If you are travelling on your own, we can usually book you into a twin 

room sharing with another passenger for up to 2 nights before and 

after your tour. Additional nights may be available on request. If you 

would prefer to have your own room, we can also book private rooms. 

For more information on our gateway hotels or to book, please 

contact our reservations team or visit: 

www.grandamericanadventures.com/hotels 

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS 

We recommend you book your flight to arrive into the departure 

city at least one day prior to your tour’s departure; this will allow 

you some adjustment time and opportunities for sightseeing. We 

also suggest that you book your return flight the day after your tour 

finishes. If you do have to return home on the day your tour finishes, 

please make sure that your flight does not depart before 9pm. 

For anyone leaving from the UK we would be pleased to book your 

flight in conjunction with your tour. Please contact us for competitive 

prices on flights departing from most UK airports. 

Please note that all international and domestic flights are your 

own responsibility. We are unable to delay a tour, or finish a tour 

early due to your flight times. In the event you must leave the tour 

early for your return flight, you need to inform us at least two weeks 

before your tour’s departure, in addition it will be your responsibility 

to organize your own transportation to the airport. 

do not include, or restrict, coverage for this type of travel. There 

may be cheaper policies available, but this does not mean it may 

be better value - we strongly advise you check fully what will and 

won’t be covered. Any claims concerning matters for which you are 

insured must be directed to your insurers. 

PASSPORT AND VISAS 

You will need a valid passport with six months validity following the 

end of your trip, together with the necessary visa(s) for the country/ 

countries you are visiting. It is important that you apply for each 

of the necessary visas while in your home country. Please keep in 

mind that some tours may spend time in more than one country. For 

specific visa information, please consult the relevant embassies. 

Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have valid passport 

and the correct visas for your tour. 

VISA AND RULES FOR ENTRY TO THE USA 

Travellers from the EU and certain countries are eligible to travel 

to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. All eligible travellers 

who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply 

for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before 

travelling to the USA. At the time of compilation there is a US$/ 

CAD$14 fee for the electronic visa (ESTA]. The ESTA will be valid 

for a period of two years, or until a person’s passport expires. You 

should apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before you travel, and 

we recommend you carry your ESTA approval with you. You can 

apply for an ESTA at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. 

Passengers that have not applied for and received travel authorisation 

via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed 

processing or be denied admission at the US port of entry. However, 

neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for 

travelling visa-free on the VWP, guarantees admission to the United 

States. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility 

is made by immigration officials at the port of entry. 

Important reminder: If you are refused boarding or denied admission 

at the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation 

charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you. 

CITY SIGHTSEEING 

If you are spending extra time in our gateway cities, you can now plan 

in advance by pre-booking unique city sightseeing day tours in addition 

to your trip. Find out more at: www.grandamericanadventures. 

com/citytours 

TRAVEL INSURANCE 

It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must be insured 

against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation 

costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue service). You will be 

asked to provide details of your insurance policy, including insurer, 

policy number and phone number before embarking on the trip. 

We offer an insurance policy that is designed specifically to cover 

the potential risks on our tours - particularly the many optional 

activities offered. If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that 

the policy you do take offers an equivalent level of protection and 

covers you for the activities involved - be aware that some policies 





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TIPPING 

Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and 

expected in North America to tip waiters, bar staff and taxi drivers or 

any type of guide. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend 

upon their tips for their livelihood. A minimum of 15-18% is standard 

in restaurants. Your tour leader also works long and hard for you, 

so if the leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations, 

we recommend you consider a tip of US$/CAD$5-7 per person, per 

day, in appreciation of the service you receive. 

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE 

Each passenger will be allowed one bag, backpack or suitcase (20kg 

maximum) plus a sleeping bag. A small daypack and camera may 

also be carried in our vehicle. 

SLEEPING BAGS 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS 

If you have any medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy or 

asthma, take prescribed medicines, or have a condition that will 

affect your participation in the tour, you must tell us or your travel 

agent at the time of booking. Please be aware we may require a 

doctor’s note prior to travel for some conditions. This information 

is essential in case of emergency. All of our vehicles carry a basic 

first-aid kit, but for everyday use you should bring your own medical 

supplies, such as pain relievers, antibiotic cream and upset stomach 

relievers, in addition to sunscreen and insect repellent. 

VACCINATIONS 

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for North America. 

However Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, TB, Tetanus and Typhoid 

are recommended. Please consult your doctor or vaccination centre 

for up-to-date information. 

What you need for your tour 

SPENDING MONEY 

We recommend you take at least US$40/CAD$40 dollars per person 

per day to cover local expenses, but it’s better to bring more than 

you need rather than run short on tour. Your spending money 

needs to cover any meals and drinks not included in the tour price, 

optional activities, personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs 

and snacks along the way. ATM/Cash points are widely available in 

all major cities and small towns, but may be limited in some off the 

beaten track destinations, so we suggest you have US$/CAD$150 

with you in cash. Please ensure that your credit or debit cards have 

international access and a PIN number to access your funds at the 

start of the tour. Travellers Cheques are accepted and can be a safe 

way to take your funds but aren’t always the most practical. 

PRE-PAID CURRENCY CARDS 

It is personal preference as to how you take your money and it’s 

recommended to take some cash with you to be prepared when you 

arrive, but Grand American Adventures is pleased to endorse FairFX 

prepaid currency cards. Please ask one of our sales consultants or 

click on the link www.fairfx.com/trekamerica to find out how to 

receive a FREE currency card, worth a retail value of £9.95. 

You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for this tour, we will 

provide you with a self-inflating mattress to sleep on. If you are 

travelling on an early or late season tour or a winter tour, you might 

want to consider bringing a mountain climate sleeping bag as the 

weather can be much cooler. 

PACKING TIPS 

CLOTHING 

Please keep in mind that our dress tends to be informal. It is advised 

that you take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and 

cool climates to suit the season. Please see the temperature guide 

showing the highs and lows that can be expected in key locations 

that your tour visits. However please remember that this is just a 

guide and you may encounter a wide variety of temperatures en 

route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions - so it’s 

best to be prepared! 

Besides your essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items 

you should take: 

• Waterproof jacket 

• Warm sweater / fleece 

• Casual ‘evening out’ clothes 

• Pillowcase / Sleeping bag liner 

• Hiking shoes / boots 

• Comfortable day shoes 

• Sandals or flip-flops 

• Warm hat / gloves 

• Swim wear 

• Sun hat / sunglasses 

• Camera / binoculars 

• Small flashlight / torch 

• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET) 

• Travel power adaptor 

• Toiletries / personal medicine 

Please note the airlines have various rules on what can be carried in 

your luggage - if in doubt check with your airline before travelling. 

FOOTWEAR 

We recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with 

good ankle support will make all walking more enjoyable. If you do 

not own a pair, then trainers/sneakers will suffice. 





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CLOTHES WASHING 

You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes whilst you are on 

tour, and this can often be done at the hotel or in a local town. Ask 

your tour leader for local information. 

BATTERY CHARGING 

Many of our travellers bring mobile phones, music devices and 

cameras that require frequent battery charging during a tour. When 

camping it is often difficult to find a safe and secure wall outlet to 

recharge these devices, therefore we recommend that you bring a car 

charger. Every vehicle has two outlets for your use, but please bear in 

mind that thirteen people travelling with multiple devices can mean 

very little charge time per person per days so it may be useful bringing 

extra batteries. When you are staying in hotels, your room will have an 

electrical outlet (just remember your international adaptor!). 

Keeping in touch 

Whilst in the USA our vehicles are equipped with WiFi, so 

you can keep in touch with friends and family from the road. 

Please note: Access is limited to 5 passengers at any one time. 

No WiFi access whilst in Canada. 

Please check with your network provider as to whether your mobile 

phone will work in the Americas. Grand American Adventures has 

partnered with e-kit to provide some of the cheapest ways to keep 

in touch with family and friends while on tour. E-kit can provide 

international calling cards, pre-paid SIMs or international mobile 

handsets. All Grand American Adventures customers are eligible 

for a free SIM card plus US$5 calling credit, please see http://www. 

grandamericanadventures.com/SIM for more details. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT 

In the event of an emergency or if you wish to report a problem on 

tour please do not hesitate to call our toll free* 24-hour emergency 

contact number. Remember, if we don’t know about it we won’t be 

able to do anything about it. 

Phone number for family to contact you: 

Toll-Free (*in the US): 1 (800) 786 - 8735 

International: 001 (707) 523 - 1800 

JOINING YOUR TOUR 

TOUR AND ACCOMMODATION VOUCHERS 

A Tour Voucher will be emailed to you once your balance has been 

paid in full. Vouchers for any hotel nights you have booked before 

or after your tour as well as any additional day tours will also be 

available for you to print. For those without email access your 

vouchers will be posted. Please make sure that these vouchers are 

correct and please take these with you when you travel. 

JOINING POINT 

You will need to make your own way to the gateway hotel or joining 

point for your tour. Please find the details for this tour below: 

Clarion Hotel 

Seattle International Airport 

3000 South 176th Street 

Seattle, WA 98198 

Tel: 1-206 242 0200 

Fax: 1-206 242 1998 

Transfer: There are courtesy phones In the baggage claim area 

for hotel shuttle service. You can pick up any of these phones and 

dial # 38 to request a pick up. Once you have requested this you 

will need to follow the signs to courtesy shuttle pick up, Islands 1 

or 3. (head up the escalators, over the sky bridge and back down 

ground level where they will need to be at either island 1 or 3). 

Alternatively the cab fare should be under US $10. 

Most of our tours start at our gateway hotels at 7.30am. There are 

some exceptions, so please check your vouchers. Make sure you 

have your bags packed, have eaten breakfast and have checked out 

of your room before meeting your tour leader in the hotel lobby. You 

will spend a few minutes filling out paperwork and meeting your 

fellow travellers before departing the hotel. 

ARRIVAL COMPLICATIONS 

Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed 

or you may even miss it! If you have missed your tour departure, first 

check with the hotel to see if your tour leader has left you a message. 

If not, call the relevant emergency number and speak to our staff 

who will be happy to help you catch up with the group. Please note 

that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses incurred 

due to you missing your tour’s departure, so please be on time. 

LUGGAGE STORAGE 

Although we cannot provide luggage storage facilities on this tour, 

some of our gateway hotels may offer this service. Please contact 

the hotel directly for further information. 

FINISHING POINT 

Hampton Inn Vancouver Airport Hotel 

8811 Bridgeport Road 

Richmond, British Columbia, 

Canada V6X 1R9 

Tel: 1-604 232 5505 

All tours end on arrival at the gateway hotel in the terminating 

city. Most tours end at our hotel between 5pm to 6pm on the final 

day. Some tour activities scheduled for the last day may preclude 

an earlier arrival at the gateway hotel, so you should not book a 

departure flight that leaves prior to 9pm. You will be responsible 

for any transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier flight 





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and you must make us aware of this well in advance of your tour 

departing. If you require accommodation on this last night, it is 

essential that you book this before your tour departs. 

ABOUT our tours 

Transportation 

All of our private vehicles are designed to ensure your safety, 

comfort and enjoyment of the tour. In North America, our 15-seater 

Fords feature raised ceilings for more headroom, individual captain 

seats for added comfort and an open centre aisle floor plan, making 

it easier when getting in and out for those many photo opportunities. 

The size of our vehicles allows us to reach more remote destinations 

not accessible to larger vehicles. 

All our vehicles are equipped with CD stereo systems (often iPodcompatible) 

and air-conditioning. Whilst in the USA our vehicles are 

also equipped with WiFi, so you can keep in touch from the road. 

ACCOMMODATION 

Grand American Adventures camping tours use National and State 

Park campsites and also a wide assortment of private campgrounds. 

Most will have flush toilets and hot showers. Many campgrounds 

charge an additional fee of US$/CAD$1-$3 for showers. You will 

sleep in high quality, heavy duty tents which single travellers 

share with one other passenger of the same sex. Our high quality 

camping equipment also includes top of the line field kitchens, 

thick inflatable sleeping pads, food storage and camp lanterns and 

chairs. Most campsites have a quiet time from 10pm to 7am. Please 

respect your fellow campers who are there to enjoy the peace and 

tranquillity of camping. 

Hotel accommodation will be in clean, comfortable hotels or 

lodges with en-suite bathroom facilities, chosen for their friendly 

atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the region. You will 

be roomed with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin share 

basis (two people per room) unless you are travelling as a couple. 

There are no compulsory single supplements on our tours, however 

if you’d like your own space, you can request a single room for an 

additional fee. 

SECURITY 

Occasionally, you will eat out in local restaurants. To help you 

budget for these meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from 

US$/CAD$6-$12, lunches from US$/CAD$8-$15 and dinners from 

US$/CAD$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic beverages. Wine 

costs approximately US$/CAD$5 per glass and beer US$/CAD$4 

per bottle. Please be aware that a tip of approximately 15%-18% is 

added to group meals in North American restaurants. Applicable 

taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices. 

Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements 

before travelling. 

Your Tour Leader 

Your tour leader will take care of all the planning and organisation 

throughout your tour, they will drive the van taking you from A to B 

and make sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there 

to make sure you get the most out of your tour; organising activities, 

providing information and answering any questions you may have 

as well as sorting out any queries or problems you may encounter. 

If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do on 

your tour, then please let your tour leader know at the beginning of 

the tour and they will do their best to help you. 

CAMP DUTIES 

An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day 

camp duties and everyone will assist with the setting up and packing 

up of the campsite. Your tour leader will provide guidance on what to 

do, and typically it will only take 15 minutes to set up or break down 

the tents and camp kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying 

‘home sweet home’ in the great outdoors. 

Your tour leader will also co-ordinate and assist the group with 

food shopping, preparing meals and cleaning up. Sharing the camp 

duties is a great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the 

group camaraderie is all part of the experience. 

THE GROUP 

The maximum group size is 13 passengers. Passengers come 

from a range of countries worldwide (average of 4 nationalities per 

group) and many will be solo travellers. You will find you have many 

things in common with your fellow travellers, including a passion 

for discovery and a strong interest in exploring the National Parks. 

No matter where you find yourself in the world, you need to look after 

your valuables. Use your best common sense! While in cities, do not 

leave valuables in the vehicle. While camping, do not leave valuables 

in tents when away from camp. In general, the safest place for items 

such as passports, flight tickets and cash is on your person or in a 

hotel safe where available. When in doubt consult your tour leader. 

We would like to remind you that you are ultimately responsible for 

your safety and well-being. Whether you are taking public transport, 

going for a hike or taking part in an optional activity, we request that 

you carry yourself in a mature and responsible manner - not only 

for your own personal safety, but for that of the group and other 

travellers. 

MEALS 

On all camping tours, all of the meals are included whilst camping. 

Your tour leader will coordinate local shopping and assist the 

group in preparing healthy, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and 

delicious dinners. 





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Grand American Adventures tours are designed for adults over 18 

years old. While most passengers are aged 25-55, every year we 

get many people both above and below this age range. All travellers 

over the age of 70 will be requested to complete a self-declaration 

of fitness form prior to travel. 

Our tours are a unique holiday experience and much of your 

enjoyment will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun 

you’ll have together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot 

stress strongly enough the importance of bringing a positive 

attitude with you on tour; a sure guarantee to enjoying each and 

every moment, even in the adversity of the odd rainstorm! 

RESPONSIBLE and sustainable TRAVEL 

We are committed to offering low impact tours that benefit both 

the places and communities we visit as well as our travellers. It is 

important for us all to be aware of the delicate balance that exists 

in the variety of natural wonders you will visit. National Parks and 

monuments, archaeological sites and other sensitive areas should 

and must be treated with respect. 

We have created a ‘Travellers’ Code of Conduct’ to help prepare and 

inform our groups of the various positive or negative effects they 

could have on a destination. The code includes tips on everything 

from handling wildlife encounters to how you can help to conserve 

precious natural resources. Our tour leaders will explain this code 

of conduct during the first night’s orientation talk and encourage 

you to follow it throughout the tour. 

This code includes following the ‘Leave No Trace’ ethic, this is an 

international campaign that is designed to help us minimise the 

impact on the National Parks and other wilderness areas that we 

visit. Some key guidelines we follow include keeping to existing 

trails, staying in official campgrounds and disposing of all waste 

responsibly and recycling whatever we can. 

We are proud supporters of the American Hiking Society, which 

champions conservation issues in the United States and represents 

millions of hikers committed to preserving America’s vast network 

of hiking trails and their surrounding ecosystems. 

Whenever possible, we use local accommodation and activity 

providers. We also shop locally for groceries, eat in small family-run 

restaurants and visit local shops whenever possible. This all brings 

economic benefit to the local communities that we visit. 

After your tour 

Feedback & Reviews 

We want to hear about your experience and stories from the road, 

so please feel free to e-mail us any comments, feedback or reviews 

whilst you are on tour or when you return home to comments@ 

grandamericanadventures.co.uk. You can also share your experience 

with all of our friends and fans on Facebook by logging on to www. 

facebook.com/GrandAmericanAdventures. We value your feedback 

and tour reviews, which help us in developing and improving our 

programme. It’s input and suggestions from travellers like you that 

has helped make Grand American Adventures what it is today. 

We Want Your Photos! 

We can always use your holiday snaps and short videos to 

better depict and promote all the fascinating places we visit. 

Whether it’s just sitting around the campfire or strolling 

down The Strip, there’s no better way to share your Grand 

American Adventure. So if you just want to send over a 

couple of your best shots (max 10MB) please e-mail them to 

comments@grandamericanadventures.co.uk. You know what 

they say, a picture’s worth a thousand words! 

Responsible Tourism on the Best of the Rockies... 

We spend a significant amount of time at various National Parks 

on this tour, the included entrance fees help to preserve the 

status and upkeep of the park on a continued and sustainable 

basis. Interaction with National Park Rangers helps to preserve 

this role as an employment opportunity for local people and 

future generations 

Our tour leaders will educate travellers on how best to interact 

with the wildlife in the parks, for example advising people not 

to feed the animals to stop them becoming dependent on handouts 

from humans. They will also advise all groups to keep to the 

path to avoid upsetting the balance of nature. 

HOW TO BOOK 

Contact us by telephone, email or via our website to check 

availability for the tour you are interested in. We can normally hold 

a seat on ‘option’ for up to 3 days to allow you time to finalise your 

travel arrangements. In order to secure your place we require a 

deposit (full payment within 8 weeks of travel) and an agreement 

from you to our terms and conditions. Check availability early to 

avoid disappointment: www.grandamericanadventures.com 

FURTHER QUESTIONS 

Please contact our UK Sales team on: 

Tel: +44 (0)208 682 8921 

Fax: +44 (0)208 675 0551 

Enquiries: info@grandamericanadventures.co.uk 





ABTA No.Y0696 


91-2-74330 

6576

Best of the Rockies 17 DaY CaMPING TOuR - Adventure holidays

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