Classic Canadian Tours

Does Classic Canadian Tours offer travel insurance?

Classic Canadian Tours does not provide travel insurance. If you would like to purchase travel insurance we suggest that you first check with your credit card company, as it may be offered on purchases made with your credit card. Travel insurance may also be purchased through your car or home insurance provider or through a travel insurance company, such as Travel Guard. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance will ensure that you are covered in the event that you are not able to make the trip for a personal reason, such as illness or if your trip is interrupted for an unforeseen reason, such as weather. Travel medical insurance, will pay the upfront costs not covered by Provincial Healthcare, such as evacuation, if you do not have extended health benefits. Only your insurance provider will be able to let you know your exact coverage

Are meals included with the Grizzly Day Tour price?

Yes. You will be served breakfast during the flight to Prince Rupert, lunch will be served on the catamaran and dinner will be served on the flight home. If you have any food allergies and/or special dietary meal requirements, please contact us at least one week prior to the flight and we will make our best efforts to ensure that a special meal is prepared for you.

Is the catamaran comfortable?

Yes. The catarman is 72 feet long and seats 100 passengers. There are viewing decks outside, but also floor to ceiling windows for viewing from indoors.

Can food be purchased on the boat?

Yes. There is a snack counter to purchase items in addition to the lunch that is provided with the tour.

Where do I check-in for my flight?

The Grizzly Bear Tours depart from a private departure lounge. If you are booked on the tour, the location and a map will be provided at least 30 days prior to the departure date. In the case that you do not receive the document, please contact our office; Calgary (403)295-1415 or toll free 1-866-460-1415.

How are my tour payments protected?

Payments and deposits will be handled by Classic Canadian Tours or your selected travel professional. They/We are responsible under jurisdictional law to appropriately handle the payments.

What should I bring with me for the day?

To help ensure a more memorable journey, here are some suggested items to bring:

o Camera

o Sun glasses

o Sunscreen

o Binoculars (optional)

o Water proof jacket (rain coat or poncho), sweater, hat, gloves

o Walking shoes or runners with good traction

o Comfortable, casual clothing for cruising and in-flight travel

o Backpack or light weight carry-on-bag

What is the luggage allowance?

Guests are welcome to bring two carry-on bags (total of 22kgs). Checked baggage will not be offered for these flights.

What type of aircraft is chartered?

Classic Canadian tours has chartered a Boeing 737, operated by Canadian North Airlines.

What is the average temperature on the west coast?

The west coast temperature, north of Prince Rupert average temperatures range between 10 C to 18.0 C.

What is the time zone in this region?

Prince Rupert and the west coast is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone (PST). When times are referenced in any collateral it is referring to the local time of that particular destination.

Camera lens tips by our naturalist, Les Stegenga, for the Grizzly Bear West Coast Tour

For optimal wildlife photography on this tour, a longer camera lens is advantageous. Our initial bear sightings occur from a distance, with the skipper guiding us closer, considering both the bear's behavior and water depth. We often approach within 50 to 100 meters, sometimes closer.

The Khutzemateen bears are accustomed to viewers but can vary in their comfort with human presence. My personal experience with a 100-400 mm lens has been positive, offering versatility. However, for dedicated wildlife photographers, lenses under 300 mm might compromise image quality without significant cropping. I recommend a minimum of 300 mm for quality shots, though less powerful lenses can suffice for more casual photography.

Near Prince Rupert, opportunities to photograph bald eagles arise, and my Canon 100-400 mm lens has been effective for this purpose as well. While I prefer handholding my lens, monopods can be useful despite potential boat vibration. Tripods are not permitted due to space limitations.