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 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, home insurance provider, or travel insurance company, such as Travel Guard. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance will ensure that you are covered if you cannot make the trip for a personal reason, such as illness or if your trip is interrupted for an unforeseen reason, such as weather. If you do not have extended health benefits, travel medical insurance will pay upfront costs not covered by Provincial Healthcare, such as evacuation. Only your insurance provider can let you know your exact coverage.

Are meals included with the Grizzly Day Tour price?

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

Is the catamaran comfortable?

Yes. The catamaran is 72 feet long and seats 100 passengers. It has viewing decks outside and floor-to-ceiling windows for indoor viewing.

Can food be purchased on the boat?

Yes. There is a snack counter where you can purchase items in addition to the lunch provided with the tour. Cash, debit, and credit cards are accepted, with card transactions possible within about one hour of Prince Rupert while in cellular range.

Where do I check-in for my flight?

Grizzly Bear West Coast Tours depart from a private airport departure lounge. If you are booked on the tour, the location and a map will be provided at least 30 days before the departure date.

How are my tour payments protected?

Payments and deposits will be handled by Classic Canadian Tours or your selected travel professional. Under jurisdictional law, they/we are responsible for appropriately handling 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 Sunglasses

o Sunscreen

o Binoculars (optional)

o Waterproof 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 lightweight carry-on-bag

What is the luggage allowance?

Guests are welcome to bring two carry-on bags (a total of 22 kgs). 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, for our June 9 tours. North Cariboo Air will operate the flight for the May 26 tour using its Avro RJ100.

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 C.

What is the time zone in this region?

Prince Rupert and the West Coast are in the Pacific Standard Time Zone (PST). When times are referenced in any collateral, they refer to the local time of that particular destination.

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

A longer camera lens is advantageous for optimal wildlife photography on this tour. Our initial bear sightings occur from a distance, with the skipper guiding us closer, considering both the bear's behaviour and the 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 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.

Opportunities to photograph bald eagles arise near Prince Rupert, 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 vibrations. Tripods are not permitted due to space limitations.