Canada & Northern Lights Winter Experience

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply
• One-way domestic flight (economy class) from Vancouver to Yellowknife
• One-way domestic flight (economy class) from Yellowknife to Calgary

• Enjoy 9 nights quality hotel accommodation

Enjoy 8 meals, including a three-course dinner in Yellowknife

• Winter clothing hire in Yellowknife for Days 3 to 5
• English-speaking tour director
• National park fees

• Private air-conditioned coach

• Transfer from Banff to Calgary Airport on Day 10

Today depart Australia for Vancouver, Canada. Upon arrival please make your own way to your centrally-located downtown accommodation. Vancouver Airport connects easily with downtown stations via the Sky Train with regular schedules. Alternatively, taxis are easily available from the airport.

Vancouver, located on Canada's Pacific Coast, is spectacular by nature! Surrounded by ocean and a backdrop of lush rainforest, snow-capped mountains and fjords, this "city of nature" is an ethnically diverse, modern and laid-back metropolis renowned for its mix of urban, outdoor and wildlife adventures. There is no easy way to describe Vancouver, rated as one of the world's most liveable cities.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive 4 - 6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Best Western Plus Sands or similar, Vancouver

Meals included: In-Flight

This morning head out on a city tour of Vancouver. You will see Stanley Park, Gastown, English Bay, Chinatown and more. The remainder of the day is at leisure, or alternatively, you can join an optional afternoon sightseeing tour visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Optional Activity: Capilano Suspension Bridge - $65 AUD per person
Travel to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, walk among the towering trees and learn the ways of the local Indigenous people with a visit to the Salish First Nation Culture. Walk across the world's longest foot suspension bridge to the other side of the river, where you can climb to the canopy and stroll through the "Treetops Adventure" walkway, high above the canyon floor.

Overnight: Best Western Plus Sands or similar, Vancouver

Meals included: None

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Vancouver Airport for your flight to Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territories and the Diamond capital of North America! Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative from Aurora Village and transferred to your hotel accommodation for check-in. Once you are settled in, you will be fitted into your included winter weather clothing, and depart with your guide for your first evening of aurora viewing at Aurora Village.

Warm up in a picturesque teepee glowing in the night, wood fire stove burning and choose from a delicious selection of hot beverages. Situated around the village on high ground and away from the lights of the city, the chance of viewing the Aurora is unsurpassed. Restaurant services are also available at Aurora Village. After your viewing, you are transferred back to your Yellowknife hotel.

Overnight: Nova Inn or similar, Yellowknife

Meals included: None

Today your northern adventure continues! First, start with a tour of Yellowknife.

Yellowknife is a place where traditional Indigenous culture blends together with modern amenities for a truly remarkable experience. Your guided experience reveals the city’s early beginnings where the “streets were paved with gold”, to its deeply-rooted Indigenous culture. See the Legislative Assembly, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Center, as well as a scenic drive through downtown, Old Town, and onto a drive on the frozen Ice Road (ice permitting).

This afternoon, take part in an optional tour or take time to relax before enjoying another dazzling aurora viewing experience at Aurora Village this evening.

Optional Afternoon Activity: Snowshoeing Experience (1 hour) - $135 AUD per person
Discover a unique method of travel with a snowshoe-guided walk on the back trails of Aurora Village. This cultural snowshoe experience takes you on a journey into the woods, learning about the local traditions of the land and the wildlife and flora of the area. Included are roasted marshmallows, use of the village ice slide and hot drinks.

Please note: Days 4 and 5 of the tour may be swapped around, depending on the departure date.

Overnight: Nova Inn or similar, Yellowknife

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy a morning at leisure or take part in an optional tour. This afternoon, enjoy an exciting dog sledding ride through the beautiful snowy wooded trails surrounding Aurora Village, followed by a stop at a teepee village where you can warm up by an open fire and enjoy delicious food from an a la carte menu.

Afterwards, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner and another amazing aurora viewing experience at Aurora Village.

Optional Morning Activity: Ice Fishing Demonstration (3 hours) - $165 AUD per person
Experience the traditional way northern peoples have fished the lakes for generations. Your guide teaches you the ancient methods of fishing through the drilled holes in the thick ice. Take your catch back to the village and prepare them in a teepee over the open fire – complemented with some locally made bannock and a little soup to complete your light and fresh northern meal.
Please note: This optional tour is weather dependent and not guaranteed to be available.

Please note: Days 4 and 5 of the tour may be swapped around, based on the departure date.

Overnight: Nova Inn or similar, Yellowknife

Meals included: Dinner

Today transfer to the Yellowknife Airport for your flight to Calgary, Alberta. Upon arrival in Calgary, you will be transferred to your Downtown Calgary accommodation where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a short city tour of Calgary that will take you to the Calgary Tower, Stampede Grounds, Stephen Avenue Mall, the financial district and the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Afterwards, depart Calgary for Banff. On your way into the Rockies, stop at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. The purpose of the tour is to educate the public about wolfdogs and raise awareness regarding wolf conservation. This tour offers a 'front row' viewing experience of the wolfdogs and the opportunity to photograph them without visual barriers. You will also have full access to your very own wolfdog expert!

Upon arrival in Banff, you will enjoy a guided tour including Tunnel Mountain, Banff Avenue, Bow Falls, Minnewaska Lake and the downtown area. The town of Banff is a spirited place, and you are surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground.
Check into your hotel this evening where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

The town site of Banff covers almost 4 km² and is at an elevation of 1,383 meters (4,537 feet), making it the highest town in Canada. Banff is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. You may see a herd of elk wandering down the main street during your morning walk. The lively streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums.

Overnight: The Rundlestone or similar, Banff

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, drive to Johnston Canyon and enjoy a winter walk through this spectacular canyon blanketed in snow. A series of trails and steel catwalks provide easy access into a deep canyon to see the frozen waterfalls. Ice cleats will be provided that attach to your footwear to ensure you don't slip on the icy trails and hiking poles will be provided to travellers who want a little extra stability.

Afterwards, visit the magnificent Lake Louise, Canada’s most photographed lake, where you can enjoy some time at leisure or even get out on the frozen ice before returning to Banff where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: The Rundlestone or similar, Banff

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is free at leisure to explore the beautiful town of Banff.

Overnight: The Rundlestone or similar, Banff

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you will enjoy breakfast together, followed by a transfer to Calgary for your departing flight.
Please note that only one group transfer will be provided today, and some travellers may have to wait at the airport until the evening for their departure flight, depending on their flight time.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Meals included: In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase. 
 
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
 
On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.
 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return. 
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Covid-19 Booking Policy
• TripADeal Tour packages are non-refundable. If your Tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other package available via the TripADeal website. 
 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
 
Please note: All additional charges are payable direct to your Travel Consultant in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 
 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until 19 November 2024.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1200 applies. 
 
Departure Dates
2024
November: 19
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Departure Cities
Sydney, *Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth.
 
Departure City Surcharges  
• Brisbane or Adelaide: $200 per person.
• Perth: $1,000 per person.
 

Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
International Airlines: Air Canada, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways and partners, Westjet plus airline partners Domestic Airlines: Air North
Please note: TripADeal cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.  
 
Missed Flights 
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.
 
Guaranteed Airline Surcharge
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Air Canada: $500 per person 
Please note: 
• Guaranteed airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
• Guaranteed airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.
 
Arrive early in Vancouver
Priced between $300 and $800 AUD per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
1st December 2023 - 9th February 2024
18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024
23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025
 
Stay Behind in Calgary
Priced between $300 and $800 AUD per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
1st December 2023 - 9th February 2024
18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024
23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025
 
Stopover Packages
Not available.
 
Flight Class Upgrades
• Business Class or Premium Economy Class: For pricing, please refer to the cart at checkout. 
Please note: 
• All Business Class upgrades are subject to availability (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed in a Business cabin; subject to aircraft configuration. 
 

Accommodation Used:
3-Star Properties (Self-Rated) 

• Vancouver: Best Western Plus Sands or similar
• Yellowknife: Nova Inn Yellowknife or similar
• Calgary: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown or similar
• Banff: Rundlestone Lodge or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available at check-out. 
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for Children 8 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available
 
Bedding Configuration
Twin or Double bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours / Activities
Optional Activity: Capilano Suspension Bridge - $65 per person
Optional Activity: Snowshoeing Experience (1 hour) - $135 per person
Optional Activity: Ice Fishing Demonstration (3 hours) - $165 per person
Please note:
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.
• Optional tours are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions.

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Arrival transfer on Day 1
• Travel insurance 

 
TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Vancouver: 
Vancouver in the winter can be rainy, so a raincoat is essential. Temperatures will range from 3°C - 7°C. Due to its location on the British Columbian coast, the city’s climate is tempered by the North Pacific Current and is also sheltered by the mountains of Vancouver Island to the west.
 
Yellowknife:
March is one of the best months of the year to see the Northern Lights, with daylight up to 10 hours a day and pristine blue skies. The average temperature will be very cold at approximately -18.5°C.
 
Calgary: 
The weather in Calgary in March is mild to cold, making it a popular time to visit and enjoy seeing winter turn into spring. Temperatures will range from highs of 5°C and lows of -6°C at night.
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
At TripADeal, we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity:
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.
 
COACH TOUR
Meals:
8 meals in total are included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify TripADeal of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and offloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility:
If you would love to travel with TripADeal and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required:
A leisurely level of fitness will be required. 
Leisurely is described as Light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility. 
Please note: If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
 
Gratuities / Tipping:
In Canada, it is customary to tip approximately fifteen to twenty per cent (15%-20%) in restaurants, lounges, etc., if satisfactory service has been provided. It is also customary for customers to offer a tip for the tour guide and driver (usually four to five dollars ($4.00-$5.00 CAD) each, per person per day ) as well as for city tour guides when applicable (usually three dollars ($3.00 CAD) per person). However, tips are not obligatory and should reflect the customer’s degree of satisfaction relative to services.
Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing:
Please note: If the entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping: 
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

Canada:
Australian passport holders must apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Canada by air. An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. 
 
United States (If you are transiting through the USA):
- If traveling on an Australian Passport, an ESTA (Visa Waiver) for the USA is a strict requirement when flying through the USA. Once a USA ESTA Visa Waiver is issued it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) and will allow multiple entries into the USA. For information on ESTA eligibility or to apply, please visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
Important: 
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: 
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance

Voluntary Changes
Includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100.00 per booking + additional charges from the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. TripADeal has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are unavailable from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. If TripADeal cannot obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.