Naturalist Journeys returns to the magnificent Canadian Rockies in 2025, this time with an itinerary that takes in additional scenic wonders! Join us for an exciting birding and wildlife tour that traverses western Canada, ending in Vancouver. Experience a stunning array of diverse habitats from the prairies to mountains and the Pacific coastline that will leave you in awe. On this well-tested route we find an excellent array of classic western bird species, adding iconic wildlife and abundant summer wildflowers to create an unforgettable trip.

We start in Calgary and spend two full days exploring the prairies, wetlands, and foothills of the Rockies. Here we search for prairie specialists like Sprague’s Pipit and Chestnut-collared Longspur as well as wetland species like White-faced Ibis and Black-necked Stilt. Then we head to the legendary Banff National Park, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. We spend two days here to soak in the beautiful mountains and look for Great Gray Owl as well as mountain species including Boreal Chickadee and Three-toed Woodpecker. Banff is undoubtedly one of the best places in Canada to see wildlife and we keep our eyes peeled for Grizzly Bear, Moose, and other large fauna. Our next stop is in neighboring British Columbia as we head west to the Okanagan Valley, renown for its vineyards and lakes. Indulge in a winery tour and tasting after looking for Virginia Rail, Canyon Wren, and California Quail. Our last stop is Vancouver, on the scenic coast of British Columbia, where we visit coastal and inland birding hotspots to search for Harlequin Duck, Varied Thrush, and Red-breasted Sapsucker.

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Tour Highlights

  • Search for prairie species such as Thick-billed and Chestnut-collard Longspur
  • Explore iconic Lake Louise and Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
  • Look for Grizzly and Black Bears, Moose, Elk, and Coyote
  • Enjoy local food and a wine tasting in the famous Okanagan Valley where we search for Lewis’s Woodpecker and Flammulated Owl
  • Search for western forest species including Great Gray Owl, Three-toed Woodpecker, and Boreal Chickadee
  • Explore scenic Manning Provincial Park, the most popular park in British Columbia, a sister park to Washington’s rugged North Cascades
  • Visit Vancouver and search a variety of habitats for Pelagic Cormorant, Varied Thrush, and Black-chinned Hummingbird
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Mon., June 16     Arrivals in Calgary

Welcome to Calgary! Nicknamed “Cowtown” due to its long history of being a cattle ranching frontier in the 1800s, Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta. It is located in the transitional zone between the Canadian Rockies and the prairies. This variety of habitats make it a great area to start our western Canada bird list.

In the afternoon, we visit some wetlands in the city for a good introduction to birds of the area. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner to get to know our guides and fellow travelers.
Accommodations at Wingate by Wyndham Calgary South (D)

Tues., June 17     Prairie Birding & Wildflowers | Kinbrook Island Provincial Park

Today we travel east and spend some time searching for some of the prairie specialties in the area. The term “prairie,” which is derived from the French word “meadow,” often conjures images of monotonous flatlands, but prairies have great diversity. With varied topography and a diversity of beautiful wildflowers, this habitat is home to many species we hope to see, including Long-billed Curlew, Sprague’s Pipit, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Thick-billed Longspur, Pronghorn, deer, and gophers. 

After lunch, we visit Kinbrook Island Provincial Park, located on Lake Newell, a large reservoir constructed in the early 1900s. Here we have the opportunity to see woodland species such as Least Flycatcher and Baltimore Oriole as well as comparing both Eastern and Western Kingbirds side by side. The adjacent marshes give us the possibility of White-faced Ibis, secretive American Bittern, and the always elegant looking Black-necked Stilt. 

On our way back to Calgary, we visit an established colony of Purple Martin, the largest swallow species north of Mexico. 
Accommodations at Wingate by Wyndham Calgary South (B,L,D)

Wed., June 18     Calgary’s Birding Hotspots

Today is our last day in Calgary and we make the most of it! We head south to Frank Lake, a restored wetland that is managed by Ducks Unlimited and listed as an Important Bird Area. Known as one of the best birding spots in the Calgary area, we hope to see nesting colonies of American White Pelican, California Gull, and Double-crested Cormorant. In the open water sections of the lake, we look for Western Grebe, Eared Grebe, and Ruddy Duck, which are typically abundant here. Along the shallow edges of the lake, we search for Wilson’s Phalarope, known for their unique method of hunting prey by spinning around frantically on the water to stir up invertebrates. 

In the afternoon, we stop at a site to observe nesting Prairie Falcon and Rock Wren. Prairie Falcon build their nests on sheer cliff faces, while Rock Wren use a rock crevice, but are known to build a walkway to the site out of pebbles. In the foothills area below the cliffs, we hope to see Mountain Bluebird, Bobolink, Black Tern, and possibly Evening Grosbeak. 
Accommodations at Wingate by Wyndham Calgary South (B,L,D) 

Thurs., June 19    Banff National Park

This morning, we depart Calgary early and head to Banff National Park! One of the most famous national parks in the world, Banff typically sees over 4-million visitors a year. While known for its stunning mountain landscapes of the Canadian Rockies and megafauna like Grizzly Bear and Elk, Banff National Park is also great for birding! 

On our way to Banff, we stop at some roadside marshes in hopes of hearing the exceptionally secretive Yellow Rail, which is probably one of the hardest birds to find in North America. We may also see LeConte’s and Nelson’s Sparrows if we’re lucky. As we continue farther into the transitional foothills and boreal forest habitat, we look for Great Gray Owl, a much sought-after species! Songbirds we may find in these forests include Cape May Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, and Western Flycatcher. 

In the afternoon, we head to our lodge in the national park, our home for the next two nights. Our lodge is located outside the busy town of Banff, in a quieter location where we soak in the surroundings of this beautiful area.
Accommodations at the Castle Mountain Chalets (B,L,D)

Fri., June 20      Banff National Park | Johnston Canyon | Vermilion Lakes | Cave & Basin Marsh

Awaken to gorgeous mountain views right from your window. We have the entire day to explore this exciting park!

Our first stop in the park is Johnston Canyon. This magical canyon with a teal-colored creek running through it will leave you in awe. Not only is it incredibly scenic, but we hope to see American Dipper, North America’s only aquatic songbird. This dark colored species often bobs up and down while perched on a rock in fast moving streams. Western Flycatcher and Pacific Wren are also seen here regularly and if we’re lucky, Black Swift. 

Next, we head to Vermilion Lakes, located just outside the town of Banff. Encompassing three picturesque lakes surrounded by wetlands, Vermilion Lakes has great views of Mt. Rundle in the background. In this area, we hope to see pairs of Common Loon, Lincoln’s Sparrow, lively American Redstart, and Northern Waterthrush. Near the lakes, we walk the forested Fenland Trail. Named after a ‘fen’, which is a type of wetland that is mainly fed by groundwater; this area also provides refuge for many birds and mammals. Here we search for several mountain species such as Boreal Chickadee, distinguished from other chickadee species by its brown cap, the hyperactive Golden-crowned Kinglet, Blackpoll Warbler, and American Three-toed Woodpecker.  

After lunch, we visit Cave and Basin Marsh. Comprised of a wetland, the marsh is filled from hot springs that flow out of the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy excellent views of the Bow River, which originates in the park and flows over 300 miles to the prairies. This wetland area is great for birding and has an abundance of Cinnamon Teal, secretive Sora, Willow Flycatcher, and Yellow-headed Blackbird. On the nearby forest trails we look for Cassin’s Vireo and Townsend’s Warbler. 

After a full day of amazing views and great birding, we head into town for dinner. In the evening, we go for a drive to search for Black and Grizzly Bear, Elk, Moose, and Bighorn Sheep. What an exciting way to end the day!
Accommodations at the Castle Mountain Chalets (B,L,D)

Sat., June 21      Lake Louise | Canada’s Famous Okanagan Valley

Today is mostly a travel day as we head toward Kelowna, in the Okanagan Valley. We break up the 5.5-hour drive with birding stops along the way. 

As we head out of Banff National Park, we stop at Lake Louise. One of the most visited spots in the park, it’s easy to see why! The beautiful turquoise lake is surrounded by mountains that offer breathtaking views in every direction. Once an outpost at the end of the Canadian Pacific Railway, this area now offers fantastic skiing and hiking opportunities. 

We then say goodbye to Alberta and head west into British Columbia. Stopping at Rogers Pass, located in Glacier National Park within the Selkirk Mountains, we hope to see the only Magnolia Warblers of the tour. We continue our scenic drive, stopping in the town of Revelstoke for lunch. Carrying on our journey, we stop in Salmon Arm to look for Clark’s Grebe. 

We arrive in Kelowna around dinner time and head to a local restaurant near our lodge. 
Accommodations at Manteo at El Dorado Resort (B,L,D)

Sun., June 22     Okanagan Valley | Robert Lake | Flammulated Owl Prowl 

Today we begin our exploration of the Okanagan Valley. This region, located between the Cascade and Columbia mountain ranges, is known for its sunny weather, many beautiful lakes, and countless vineyards and orchards lining the hillsides. One of the main features of the valley is Okanagan Lake. At 84 miles long, it has many sandy beaches along its shoreline and is a draw for many recreationalists. 

We spend our first morning in the Okanagan exploring around Kelowna and Lake Country. Here, we hope to encounter our first California Quail, with their unmistakable teardrop shaped plume. Other species we likely see are Black-chinned Hummingbird, Cassin’s Finch, Black-headed Grosbeak, and colorful Lazuli Bunting. Nest boxes for Western Bluebird line the roadside and we keep our eyes peeled for them as well.

In the late afternoon, we stop by Robert Lake, a unique alkali salt flat with over 200 bird species recorded. This is a good spot for Virginia Rail and we listen for their grunt calls and if we’re lucky, maybe even see one of these secretive birds. We then head back to our hotel for an afternoon break from the summer heat in the Okanagan Valley.

Before dinner, we venture out to some nearby rocky cliffs where it is possible to see Rock Wren and Canyon Wren, a small bird with a big voice that is often heard before seen. We keep our eyes peeled to the skies above for raptors as well. 

After dinner, we have an exciting optional evening outing to search for Lewis’s Woodpecker. This uniquely patterned woodpecker flies like a crow, often forages like a flycatcher, and is a real treat to see! After the sun has set, we look for both Flammulated Owl and Common Poorwill. A great end to the day.
Accommodations at Manteo at El Dorado Resort (B,L,D)

Mon., June 23    South Okanagan | Wine Tasting | Scenic Manning Provincial Park

Today we say goodbye to the Okanagan Valley as we continue our journey, but not before exploring the area south of Okanagan Lake. We search for some of the areas specialties, including Williamson’s Sapsucker and Gray Flycatcher, and we have another chance at Lewis’s Woodpecker. Further south, we stop at Vaseux Lake, which is a shallow lake that lies along the Okanagan River. Acrobatic White-throated Swift, along with Rock and Canyon Wrens are the main birds we hope to see here.

A visit to the Okanagan Valley wouldn’t be complete without sampling some local wine! After lunch, we tour a local winery and taste some of the wines this area is famous for. We then head east to Manning Provincial Park and make a short stop in hopes of seeing Chukar, an upland game bird once introduced that has now become established in parts of western North America.

In late afternoon, we arrive at our home for the night, Manning Park Resort, located in the Cascade Mountains. 
Accommodations at Manning Park Resort (B,L,D)

Tues., June 24     Manning Provincial Park | Vancouver | Boundary Bay

This morning, we explore Manning Provincial Park. Established in 1941, the park is 320 square miles and borders North Cascades National Park across the border in the United States. One of the most popular provincial parks in British Columbia due to its location in between the populous areas of the coast and Okanagan Valley, Manning Provincial Park boasts diverse habitats that support over 200 bird species and a variety of mammals including Black Bear, Coyote, Beaver, and Marmot. The park is unique because of the intersection between species from the coast and the interior. Both Dusky Grouse and Sooty Grouse can be found here, as well as both the coastal and interior subspecies of Steller’s Jay. We also hope to see the stunning Red-breasted Sapsucker and Chestnut-backed Chickadee. 

After lunch, we head east to Vancouver, our base for the next two nights. If time allows, we may visit Boundary Bay for our first taste of coastal birding.
Accommodations at Delta Hotel Vancouver (B,L,D)

Wed., June 25     Vancouver

Awaken in the beautiful, coastal city of Vancouver! The largest city in British Columbia, and one of the largest in Canada, Vancouver is known for its stunning scenery, great recreation opportunities, and having the largest port in Canada. We spend our last full day exploring some of the coastal and inland hotspots in this great city. 

After breakfast, we head to the Tsawwassen Ferry Jetty to look for both Pelagic and Brandt’s Cormorants, the stout Black Oystercatcher, extravagant looking Harlequin Duck, and a variety of gulls. As we move inland, we search for Anna’s Hummingbird, Hutton’s Vireo, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and hopefully get a chance to see Band-tailed Pigeon, a large dove typically found in montane forests in the west.  

In the afternoon, we visit Cypress Mountain, which is a ski area in the winter and a great spot for high elevation bird species in the summer. We hope to find the boldly patterned Varied Thrush, along with Red-breasted Sapsucker, and possibly Northern Pygmy-Owl. 

In the evening, we gather for a final celebratory dinner and recount the highlights of our time together. 
Accommodations at Delta Hotel Vancouver (B,L,D)

Thurs., June 26    Departures

Depending on departure flights, we may have time for some birding in the morning. Some may wish to stay on at leisure to explore this lovely city and its many attractions. (B)

  • Birding Canada, Bird Watching Canada, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Banff National Park

    Grizzly Bear

  • Birding Canada, Bird Watching Canada, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Banff National Park

    Banff National Park

  • Birding Canada, Bird Watching Canada, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Banff National Park

    Black-chinned Hummingbird

  • Birding Canada, Bird Watching Canada, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Banff National Park

    Golden-crowned Kinglet

  • Birding Canada, Bird Watching Canada, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Banff National Park

    American White Pelicans

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    Okanagan Valley

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    Bighorn Sheep by Tina Greenawalt

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    Barn Swallow by Gavin McKinnon

  • Birding Canada, Bird Watching Canada, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Banff National Park

    Rock Wren

  • Birding Canada, Bird Watching Canada, Birding North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Endemic Birds, Birding Hotspot, Banff National Park

    Grizzly Bear

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    Chestnut-backed Chickadee

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    Western Bluebird

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    Black Bear

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    Dark-eyed Junco by Gavin McKinnon

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    Manning Provincial Park

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    Lewis's Woodpecker by Gavin McKinnon

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    Banff National Park

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    White-throated Sparrow

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    Brown-headed Cowbird

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Arctic

Canada

  • Stephen Grace

    Stephen is an award-winning author, natural history educator and conservationist. He has also contributed to documentary films, and his nature photography has been widely published. Over the past two decades, he has introduced groups of travelers to nature and culture in destinations as varied as Uganda, New Zealand and Alaska.

    After moving from Colorado to the Oregon coast, Stephen was captivated by the sight of a Tufted Puffin carrying fish back to its burrow, and the first time he heard a Swainson’s Thrush sing, he knew his life would never be the same. He has been studying birds and sharing their beauty with people ever since.

    Formative experiences during Stephen’s journey as a naturalist have included tagging along as a teenager with his grandparents in Madera Canyon, where he absorbed their love of Arizona’s sky islands; helping people with different ability levels experience the Yellowstone ecosystem when he lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and sailing aboard a historic schooner to share the wonders of the Salish Sea with students.

    Now based in Port Townsend, Washington, Stephen explores the Pacific Northwest by backpacking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, biking, trail running, and skiing. His wide-ranging natural history pursuits include coring trees to count their growth rings, identifying bats by analyzing their biosonar signals, hunting mammoth tusks in Pleistocene bluffs, searching for the elusive Rubber Boa, preserving native prairie, raising awareness about plankton, and leading sea slug safaris.

    Other trips with Stephen Grace

Essential Information +

Ahead of Your Tour Make sure your passport is in good condition and at minimum is Read more

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Make sure your passport is in good condition and at minimum is valid from the date of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S.  We recommend it be valid at least 3 months beyond the end of tour. See "Passports, Visas, & Documents" section below for details.
  • Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Canada and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “Health and Inoculations” section below.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Plan your flight reservations arriving into and departing from Victoria International Airport (YYJ).
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Arrival to Victoria International Airport (YYJ), Victoria, Canada

Your arrival airport is at Victoria International Airport (YYJ) in Victoria, Canada. Plan to arrive no later than 4:00 PM on the first day of the tour. 

Please note: If you are delayed in travel, please refer to your emergency contact list, and contact your ground operator AND our office.  You may also phone or text your guide.  Quite a few of your guides will set up a WhatsApp connection so you can reach your guide(s) by phone.  

We can recommend a good travel agent familiar with the routes to you upon request.

Please check the Travel Details tab of this tour for additional information and updates.

Departure from Victoria International Airport (YYJ), Victoria, Canada

Please plan departures on the last day of your tour from Victoria International Airport (YYJ), with flights at your leisure. Our travel agent, Pam Davis, can assist you with ticketing if requested.

Please check the Travel Details tab of this tour for additional information and updates.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s documentation requirements 60-90 days ahead of traveling. Information for U.S. citizens can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html. If you are from another country, please contact the tour destination’s embassy website for guidelines.

Passport: At the time of writing, U.S. citizens must have a passport that is in good condition and at minimum is valid at the time of entry through your scheduled return to the U.S. We suggest at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the tour to allow for unexpected delays in return travel. Please check that expiration date! You should have at least two blank visa pages free. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. 

Visa: No Visa is required to visit Canada if you are a U.S. citizen.

We advise that you bring your eContact list of hotels for use at immigration as well. It is always smart to check for possible changes to visa requirements 60-90 days prior to your tour departure.

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include but are not limited to; your passport ID page, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.  

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s health requirements and recommendations 60-90 days ahead of traveling. A helpful website for planning is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for Canada or by phone (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636.

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of medical emergency. 

Vaccinations: Bring copies of your current vaccination records with you. Although at the time of writing, there are no required vaccinations to enter Canada, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that "most travelers" to Canada be up-to-date with routine and basic travel vaccines, including Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 4-6 weeks before departing on your trip.  He or she may recommend other preventative immunizations like DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), which is recommended every 10 years. 

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. You’ll want to keep medications in their original, labeled containers.  

Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, motion sickness, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.

Daily Itinerary

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

Weather & Climate

September travelers can expect mild weather. This is generally one of the driest months and temperatures average in the mid-60s°F, with lows in the 40s to mid 50s°F. Make sure to pack layers for chilly mornings and evenings.

Annoyances & Hazards

Mosquitoes can occur in the forests; therefore, a supply of insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin is recommended.

Food & Drinks

Meals will offer a variety of local and international cuisine. Menus at the lodges are varied and are sustainably based on the wonderful local ingredients available.

Bottled water will be available for field trips and drinking water is provided for you to refill a bottle. One of the many ways we strive to do our part for the environment is by trying to reduce our consumption of plastics; if convenient we appreciate if you can bring reusable water bottles.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

TRAVEL TIP: Imagine NOT getting your suitcase. Wear your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!). And please do not pack any essential medications, or your vital optics, in your checked luggage!

Please, pack light. Dress is very informal. You may wish to change for dinners, but casual dress is suitable at all locations. 

We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors. Camouflage clothing is not recommended and in some countries, it is not legal to wear. 

Laundry services are generally available, but easiest if we have several days in one location.

Spending Money

The Canadian dollar is the official currency in Canada. For the current exchange rate, please refer to online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as the cash, an ATM card, and a credit card.

You can always carry U.S. dollars and exchange while in Canada. Some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices can exchange cash. You’ll need your passport and your money must be new (2004 or newer) and in good condition (no rips or tears). Each exchange method will involve a fee, so it’s a good idea to ask beforehand. 

The easiest way to withdraw Canadian dollars is from a local ATM. ATMs will give you a better rate on changing money. Canada ATMs are quite common throughout British Columbia. The ATM will give you local money and your bank will convert that into US Dollars. Many banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey.

Credit cards are widely accepted. We suggest you have more than one card available. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (one Visa, and one MasterCard), if possible. Not every shop will accept every card. Some machines are set up for both, while some will only service one or the other. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling to Canada to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. If you have a choice of cards, bring one with no foreign exchange fees.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you use them.

Many people ask how much money to plan to bring for spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Cash is also handy for your drinks from the bar.

Gratuities

Tipping throughout the tour is at your discretion. Some guidelines follow. At larger (mostly city) hotels, tip maids and bar service as you would at home. Gratuities for group meals are already included. Your Naturalist Journeys host will take care of smaller tips such field trip services. Your additional tip is encouraged for birding tour guides and drivers who are with you for several days or the full trip; $10-$15 per day per guest is standard for guide service, and half that for a driver. If you have more than one local guide at a location, they will share the daily amount. We encourage tipping for the local teams hosting you; anything extra for your Naturalist Journeys host is at your discretion.

*Please note that these suggested tips are quoted in U.S. Dollars. You will want to convert and tip in local currency.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Your guide is well connected and can help if any urgent communication need arises. However, it is highly recommended that you travel with a CELL PHONE, if only as a precaution for the unfortunate occurrence of a medical emergency during an outing and needing swift accessibility to critical personal or medical contacts. 

Cell phone service is widely available in Canada. Wi-Fi is available at our hotels and lodges.  Some available Wi-Fi services there may have fees, and these are determined by how much data you use, so be aware of that if people are sending you photos, etc. There are free apps available on smart phones (WhatsApp, Viber, Skype) that offer free international calls and texts, and you may want to research this ahead of time. Make sure when you do not want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data, or you could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi.

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests, plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

Outlets and electricity in Canada is the same as the U.S.

Time

Vancouver Island is on Pacific Daylight Time (PST). A great website if you want to tell someone to check ahead of calling you is www.timeanddate.com.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone us toll free at (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

Pace & Protocols +

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of Read more

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please Pack Light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please Pack Light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure your name and address are printed on the inside of the bag as well as on the luggage tag. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, identification, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. Your carry-on bag must be able to fit under the seat, or it will be taken away by airline staff and put with the regular luggage. You will want a daypack for field trips, so this is the ideal carry-on. We recommend that you check with your airline a week or so before your departure regarding luggage weight and size restrictions.

In general, temperatures will be highs of mid-60s to low 70s°F, with lows in the 40s to mid 50s°F during our trip. Clothing should be appropriate for variable spring temperatures and conditions and outerwear should be wind and waterproof. Check your preferred weather app closer to departure to get a better idea of weather to expect.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear shorts, by all means bring some. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are easy to launder.  Loose clothing discourages insects and is very cool. 

Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors; though camouflage clothing is not recommended and in some countries, not legal to wear. It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield Clothing collection. Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Clothing and Gear

  • Long pants, 2 pair
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Long-sleeved shirts (2-3)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (4-5 – remember you may be buying some anyway!)
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Thermal underwear upper and lower
  • Socks – warm
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, dress, etc.)
  • Bathing suit (optional)
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Bandana (gel bandanas work well to keep you cool)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Lightweight hiking boots - waterproof
  • Sandals for evenings, travel days (optional)
  • Warm sweater or jacket; fleece fabric is ideal, but a sweatshirt will do.
  • Wind and waterproof outdoor gear
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho (great if this doubles as windbreaker)
  • Warm scarf
  • Warm windproof hat
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment and Miscellaneous

  • E-ticket verification
  • Passport, Photo ID, visa (if required), travel insurance info, money & credit cards.
  • A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person at all times (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
  • As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. For passport, copy of the  ID and entry stamp pages.
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
  • Cell phone and charger - Check on international plans/fees with your carrier
  • Binoculars
  • Camera and charger/extra batteries, memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
  • Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB cord and charger (optional)
  • Three prong adapters if needed
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional) - WILL be VERY useful for scanning - guides will have one to share
  • Umbrella (compact, not brightly colored!)
  • Small flashlight/headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock, or use your cell phone (with cellular data turned off)
  • Lens cleaning cloth
  • Sunscreen/lip balmwith SPF
  • Sunglasses with a neck strap
  • Insect repellent (bugs shouldn’t be too bad)
  • Toiletry articles
  • Hair dryer, if needed
  • Water bottle (or you can use one of ours and refill during the journey)
  • Laundry soap for hand washing, travel sewing kit (optional)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Earplugs (if hotel noise or roommates snoring may bother you; these are optional)
  • Reading light if you like to read at night (optional)
  • Trail food and snacks, e.g., dried fruit, nuts, cereal bars, or chocolate. Such items are easy to carry on the trail and come in handy mid-morning after an early breakfast (optional - guides will have snacks and water available)

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical and First Aid Items

  • Heath insurance and vaccination records (kept in personal pouch with other travel documents)
  • Personal medications (and copy of vital prescriptions, including glasses)
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments (such as aspirin, eyewash, lip-balm, an anti-bacterial ointment, remedies for colds, headaches, upset stomach, nerves, insect bites, skin irritations, a general antibiotic recommended by your physician)
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Foot powder, lotions for dry skin, general “comfort” items
  • Small bottle of hand sanitizer
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, copy of medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Encyclopedic Overviews:

Alberta

British Columbia

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

General Birding

Bird Checklists

Wildlife – iNaturalist.org

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Banff National Park

Glacier National Park

Manning Provincial Park

·       https://bcparks.ca/ec-manning-park/

Geology & Geography

Alberta

British Columbia

History & Culture

Canada

Alberta

British Columbia

Helpful Travel Websites

Arrival: Calgary International Airport (YYC)

·       https://www.yyc.com/en-us/

Departure: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

National Passport Information Center

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel Health Pro (UK)

Foreign Exchange Rates

ATM Locator

Date & Time

Holidays


Photo credits: Banners: Western Bluebird, Banff National Park, Harlequin Duck, Canyon Wren (Gavin McKinnon) Thumbnails: Western Tanager, Grizzly Bear, Harlequin Duck, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Great Gray Owl (Gavin McKinnon), Thick-billed Longspur (Gavin McKinnon), Moose, Horned Grebe (Gavin McKinnon)

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