Jump to Section: FAQs for Tour Operators & Agencies

No gym membership required! In the travel world, FIT stands for “Free Independent Traveler.” It refers to people or couples traveling on their own — not part of a larger group tour — with a custom itinerary built around their interests, schedule, and pace.

Most of our private clients are FITs: they want something tailored and flexible, but with expert support and planning behind the scenes. Whether you’re active and adventurous or prefer slow-paced discovery, we adapt everything to your style.

Not necessarily. Many enquiries begin with general questions or early travel ideas, and there is no charge simply for getting in touch or discussing initial possibilities.

However, we specialise in tailor-made journeys. Some requests require significant planning time — including route design, accommodation research, logistics, comparisons, and feasibility checks — long before any booking is confirmed. In such cases, we may request a planning or design fee before beginning detailed work.

This approach helps ensure that our time and expertise are dedicated to travellers and partners who are genuinely ready to plan their trip. If a fee applies, it will always be communicated clearly in advance and explained in context. Where appropriate, it may be credited toward a confirmed booking.

Each enquiry is assessed individually. Our goal is to offer thoughtful, professional travel planning — not generic, off-the-shelf itineraries.

Yes — we handle hotel bookings as part of your custom trip. With years of experience, we know which properties offer the best service and locations. It’s also important to understand that Canada’s hotel pricing and star rating system work differently than in Europe.

For more insights, see our guides:

• Hotels in Vancouver – tips on locations and best prices
• Hotels in Banff – how to find good deals and avoid surprises
• Hotel Star Ratings in Canada – how the Canadian system differs from Europe’s

No. We do not book or arrange motor-home/RV rentals in Canada, nor can we advise on routes, campgrounds, or related services for them.

Why? Because our focus is on fully planned trips with reliable, high-quality accommodation — ensuring comfort, convenience, and the best experience for your budget.

Find out more about our Travel Services.

Canada’s wilderness is home to bears, moose, pumas, coyotes, and other animals. Encounters are uncommon, but knowing how to behave is essential. Wildlife activity also depends on the season — for example, bears are more active in spring and autumn, while mosquitoes and other insects peak in summer.

For peace of mind, we’ve created a dedicated Wildlife Safety section with practical guidance, including detailed advice on Bear Spray in Canada. When travelling with us, your private guide will also provide clear instructions on how to stay safe around wildlife.

Yes — absolutely. In Canada, credit cards are not optional; they’re essential. Hotels, car rentals, gas stations, and even a $3 coffee will expect you to pay by card. Cash is rarely used, except for small tips (like leaving a toonie for housekeeping). Check out our article Canada and Credit Cards for the full story — including why paying with cash may even raise eyebrows.

Let’s just say… tipping in Canada has taken on a life of its own. From coffee counters to group dinners with “autograt,” the rules aren’t always simple. We’ve written a whole guide to help you survive the tipping tsunami.

Read our articles on Tipping in Canada.

Yes — tipping is standard in Canada, and for guides and drivers it makes up an essential part of their income. As a guideline: CAD $5+ per person, per day for the driver, and CAD $5–10+ per person, per day for the guide on multi-day tours. For private day tours, higher gratuities are common. If your overseas tour operator has stated that “tips are included,” then the situation is less clear — sometimes tips are passed on, sometimes not. For full context, see our article on Tipping tour guides & drivers in Canada.

Canada is a year-round destination — the best time depends on what you want to experience. Summer offers long days and warm weather, autumn brings vibrant colors and crisp air, winter invites you to snowy landscapes and skiing, and spring awakens with fresh greenery.

To help you decide, we’ve created a dedicated Best Time to Visit Canada section with detailed insights for each province and region.

We do not arrange domestic or international flights.

For clients in Germany, we work with a trusted partner agency in Germany who can assist you with international flights as part of your trip.

The only flights we arrange directly are scenic flights — such as sightseeing flights in Vancouver or the Rockies, helicopter tours, and seaplane flights between Vancouver and Victoria (or return).

See what Travel Services we offer.

That depends entirely on you. Every private tour we plan is built from scratch, so what’s included reflects your preferences, pace, and priorities.

A typical private tour might include:

• A custom day-by-day itinerary tailored to your route, interests, and travel style
• Handpicked accommodations — from boutique hotels to remote lodges, based on your comfort and taste
• Activities and excursions chosen with you in mind (e.g. guided hikes, wildlife tours, cultural stops)
• Transportation — whether by rental car, with a private driver-guide, or a mix

And if you like: curated meals, exclusive access events, or multi-day guiding services

You’ll never be forced into a fixed package. If something’s not your style, we leave it out. If it’s on your wish list, we make it happen — or offer the best available alternative. That’s what “private” means to us.

There’s no single answer — and that’s a good thing. Your trip is built around your preferences, so cost depends on factors like duration, number of travelers, hotel category, included activities, and whether you choose a self-drive or a private guide. You set the general budget, and we design within it.

Prices also vary significantly by season. Summer months and key holiday periods can see dramatic price increases, especially in popular regions like the Rockies or on the West Coast. On top of that, the timing of your booking makes a huge difference. The earlier we plan, the better the rates and availability — ideally 12 months or more in advance. The shorter the notice, the higher the costs. There are no last-minute specials in Canadian travel — only last-minute hikes (we explain why in this article).

Most travelers are surprised how much value a well-planned, tailor-made itinerary can offer — especially when booked early.

The more we know, the better we can match your expectations. Key info includes:

• Travel dates (and flexibility)
• Number of travelers (and ages)
• Specific regions of interest or must-see locations
• Number of nights in Canada
• Accommodation style (not just stars — boutique? view? charm?)
• Activity level and interests (hikes, culture, food, wildlife, etc.)
• Approximate budget (per person or couple, excluding flights)
• Any accessibility or dietary considerations

But don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers — we’ll guide you through it during our first call.

Because Canada isn’t something you can “wing.” It’s big. Really big. And what looks easy on a map often turns into long drives, tourist traps, or hotels that seemed great online… until you’re standing in the room.

That’s where we come in. We’ve personally driven the roads, stayed in the hotels (the good and the bad), and know what works — and what doesn’t. Our advice doesn’t come from guesswork. It comes from over 2.5 million kilometers on the road and 5,500+ nights in hotels.

With us, you get:

• A trip that makes sense — geographically, seasonally, and logistically
• Honest recommendations based on real stays
• Help when plans change — from humans, not help desks
• And an itinerary that feels like it was made for you — because it was

We make sure your Canada trip isn’t just easy to book — it’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.

We start with a friendly consultation (by email, phone or video, in English or German) to understand your wishes and how your Trip Planning could look. Then we design a custom itinerary and quote. You review it, we refine it, and once everything fits, we confirm the bookings. You receive all travel documents in advance, and we remain available during your trip.

Yes, we can — and we do it often. Many of our clients begin or end their trip with a cruise from Vancouver, and we’re happy to organize a private half-day or full-day tour before embarkation or after disembarkation.

We offer:

• Hotel or cruise terminal pickup/drop-off
• Customizable sightseeing (Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano, etc.)
• A private guide and executive-style vehicle

Whether you have a few hours or a full day, we’ll make the most of your time in Vancouver. See our complete range of Travel Services and sightseeing services for Vancouver, Victoria on Vancouver Island and for Whistler.

Yes — always. All transportation we arrange is commercially licensed, fully insured, and compliant with Canadian safety regulations. This includes private transfers, guided tours, and multi-day programs.

Unfortunately, some individuals offer “tours” using personal vehicles, which are not legal for commercial passenger transport in Canada — and often not insured for carrying paying guests. That’s a risk we never take.

Whether it’s a simple airport transfer or a private driver-guide for a week, your safety and legal protection come first. We only work with professional, qualified operators — and you’ll always know who’s behind the wheel.

No — and here’s why. In Canada, this setup isn’t permitted under commercial transport and insurance regulations. Guides are not allowed to accompany paying clients in private or rental vehicles unless they are also the licensed operator of a commercially insured vehicle.

It may seem like a casual arrangement, but it puts both you and the guide at legal and insurance risk. For safety and compliance, guiding services must be delivered in approved vehicles under commercial licensing. If you’d like a guide, we’ll arrange a proper vehicle and driver-guide service for that portion of your trip.

Yes — it’s a key part of what we offer. Based on your route, season, and interests, we’ll suggest activities that fit your itinerary and your pace — and we can include them directly in your booking.

Depending on the time of year, popular options include:

• Whale watching or bear viewing excursions
• Lake cruises, scenic gondola rides, or hot springs
• Helicopter or float-plane sightseeing flights
• Ferry crossings and special transport experiences
• Horseback riding, wine tastings, and Indigenous cultural visits
• In winter: snowshoeing, dog sledding, or northern lights tours

We only recommend trusted providers we know personally — and we make sure each activity fits logically into your day. No ticket stress, no guesswork — just memorable experiences, well placed.

That’s entirely up to you. Most travelers choose between:

• Self-drive or independent travel, with all arrangements and a detailed itinerary
• A private driver-guide or a driver and a guide, who handles transport and guiding throughout

We also offer local guides for specific days or excursions. You can mix and match based on your comfort and travel style.

Yes, we can arrange partial services — like accommodations, excursions, or a private day tour — if that’s what you need. That said, the more we plan for you, the better everything fits together. We’re happy to be flexible, but for complex trips or tight schedules, a full-service itinerary usually leads to the smoothest experience.

Absolutely. In fact, many of our clients are active, curious, and thoughtful travelers in their 60s, 70s, or beyond. We plan trips with the right balance of discovery and rest, avoiding rushed itineraries or overly strenuous days. And because everything is customized, we can shape the pacing, comfort level, and activities around what suits you best — not what fits a group bus schedule.

Once your trip is underway, we assume everything is as planned. However, if something outside your control disrupts the itinerary — like a weather-related flight cancellation or a temporary closure — we’ll absolutely do our best to help you adjust.

That said, most services (especially tours, transfers, and activities) are booked and confirmed well in advance, and last-minute changes due to personal preference are rarely possible. If something truly needs to shift, just reach out and we’ll see what can be done — within the limits of availability and fairness to all involved.

Yes — and it’s one of the key differences. We’re not just a booking engine. We’re based here in Canada and provide on-the-ground support throughout your journey. You’ll have our 24/7 contact number in case anything unexpected happens — missed flights, closed roads, late arrivals, or just a dinner recommendation. We don’t outsource support. We are your support.

Yes, we do — especially across Western Canada. We’re familiar with both the iconic motorcycling routes and the lesser-known scenic backroads that riders love. Whether you’re after sweeping coastal highways, winding mountain passes, or quieter interior routes, we’ll help you plan a journey that fits your pace and riding style. Accommodations, timing, and logistics are all tailored with motorcycle travel in mind.

Yes — and we recommend it. While we don’t sell insurance, we provide all the documentation you need to obtain coverage (trip dates, services, costs, etc.). Travel insurance is essential for cancellations, emergencies, or medical care while in Canada.

We’re based in Canada and always just a phone call away. You’ll have a 24/7 support line throughout your journey. Whether it’s a missed connection, bad weather, or a simple “what now?” — we’re here to help and resolve issues quickly.

Once your itinerary is finalized and you’re ready to confirm, we’ll issue a deposit invoice to secure all bookings. The amount can vary depending on the season, booking conditions, and lead time — but it’s usually around 10–25% of the total cost. In some cases, especially with non-refundable hotels or attractions, full prepayment may be required earlier. We’ll always advise you clearly when that applies.

The remaining balance is typically due about 6 weeks before your travel date, and we’ll send you an invoice with payment details.

All payments are made via international bank transfer — this is the standard for our clients and avoids the high costs and exchange rate losses associated with card payments. In fact, you can save between 4.5% and 7% by choosing this method.

Credit card payments are only accepted in exceptional last-minute cases, such as an additional activity while you’re already in Canada. Even then, a card processing surcharge applies, and we’ll confirm the details before charging anything. For all regular bookings, bank transfer remains the best and most cost-effective option.

All pricing is in Canadian dollars.

We understand that plans can change — and we always try to be fair. That said, some bookings (especially unique or high-demand properties) may require non-refundable deposits or full prepayment, sometimes many months in advance. These suppliers know they’ll book out, so they protect themselves by enforcing strict cancellation terms — and unfortunately, those costs are passed on if plans change.

As a general rule, the closer to your travel date you cancel, the higher the potential charges. In some cases, cancellations less than 6 weeks before departure may result in substantial fees, especially if your trip includes services with strict supplier policies.

There’s no flat-rate penalty — we review each case individually and try to recover as much as possible for you. That said, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations due to illness, emergencies, or last-minute changes.

If you’re unsure before booking, just ask — we’re happy to explain what would apply in your situation.

Yes — and not just the basics. About 4 to 6 weeks before your departure, you’ll receive a comprehensive travel packet by email, tailored specifically to your trip. This includes:

• Your day-by-day itinerary, with clearly structured routes, hotel details, and scheduled activities
• All booking confirmations for accommodations, tours, and transportation
• Vouchers or tickets for any prepaid attractions or experiences
• Emergency contact numbers and support details
• Driving tips and regional guidance where needed

If you’ve booked a self-drive tour, we go a step further: we prepare an individually crafted travel document with detailed driving instructions, curated stop suggestions, and local insights — not generic filler text. Unlike many providers who use templated material with irrelevant or outdated entries, our itineraries are written with care and based on what you’ve actually booked and what you’re interested in. They’re practical, relevant, and field-tested.

We want you to feel well-prepared, supported, and genuinely excited about the journey ahead.

We are a full-service DMC/incoming agency. Our services include:

• Custom itinerary design
• Hotels and accommodation blocks
• Transportation (coaches, vans, trains, ferries, etc.)
• Guided tours and activities
• Multilingual guides and driver-guides
• Event and group coordination
• 24/7 support for your clients during travel

Not necessarily. Many enquiries begin with general questions or early travel ideas, and there is no charge simply for getting in touch or discussing initial possibilities.

However, we specialise in tailor-made journeys. Some requests require significant planning time — including route design, accommodation research, logistics, comparisons, and feasibility checks — long before any booking is confirmed. In such cases, we may request a planning or design fee before beginning detailed work.

This approach helps ensure that our time and expertise are dedicated to travellers and partners who are genuinely ready to plan their trip. If a fee applies, it will always be communicated clearly in advance and explained in context. Where appropriate, it may be credited toward a confirmed booking.

Each enquiry is assessed individually. Our goal is to offer thoughtful, professional travel planning — not generic, off-the-shelf itineraries.

Yes. We often operate under our partners’ branding — with no direct contact to the end client. Documents can reflect your brand, and our team works discreetly behind the scenes.

To design a viable program, we need to know the budget framework from the outset. Without it, we cannot provide rates or proposals. Even in trade enquiries, “give us your best price” is not sufficient — itineraries in Canada can differ by thousands of dollars depending on accommodation level, group size, and inclusions. Providing a budget range per person (excluding flights) allows us to confirm feasibility and create a realistic proposal.

Absolutely. We arrange everything from private tours for two guests to groups of 100+. Our logistics scale accordingly — from multiple hotel blocks to multi-bus coordination.

Yes. We have experience with agricultural tours, educational groups, technical visits, wildlife tours, and more. We’re happy to help design creative, meaningful itineraries around your group’s interests.

Just send us an inquiry with your group’s goals, dates, and preferences. We’ll follow up with questions or set up a call. Once we finalize the itinerary and quote, we confirm bookings upon deposit.

Yes, we are fully insured and can provide references, certificates, and documentation as needed. We understand due diligence and are happy to support your vendor approval process.

Yes. We regularly operate tours in German, French, Spanish, and other languages. Just let us know your needs — we’ll match the right guide to your group.

For high season or large groups, 10–18 months ahead is ideal. For smaller FITs or off-season tours, shorter timelines can work. We always try to accommodate — even on short notice.

In short: only if they have a valid Canadian work permit. Guiding in Canada is considered work, even if unpaid — and without proper authorization, it’s a violation of immigration law.

A non-guiding tour leader or chaperone may accompany the group to assist with logistics (check-ins, coordination, etc.), but they may not provide commentary or lead sightseeing unless they are legally permitted to work in Canada.

Additionally, some cities — such as Montreal — require all guides to hold a local municipal license, even if they are Canadian citizens. In such cases, a step-on guide may be required for that portion of the itinerary, regardless of who is accompanying the group overall.

If someone is caught working without authorization, they may be turned away at the airport or banned from re-entering Canada in the future. This is a well-known issue in the industry — but still frequently ignored.

If you’re unsure, just ask. We’re happy to explain what’s allowed and suggest solutions that keep your tour compliant, seamless, and well-supported.