FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Tips and information about your
North America holiday with APT.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
When is the best season to travel in Canada?
Canada’s four distinct seasons make it an enthralling
destination year-round – each offers unique advantages.
From April to May, snow will be visible and lakes will still
be frozen. National parks teem with deer, bighorn sheep,
eagles and coyote, and bears emerge from hibernation.
From June to August, mountains remain snow-dusted,
while lakes will unfreeze to reveal their famous emerald
hues. The sun rises early and sets late, and it’s the most
popular season for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
Temperatures start to cool from late August to September,
and bears are a common sight.
Will I see wildlife?
The majority of our tours take place between April and
September, when wildlife is at its most abundant and
active, and include a range of nature-based excursions.
On your Inside Passage cruise, it’s likely you will see
marine and land mammals from your ship. For a closer
look however, we recommend you book shore excursions
that include visits to wilderness parks.
When is the best time to spot bears?
Throughout Canada’s Rocky Mountains, grizzly and
black bears are most frequently sighted from spring
to autumn. Due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife,
they won’t always appear on cue.
Will I have Wi-Fi access?
Free Wi-Fi (wireless internet) is available on board coaches
in Canada. As coaches use a satellite system, routing may
cause reception to be restricted at times. Wi-Fi is also
available in most hotels and all Fairmont hotels and resorts.
What time is hotel check-in and check-out?
Hotel check-in is usually 4pm local time. Where possible
the hotel will try and have your room available earlier.
Hotel check-out times are usually at 11am or noon.
APT GOLD EXPERIENCE
•A
Verandah Suite on Inside Passage and
New England cruises.
What are the benefits of a Verandah Suite?
On Holland America Line ships, this features a large
verandah, whirlpool bath, lounge and more. On Princess
Cruises’ ships, this features an expanded balcony, two
TVs and a lounge. Both cruise lines also offer a range
of additional benefits for APT passengers.
• In Fairmont properties, enjoy access to the Fairmont
Gold floor with a reception desk staffed 24 hours
a day, your own concierge and access to the Gold
Lounge where extensive continental breakfasts and
pre-dinner cocktail canapes are served daily.
•F
airmont Gold Rooms in Banff, Vancouver,
Lake Louise and Calgary in Western Canada.
• Deluxe Rooms at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
(this property does not feature a Gold floor).
• Fairmont Gold Rooms in Toronto, Ottawa and
Québec City in Eastern Canada.
• Fairmont Gold Rooms in Boston and Washington DC
during land journeys in the USA.
‘Journey Through the Clouds’ takes you between Vancouver
and Jasper, past some of the tallest peaks in the Canadian
Rockies, including Mt Robson. Travel through remote
countryside alongside the Coastal Mountain range,
the Fraser Canyon, Albreda Glacier and Pyramid Falls.
Check individual itineraries for the direction of travel.
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
CRUISING
How long is my Rocky Mountaineer rail journey?
You will spend two full days on the Rocky Mountaineer
and travel around 450 kilometres each day, all in daylight.
Coastal Passage journeys take place over three days.
What are the advantages of GoldLeaf service?
• Seating in split-level glass-dome GoldLeaf carriages.
What does the APT Gold Experience include?
Tunnels and cross the Continental Divide along the
Canadian Pacific track which first connected British
Columbia to the rest of Canada over 125 years ago.
• Gourmet breakfasts and lunches prepared by executive
chefs and served in the GoldLeaf restaurant car.
•C
omplimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
served at your seat, along with gourmet snacks.
What is the bag size allowance on board?
Hand luggage only is permitted on Rocky Mountaineer
and you will not have access to checked luggage on
board the train. Your checked luggage will be delivered
to your overnight accommodation in Kamloops.
What route will I be travelling?
‘First Passage to the West’ journeys operate both east
and westbound between Vancouver and Lake Louise
or Banff. You’ll travel through the Canadian Rocky
Mountains, past Kicking Horse River, through the Spiral
How do I book shore excursions?
On Holland America Line or Princess Cruises sailings,
shore excursions are not included in your tour price
and are at an additional cost. However, APT guests
receive exclusive discounts for Holland America Line
shore excursions. Shore excursions are included on
Regent Seven Seas Cruises sailings.
Is dining included on my cruise?
What currency is used on board?
US dollars is the only currency accepted. The ships
maintain a ‘cashless society’ – provide your credit card
upon boarding, sign for your purchases and settle your
account at the end. Note that personal cheques, prepaid
travel cards and debit cards are not accepted on board.
What is the dress code on board?
Casual attire is recommended during the day. Elegant
casual or format attire is required for most evenings.
It is recommended that gentlemen bring a jacket and
a tie. Women should bring a cocktail dress.
APT FAIRMONT CARD
What are the benefits of an APT Fairmont Card?
As an APT preferred guest at Fairmont Hotels, you are
entitled to exclusive discounts on dining, leisure activities
and more. Your APT Tour Director will provide you with
your Fairmont Card. Please ensure you take this with
you on your travels in North America.
On Holland America Line and Princess Cruises sailings,
breakfast, lunch and dinner is included each day. APT
also includes beer and wine with dinner each evening.
In addition, you will enjoy an APT Sail Away Cocktail and
Sail Away Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill (Holland America
Line) or Sabatini’s (Princess Cruises).
With Regent Seven Seas Cruises, unlimited gourmet
dining is included each day, with no additional fees
for specialty restaurants. In addition, enjoy unlimited
beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits,
open bars, plus your in-suite mini-bar replenished daily.
VIEW CANADA & ALASKA VIDEOS
Gain a greater insight into APT’s Canada
& Alaska touring program with videos available
at aptouring.co.nz. Ask your travel agent or
contact us for our latest DVD.