Tour Details
Canadian Rockies | August 6 - 14, 2025
Group Flight Information
August 6
- United #245 departs Houston – Bush @ 9:42am|arrives Vancouver @ 12:35pm
August 14
- United #750 departs Calgary @ 1:55pm|arrives Houston @ 7:08pm
If you flying with the group, you will not be able to check in ahead of time for your flight.
Please plan to arrive at Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminal C, by 7:30 am to meet a representative from Prelude Tours. Upon arrival, proceed to the United Airlines ticketing counter, you will present your passport to the ticket agent or a kiosk to check in and receive your boarding pass. If applicable, verify your TSA number and\or frequent flyer account number with an agent to be sure it is linked to your ticket. Also, it is recommended to inquire about your seats for the flights. The airlines assign seats with groups and it is not always what was requested. Once you have tagged and dropped your checked bag and have seen the Prelude Tours host, you are free to proceed through security to the gate.
If you are not flying with the group
The tour officially begins on August 6 at the Vancouver airport baggage claim area when the group flight arrives at appr 12:35pm. We will spend the afternoon touring the Vancouver area before checking into the hotel around 4:00 pm. There will be a welcome dinner this evening at a local restaurant. On the departure day, you are welcome to ride the motorcoach to the airport for your departing flight.
Luggage/Weight Restrictions
Each person is allowed one checked bag (up to 50lbs and baggage fee applies), one carryon bag, and one personal item. Prelude Tours will provide a luggage tag for your main luggage. It is recommended to carry a change of clothes, valuables and medication in your carry on in case of lost luggage.
Travel Insurance
If you have purchased travel insurance, it will be helpful to have your policy number accessible in case of emergency. If you have not purchased travel insurance, you can purchase up to 24 hours before departure. Travel insurance not only protects your tour in case of cancellation or interruption but also offers coverage for medical and dental expenses while traveling as well as lost and\or delayed bag coverage. Information for travel insurance can be found at www.preludetours.com/travel-insurance/.
Time and weather in Canada
Average temperatures range from the mid 50’s – to low 70’s. Rain showers are always possible. Canadian time is 2 hours behind CST.
Recommended Dress
It is recommended to “dress like an onion” and wear different layers of clothing. As the day progresses, you can take off layers and then add them back as the day ends. No dress clothes are needed and very comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Packing Suggestions
It is difficult to not overpack but we encourage you to “lighten your load” with your luggage. The weather will be cool and you can “recycle” your clothing a couple of times during the tour. Dry wicking clothing and Athleisure clothing are available at many stores and make for great travel clothes. It is not necessary to change clothes prior to dinner each evening and the main goal of a tourist is to “blend in” with the locals and not to stand out. Light jackets and rain jackets will be good to include in your packing.
Passport
Please verify that your passport is valid for 6 months after return to the United Sates (Feb 14, 2026). It is also recommended that you make a copy of your passport and leave at home while you are traveling in case your passport is lost or email a copy of your passport to yourself so that you will have access to it. You will not need to carry your passport while we are traveling during the day. We recommend to leave in the hotel safe. (But don’t forget to get it upon departure). A quick hack to remember the items in your safe is to place a shoe in the safe at night so you will have to remember the safe when you are looking for your shoe 🙂
Medications
Medications do not need to be carried in their original bottles. We do suggest that you have a list of your medication in your wallet or emailed to you in case of lost medication or an emergency.
Local Currency\credit cards
Canadian currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). One CAD is approximately .75 USD. All merchants and restaurants accept and prefer credit cards (American Express and Discover are not as widely accepted). You can also use the local ATMs to access Canadian dollars for your purchases. It is suggested to let your bank\credit card company know that you will be travelling internationally and to know the specifics of your credit card regarding international transaction fees daily ATM withdrawal limits and any other fees.
Cell Phone usage
All cellular providers offer an international day pass for a nominal fee and it allows your cell phone to work as if in the United States. If you prefer to not purchase an international plan, there will be wi-fi spots in the hotels and at many cafes and restaurants. It is recommended that you learn how to use your phone abroad before departure to avoid any “surprise fees” upon returning home.
Tipping and entrance fees
All gratuities and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary are included in your tour cost have been included in your tour cost. Your tour guide will be able to answer questions about tipping in restaurants when dining aside from the group.
Cameras\iPad\Laptops
You are encouraged to take photos throughout the tour to share with your friends and post to social media. We do not recommend packing valuable electronics in your checked luggage.
Emergency contact number while traveling
The Prelude Tours office number 281.667.1057 will be forwarded to a cell phone and will be answered 24 hours a day while on tour in case of emergencies. The Prelude Tours email address, preludetours@gmail.com, will also be checked frequently during the tour.
Typical tour day
A typical day of touring begins with a 7:30-8:00am breakfast (usually buffet) in the hotel restaurant followed by a 8:30-9:00am departure for the day. The motor coach will stop every 75-90 minutes through the day for coffee breaks and rest stops. Lunch will be served between 11:00am -1:00pm depending on the tour schedule. It is recommended to have a back pack with you each day with a few snacks and an extra phone battery or charging cable for your phone. Some buses may be equipped with USB outlets and\or wi-fi.
Hairdryers\toiletries
All hotels will provide hairdryers and the necessary toiletries (shampoo, lotion, etc) in the room.
