FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. Will I be traveling with a group?
  2. How fit do I need to be?
  3. Can you mail me catalogue of trips?
  4. Where do the trips start?
  5. What is included in the packages?
  6. What kind of support can I expect?
  7. Is a car rental included?
  8. Can I drive my own car?
  9. Can we add extra days or activities?
10. How long are the activities on each day?
11. How do you accommodate people with varying abilities or interests?
12. Is the price different if I am traveling alone?
13. What are the driving distances?
14. What are the temperatures?
15. What is the best time of year to visit?
16. What currency is used?
17. How safe is it to travel in Canada?
18. What documents are needed for traveling to Canada?
19. How do I book a trip?
20. Can Good Earth book my flights?
21. Can I reserve my trip through my travel agent?
22. How far in advance do I need to book my trip?
23. How long has Good Earth been in business?
24. Can you provide me with official references for Good Earth?
25. What are your environmental and social ethics?

1. Will I be traveling with a group?
Self-Drive Discovery Trips are not group trips, but you may be joining other people for some activities depending on the activities chosen. You are independent with your own rental car and driving only with the people in your travel party (e.g. husband, wife, friends, family). Some activities are group activities by nature, such as rafting or group hikes, which give you the opportunity to meet new people. You also have the option for more personal experiences by upgrading to privately guided activities.

2. How fit do I need to be?
Activity options are available for all levels of fitness. To learn more about the activity options available on Good Earth trips, click here to visit the Activities and Adventures section.

3. Can you mail me a catalogue of trips?
As part of our on-going efforts to reduce waste, Good Earth has chosen to use the power of the Internet instead of printing trip catalogues. We would be pleased to send any information that you require by email.

4. Where do the trips start?
Most trips start from Calgary, however it is possible to begin from Vancouver on some packages. The chart below gives an indication of the travel time you can expect for getting to Calgary by air.

5. What is included in the packages?
Each trip package has different options that are detailed in the specific trip descriptions that can be found in the Find A Trip section. In general you can expect the following in your Good Earth trip package:

• All accommodation.

• A selection of activities and adventures of your choosing with the number dependent on the package chosen. Extra activities can be added on request.

• Meals that usually include one dinner at a unique local restaurant featuring fine cuisine for each location that you visit. Recommendations are also provided for sampling local fare.

• Mid-size rental car with unlimited mileage. Upgrades to full size, luxury sedan, 4x4 or minivan available upon request.

• Complete Trip Management Services that include:

  • TripConcierge™

  • Convenient, time-saving trip set-up and organization

  • Knowledgeable pre-trip planning assistance

  • Personal well-being with 24 hour support during your trip

  • A complete Travel Tools Package with personalized TravelJournal™,
    guide books, maps and helpful resources

• EarthTraveler™ – free subscription to our informative eNewsletter

• Most gratuities at restaurants

• All taxes

6. What kind of support can I expect?
Good Earth’s comprehensive Trip Management Services are designed to provide convenient, hassle-free travel from the moment you book to after you return home. You can expect services that include complete trip set-up, pre-trip travel tips, full travel support while on the road and a post-trip follow-up. Click here to learn the full details.

7. Is a car rental included in the trip price?
Yes, a mid-size car is included. Upgrades to larger vehicles, SUVs or minivans are available on request.

8. Can I drive my own car?
Yes, but trip prices do include a car rental. Just ask us for a price without the car.

9. Can we add extra days or activities?
Yes and your Trip Manager can assist you with your preferences.

10. How long are the activities on each day?
This depends on the activities that you choose. In general allow from 4 to 8 hours for each activity from the time you leave the hotel to the time you return. Your Destination Specialist will provide more specific information for each activity.

11. How do you accommodate people with varying abilities or interests?
You choose the activities based on your personal interests. Good Earth can accommodate most requests for people who would like to participate in different activities on the same day.

12. Is the price different if I am traveling alone?
Yes, all of the prices posted are based on double occupancy. If you are interested in a solo Self-Drive Discovery Trip, we will provide that price on request.

13. What are the driving distances?
The chart below gives approximate driving distances from main centers featured in Good Earth trips.

14. What are the temperatures?
Below you’ll find approximate yearly averages for monthly highs and lows in Banff (representing the general Canadian Rockies), and Vancouver (representing Canada's lower West Coast). Also included are average hours of sun per month.

15. What is the best time of year to visit?
This depends on your interests. The Rockies and Coastal areas are beautiful all year long but if you want to participate in activities such as skiing, snowshoeing or dogsledding, then a winter trip is best from November to mid-April. Storm watching on the Coast is best November through January and Gray Whales migrate in March. Traveling May through mid-October offers opportunities for summer activities like hiking, rafting and horseback riding, although not all activities may be available during every month. Activities such as spa experiences or cave exploring can be enjoyed year-round. The months of July and August tend to be the busiest while other times of year may offer a more peaceful travel experience. Contact us and we can help you make the best choice based on your interests.

16. What currency is used?
The Canadian dollar is the currency in Canada, but most places accept US dollars at varying exchange rates. VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and debit cards are widely accepted at most shops. The advantage of credit or debit cards is that exchange rates are calculated automatically with your purchases. You will typically find better exchange rates at currency exchange outlets versus banks.

17. How safe is it to travel in Canada?
We are fortunate that Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to travel. Crime is very low, highways are well maintained, and people are genuinely friendly and helpful. Good Earth helps make your trip even safer by providing 24 hour support while you are traveling.

18. What documents are needed for traveling to Canada?
Click here to be taken to specific information on documentation required for traveling to Canada.

19. How do I book a trip?
You can either fill out the online form (no credit card required at this stage) by selecting Book A Trip or you can contact us by phone to book your trip in person. The worldwide phone number is 1-403-678-9358 and the toll-free number in North America is 1-888-979-9797. To confirm your reservation a $500 per person deposit is required and can be paid with VISA, MasterCard or personal check.

20. Can Good Earth book my flights?
Good Earth is not a travel agency and therefore unable to ticket airline travel. For a nominal fee we do provide a convenient flight search and booking service. Just ask your Trip Manager when booking.

21. Can I reserve my trip through my travel agent?
Yes, and the price is the same whether booking direct or through your travel agent.

22. How far in advance do I need to book my trip?
The farther in advance that you book, the greater availability of dates you'll find. We recommend reserving at least three to six months out for the popular months of July and August.

23. How long has Good Earth been in business?
Good Earth Travel Adventures was founded in 1996.

24. Can you provide me with official references for Good Earth?
Yes. Please click here to go to a page that provides email links to professional organizations that can provide you with references.

25. What are your environmental and social ethics?
You support sustainable tourism when choosing a Canadian Rockies vacation from Good Earth. One percent (1%) of all revenue goes to supporting local social and environmental programs in the regions that you visit. Click here to learn more about our Good For The Earth Program™.