Naturalist Journeys returns to the magnificent Canadian Rockies in 2026! Join us for an exciting birding and wildlife tour that explores Western Canada on a loop route from Calgary. Experience a stunning array of diverse habitats from the prairies to mountains 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 final stop is in Invermere and the Columbia Valley. Explore the rich mountain habitats and one of North America's largest intact wetland system looking for mountain specialties like Lewis’s Woodpecker, White-throated Swift, and Lazuli Bunting.

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

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
  • Search for western forest species including Great Gray Owl, Three-toed Woodpecker, and Boreal Chickadee
  • Explore and bird the Columbia Valley, one of North America's largest intact wetlands

Trip Itinerary

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

Tues., June 22    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 the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre (D)

Wed., June 23      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 the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre (B,L,D)

Thurs., June 24     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 the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre (B,L,D) 

Fri., June 25    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 just outside of the town Banff, in a quieter location where we soak in the surroundings of this beautiful area.
Accommodations at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

Sat., June 26        Birding in Banff

Banff National Park is one of the world’s most famous national parks, it draws in nearly a quarter of a million visitors each year from around the globe. After breakfast we visit Cave & Basin Marsh; this wetland holds healthy numbers of Cinnamon Teal, Sora, Willow Flycatcher and Yellow-headed Blackbird. On the nearby forest trails we hope to find Cassin’s Vireo and Townsend’s Warbler.

Moving on, we explore Vermillion Lakes, where we can see pairs of Common Loon, and songbirds such as Lincoln’s Sparrow, American Redstart, and Northern Waterthrush. At Fenland Nature Trail we search for more common mountain species such as Boreal Chickadee and Golden-crowned Kinglet, as well as more scarce birds including American Three-toed Woodpecker and even Blackpoll Warbler. After lunch we have a few hours to explore the town of Banff.

In the evening we enjoy a drive in search of mammals like Elk, Moose, and Bighorn Sheep near Canmore.
Accommodations at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

Sun., June 27      Canmore to Invermere

Today we start with some birding near our hotel in Canmore along Policeman’s Creek and the Bow River; the peaks of the Rockies are our backdrop here. As we stroll, we could see anything from Rufous Hummingbird to Ring-necked Duck to Osprey.

Then we set off for the drive across the Continental Divide to our destination for the next two nights, Invermere. On the way we make stops to look for Western Bluebird and with any luck we may encounter some Vaux’s Swift flying overhead. We also visit nearby wetlands where Bufflehead, Willow Flycatcher, and Northern Rough-winged Swallow can be found. We then check into the lodge where we will spend two nights.
Accommodations in Invermere (B,L,D)

Mon., June 28       Columbia Valley Birding

Today is an exciting day as the entire day is spent exploring the lush Columbia Valley, one of North America's largest intact wetland systems. Here, we seek out Barrow’s Goldeneye, Black Tern, and elusive species like Virginia Rail and Sora. In the cottonwoods and willow thickets, we may find Veery, MacGillivray’s Warbler, and the sweet song of American Redstart. The surrounding montane forests offer a chance for Red-naped Sapsucker, Cassin’s Vireo, and Calliope Hummingbird. We also look for species that are difficult to find east of the continental divide including Lewis’s Woodpecker, Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, and both Vaux’s and White-throated Swifts. Today promises to be a productive day of birding that adds many new species to our growing trip list. 
Accommodations in Invermere (B,L,D)

Tues., June 29      Invermere to Calgary

After spending the morning birding in the Columbia Valley and enjoying our final Lewis’s Woodpeckers, White-throated Swifts, and Lazuli Buntings of the tour, we enjoy lunch locally before beginning our journey back to Calgary. The return drive offers dramatic mountain scenery as we cross through Kootenay National Park and into Alberta. Along the way, we make a final stop at Sibbald Trail marsh, a small but productive wetland in the foothills. This site often provides one last chance to see waterfowl, Sora and Virginia Rail, and a variety of sparrows before we complete our drive back into Calgary in the evening.
Accommodations in Calgary (B,L,D)

Wed., June 30      Depart Calgary

Depart Calgary today at your leisure, taking with you with great memories of time spent on the prairies and in the Rocky Mountains of Western Canada. (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

    Bow River, Banff National Park by Steve Grace

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

    Bighorn Sheep by Tina Greenawalt

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

    Group by Steve Grace

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

    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

    White-tailed Jackrabbit by Steve Grace

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

    Dark-eyed Junco 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

    Lewis's Woodpecker 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

    American Avocet by Steve Grace

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

    Great Gray Owl by Steve Grace

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

    Okanagan Lake by Steve Grace

  • 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 Coot adult and chick by Steve Grace

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

    Columbian Ground Squirrel by Steve Grace

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

    Bald Eagle by Steve Grace

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

    Tree Swallow by Steve Grace

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

    California Quail by Steve Grace

  • 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 by Steve Grace

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

    Ferruginous Hawk by Steve Grace

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

    Blue-winged Teal by Steve Grace

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the journey is per person based on occupancy: $TBD (For reference, 2026 pricing was $6890 DBL / $7750 SGL)*, from Calgary.

This cost includes: all accommodations, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, other park and program entrance fees and miscellaneous program expenses.

NEW! all tips other than your NJ guide (optional) and local guide are included (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services).

This cost does not include: round-trip transportation from your home city to Calgary, optional activities, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, maid gratuities, or beverages from the bar.

*Pricing is based on the exchange rate between Canadian Dollars and US Dollars on Date TBD. If this rate adjusts by more than 5% at the time that final payment is due, Naturalist Journeys reserves the right to adjust this price. See Terms & Conditions for details.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Arrival Details: Please plan flights to arrive June 22, 2027, no later than 4:00 PM

Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart on June 30, 2027, at your leisure

Travel Tips: If you arrive early to explore Calgary or rest up from your travels, you can book an early night at our first night hotel, the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre by booking online or calling +1-403-248-8888. Please send us the confirmation number so you won't have to switch rooms when the tour starts.

Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go” tab.

 

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

Arctic

Canada

  • Gavin McKinnon—Canada Expert

    From an early age, Gavin developed a deep fascination for birds after he visited Point Pelee National Park on a weekend trip with family. Since then, he has traveled extensively in Canada and to numerous locations in the tropics and around the globe in search of unique birding opportunities. In 2022 Gavin founded his own tour company with the goal of sharing his passion for birds with others. After high school, he studied Renewable Resource Management at Lethbridge College and briefly worked in environmental consulting. In addition to leading tours, Gavin is actively involved in the local birding community, serving as a volunteer eBird reviewer.

    Other trips with Gavin McKinnon—Canada Expert

Map for Into the Heart of Canada's Wild Rockies

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • U.S. citizens can use a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card to enter.  If you are from another country, contact your embassy for documentaton requirements.  See "Passports, Visas, & Documents" section below for details.
  • A Visa is not required for U.S. Citizens for tours of this duration.  
  • 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 “General Health and Inoculations” section below for details.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • 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. See "Packing List" for detailed information.

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 three (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 one blank visa page for stamping. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. 

Visa: At the time of writing, the duration of this tour falls within the allowance for U.S. citizens to enter Canada without a Visa. If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact your country's embassy for travel documentation requirements.

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: Please bring your up-to-date vaccination records with you. The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid, etc.).  Consult with your doctor for recommendations at least 4- 6 weeks before departing on your trip, as some vaccines may require more than one dose and time to become effective prior to your departure. 

Mosquito and tick-borne illness: The CDC will have updated information regarding recent disease outbreaks, such as Malaria or other mosquito or tick-borne diseases, as well as extra precautions to take depending on the area(s) you will be traveling through. Travelers should reduce their risk of mosquito and/or tick-borne diseases by protecting themselves from bites using protective clothing, insect repellant (containing DEET, Picaridin, OLE, etc.) and prophylactics where applicable. Check the CDC and with your doctor to see whether your trip destination is currently at risk for malaria transmission and whether you should consider anti-malarial medication. For repellent permeated clothing, see Packing List for our recommendations. See the “CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel” website for more information:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-home.

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.

Altitude Illness: According to the CDC's website, day trips to high-elevation destinations less than 8000 ft. with an evening return to a lower elevation are much less stressful on the body, depending on the time provided for your body to adjust. However, overnights at higher altitudes may have more adverse effects on your body and you should be informed about altitude illness and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) (see CDC's information for Altitude Illness). The most general symptoms are headache and occasionally fatigue and dizziness. You’ll want to take it easy, particularly at first. The likelihood of these symptoms can be reduced by resting, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and taking aspirin.  In addition, we will optimize acclimatization by adjusting itineraries to avoid going “too high too fast." If you have worries about the altitude, ask your physician about medications (such as Diamox) that may be right for you. 

Weather & Climate

In general, June travelers on this tour can expect temperatures will be highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F, with lows in the high-30s to mid-50s°F during our trip.  There may be occasional light rain. 

You may want to check your favorite weather information website for forecasts and predictions closer to your date of travel. Visit https://www.climatestotravel.com for an overview.

Annoyances & Hazards

Always listen carefully to any advice given by your local guide regarding pests and other biting insects or reptiles you may encounter, especially those that may be poisonous, though this may be rare.

Mosquitos, ticks and other insects: Even if you are traveling in the dry season, mosquitos, ticks and other insects can always be encountered in your travels, so don't risk illness. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section above regarding recommended preventative measures.

Chiggers are a part of lowland and mid-elevation habitats. You may encounter them at grassland or farm locations. Your guide should have a good read on whether chiggers are a concern. It is helpful to spray your shoes with repellent and tuck your pants into your socks .  When back, be sure to shower and air out your clothing.

Remember, sunburn can be both an annoyance and a hazard, so be prepared with proper sun protection.

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.

One of the many ways we strive to do our part for the environment is by intentionally reducing our consumption of single use plastics (such as bottled water), so we appreciate you bringing a reusable water bottle.  Purified drinking water will be made available to refill your bottle, however, bottled water will be available for field trips where refilling your personal bottle is not an option. 

There are some great reusable water filtering bottles on the market today that are great for travels abroad. We encourage you to invest in one (such as Lifestraw or GRAYL Ultrapress or SteriPen). A little research will be well worth the effort to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics in the case that purified water refills are not readily available.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

See “Packing List” tab for more detailed information and checklists, but in summary, we emphasize that you pack light in soft-sided luggage (easier to load in vans and charter planes), plan for dressing comfortably in layers (for managing varying conditions in any given day), and please pack your personal medication, travel documents, optics, and other essential items in your CARRY-ON, not in your checked luggage. Laundry services are available at most lodgings for an additional fee, but be prepared to hand launder if you need to. 

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 Alberta and 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

All tips for all services of your tour are now included in your tour price, with the exception of your main guides. The local guide is your main guide, if there is more than one, they will share your gratuity. The recommended rate is $10.00 - $15.00 per day per guest. You may also wish to tip your Naturalist Journeys guide/host if you have one on your tour; this should be done separately and the same suggested rate applies. We suggest you bring two envelopes or cards to make it easy to share your gratuity at the end of the tour. If you are on an extension, that may be a different local guide for those days.

Tipping to your guide(s) to show your appreciation is entirely at your discretion and should reflect your level of satisfaction of the service provided. If you wish to offer a tip, know that they appreciate anything you care to give. Of course, you are welcome to give more in recognition of exceptional service.

Please note recommended tips are quoted in U.S. dollars. Tips should be converted and paid 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

Canada covers several time zones, and we will be in one during this trip. Calgary is on Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). 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! Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is much easier for us to pack in vehicles or Read more

Please Pack Light!

Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is much easier for us to pack in vehicles or charter aircraft than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft-sided luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked bag that does not exceed 50 pounds. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Delayed Luggage:  Imagine NOT getting your checked bags upon arrival! Therefore, DO NOT pack any essential medications, vital optics (binoculars, camera, eye-glasses), or essential travel documents in your checked luggage! Pack these and other essential items in your carry-on bag and on your person (i.e. under-garment pouch). You will want a day pack for field trips, so this makes an ideal carry-on. Another suggested tip is to travel wearing your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!).

Weather: Pack clothing that is appropriate for the anticipated temperatures and conditions (See “Weather & Climate” section in Essential Information). You may check your favorite weather website, such as www.weather.com, closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be upon arrival. You may also visit https://www.climatestotravel.com for more regional information by month.

Dress: Plan to dress comfortably and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in lightweight layers is the best way to provide options to get you through a day of varying weather and temperatures comfortably. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun, vegetation and pests. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are loose-fitting, comfortable, and easy to layer and launder. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal.  A lightweight and waterproof outer layer is essential as well as comfortable hiking footwear. Fabrics like fleece, as well as rain gear, will protect you from rain and wind and keep you warm. It is important to have a warm jacket when the tour includes cooler temps and/or higher elevations.

Treating your clothing to better protect you from insects: It is possible to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure. Another approach is to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection.

Note on clothing colors: 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.

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

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

  • Photo identification (Note: Real ID required for US citizens on domestic flights) - name should match your passport to avoid issues with confirming your identity
  • Airline tickets or E-ticket verification
  • Passport and 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 backpack, daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear (this can double as your carry-on!)
  • 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)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional) - will be useful for scanning - though guides will have one to share
  • Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB cord and charger (optional)
  • Three prong adapters if needed
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • 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
  • Personal water bottle (we like to save on disposable plastics when possible)
  • Laundry soap (consider laundry soap "sheets" that pack flat, and are lightweight and environmentally friendly)
  • 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)
  • A collapsible airplane footrest (such as an inflatable, foldable, or hammock type) may help make longer flights more comfortable. Some airlines may have restrictions, so confirm with your airline which types are allowed and where they may be not allowed, i.e. bulkhead or exit rows (optional)

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

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for the prairies, mountains and pacific coastline of western Read more

There are many titles of interest for the prairies, mountains and pacific coastline of western Canada; the following are a few that can get you started.

Top Picks

Merlin App — Canada: West Pack. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Before departing the U.S., download the app for free, then from within the app, download the “pack” for Canada: West.  Other packs may interest you as well!

Field Guides

National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of the United States and Canada - West, 2nd Edition

Wildlife & Nature

Birds of Western Canada

Cascadia Revealed: A Guide to the Plants, Animals, and Geology of the Pacific Northwest Mountains

Seabirds: An Identification Guide

Natural History

The Natural History of Canada

Handbook of the Canadian Rockies

History & Culture

History of Canada: A Captivating Guide to Canadian History

An Illustrated History of Canada's Native People: I Have Lived Here Since the World Began, Fourth Edition

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

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

General

Canada

Alberta

Calgary

Canmore

British Columbia

Invermere

Columbia Valley

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

General Birding - Fatbirder

Alberta Wildlife – iNaturalist.org

British Columbia Wildlife – iNaturalist.org

Bird Checklists & Hotspots:

Alberta

Frank Lake

Calgary

Banff NP

Upper Columbia Valley

Kootenay National Park

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Kinbrook Island Provincial Park

Banff National Park

Kootenay National Park

Geology & Geography

Geology of Alberta

Geography of Alberta

Geology of British Columbia

Geography of British Columbia

History & Culture

History of Canada

History of Alberta

Culture of Alberta

History of British Columbia

Culture of British Columbia

Helpful Travel Websites

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Visa ATM Locator

Mastercard ATM Locator

U. S. National Passport Information Center

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Foreign Exchange Rates

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information - Canada

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Canada

Travel Health Pro (UK) - Canada

Electricity and Plugs (same as US)

Time and Date - Canada

Holidays - Canada

 


Photo credits: Banners: Canyon Wren (Gavin McKinnon) Thumbnails: Great Gray Owl (Gavin McKinnon), Thick-billed Longspur (Gavin McKinnon), Horned Grebe (Gavin McKinnon)

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