2. What kinds of taxes are there in British Columbia? There is a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) currently in effect in Canada. Visitors to Canada can obtain a refund of the GST they have paid. Refund application forms are available on BC Ferries, at Greyhound Bus terminals and certain other locations. On leaving Canada, visitors should submit the form, together with all GST receipts (up to C$500) to a participating duty-free shop or to a tax rebate outlet.
The Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of 7.5% is levied on all goods except liquor, which is taxed at 10%. Accommodations are taxed at 17%. This includes the 7% GST, which is refundable to non-Canadian visitors. Please note that the PST is NOT refundable

3. How do I pay for my trip?
To secure your reservation, we require a deposit of 50% of the tour cost. Sixty (60) days before the departure date of the trip, full payment is due. Your reservation will not be held unless full payment is received by the due date.
For reservations made 60-days or less before the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking, in order to secure your place.
All moneys must be paid in Canadian dollars, by certified cheque, money order, bank draft, Visa or Mastercard.
Deposits and trip payments are non-transferable.
Upon receipt of your deposit, confirmation of your reservation will be sent to you, along with a pre-trip information package, which will include your trip itinerary and invoice, as well as maps, and helpful
travel information about your trip.

4. What is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
If you need to cancel your reservation, refund rates are based on the date we receive your written cancellation notice. Tour refunds will be according to the following schedule.
a. More than 60 days before departure date: full refund, less an administration fee of C$100 per person.
b. 59 - 31 days before departure date: 50% refund of trip cost
c. 30 - 0 days before departure date: no refund

5. What about insurance?
For your protection, we recommend that you obtain trip cancellation insurance. A short-term travel insurance policy can cover non-refundable trip costs resulting from personal or family illness or accident.
If you choose to purchase trip cancellation insurance, it must be done at the time you register for your tour (not later!).
In addition, we strongly advise you to check your personal insurance coverage. Ensure that you have adequate medical and personal injury insurance for the duration of your visit to British Columbia. Your travel agent can help you with insurance concerns.

6. How big is Vancouver Island?
Our island is larger than many European countries. It is 65 km wide at its narrowest point, and 97 km at its
widest. It is possible to drive from south to north in about 6 hours. The total population is about 730 000. We have about 0.2 people per square kilometre, compared with Germany, which has about 230 people per square kilometre!

7. What is the weather like there?
We have the mildest climate in Canada! Summer is usually very warm and sunny, with a pleasant breeze from the ocean and temperatures reaching about 25 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) In the winter, we rarely get a frost and temperatures are almost always well above zero (32 degrees Fahrenheit) Please remember that Vancouver Island is a temperate rainforest, and in order to have those forests, we must have rain sometimes! We get most of our rain in the winter, but spring and fall can also bring some ‘liquid sunshine.’ On the Inside Passage, and the North Island, August is often foggy. September and October are excellent months for travelling, as there are still many warm sunny days, and many of the regular tourists have gone home to send their children back to school!

8. What should we wear?
It is a good idea to bring a variety of clothing. Dress is generally very casual here, and in the spring and fall it’s a good idea to layer clothing so that you are ready for any changes in the weather. We advise fleece, T-shirts, sweaters, and a good ‘breathable’ rain jacket. Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes are a must. As long as you are dressed for the weather, you can be comfortable at all times.

9. What about my hairdryer?
Canada operates on 110V, 60-cycle electric power (same as the U.S.). Non-North American visitors who wish to use small appliances from home (e.g., razors or hair dryers), should bring a small plug adapter.

10. What am I responsible for?
You are responsible for airfares, transportation to and from the trip departure point, pre- or post-trip lodging and meals, alcoholic beverages, insurance of any kind, medical costs, hospitalisation costs, evacuation costs of any kind.
Items of a personal nature are not included in your trip cost, and are not provided by VanIsle Custom Adventures.
Details of what is included are provided in your pre-trip information package.

It is important that you discuss with VanIsle Custom Adventures your health and level of fitness, so that we can determine what activities will best suit your needs. Please be realistic about this, so that you will not be injured or disappointed in your holiday.
With any outdoor activity, there is inherent risk. Before being allowed to participate in any tour, each guest will be required to complete, sign, and return to VanIsle Custom Adventures and any other tour operator that may need one, a medical information form, and a Release of Liability form.
Guests travelling with us are expected to follow safety and environmental guidelines in accordance with the trip leader’s direction.