FAQ

We suggest you include the following items in your backpack:

• Camera

• Extra battery or external charger for your camera or phone

• Binoculars

• Comfortable clothing, we suggest dressing in layers

• Sunglasses

• A waterproof jacket

• Comfortable walking shoes, or runners/trainers

• Any medication you may need

You will receive a complete packing list with your expedition package 30 days prior to departure.

Neither! Because we have chartered our own private flight, we depart from a private charter terminal. Directions and parking details will be provided to all travelers via email in the expedition package 30 days prior to the departure date.

We cannot accommodate checked baggage on our charters, and it is not advisable to bring a carry-on suitcase. A backpack is the best option while on expedition.

You will have cell phone reception upon arrival in Prince Rupert, but we will be out of service for much of the time on the catamaran. It is also advisable to put your phone on airplane mode to conserve battery life. If you are using your phone to take photos, as most do, you do not want to run out of charge!

The cameras on most modern mobile phones are exceptional, and can be counted on to take great photos. The biggest issue we observe is travellers phones running out of battery, so we suggest bringing a power bank if your device often does not last a full day.

All meals are included in your Expedition. Breakfast is served on your private charter flight to Prince Rupert, lunch is served while out on cruise and dinner is served on the flight home. Snacks can be purchased aboard the boat. As part of the booking process, you will have the opportunity to provide any dietary restrictions and we will accommodate as best practicable.

The boat does have a small snack and drink counter, and accepts cash, debit and credit card.

Grizzly bears can be seen in the area throughout the spring and summer, but May through July are without question the best time to view them. During this time, the bears are often found along the shoreline as they feed on a grass-like plant called sedge and dig for mussels at low tide.

While there can never be a guarantee on the activity of wildlife, our tours to the area are at the best time of year to see the bears, and our Expedition guides and boat captain work to maximize the opportunity to view the stunning wildlife and environment along the BC coast.

While bear sighting is our main priority, other wildlife is often spotted out on our cruise. You may have the opportunity to encounter orcas, humpback whales, seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and more.

We recommend this experience for guests aged 8 and older. The tour includes a 2-hour flight each way and approximately 7 hours on the catamaran without disembarking. It’s an incredible adventure, but a long day that may be challenging for younger children.

Prince Rupert, BC is in Pacific Daylight Time.

Temperature in Prince Rupert will generally be in the 10 to 15°C (60°F) range during the tour, and can have varied sun and cloud, with rain. Temperatures on the boat can feel cooler than at shore so we recommend dressing in layers.

There is minimal walking required during the Expedition. Guests will need to climb approximately 12 steps to board the aircraft. Upon arrival in Prince Rupert, there are a few steps to board a short bus transfer to the Digby Island dock. At the dock, guests walk around 100 metres down the dock and up access stairs to board the catamaran. Once onboard, there are stairs leading to the outdoor viewing decks and the upper-level passenger seating area. We stay on the vessel for the duration of the tour. Walkers will need to be stored during the catamaran tour as their is limited space for guests to move around the boat. Staff are available at all times to assist guests with mobility restrictions.

Gold Star Canadian Tours does not provide travel insurance with the purchase of your Expedition. Before purchasing trip cancellation, interruption insurance or additional medical insurance, we suggest you check your current insurance providers, as many include coverage as part of current policy, or for a small additional fee.

If your travel availability changes and you need to adjust your trip, Gold Star Canadian Tours will make every effort to schedule you on the next available trip.

Cancellations DO happen. We invite you to join the tour waitlist.

Upcoming expeditions:
https://www.goldstarcanada.com/upcoming-expeditions

Contact us at info@goldstarcanada.com
1-855-665-4924

Please go to our contact page, or email us at info@goldstarcanada.com and we will respond as quickly as possible. Feel free to call us toll free at 1-855-665-4924.