FAQs

Guests should be comfortable boarding and disembarking trains without assistance, walking and moving between cars while the train is in motion, and navigating steep, narrow stairs to the upper level of the observation car. All hallways are narrow and have handrails, but train travel can be unpredictable and some unexpected movement may occur. At brief train stop locations, ground may be uneven and covered in loose gravel, with no sidewalks.

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

A visa is not required.

A passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling internationally.

Ensure that your passport has sufficient space for entry and exit stamps, and that it is valid for six months after the date of your return from this tour. U.S. passports issued to citizens 16 years of age or older is valid for 10 years.

Send a copy of your passport photo page to Orbridge at least 90 days prior to departure.

If you are a dual Canadian citizen, you will require a valid Canadian passport for travel to Canada. Check with your second country of citizenship for re-entry requirements for dual citizens.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are traveling abroad for tourism purposes, you will require a passport from your country of citizenship. You may require a visa, depending upon your country of citizenship's requirements for visiting countries on this tour. Check your visa status with those countries you will visit during your travel program and obtain visas, if needed.

Should you need the assistance of a visa specialist, we recommend using G3 Global Services. Along with the cost of the visa, a fee is charged for their service. Learn more here.

The Canadian dollar (CAD) is Canada's legal currency. We recommend securing Canadian dollars in the U.S. prior to departure. However, local currency can be obtained at Canadian ATMs with a debit card. Note that the value of foreign currency fluctuates based on the current exchange rate.

Major credit cards are widely accepted, however merchants may require a minimum purchase. Credit card purchases may be subject to a higher exchange rate versus purchases using local currency.

Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted by local merchants.

Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.

Temperatures across Canada vary between the low 30s °F to low 70s °F, depending on time of year.

Check the forecast for the dates of your stay on www.weather.gc.ca to help you prepare.

All properties visited on this tour are equipped with standard North American 120-volt electrical outlets.

Due to lack of a reliable signal along much of the route, Wi-Fi is not available onboard. However, connecting to Wi-Fi may be possible at these stations: Vancouver, Jasper, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Toronto. Cellular service may be available in some areas. Wi-Fi will be available for purchase at the hotels visited at the start and end of the tour.

Your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.

While onboard the train, breakfast is available between 6:30 am and 9:00 am. Afterward, take advantage of fun, social, and educational activities offered in the domed Skyline or Park cars. The train is well-equipped with personal concierge service, delicious meals, and dedicated staff to make your journey comfortable.

Note the following important aspects of this tour:

• Similar to passenger railways in North America, VIA Rail Canada operates The Canadian on tracks owned by freight companies. While VIA Rail strives for on-time departures and arrivals, increased freight traffic on the railway may cause delays. These delays could result in a delayed Toronto departure, delayed Vancouver arrival and shortened city stops.
• While there will be brief stops that provide opportunities to stretch your legs and get fresh air, a majority of the trip will be spent on board the train.
• Your Orbridge Travel Director will announce the schedule during your group gatherings. Itinerary adjustments may occur if conditions beyond our control require changes, such as train delays.

Each guest is limited to one checked bag, one carry-on bag, and one personal item (purses are not considered a personal item).

Due to space limitations, checked bags will be stored in the train's baggage car while guests are on board the train. Guests will NOT have access to their checked bag during train journeys. All essential items, such as medications and daily necessities, should be packed in carry-on bags.

The checked bag may not exceed 50 pounds and must measure less than 62 linear inches (length + width + height).

The carry-on bag may not exceed 25 pounds and dimensions of 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches.

The personal item may not exceed 25 pounds and dimensions of 17 x 6 x 13 inches.

The carry-on bag and personal item will be stored underneath the couch in your cabin — in a space similar in size to under an airline seat.

We recommend traveling light. Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate for this tour. Dress in layers to help transition between warmer temperatures and cooler environments.

Whether dining at one of the hotels or aboard the train, casual attire is acceptable. Depending upon the season, this can include skirts, cotton or linen pants/slacks, blouses, polo shirts, button-down and collared long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and walking shoes or flats. A jacket is not required for gentlemen.

Also consider packing:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A sweater or fleece
• Light rain jacket or windbreaker
• Swimwear
• Polarized sunglasses
• Collapsible hiking poles

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.