How do I get to Vancouver Island?

See our LOCATION page for traveler information.

Are group tours and group discounts available?

We specialize in group tours and custom itineraries. Group discounts are available at time of booking. Call us for more information.

 What is not included in the tour price?

7% GST (Goods & Services Tax)
Meals
Driver/Guide Gratuities
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Accommodations, Attractions, Ferries and Seaplane fares

What form of transportation do you use?

In an effort to keep our scheduled tours small and our service personal, we endeavour to limit our bus size to 15 passenger vans. These are late model, comfortable, air conditioned vehicles. On all custom tours we determine the bus size by the group size and the budget available.

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy walking footwear, layered clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and rain-gear are recommended. Don’t forget your camera with lots of film.

When should I book my tour or event?

In order to avoid disappointment, it is advisable to book as soon as possible. Contact us for seat or date availability.

Will I need to bring food on your tours?

All of our tours provide a stop for lunch (not included in tour price) in a convenient pre-determined spot where varied food selection is available. If you are uncertain give us a quick call to verify.

Are gratuities included?

No. If you feel your driver/guide has exceeded your expectations and helped make your trip a memorable one, you can show your appreciation at the end of a trip by offering a gratuity. Standard gratuity for day tours is $10.00 per passenger.

How physically fit do I have to be to partake in your tours?

People who are reasonably fit can partake in all of our tours. If you are physically challenged in any way please contact us and we can help you pick an appropriate tour.

Is there someplace to keep valuables?

All tour participants are responsible for their own property. We will not be responsible for your valuables or property either in our vehicles or during our tours.

Do I have to pay the 7% GST?

Foreign visitors may claim a full rebate of GST paid on goods which they take out of the country within 60 days of purchase and a partial point of sale refund on short-term accommodation. However, the visitor rebate cannot be claimed for the GST paid on alcohol, tobacco, food or gasoline for personal use.

Visitor GST refund information can be gotten by contacting Canada Customs & Revenue Agency at 1-902-432-5608 or toll free in Canada 1-800-668-4748, visit www.ccra.gc.ca/visitors for internet inquiries. Refund forms can be printed from the internet at www.ccra.gc.ca/forms or by telephone toll free from Canada and the United States at 1-800-959-2221. From outside Canada and the U.S.A. at (613) 952-3741 (collect calls accepted).

Is a deposit required for your scheduled tours?

Full payment is required at time of booking to ensure your reservation.

Do you have a cancellation policy for your tours?

A $25.00 administration fee per passenger applies to all customer cancelled bookings. No refund will be issued if a booking is cancelled within 14 days of the tour date. If a cancelled booking can be re-booked with another party, a full refund less a $25.00 administration fee per person will be issued. Grand Vista Tours & Events is not responsible for travel booking penalties or any expenses a tour participant incurs should a tour be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance is recommended.

Will I have to sign a liability waiver?

Insurance companies in Canada require that every tour participant sign a liability waiver. See a copy of our waiver form here or call us at toll free in Canada or the U.S.A. at 1-866-753-3414 and we will fax you a copy.

Grand Vista Tours & Events is licensed and insured under the laws of British Columbia, Canada.

Do I need to be concerned whether you are a passenger licensed and insured business?

Legitimate tour operators in British Columbia must be licenced by the Passenger Transportation Branch or the Motor Carrier Commission of the British Columbia Government. Additionally, commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected through the National Safety Code of Canada and insured to carry passengers by the Province of British Columbia. Any operator providing services to carry passengers without being licenced as above may not be insured adequately.