General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to the Pacific Northwest in Winter. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they take this tour. Although we do our best to make sure what follows here is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document which will be sent to all tour registrants, and whose contents supersedes any information contained here.
ENTERING THE UNITED STATES & CANADA: Non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport and may need tourist visas; please consult your nearest U.S. and Canadian consulates for details. Canadian citizens should carry proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate. Since we cross the border twice to and from Canada, all citizens of the United States will be required to carry proof of citizenship in the form of a passport. This requirement will apply to all land, air and sea travel to or from Canada if security measures should increase.
HEALTH: The Pacific Northwest presents no major health hazards, but there are several concerns. Perhaps the most serious problems stem from the use of inadequate gear. Warm and waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes are important. Some walking over uneven ground or wet terrains is inevitable. We will likely be spending time at elevations of 5,000 feet, and although our pace at these elevations is slow, participants with respiratory problems should be aware of the altitudinal stress. Insects will not be a problem. As it may be difficult to obtain personal medications on the tour, please bring adequate supplies with you.
PACE OF THE TOUR: There are no particularly long or strenuous walks or hikes on this tour. The longest walks are only moderate in length, and do not climb any substantial heights. Most walking is done on roads and trails, although there will be some over uneven ground. Most mornings will start moderately early, around 7:00 AM. As conditions allow, optional owling expeditions will be available on a couple of evenings. We cover a substantial amount of ground on this tour and there are some fairly long drives.
CLIMATE: Washington and British Columbia have a varied climate. Temperatures may vary from the low 50s°F (10ºC) along the coast to 20°F (-5ºC), with wind and rain likely on some days. It can be especially chilly while standing on the bow of one of the ferries, or on our day up in the Coastal Range. Dressing in layers, with a waterproof outer jacket, is highly recommended.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay in standard to above-standard hotels throughout the tour.
DRESS: Informal throughout the tour.
TRANSPORTATION: We will be traveling by 12- or 15-passenger window van or minivan, depending on the group size. Participants should be able to ride in any seat in tour vehicles.
SMOKING: We ask that you not smoke in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, we ask that you do so well away and downwind from the group, if possible. If any lodge, accommodation, or location where the group is staying or is gathered has a more restrictive smoking policy than the WINGS policy, the more restrictive policy will prevail.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS General Information & Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours, and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to the Pacific Northwest in Winter will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary.