• 2 complete warm layers that are not cotton (think fleece, polyester, merino wool etc, for top and bottom)

• Rain jacket (anything wind and waterproof will work)

• Comfortable hiking shoes (don't need to be hiking boots. Anything comfy, stable & blister free in & don't mind getting dirty)

• Bathing suit and towel (for swimming or hot springs along the way)

• Socks and underwear (you knew that though I hope)

• Small day pack to carry your personal items on hikes

• Any medications you need (like epi pens, asthma or heart meds, insulin) Very important!

• Suitcase/ duffel bag or back pack for your luggage (we have lots of room, bring whatever works- you won't have to carry it)

• Hiking poles if you feel you might need them to protect your knees on rocky paths

• Sunscreen, bug spray, sun glasses, lip chap all help

• At least one 1 liter water bottle (two is ideal)

• Travel pillow (or bunch up your sweater) & Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees C (unless renting ours)

• Headlamp or flashlight (helps during the midnight dash to the toilet)

• Camera for the epic views

• Bug spray and sunscreen if desired

• A USB Battery to charge your devices (very helpful)

We have 5 usb ports in our vans, so you are able to plug your electronic devices in during the time the van is driving. Some of the bathrooms have power outlets as well, which you can plug in and charge for a while. Don't forget your charger!

We highly recommend bringing a USB charging pack so you can charge your phone when you need and in case the USB outlets in the van are all taken up.

The West Coast weather can be fairly unpredictable and it is always best to be prepared for any type of weather.

That being said, 90 percent of the time you can expect amazing weather. We usually experience roughly 5 rainy tour days each summer on our Vancouver Island tours. Expect the temperature to be 25C / 80f during the day and 15C / 60f at night.

Although it is never expected or required, tipping is customary in Canada for people in the service industry (servers, drivers, guides etc). Here are some basic guidelines:

• 10-20% of bill for servers. (10 for not so great, 15 for average, 20 for exceptional, more if you are trying to impress them. :). )

• Guides: While our guides are paid above industry average, it is no secret that guiding is a lifestyle job. Standard tipping for guides is $5-10 per guest, per day, per guide.

  • This applies to raft guides, kayak guides, horseback guides and your Fresh Adventures guides.

• Please remember this is never expected and only something nice if you feel like it.

Our tours are designed so that almost everyone could jump off a plane with a smile and have a great time. That being said, there are a few things you can do to enhance your experience with us. Arriving in reasonable physical condition will ensure that you enjoy the hikes more, spending more time enjoying the view and less time gasping for breath with your head between your legs! (just kidding:)..) Below are some pretty good ideas:

• Go for a few walks, up to 6 km long, with some uphill.

• Climb up 20 flights of stairs

• Balance on 1 foot while you cook or brush your teeth. (I know it's kooky but it helps you balance on uneven trails).

• Stretch, especiaally back and legs.

But don't worry... you are going to have a great time either way!

Your tour starts at 2 pm and we offer a variety of pick up options to make travel easy for you:

• Ferry from Vancouver

  • Pick up At Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal @ 1 pm

• Arriving by air:

  • Pick up at YYJ (Victoria Airport) at 1:15 pm

  • Flight should arrive by 12 pm for customs/ luggage

• Downtown pick ups:

  • Pick up from Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel between 1:45 and 2:15 pm

Please note that in order to provide such generous pick up options we are subject to a lot of traffic and variable on the way. We may be delayed slightly due to traffic coming back from the ferry and airport pick ups.

• On the final day of your trip we will be able to drop you off at three different options:

• 1 pm drop off downtown Victoria at the Marriott Inner Harbor Hotel

• 2 pm at the Victora Airport and Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal