Tour Overview & Season
- Q: What is the best time of year to take this tour? The tour operates from May to October. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest days, while June and September provide smaller crowds and stunning autumn colour (September onward).
- Q: Are there fixed dates of departure for this tour? No. The tour departs every day of the season and is operated on demand at a time convenient for you.
- Q: How far in advance should I book? Peak season (July–August) accommodations and whale watching cruises fill quickly. Booking at least 90 days in advance is recommended to secure preferred dates and properties.
Exclusivity & Customization
- Q: Will there be other patrons on this tour? Absolutely no. This tour experience is exclusive to you. There will be no other participants on this tour.
- Q: Can you customize our tour? Yes. The itinerary is always customized to meet your specific interests. DMCi Inc. specialises in private tours, and your travel advisor can adjust days, add experiences, or upgrade accommodations to suit your preferences.
- Q: Can I extend the tour hours while we are touring? Possibly yes. It depends on whether your driver-guide has subsequent assignments. Pre-payment via a secure link is required for extensions.
Guide Services & Language
- Q: Will we have a separate step-on guide or a driver-guide? This tour is operated by a Driver-Guide. You may upgrade to a dedicated Step-on Guide subject to additional rates.
- Q: What is the difference between a Driver-guide and a Step-on-Guide? A driver-guide drives and provides commentary but will not leave the vehicle to accompany you inside attractions. A step-on guide does not drive but meets the group to provide commentary both inside the vehicle and inside attractions.
- Q: What languages do you conduct the tour in? Driver-guides speak English only.
Logistics & Pick-Up
- Q: Will I be picked up and dropped off at my hotel? Yes. Our private tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off within the designated area.
- Q: What time should we be ready for this tour? We suggest being ready at your pick-up point at least 15 minutes before your designated start time.
- Q: I’m running late, what should I do? Please notify us. However, arriving late will result in a reduction of total tour time, as guides have subsequent bookings. No extensions or refunds are provided for lost time.
- Q: What type of vehicle is provided? You travel in a private GMC Suburban (or similar luxury SUV), offering spacious seating, climate control, and ample luggage room for the entire journey.
Suitability & Accessibility
- Q: Is this tour suitable for families with children? Absolutely. The itinerary appeals to all ages with a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural sites, beaches, and interactive experiences like Fortress Louisbourg and Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place.
- Q: How physically demanding is the itinerary? The tour is moderate. Most activities involve walking on flat or gently uneven ground. Hopewell Rocks requires staircase descent, and Louisbourg involves walking on cobblestone. Your driver-guide adjusts the pace to your comfort.
- Q: Can solo travellers book this tour? Yes. The private tour format is ideal for solo travellers seeking comfort, safety, and a fully curated experience without the constraints of group travel.
- Q: Is the tour suitable for guests with mobility issues? We can adjust the pace for your comfort; however, guests must disclose mobility issues when booking. Driver-guides are not authorized to provide physical mobility assistance.
- Q: How should I dress and what shoes should I wear? Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. If visiting a church, please dress appropriately (no flip-flops or tank tops). A folding umbrella is also recommended.
Meals & Gratuities
- Q: Are meals and gratuities included? The Lobster Tales Dinner Cruise in Shediac is included. All other meals, including lunch, are at your own expense, giving you the freedom to explore Atlantic Canada’s diverse culinary scene. Gratuities are always included in our Private Tours.
- Q: Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies? If there is a food component, please inform us at the time of booking so we can seek approval from our service provider.
Travel Documents
- Q: Do I need a passport for this tour? Canadian citizens require valid government-issued photo identification. International visitors require a valid passport and any applicable visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Weather & Cancellations
- Q: Does the tour take place despite bad weather? The tour operates rain or shine with indoor alternatives available. Your driver-guide carries alternative options for weather-sensitive activities such as whale watching and ferry crossings. DMCi ensures no day is wasted. In the event of severe inclement weather, the service provider may cancel the tour, and a full refund will be provided.
- Q: Can I get a refund or reschedule for personal reasons? No. Private Tours are non-refundable and non-transferable, similar to concert tickets.
On-Tour Policies
- Q: Am I allowed to bring food, beverages, or pets? Our vehicles come stocked with bottled water. You may bring bottled water and small snacks (no “wet” food). Except for guide dogs (which must be disclosed in advance), pets are generally not allowed unless a specific exception is granted in writing.
- Q: Can I shop during the tour? Shopping is discouraged to maintain the scheduled timeline and ensure a timely experience for all components of the itinerary.
- Q: Is it safe to approach or touch wild animals? Absolutely no. It is not safe to approach or touch wild animals, even if they appear friendly. Do not step out of the vehicle to take pictures of wildlife.
Rules & Suitability
Q: Cameras & Photo Etiquette: If you must take pictures of other participants on the tour other than your own closed group, you must seek the permission of such person whose pictures you are taking.
Q: Is smoking/vaping allowed on the tour? Absolutely no. We maintain a no-smoking policy on our tours.
Q: Should we purchase Travel Insurance? Travel & Medical Insurance is highly recommended for all clients. It is your travel advisor’s responsibility to offer you travel insurance options. Please make sure to enquire with your Travel Advisor what are your options relating to Travel Insurance.
Q: Tour Participation Policy: Travel Disruptions and Cancellations: In the event of flight cancellations, travel disruptions, or a client’s failure to join their tour, please be advised that refunds and substitute tours are not provided by DMCI Inc. or its partners. This policy applies to all circumstances outside of DMCI Inc.’s direct control, including but not limited to cancelled or delayed flights, denied entry, medical issues, family emergencies, weather, and traffic conditions. To protect against unexpected cancellations and interruptions, DMCI Inc. strongly recommends that all clients secure comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure.