Frequently Asked Questions - Self Supported Tours
Have you cycled these tours? Yes we have. The Route packages we sell are all derived from group tours we have staged in the past.
How and when do you ship the packages? Since the busy cycling season is in the summer in Canada we expect to ship packages starting in April and May each year. This allows us to update ferry services, accommodation etc. Even with this you may find changes to schedules. In most cases you should receive your package within a week to 10 days from the time we mail them. If you wish to give these packages as a gift please allow extra time to process your order. We ship the packages by standard Canada Post. If you require faster delivery please contact us. When ordering it helps if you let us know when you plan to go on the tour.
I received my Package and I have a question, what should I do? Please call or e-mail us! Our toll free number in North America is 800-214-7798. Outside of North Amercia it's 705-434-1100. Our e-mail address is sweep@cyclecanada.com. Business hours can vary depending where you are, so you might not always reach us immediately. If we don't answer the phone, please leave a detailed message, we should be able to reply within 24 hours.
What is included in the Route Package?
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Cycle Canada's Recommended Itinerary
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Daily Route Sheets, with turns and drawn map
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Start Point locator
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Route sheets coded to commercial maps
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Commerical Map(s)
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Abbreviated Cycle Canada Guide
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Safety tip sheets including
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Ferry Schedules, rates and tips (if applicable) coded to route sheets
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Accommodation suggests, bike shops, restaurants
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Answers to brief questions prior to your trip
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Other material as appropriate
Can I copy your route maps and turn sheets or give them to a friend who wants to do a similar trip? No you may not. All of our material is copyright protected. A great deal of time, effort and money have gone into the development of these routes. We prepare the packages only when we receive the order and update information as we do so. Unlike other route packages ours are not off-the-shelf. We believe that we have been fair in setting the price and this allows us to continue to offer these packages and develop new ones. If you or someone you know would like to ride one of our routes or tours please direct them to us.
What does "Head Office Support" mean? Head Office Support is provided with the Packages and there are two levels of service. The basic level is included in the Package. The basic level of support provides answers to brief questions prior to your trip. In some cases we may refer you to information on our web site, or, if your question is a common one we will develop a FAQ based on our answer to you. If you think you might require more service than this, please consider purchasing our second level of support. You will find information on this service here: Additional Support Package.
Will you book our accommodation? We are sorry but we do not book accommodation for purchasers of any of our Self Suported Tour Packages. Your package will include phone and/or e-mail addresses for you to make bookings. When you make your bookings in many cases you will be required to give a credit card as a deposit. We suggest that you make sure you understand the cancellation policies offered by the accommodation.
One request we would like to make of you. It's the nature of cycling tours that we tend to visit smaller towns and villages. Most of the accommodations where you stay are small businesses. So please help the operators by communicating any changes in plans as soon as possible. Also, you will find that these small business owners will be as helpful as time and resources permit, but please don't expect them to plan your vacation for you.
How do I get to the start of one of Cycle Canada's Self-Supported Tours? Most of our tours start in larger towns that have good transportation services. If the information provided in your package doesn't answer your question please contact us. We would be pleased to pass on what we know.
The information says each package is limited to 4 people, there are 6 of us - what should I do? Our package fee of $75.00 or $85.00 is based on 2 people. For each additional person up to 2 the extra coast is $15.00. After 4 people you will need to purchase a second package. If there are more than eight people in your group please contact us. With eight people you will have difficulty finding accommodation together on these tours. We will review your needs and let you know if we can provide a custom tour.
I have alot of questions and I don't think I can cover them in one or two e-mail messages or phone calls. Can I purchase additional support from Cycle Canada? Yes, we offer an Additional Support Package. This gives you a semi-custom tour. For this price we will tailor your schedule to your prefered daily distances and we will suggest suitable accommodation according to those distances. We will also provide priority Head Office Support during your tour (excluding some black out periods).
Can I buy Cycle Canada's route maps? Our packages include route maps and turn sheets for the selection of Cycle Canada touring routes that we have made available for self-supported tours. We have conducted each tour in the past. The touring routes listed in the Routes section of our site are those we currently offer as self supported tours. We are adding to our selection each year so please feel free to make a request for a future year.
Is Canada cold? In winter yes it can be cold. But in summer most regions are temperate to hot. The ideal cycling period in Canada is April through October, depending on the region. Please let us know your proposed trip date and location and we will let you know what conditions to expect. You will find weather information here: Cycle Canada Guide (short form).
When I come to Canada do I need to speak French? In the regions where we are currently offering Packages you will find most people speak English and many speak English and French. The only area where you may meet people who speak only French is on the Acadian Coast Tour, but this would be rare. We encourage anyone coming to Canada to brush up on their French or learn a few phrases. It is always appreciated.
Which is your favourite tour? The one you are on!
I would like to purchase two of your cycling jerseys. Will you deliver it overseas or can I pick them up in Canada? Yes we will ship overseas. If you are coming to Canada we would be pleased to ship any product to a Canadian address where you will be staying, you will save money on shipping costs that way. Our Canadian themed jerseys are a great souvenir of your travels here.
