Frequently Asked Questions

Water Wonders is a Canadian organization dedicated to showcasing and protecting Canada's aquatic landscapes. We offer guided tours, photography workshops, conservation programs, and educational content about lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and coastal waters across Canada. Founded in 2020, we've documented over 500 water destinations and built a community of 50,000+ nature enthusiasts.

Our main office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, at 123 Waterfront Drive. However, our tours and programs operate across Canada, from Niagara Falls in Ontario to Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories. We have partnerships with local guides and operators in multiple provinces and territories.

Not at all! We welcome participants from around the world. Our tours are conducted in English, and we help international visitors understand entry requirements, travel logistics, and what to expect. Many of our guests come from the United States, Europe, and Asia specifically to experience Canada's water wonders.

We recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance for popular tours during peak season (June-September). For specialized experiences like Northern Lights photography tours or multi-day expeditions to remote locations, booking 3-6 months ahead is advisable. Last-minute availability sometimes exists, but spaces fill quickly, especially for small-group tours.

Tour inclusions vary by program, but typically include:

• Professional guide services
• All necessary equipment (hiking gear, photography equipment, safety gear)
• Park entrance fees and permits
• Transportation during the tour
• Meals as specified in the itinerary

Not typically included: transportation to/from meeting points, accommodation before/after tours, personal expenses, and travel insurance.

Our cancellation policy depends on the tour type and timing:

• 30+ days before departure: Full refund minus $50 administrative fee
• 15-29 days before departure: 50% refund
• Less than 14 days: No refund, but credit toward future tours
• Weather cancellations: Full refund or reschedule at no charge

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

Fitness requirements vary by tour. We rate our tours as:

• Easy: Minimal walking, accessible to most people. Examples: Niagara Falls viewpoints.
• Moderate: 2-5 hours of hiking with elevation gain. Good general fitness needed.
• Challenging: Full-day hiking, significant elevation, potentially rough terrain. Strong fitness required.
• Strenuous: Multi-day expeditions, backcountry travel, extreme conditions. Excellent fitness essential.

Each tour description includes detailed fitness requirements. Contact us if you're unsure about your fitness level for a specific tour.

For our photography workshops, we recommend:

• Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with manual controls. Smartphones can work for beginner workshops.
• Lenses: Wide-angle (16-35mm) for landscapes, standard zoom (24-70mm) for versatility.
• Tripod: Essential for long exposures and low-light photography.
• Filters: Polarizing filter highly recommended; neutral density filters useful for waterfall photography.
• Accessories: Extra batteries, memory cards, lens cleaning kit, weather protection.

Limited equipment rental is available for workshop participants. Contact us for details.

Yes! We offer workshops for all skill levels. Beginner workshops cover camera basics, composition fundamentals, and essential techniques. Intermediate workshops assume knowledge of manual mode and focus on advanced composition and lighting. Advanced workshops cover specialized techniques like long exposure, panoramas, and post-processing. Each workshop listing clearly states the skill level required.

Essential items for most tours include:

• Weather-appropriate clothing in layers
• Waterproof jacket and rain pants
• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Water bottle (1-2 liters)
• Snacks and energy bars
• Personal medications
• Camera/phone for photos

You'll receive a detailed packing list specific to your tour upon booking.

Safety is our top priority. All guides are wilderness first aid certified, carry emergency communication devices, and conduct thorough safety briefings. Many Canadian wilderness areas have bears, and we take wildlife safety seriously:

• Guides carry bear spray and know how to use it
• We make noise while hiking to avoid surprising wildlife
• Food is stored properly to avoid attracting animals
• We follow all park regulations and trail closures
• Emergency action plans are in place for all tours

Wildlife encounters are rare when proper precautions are followed, and our guides are trained to handle any situation that may arise.

Canadian weather can be unpredictable. We monitor conditions closely and prioritize participant safety. Light rain typically doesn't cancel tours (waterproof gear is recommended). However, severe weather, dangerous conditions, or official warnings will result in tour cancellation or modification. In these cases, we offer full refunds or the option to reschedule at no additional cost. Multi-day tours have flexible itineraries to adapt to weather conditions.

Environmental stewardship is core to our mission. Our practices include:

• Small group sizes to minimize impact
• Leave No Trace principles on all tours
• Use of established trails and campsites
• Support for local conservation initiatives (5% of profits donated)
• Education about ecosystem protection
• Partnership with Indigenous communities
• Carbon offset programs for transportation
• Elimination of single-use plastics

There are many ways to get involved:

• Participate in our citizen science programs
• Join volunteer conservation days (cleanup events, water quality monitoring)
• Support organizations protecting Canadian waters
• Educate others about freshwater conservation
• Practice responsible water use and watershed protection at home
• Advocate for policies protecting aquatic ecosystems

Contact us to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities and conservation initiatives.