Terms and conditions for explore organized trips

1. Content of the site

CAAT has made all necessary efforts to ensure that all information posted on its website is accurate. CAAT will not, however, be held liable for any modifications that may be made, at any time, for several reasons beyond its control. In case of discrepancy between the descriptions of the Services in the explore brochure and those on the website, the latter shall prevail.

Photographs and pictures: All photographs and pictures reproduced on this website are used solely as indications, and shall not be construed as being part of these conditions.

2. Posted prices

Unless otherwise indicated, all prices quoted in this brochure are in Canadian dollars (CAD), calculated per person, double occupancy, and based on the prices established by the providers of the Services, the exchange rate, the cost of fuel, taxes and other fees in force.

Prices include:

• all items listed under “The price includes:” for each of the explore packages;
• taxes and Canadian government fees, unless otherwise indicated;

Prices do not include:

• fees for any document required by competent government authorities (e.g., passport, visas, tourist taxes), unless otherwise indicated;
• flights for certain departures;
• baggage check / excess baggage charges;
• reservation fees for airplane seat selection when available;
• any and all personal expenses;
• CAAT reservation fees;
• travel insurance;
• vaccines that may be required;
• meals, unless otherwise specified;
• alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, unless otherwise indicated;
• tips, unless otherwise indicated;
• optional excursions;
• tourist and visitor taxes, public admission fees, as well as any other fees required by local authorities;
• any item not explicitly mentioned under “The price includes:”.

For cruise packages, in addition to the above-mentioned exclusions, prices do not include:

• tips to ship’s personnel, unless otherwise indicated;
• certain onboard services, unless otherwise indicated;
• meals in specialty restaurants or off the ship, unless otherwise indicated.

In the event of any discrepancy between the prices in the explore brochure and those on the website, the latter shall prevail. Please contact your travel counsellor before booking to verify whether any additions or changes have been made. Confirmed prices reflect the fares in effect at the time of booking and may not be changed, even if the price for the same trip decreases in the hours, days or weeks following confirmation of your booking.

3. Changes to prices after purchase

Prices may be increased only in the event of a fuel surcharge imposed by the carrier, a change in local taxes, an increase in the exchange rate, insofar as the exchange rate applicable 45 days from the date on which the Services are provided has increased by more than 5% since the date at which the contract was concluded. If the increase, without taking into account any increase in the GST or QST, is equal to or greater than 7% of the price of the Services, the customer may choose to cancel the contract (with full reimbursement) or opt for replacement Services. If the price of the replacement Services is higher, the customer shall pay the difference in price. No price increase may occur within 30 days prior to the date on which the Services must be provided.

4. Booking and confirmation

Bookings are strictly nominal and personal and must be accompanied by a deposit or payment in full before they can be considered valid. A photocopy of your passport may be requested at the time of booking or, at the latest, at the time of final payment. When you provide your credit card number to the travel counsellor and a CAAT supplier, this constitutes your verbal commitment to make the booking and comply with the reservation terms and conditions, even if you have not signed the appropriate document. Products are offered subject to availability and may be limited to a certain number of travellers.

CAAT reserves the right to cancel a group package if there is an insufficient number of participants, or to adjust transportation to suit the number of passengers. In the event of cancellation of certain services, the liability of CAAT shall be limited to reimbursement of any and all amounts received for such cancelled services, which shall be deemed to constitute full settlement of any claim you might have.

The descriptions of cities, stops, and ports of call for tours or cruises, whether individually or as a whole, cannot in any way be considered a determining factor of your booking. Ships, itineraries, visits, accommodation, or means of transportation are subject to change before or during the course of the tour or cruise itself. The local supplier and the host may decide at any time to make changes or substitutions, such decision being final and without recourse by you. Any passenger under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a relative or legal guardian at least 25 years of age and sharing the same stateroom or occupying an adjoining stateroom. No booking will be possible unless the passenger can comply with this requirement.

5. CAA Dollars promotions

To be eligible for CAA Dollars promotions, you must be a CAA-Quebec member in good standing at the time of booking and at the time of departure. Amounts in CAA Dollars are credited to the member’s account on or about the 20th day of the month following departure. Not applicable on certain products, the CAA-Quebec Boutique promotion, and the 20% savings on CAA Travel Insurance.

Early booking promo

Early Booking deal by booking one of the selected explore products featured in one of our explore brochures, a CAA-Québec member will earn CAA Dollars calculated on the total amount of the Services related to the member only. The amount of CAA Dollars earned depends on the date the trip is booked.

Find out more about our current promotions.

CAA-Quebec travel explorers club

A member who, since September 1, 2011, has purchased two products offered in a CAA-Quebec Voyages or explore brochure with a minimum value of $3,000 per passenger, and who books an eligible product will receive a reward in CAA Dollars proportionate to the number of trips taken. Trips are counted only once they have been made. This promotion does not apply to Grouped Tours or to tours, packages or cruises sold by another supplier.

Rebate on boutique perchases

A customer booking an explore package obtains a total of 15% in CAA Dollars on the value of purchases. This offer applies only to the pre-tax amount of regular-price Boutique merchandise. It consists of the Boutique’s regular 5% offer combined with the special 10% offer on products in the CAA-Quebec explore brochures. Both the regular 10% in CAA Dollars and the additional 10% in CAA Dollars will be credited to the member’s account at the time of the transaction and are redeemable on future purchases.

6. Deposit

When you book Services before the date at which final payment is due, you must remit a non-refundable deposit to the travel counsellor as follows:

A deposit must be made at the time of booking, and the balance must be received at our offices at the specified date of the final payment (unless otherwise indicated).

Tours, ocean cruises* and river cruises

All destinations - $1000 per person

*For some cruise lines or cruises, a higher deposit may be required. Exceptions apply.

Freedom products

All destinations except Kenya - $1000 per person

Kenya destination - $1500 per person

7. Payment in full

For explore products:

• Self-guided products (self-guided tours and grouped tours): 60 days before departure
• Canal boat products: 95 days before departure
• Tours: 95 days before departure
• River cruises: 95 days before departure, except for AmaWaterways cruises: 130 days before departure
• Ocean cruises: 120 days before departure, except for cruises with Azamara: 130 days before departure; Norwegian Cruise Line: 140 days before departure
• Signature and other products: Please contact your travel counsellor

Travellers who make bookings after the final payment date are required to pay the full amount.

Air tickets and other travel documents will be issued once CAAT has received payment in full for the Services, and will be delivered to you approximately 14 days before departure.

CAAT reserves the right to cancel a booking without prior notice and without recourse by you if payment in full is not received within the required period, and to charge the cancellation fee indicated under “Fees for Changes and Cancellations.”

8. Fees for cancellations or changes

CAAT will charge the following fees in any case where you request cancellation of a booking, for any reason whatsoever, including personal reasons, as described in the following table and based on the total price of the product, including taxes and booking charges:

Freedom products (self-guided tours, grouped tours)

Tours and river cruises

Maritimes cruises

For cruises, a higher cancellation fee may be charged if you have booked a suite. You will be advised of the amount at the time of booking.

If you cancel your trip, CAAT will bill you for additional service charges up to a maximum of $100 per passenger plus taxes, on top of any and all other charges billable by the tour operator, cruise line, or carrier, as the case may be.

No refund can be granted if a traveller fails to arrive at the agreed-upon times, dates, or places; lacks required documents; or interrupts the trip after it has begun.

You must address a notice of cancellation in writing to CAAT, and the cancellation will be effective as of the date CAAT receives the notice.

In view of the global political situation, the above-mentioned cancellation fees are applicable even in case of a cancellation or cancellation request due to personal fear for reasons of war (whether declared or not), armed conflict, insurrection, terrorism, natural disaster, etc., even in the region or country visited. You waive your right to invoke such factors, or apprehension of them, to justify a cancellation and ask for a refund after booking.

If the room or stateroom occupancy agreed upon at the time of booking is reduced or increased, the price will be changed to reflect the actual occupancy of the accommodations, and you or the other passengers will be responsible for any resulting increase in price.

No refund will be issued by CAAT for any services unused by you on the day of departure or after departure.

Correction of name and/or date of birth: At the time of booking, you are responsible for providing your real name as it appears on your passport (last name and given names) as well as your date of birth. You are responsible for the cost of any name correction required. Any name change will be treated as a cancellation. A fee will be charged for every name change that you request, and fees are cumulative.

Excursions program: Optional excursions are offered by your travel counsellor. Once booked, they are non-refundable for any reason whatsoever, including cancellation due to the cruise line cancelling a port visit. A minimum number of travellers is required to guarantee excursions.

9. Travel insurance

CAAT strongly recommends that all travellers obtain insurance covering the risks generally associated with foreign travel, especially the cost of medical care and hospitalization or trip cancellation, as well as insurance for lost luggage. You are responsible for purchasing sufficient insurance and, if needed, consulting a travel counsellor for more information regarding insurance.

10. Travel documents

Canadian citizens are required to have official photo ID for travel within Canada. For travel outside Canada, a valid Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted proof of Canadian citizenship everywhere and at any time.

You are responsible for obtaining, at your expense, all documents required by relevant government authorities, and for complying with applicable laws. You must also ensure that your passport validity corresponds to the requirements of the countries you will be visiting, including all ports of call. Many countries require that passports be valid for 6 months beyond the date of return to Canada; make sure that your passport meets this requirement. Some countries visited and cruise itineraries may require visas. Under the applicable laws, all cruise passengers must complete the detailed registration form available on the cruise company website at least 10 days before the scheduled sailing date, failing which they may be denied boarding.

Canadian citizens born in certain countries may require a visa in addition to a valid passport. A permanent resident card will be required for permanent residents/landed immigrants who are not Canadian citizens.

Single parents or persons other than the parents travelling with a child under the age of 18 may need to provide a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent(s) not travelling.

You are responsible for checking which travel documents are required, and you must have the necessary documents in hand prior to departure. If you fail to provide the required documents, you may be denied boarding privileges by the carrier or relevant authorities, without further recourse or the possibility of a refund. Entry to another country may also be denied even if the required information and travel documents are complete. No refund or replacement will be given by CAAT for lost or stolen travel documents.

CAAT’s sole responsibility in this regard is to inform customers concerning the travel documents required in the country or countries visited. As such, CAAT shall not be liable for the consequences suffered by any customer resulting from failure to obtain such documents or to comply with applicable laws.

11. Separate contracts between you and the service suppliers

CAAT is not a carrier, hotelkeeper, or excursionist. The Services are supplied by independent companies over which CAAT has no control. Those suppliers limit and restrict their liability. The Services are also subject to certain Canadian and foreign laws and regulations.

You enter into a separate contract, referenced in the document of carriage, with each carrier. Transportation is subject to the terms and conditions appearing on the document of carriage and to the applicable laws and regulations.

Contract conditions with individual air carriers appear on their tickets and can be viewed on their websites. Transportation conditions for cruise lines appear on their tickets and websites.

12. Baggage

Allowance: Individual airlines set specific standards regarding the quantity, size, and weight of baggage, as well as fees for checked baggage. You should check with your travel counsellor or the airline for the most up-to-date restrictions and costs.

For all explore products that include a flight from Canada: There is a limit of 1 suitcase per passenger. You will be required to carry your bags at certain times.

Limitation of liability: Air transportation and claims relating to the delays in the delivery of baggage, loss or theft of baggage or their contents, and damage to baggage are governed by the Montreal Convention or the Warsaw Convention, as the case may be, the applicable tariffs of the air carrier, and the conditions of contract appearing on the airline ticket.

Cruise lines, hotelkeepers, and vehicle rental companies also limit and restrict their responsibility with regard to the loss or theft of baggage or their contents and damage to baggage and the personal belongings of their guests/customers.

Passengers’ baggage and property are transported, stored, and handled at the owner’s risk at all times. CAAT cannot be held liable, at any time, for damaged, lost, or stolen baggage or their contents, or for delay in delivery of baggage.

13. Air, sea and ground transportation

CAAT has no control over or obligation with regard to schedules, air, sea, or ground itineraries, or the type of aircraft, vessel, or vehicle, which are determined exclusively by the carriers involved and may be altered by them due to various circumstances including weather conditions, port, or airport directives, etc. You enter into a separate contract, referenced in the document of carriage, with each carrier. Transportation is subject to the terms and conditions appearing on the document of carriage and to the applicable laws and regulations. You and you alone are responsible for being familiar with boarding procedures and arriving in time to board, and you release CAAT from any liability in connection therewith. CAAT cannot be held liable for any damage or additional expense resulting from a delay; change of schedule, itinerary, or port of call; or missed connecting flight, for any reason whatsoever. Furthermore, CAAT cannot be held liable for any event occurring while a passenger is aboard an aircraft, vessel, or ground vehicle.

Refusal to transport – Removal of passengers

CAAT shall not be liable for refusal by itself or by an air or sea carrier to transport a passenger, due to the customer’s failure to arrive for a flight or cruise (no-show) or due to invalid, missing, or improper travel documentation, to prevent the violation of any applicable law or to prevent any hazard or risk to such customer, to any other person or property, or to the flight or cruise.

Air travel

Air travel will be in economy class on a flight operated by the carrier specified by CAAT, which may be changed without prior notice. Liability of any air carrier in case of loss or theft of or damage to baggage, or for property damage or personal injury, is limited by the conditions of contract appearing on the passenger’s airline ticket, the conditions set forth in the international conventions, and the tariff of the carriers. Tickets and boarding passes are non-transferable and non-negotiable. They are valid only for the dates and flights indicated. Unused ticket portions are not subject to refund and may not be exchanged for another flight.

Flight schedules are not official. You are solely responsible for confirming your flight schedule within 24 hours of the scheduled departure and return dates. CAAT will not accept responsibility for a change in schedule or a missed flight connection, including any direct or indirect damages or expenses related thereto (including lost revenues, wages, or holiday time, or any additional expenses incurred).

Aircraft seating is assigned exclusively by the carrier, and CAAT cannot in any way guarantee you a particular seat. You are required to arrive at the airport check-in counter at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure, failing which your reservation may be cancelled and your seat assigned to other travelers by the air carrier, with no right of recourse against VCAA.

Ground transportation

The distance in kilometres indicated for some trips is not necessarily representative of actual travel time, for reasons that include varying roadway configurations and scheduled stops. Seat rotation is mandatory aboard coaches as it allows you to get to know the other travellers and provides varying points of view on landscapes.

River cruises

Vessels used for river cruises cannot be compared to ocean cruise ships in tonnage, size, number of staterooms, service, shipboard entertainment, etc. Vessel classification standards are based on those of the country where the vessels navigate and may be inferior to those in North America. River and ocean cruises each offer a different kind of experience.

14. Accommodations

Hotels listed in descriptions of explore  products are rated according to local quality standards, which may be lower than North American standards.

The names of hotels are for information purposes only. The list of actual hotels will be sent to you approximately 3 weeks before departure. CAAT reserves the right to replace these hotels with other hotels of similar category. You acknowledge and accept that hotelkeepers, in accordance with international standards, request that occupants check in as of 4 p.m. on arrival and check out by 11 a.m. on the scheduled day of departure or by noon on the day immediately preceding an early night departure, unless otherwise indicated.

Room and stateroom allocations: Hotelkeepers and cruise lines are solely responsible for room and stateroom allocation, in accordance with the category you have booked.

Generally speaking, single-occupancy rooms are smaller than double-occupancy rooms, and usually equipped with a twin bed or 3‑quarter bed.

Special requests: Special requests concerning bed types, room/stateroom amenities, and location can be forwarded to the hotelkeeper or cruise line. However, such requests are not part of the contract, are not binding on CAAT or the service suppliers, and are not guaranteed.

15. Customs and conventions

Customs and conventions in foreign countries may differ greatly from those in Canada. Do not expect to find the same ways of life everywhere you travel.

16. Hosts and guaranteed departures

Hosting: A minimum number of travellers is required to guarantee the presence of a CAAT host. The number is indicated in the price table. Depending on flight itineraries, you may not meet with your host until you arrive at your destination.

A change of host may occur if the host listed for a particular departure later becomes unavailable.

Guaranteed departures: Certain departures are guaranteed with fixed dates. They are conditional on purchase of that product by a minimum number of travellers so that CAAT can offer them at the prices listed. Guaranteed departures are identified Host guaranteed on the VCAA website.

17. Excursions

Tours/visits included in our itineraries: Should any changes occur (e.g., museum or castle closing day, civic or religious holiday, strike, work in progress), CAAT will replace the tour/visit with another activity or reschedule the tour/visit, if possible. You agree that CAAT shall bear no liability for such changes.

For certain cruises, CAAT has developed a program of excursions in various ports of call with activities in French. It may happen that a guide does not speak French. In such cases, the CAA-Quebec host will act as interpreter. In some ports of call, there may not be any excursions available. Once booked, these excursions are non-refundable for any reason whatsoever, including cancellation due to the cruise line cancelling a port visit.

18. Personal headphones

CAAT supplies personal headphones for most tours and cruises. They are not guaranteed, however, and some changes may be made.

19. Force majeure

CAAT shall not be liable for failure in the performance of any of its obligations, including but not limited to any loss or damage resulting from any delay, cancellation, loss of personal belongings, illness, bodily injury, accident, death, deterioration of the quality of the Services, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, disappointment or frustration, either mental or physical, due to the following events:

• Fortuitous event, act of God or of a third party;
• Decision of any authority, war, revolution, insurrection, riot, blockage, terrorism or act of terrorism, or any other unlawful act;
• Fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, volcanic eruption, tsunami, dried up rivers or waterways, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, public health emergency, storm, lightning, hurricane, tornado, cyclone or tropical storm or any other weather condition or adverse event, whether natural or man-made
• Accident to or failure of an aircraft, vessel, motor coach, or equipment used in connection therewith; loss or hijacking of an aircraft, vessel, or motor coach; or any shortage of or inability to provide labour, fuel, or facilities;
• Any strike, lock-out, labour dispute, or other industrial disturbance in connection with work relations, whether involving employees of CAAT, its service providers, or other entities with which CAAT does business;
• Any government order, regulation, action, inaction, or any failure to obtain the approval of a government authority having jurisdiction in the circumstances as may be required for the conduct of operations hereunder or any government or legal restrictions applicable to such operation;
• Any other causes beyond the reasonable control of CAAT and any other event that could not reasonably be foreseen, anticipated, or predicted, whether actual, threatened, or reported, which may interfere with the operations of CAAT or of its service providers.

20. Limitation of liability

CAAT makes arrangements with air carriers, cruise lines, hotels, local tour operators, and other independent parties to provide the Services you purchase. Local tours, excursions, and visits are not managed by CAAT, but by local service providers. Although CAAT exercises great care in selecting these service providers, it has no control over them and cannot be held responsible for any acts, omissions, faults, or negligence of service providers or their employees, nor for any loss or damages suffered as a result thereof. Services provided are subject to the conditions imposed by the service providers, and their liability is limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, tickets, and vouchers, as well as by international conventions and agreements applicable thereto.

21. Your responsibilities

You assume the following responsibilities in addition to those already mentioned in this agreement.

Living standards abroad

You are asked to bear in mind that living standards, local customs, religion, and the political system at your destination may differ from those found in North America. Likewise, some public services including water, electricity, air conditioning, and hot water supply, may  be interrupted or non-existent during your stay. Some people may be bothered by food, water quality, or the presence of insects at the destination. Such situations are part of the range of normal unpleasant circumstances that can occur when travelling abroad. You acknowledge this, solely assume the consequences thereof, and agree that CAAT cannot be held responsible for any damages owing to such occurrences.

You are also responsible for gathering all necessary information about the political, social, and economic situation at the destination you intend to visit and assessing the potential risks related thereto before booking any Services.

Statement of the travel counsellor

Before completing your booking, you are responsible for notifying your travel counsellor of your intentions, expectations, and needs as they relate to the proposed travel and any factor that may limit your participation in the Services.

Health

You are responsible at all times for ensuring that you meet all the conditions of travel set by the various air, sea or land carriers, and for providing, when required, a medical form duly signed by a physician.

If you have any special needs or require assistance or special treatment of any kind, you must notify CAAT at the time of booking in order to evaluate whether you can travel or, when possible, arrange air transportation, hotel, cruise and coach tours, or accommodations.

Passengers with reduced mobility or who require daily assistance must be autonomous or travel with a responsible person at all times to assist them as needed. CAAT representatives and the service providers do not provide specific medical assistance care and cannot be present at all times to ensure passenger supervision and safety. CAAT cannot be held responsible for the safety of such passengers if they are not accompanied by a responsible person. CAAT reserves the right to refuse passengers at any time. In the event that a passenger is unable to travel alone unsupervised and is not accompanied, that passenger may be removed and would have to bear the extra cost of transportation, accommodations, etc. No unused portion of the trip would be refunded.

It is important to mention any food allergies you may have to each service provider. You are responsible for ensuring that food items are non-allergenic. If your physical condition so requires, you must ensure that you have enough of any required medication with you, and you must carry such medication in your hand baggage at all times. You must also consult competent medical authorities prior to departure about preventive medical measures you should take with regard to the countries you are planning to visit.

Medical recommandations

Depending on your destination, certain vaccines may be recommended or required. It is your responsibility to obtain advice on this subject from a medical clinic.

Pregnancy

Air carriers may refuse pregnant customers for whom air travel may involve a risk to themselves or their unborn children. A medical certificate showing the anticipated delivery date and fitness to travel may be required prior to departure. Our travel counsellors can inform customers of air carriers’ policies in this regard.

Cruise lines do not accept passengers who will reach 24 weeks of pregnancy before the end of their cruise. A medical certificate showing the anticipated delivery date and fitness to travel is required.

Sports and activities

Descriptions of sports and other activities accompanying explore  products are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to incite you in any way to participate in them. CAAT cannot be held responsible for any accident or mishap occurring at your destination during the practice of any sport and/or activity in which you participate of your own free will and initiative.

22. Comments and notice of claims

If there is a problem at your destination, you must notify a CAAT representative without delay if you need assistance. If your travel arrangements do not include the services of a CAAT representative, you must contact the local representative, tour guide, hotel manager, ship’s purser, or your travel counsellor. If a problem cannot be resolved on site, you are asked to forward your comments or claim in writing to the travel counsellor within 30 days of the date of your return, so that CAAT can gather useful information from the parties involved and process the claim as quickly as possible.

23. Laws

This contract is governed by the laws and regulations of the Province of Quebec, and any legal action instituted against CAAT must be brought before the competent court of that province. For the purposes of any such proceedings, the parties hereby agree to elect domicile in the judicial district of Quebec City. The voiding of one or other of the clauses hereto shall neither annul nor invalidate this agreement, entitled “Terms and Conditions.” CAAT complies with principles of confidentiality with respect to customers’ personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Canada) and the Act respecting the Protection of Personal Information in the Private Sector (Quebec). CAAT is a travel agency licensed in Quebec (No. 751261).

Updated: June 13th, 2025