Reviews
Hitting a button of "Excellent", doesn't do justice to the way our Tour Manager, Greg, and the driver, Liz, conducted our trip. I knew the scenery would be magnificent, but Greg's narrative and interaction with the entire group made the trip outstanding. This was our first Gate 1 trip, but we have done other tours, and he was the best guide of all. His passion for Alberta and the mountains was very evident. He kept us informed before we saw something or got somewhere, then let us just enjoy it. He communicated extremely well about departure and arrival times and made great use of his whiteboard to queue us for the next day's activities, letting us snap a picture of it as a reminder. He also sprinkled in some jokes to keep us laughing and enjoyed bantering back and forth with guests as we traveled. When we arrived in Banff, three tour buses arrived at the same time at the hotel with only one hotel staff member to unload and deliver luggage. He took it upon himself to unload our bus and deliver the luggage!! Exceptional! He and Liz were a great fit. She was an excellent and friendly driver. In baseball, they say the best umpire is the one you never notice. Liz was similar in that she always got us there smoothly and safely to each destination, getting us as close as possible to each attraction. Your phone staff answered questions quickly and correctly the few times we called the week prior to leaving for the trip. This was our first Gate 1, but we'll be back as soon as we figure out where we want to go next.
James M.
It was fantastic! From the great guide and driver that worked so well together. From them we learned so much about the Rockies, Canadian people, and the history of our neighbors to the north make the trip a true pleasure. They receive the highest marks for their efforts, their kindness, concern for their group and making the trip our dream trip. We could not have asked for better weather full of sunshine and perfect temperatures. The Canadian Rockies were an unbelievable sight. The mountains, the most amazing color of the lakes, the views, the glaciers, gondola ride, walking on the glacier, it was all perfect.
Constance C.
This trip was amazing. On all our Gate One trips the tour managers were excellent, but Micky was the best we have had. Not only was he super knowledgeable, he as funny, and was great at showing small videos. Loved the system he used for seat rotation. I have seen the best. Best snacks ever and because we got to taste things I brought home samples of many of the sampled items. Wish I could find huckleberry taffy in places other than Glacier. I would have bought more. Keith was a great driver. Also, the interaction between them helped to make us feel at home. Keith kept the coach spotless, which was difficult with some of the wet conditions we encountered.
Karen B.
Heike was one of the best - if not THE best - tour guide we have ever had on our 24 trips with Gate1. So knowledgeable, kind, and experienced. She made sure to make those walking more slowly feel included. She's a keeper!
Gregory W.
This was our first experience with Gate 1 Travel and it will hopefully not be our last. It was wonderful and all 6 of us would like to travel again with Gate 1. We have already recommended Gate 1 to friends and family. Our guide Chantal was excellent and very knowledgeable, along with our bus driver Heather who was fantastic. Looking forward to booking a trip for next year!
Peggy A.
Perfect, perfect! Aaron, the Gate 1 tour manager, and Liz, the bus driver, did an excellent job of showing us so many beautiful places along the Canadian Rocky Mountains. I loved the trip so much that if asked to stay on the coach to do the tour all over again, I would have jumped at the opportunity. Hats off to Gate 1, Aaron, and Liz for a fabulous trip!
Cheryl V.
What an amazing trip with Gate1, our Travel Manager Nancy was the best of the best! Extremely knowledgeable about every area we visited, she always had a wonderful story to share. Nancy is so friendly, helpful, caring truly a very genuine person. She takes her job very seriously, wonderful planner, able to address any issues anyone had with a smile. Goes out of her way to answer questions if she doesn't know the answer she'll get back to us. Nancy engaged the entire group we were her wolf pack :) by doing this we've met new friends. Every morning we were greeted with a smile, along with a good night smile. She handed our itinerary out every evening with wonderful ideas of what to do in the area. Truly would love to take another Gate1 trip with Nancy! Our driver Genius, was wonderful, with the best smile and personality to match. Always smiling, helpful, caring & always had a bottle of water every morning in our seat:). Totally felt very safe with his driving, he's an amazing driver! Nancy & Genius, are a fabulous team for Gate1! Hope to be traveling with them on an other adventure.
Paula W.
I just wanted to let you know that I was thoroughly impressed with Francis out tour leader. He is a pure gem of a person. Being able to be both informative and entertaining at the same time. You could just feel the passion he has for the places he's showing us and in turn we fall in love with those places. Both he and John our bus driver were like a comedy duo at times. It made for a very friendly and cheerful adventure throughout our tour. I hope you will treasure these employees, as they make the magic for Gate1 tours. I would love to take another tour with Francis at the helm. Perhaps the Quebec Christmas Markets tour.
Todd H.
We just got back from our trip (after spending 3 days in Jasper on our own - more hiking). This was a fabulous trip! It was very active but we got to explore some beautiful areas and trails that we might not have found on our own. Mark G., our tour manager, bus driver and hiking guide (from White Mountain adventures) was truly excellent. His experience, knowledge of the area and friendly personality helped make this trip so enjoyable. Due to wildfire smoke and tourist crowds, Mark knew how to change our itinerary for optimal experiences. Additionally Mark gave us great suggestions for our visit in Jasper. Thanks Gate 1 for offering this trip - it was a great way to learn and explore the Canadian Rockies!
Pearl K.
Marc, our tour manager and Sam, our driver.... Both were outstanding. Both made our tour a memorable experience. Marc was strict but at the same time very polite, organized. patient and incredibly helpful in every aspect. His knowledge, professionalism and super friendly nature were admirable. I truly think we couldn't have got anyone better than him as our tour manager. And Sam was so caring. He was very aware of our safety and always was very attentive. We will always consider Gate 1 Travel for our future travels.
Tapasree B.
I can't say anything bad about this trip to the Canadian Rockies. Our tour manager, Marc, was beyond excellent. We learned so much about Canada and fell in love with the country. Planning to join Gate1 for the other tours in that country in the next year. Gate1 is our go-to travel company and we have taken 8 or 9 trips and plan to do many more. Marc and our driver, Sam, were great and made this trip our most favorite so far! Thanks Gate1 for a great experience.
Valasha S.
This is our second trip with Sinead as our tour manager. While all of the tour managers on prior trips have been excellent, Sinead stands out at the top of the list. She has outstanding leadership skills and is so knowledgeable about everything. She is kind and caring and makes sure that everyone is taken care of. We hope to take future trips with her as the tour manager!
Sheridan W.
Trip exceeded expectations. Itinerary visited the main "iconic" locations I wanted to see and allowed enough time to not feel terribly rushed even though there was not enough time for extended walking. Hotels were good, bus & driver were excellent, tour leader Carolyn was excellent.
Andrew H.
On our recent trip to Banif National Park, our tour manager Alina was beyond excellent. Actually words fall short of explains our gratitude. She has raised the bar so high that we will look for her in every trip. She left an indelible print in our memories. She went above and beyond in every area, making everyone included, excellent entertainment while on road, small gestures of serving special teas, special snacks, excellent games made the trip memorable. Wish she grows in this field and touch many more people. God bless her.
Satish S.
Wanted Gate 1 to know of all the bus trips that I have been on in the past 15 years this trip provided the best overall quality of hotels and breakfasts. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
David A.
Gary excelled as a tour manager. He was knowledgeable, friendly, humorous, organized, communicative, and followed up continually checking on us. Could not ask for more or better service from him. Our third trip ... all three tour managers have been excellent, but Gary exceeded our expectations. Also, his driver, JT, was very good. Together, they made the trip better than the scenery.
Keith T.
I wanted to say Nancy our tour guide and Clint our driver were excellent. They are both friendly and very professional ensuring we had everything we needed and keeping us informed and engaged the whole trip. They are a great team and worked well together. They made the trip for us. So knowledgeable about the tour and all the great tips they provided. You have two great employees with Nancy and Clint.
Teresa R.
It was a beautiful trip. Tina is the best! She is knowledgeable and funny . She was a joy to be around! Liz is the best bus driver we have ever had! She can maneuver that bus! She always greeted us with a smile! The trip was organized and fun! The hotels were a plus. Great locations! Thank you! We are looking forward to more Gate1 vacations!
Angelia R.
I wanted to mention that the cohesiveness, coordination, and knowledge of the Tour Manager, Aaron was 2nd to none. It was so interesting to observe the way he planned and coordinated each day filling it with incredible sites and his history knowledge, Aaron entertained us as we drove along and provoked group comradery with videos, music (including a playlist), and games. He had a well curated blend of activities to fill our day, even to extent of knowing which time of the day was the best time to visit some sites, dealing with people on the tour who in my opinion, were really marginal in abilities to take the tour (they should have read the description) and common issues as they presented themselves. He knew excellent restaurant choices and local delicacies, and finite details about each community we visited. He positive outlook, courtesy and good nature was wonderful! It is also worth mentioning Parv (not sure of his full name), the driver. He was very kind, polite, and courteous. He was a great driver and daily presented the bus well. It was such a great experience, and it's people like these that make me look forward so much to my next Gate 1 adventure.
Barton B.
This was our first trip with Gate 1 and I know there will be many more. From our reservation person Mary, our tour guide Francis and our driver Derek, it was a great experience! We have been on many tours before, but we appreciated the size of the group, the way Francis involved everyone on our trip and made our group a cohesive group. Derek with the red carpet treatment, it was just an experience that I never had before that checked all the boxes and then some. Well done Gate 1!
Carol B.
Our trip was fantastic. In addition to touring the beautiful country of Canada, TJ was a wonderful bus driver and Lisa was a very special tour guide. TJ was a very safe driver and he kept the bus immaculate. There was never a speck of dirt on the inside or outside of the bus. Lisa's knowledge of the area was phenomenal. Everyday she made sure we had adequate bathroom stops and always had a special treat for us. The trip went without a problem because she was always on top of things.This was our third trip on Gate One and Lisa and TJ were the best tour guide and bus driver that we have had. I would recommend them to anyone.
Catherine N.
The tour was excellent and much of this can be attributed to our outstanding tour guide, Alina. She kept us informed and entertained on all our bus rides. She did many little extras like serving us a different tea every afternoon and providing Canadian treats. She was always upbeat and patient with the group. Her knowledge and love of the area really shined through.
Debbie S.
After 10 Gate1 tours, I have to say that our Tour Manager, Marc, was our best Tour Manager, ever! He was thoughtful, friendly, funny, and engaging. He made every part of the trip fun and enjoyable, with information, comments, trivia, relevant music, etc. He was so good that our group, which included several couples with 20+ Gate1 trips, gave him a standing ovation at the Farewell dinner. We hope to have him as a Tour Manager again one day and will be looking into another trip he guides.
Regina C.
We would like to give a shoutout to both our Tour Guide, Chantal, and Bus Driver, Tim. Chantal is a very experienced, personable Tour Guide who knew all aspects of this 9-day Canadian Rockies trip including knowledge of the mountains, glaciers, wildlife, weather conditions, restaurants and bathroom stops. She was always well prepared, telling us about our daily schedule in advance and informing us of any specific issues e.g. the construction at the Waterton Lakes hotel. On the first day, she told us that having us enjoy the spectacular scenery was her goal with a modicum of her talking. She set the tone with stories and music to accompany the beautiful scenery which I was very appreciative of as it relaxed me and made for a wonderful trip. Tim, the Bus Driver, was excellent. Given his 25 years of experience, we felt safe in his hands. He introduced himself the first day and greeted us both on leaving and entering the bus, setting the tone for an enjoyable, trusting, yet causal relationship. He got us to all our stops on time and spotted much wildlife including black bears, deer and elk which made our tour outstanding. This was the first time Chantal and Tim shared a tour together. Their synergy and cordialness were palpable as I would have thought they worked together all the time. We've been on five Gate1 trip, and this was the most memorable because of both Chantal and Tim.
Fredrick S.
I was on the 8 Day Canadian National Parks with Lake Louise tour. We absolutely had the best tour manager and bus driver EVER. Sinead was knowledgeable about geography, geology, wildlife, government, and able to answer ANY question. Her ability to manage the group professionally and with a smile was the best I've ever seen in a tour manager. Partnered with an excellent and personable bus driver, it equaled an incredible trip with lifelong memories.
Betty B.
I would especially like to commend our Tour Director, Micky, for an excellent job. He was very skilled in helping to cultivate group cohesiveness; enthusiastically shared knowledge of the sites we visited; was creative in sharing information and suggestions. I appreciated his encouragement of our taking the optional Museum experience in Ottawa. That turned out to be an unexpected highlight of the tour and a moving experience. Micky and our driver, John ( originally from Glasgow, made this tour truly memorable)
Paula M.
We loved the trip. The mountains and lakes were fabulous. Our guide Geoff and driver Ken were a great team. We are looking at options for our next adventure. Gate 1 never disappoints. Keep up the great tours and options.
Heather H.
This was my first trip with Gate 1, and it has exceeded my expectations! The organization of routes, sights, reservations & tickets was outstanding. I cannot say enough praise for our coach driver, Ken, and our tour guide, Geoff. Ken was so kind and helpful, somehow determined to keep the coach windows clean for our viewing pleasure, as well as always offering a hand and a smile getting off the coach. Geoff made this trip magical! His knowledge of Alberta history was beyond belief, as well as his ability to know all the names of the lakes, rivers, and mountains! He was so kind and made a connection with me almost immediately. The group of people on this tour was also amazing: kind, friendly, and relatable. This was not only my first experience with Gate 1, but also my first time traveling solo. Looking back, I am reassured knowing this was the best decision for me! I intend to return again and again!
Mary S.
This was my first trip with Gate 1, and it has exceeded my expectations! The organization of routes, sights, reservations & tickets was outstanding. I cannot say enough praise for our coach driver, Ken, and our tour guide, Geoff. Ken was so kind and helpful, somehow determined to keep the coach windows clean for our viewing pleasure, as well as always offering a hand and a smile getting off the coach. Geoff made this trip magical! His knowledge of Alberta history was beyond belief, as well as his ability to know all the names of the lakes, rivers, and mountains! He was so kind and made a connection with me almost immediately. The group of people on this tour was also amazing: kind, friendly, and relatable. This was not only my first experience with Gate 1, but also my first time traveling solo. Looking back, I am reassured knowing this was the best decision for me! I intend to return again and again!
Mary S.
I can't say enough good things about the itinerary. Every stop was great but there were several highlights for us. We loved Peggy's Cove, it was so picturesque and the people were so friendly. We also loved the stops at the distillery and the oyster farm which gave one a great feel for the local flavor of the area as well as the Prince Edward Island Preserve Co. Our personal favorites were walking the ocean floor and seeing the rock formations at the Bay of Fundy and also experiencing the "Reversing Falls" in Saint John. The optional sail on the Bras d'Or Lake in Baddeck was also a highlight. The Canadian people were very welcoming at every stop and the hotels and restaurants all first class. Shelly our tour guide was friendly and informative as was Lane, our driver and they interacted easily with the group. Her suggestion to take in the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh was wonderful and provided an inside look at the Celtic culture in Cape Breton and was fun. The tour more than measured up to our expectations and we look forward to joining future Gate 1 tours!
Jerry G.
As is usual with Gate 1, this trip was EXCELLENT! Nancy, our tour manager, made the trip fun and enlightening. She has warmth and friendliness as well as knowledge that she imparted to us. Her sense of humor was great, especially keeping us positive during a day of full rain. Her ideas for alternate activities was spot on and we never felt disappointed, even with 2 cancelled optional tours...the helicopter and the float trip, Nancy and Driver Nelson kept us entertained and busy. We felt cared for and safe and any question was answered fully and promptly. She is a wonderful ambassador for both Canada and Gate 1. Our driver, Nelson, was efficient, friendly and he also had good ideas for alternates in the rain. The steady rain on day 1 made for low visibility in the mountains but he navigated well and always made us feel safe. He was able to spot wildlife and made sure we saw it. Both of these fine people made this an outstanding trip! Judy, the Calgary guide, was also very knowledgeable and made the rainy day a pleasure. We have never been disappointed in Gate 1 tours, having completed about 10, and this one rates among the very best! We will book more!
Lynne B.
What a fantastic trip! We were thoroughly enchanted by every part of the trip - the tour director, Andreanne, deserves special recognition! - but we loved it all. The itinerary, accommodations, transportation, and all other aspects were so wonderful.
Linda M.
I just wanted to post some additional comments about our recent 8 days National Parks Canada tour. On the automated survey the choice "Excellent" is not enough to rate our tour manager Russ and bus driver Roy. They deserve a rating of Excellent+1000! They were amazing and I am so thankful they were our tour guides for the week. Russ was all of the things listed on the survey (punctual, friendly, safe) and MORE. I brought my 11 year old son with me on the tour. I knew coming into this that the gate1 tour would likely not have other kids. However, Russ and Roy made my son's time unforgettable. They were so kind to him and treated him with respect, and made sure we had recommendations that fit him. Russ and Roy were great problem solvers and we got to see and do so much on our tour. Cannot thank them both enough, and I really hope to have more tours with Russ in the future.
Megan W.
Mark, our tour guide was the best guide I have ever experienced. Knowledgeable, flexible, passionate, and compassionate to our hikers. He was the best.
Kris S.
Our vacation was absolutely fantastic! We experienced breathtaking lakes, spectacular mountain views, and unforgettable scenery throughout the trip. It was an incredible experience, and we had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people along the way. We were truly impressed with the hotels, the food, and the overall quality and organization of the tour. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. I can't say enough wonderful things about our guide, Marc, and our driver, Ali. Marc was exceptional, sharing his knowledge and passion at every stop. He went above and beyond with thoughtful touches and special surprises that made our trip even more memorable. Ali was a pleasure to travel with-always friendly, smiling, and making us feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey. What impressed me most was the attention to detail. From arriving at the lakes at just the right time for the best lighting and most breathtaking views, to the priority access and smooth experiences we enjoyed as part of our group, every aspect of the trip reflected careful planning and expertise. This vacation exceeded our expectations in every way. We can't wait to book our next Gate1 trip!
Sherry W.
I wanted to share my thoughts on a recent trip we completed to the Canadian Rockies. What an amazing experience it was, and a huge part of that was due to our tour director, Sinead. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and very detail-oriented. Sinead took care of even the smallest details, including our luggage, seating arrangements, meals, and even locating restrooms at every stop, which was especially important since we had many senior citizens on the bus. She also provided great recommendations for local attractions and dining options. I have traveled with other tour groups in the past, but Gate 1 has been the best. My positive experience is directly attributed to the excellent service that Sinead provided. A big thank you to Sinead and Gate 1 for a wonderful trip!
Prashant S.
This was our 23rd Gate 1 trip and it was fantastic! Our guide and driver were amazing, knowledgeable, and fun! The tea at Lobster Cove Lighthouse was a highlight of the trip, the atmosphere, the story telling and the molasses cookies. Neddy's restaurant was also fantastic. Seeing the icebergs and learning about them was great. This was a wonderful trip and I highly recommend it.
Denise B.
Our recent 9-day tour of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick was exceptional. Our tour manager and guide, Julia, did a fantastic job immersing us in the culture, history, and geography of the region. Her excellent organizational skills kept us perfectly on schedule, and her knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey truly memorable. Thanks to her energy, our group quickly bonded into a cohesive "Gate 1 family." Additionally, our driver, Mark, completed the team with his remarkable professionalism and skill. This was our 42nd trip with Gate 1, and we look forward to many more. Thank you for another wonderful experience!
Sabahat A.
Patrick was professional, knowledgeable, and felt like we made a new friend. Our driver Mike was also very good, he did an amazing job on both back roads and busy city traffic. Another new friend as well! The trip contained a perfect mix of quaint gems, natural beauty, historic information and bustling beautiful cities. We will definitely use Gate 1 again!
Carol K.
The trip was wonderful. Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec City with their government institutions and. shops near the hotels Montreal capped off the trip with its fine restaurants, picturesque walkways, shops and piers. The bus rides between the cities were at times a bit long, but we had nice rest stops including a wine tasting locale presentation on our way to Montreal.
Wesley O.
The trip was terrific! We've never been east of Niagara Falls and Toronto. We had a wonderful time thanks to tour guide Russ and bus driver John.
Mark G.
Our Canadian Rockies adventure was outstanding; along with the amazing natural environment, our leader Greg created a magical experience that will never be forgotten. The beauty of the area, the excellence of transportation, hotels, food, and tour guides all provided an unforgettable experience under Greg's leadership. His concern for all of us created a safe, eminently enjoyable experience for each one of us. I cannot thank Greg and Gate 1 enough. Our farewell dinner exemplified our gratitude and appreciation for Greg's ability to create meaningful experiences for a quite diverse group. This trip will never be forgotten.
Mary S.
My trip to Canada was amazing! Last year, I did the trip that starts in Toronto and ends in Montreal. I had the most wonderful tour director, Marc ! In fact... We had so much fun with him, I selected this year's trip specifically to do another tour with Marc. He is very organized, punctual, and his attention to detail is beyond belief! He goes out of his way to make sure everybody knows what's happening and has all the good options on our choice of lunch and dinner at the new town. He is also so funny, has lots of fun games and great music choices! I love traveling with Gate One and I've never had a bad experience... But Marc is the reason I came back again this year to do the West Coast of Canada. I wish he did more tours because I would sign up for them today!
Laurie S.
Our guide Geoff on the Niagra Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec and Montreal tour was fantastic. He was friendly, knowledgeable and very organized. Geoff was always available to answer questions and solve any problems. I would love to take another trip with him. Our driver Betty was also excellent.
Audrey W.
Marc, our Tour Manager, is the reason we rated our first Gate 1 tour an Exceptional one. He was the glue that made the entire trip fun, efficient, thoughtful given most of the guests were seniors, and memorable. We sang together, laughed, and became a cohesive group from day 1. We are already looking for another Gate 1 tour and hoping to find another "Marc" in our next tour guide.
Lillian R.
I just want to commend tour group leader Geoff. It is not easy to wrangle a busload of people in crowded cities. There were a few in the tour group who had no awareness of time or place or other people, but Geoff kept everyone in step, and we got everywhere we needed to be. Geoff was so knowledgeable about Canadian history too. I learned more on this trip than I had on other trips to the area. Our coach driver was the best! He had to turn that coach around in some very tight spots in Montreal and Quebec City. He was pleasant and made sure he helped people on and off coach as needed.
Alisa P.
The Quebec City trip was wonderful! From our meeting with our tour guide, Francis, till we left the hotel, everything was first class. We liked the convenience of the hotel and the breakfasts there were always very nice. All tours were presented in a professional manner with hometown compassion shining through the guide's presentations. We've come to expect nothing but the best from Gate 1 and my family has yet to be disappointed.
Sharon R.
I recently took a tour to the Christmas markets in Québec city, I had a wonderful time. Everything was perfect. I 100% enjoyed Micky our tour guide. He was a delight and I hope I am able to tour with him again.
Susan L.
Fabulous! We went December 11 and the entire time we were there in Montreal it snowed. It was really magical. The trip to Tremblant was absolutely fantastic. Our guide John was also fantastic. This was our fifth Gate 1 trip and we will be back!
Mary E.
I'm responding to your email about our recent Canada trip. It was an awesome 10 days; our tour director Tina was gracious, knowledgeable, funny, and she made this beautiful part of the world come to life! Since we were a small group of 14, she was able to add a few extra scenic stops, and was also flexible to accommodate some special requests throughout the week. We can't properly express our high satisfaction with her! Our driver, Nelson, did a wonderful job throughout the week...and accolades to him for a spotless coach from arrival to departure. This was our first venture with Gate 1, and I'm sure we will look at future trips with you when the time presents itself.
Dana K.




