Moose Travel

Where does the Moose Travel Network go?

Canada is a country to be explored beyond the cities.  Moose gets you to all the best places that are in between: the glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, glacial lakes, wildlife, and amazing vistas.  As a passenger you get the advantages of a “tour” but the flexibility and independence that backpackers desire.

Passes are offered on both the West and East sides of Canada. The interesting parts of the country are the "Coasts", with 4500km of "Prairies" in between. The prairies can be seen by travelling on the Prairie Rail Link or skipped by flying between Vancouver and Toronto.

The Big West, Big East, and Mega Moose Pass (combination of West and East Passes) are the main network of passes. These routes offer frequent departures, jump on/off flexibility, and the main highlights of Canada. In addition, the Moose Travel Network has a number of other shorter trips and tours for backpackers and adventure travellers. The main season is in summer (April to November), but there are winter options too (December-March).


What do the passes include?

All passes include transportation, driver/guide, road tolls, ferry fees and tax. Accommodation is not included (except on select winter tours), but we do reserve beds along the way so that you are always guaranteed a bed. Expect to pay between $13-35 CAD per night for a dorm bed. Food is not included but we make daily stops at supermarkets and all hostels we recommend have kitchens. In addition, we get great discounts at many cafes and restaurants if you prefer that option. We do include some free activities, mainly hiking and swimming, but we also get great discounts on many paid activities, all of which are optional.


What Passes are available and when are they valid?

ALL CANADA PASSES

Mega Moose Pass
The Mega Moose Pass is a combination of the Big East and Big West. See descriptions below for details. It is available only during the valid periods described below. Price from $1233

Prairie Rail Link - The Prairie Rail Link is a rail pass operated by VIA Rail between Vancouver and Toronto, in either direction. It departs on Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays from Vancouver or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Toronto. It takes 3 days to cross the country. You may jump on/off the rail pass, but you must give your itinerary in advance. Travel is in economy class seating. Passes must be purchased in combination with one or more Moose Travel Network bus passes valued at $250 or more. The Prairie Rail link is available year round. Price from $739

WESTERN CANADA PASSES

Big West
The Big West pass is a fully flexible jump on/off service operating in the Western part of Canada, in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, with a focus on the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The pass is seasonal and operates from May 1 to October 15. Departures are daily in peak season (June through September) and four times per week (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday departures from Vancouver) in shoulder season (May and October). Travellers may start and end the pass anywhere enroute, but most people start in Vancouver. The pass is a unidirectional circuit and takes a minimum of 9days, but is valid for the whole season. The route is: Vancouver-Whistler-Vancouver-Shuswap Lake-Banff-Jasper-Banff-Revelstoke-Kelowna-Vancouver. Price from $629

Wapiti
The Wapiti operates in the Western part of Canada, in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, with a focus on the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The trip is seasonal and operates from June 28 to September 13. It is a fully jump on/jump off trip. Departures are three times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) from Vancouver. The Wapiti is a 9-day trip starting and ending in Vancouver, and is a jump on/off service. The route is: Vancouver-Shuswap Lake-Banff- Rampart Creek - Edith Cavell- Jasper- Banff-Revelstoke-Kelowna-Vancouver. Price from $721

Hoodapus
The Hoodapus operates in the Western part of Canada, in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, with a focus on the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The tripis seasonal and operates from April 1 to November 30. Departures are two times per week (Tuesday and Saturday departures from Vancouver) in shoulder season (April, November), four times per week (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) in May and October, and daily from June to September. The Hoodapus is a minimum 7-day trip starting and ending in Vancouver, and is a jump on/off service. The route is: Vancouver-Shuswap Lake-Banff-Jasper-Banff-Kamloops-Vancouver. Price from $563

Island Explorer
The Island Explorer operates in the Western part of Canada, on Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia. The tour is seasonal and operates from May 15 to October 15. Departures are three times per week (Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays). The Island Explorer is a 4-day minimum tripstarting and ending in Vancouver, and is a fully jump on/off service. The route is: Vancouver-Tofino-Victoria-Vancouver. Price from $327

EASTERN CANADA PASSES

Big East
The Big East pass is a fully flexible jump on/off service operating in the Eastern part of Canada, in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The pass is seasonal and operates from May 2 to October 7. Departures are a minimum of three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday departures from Toronto). Travellers may start and end the pass anywhere en route, but most people start in Toronto. The pass is a unidirectional circuit and takes a minimum of 9 days, but is valid for the whole season. The route is: Toronto-Kingston-Montreal-Quebec City-Mont Tremblant-Ottawa-Fort Coulonge-Madawaska-Algonquin Park-Toronto. Price from $629

Beaver
The Beaver pass is a fully flexible jump on/off service operating in the Eastern part of Canada, in the province of Ontario only. The trip can be done in a very short period of time for those who don’t have much time but wish to see the true Canadian wilderness in Algonquin Park. The pass is seasonal and operates from May 20 to September 30. Departures are twice per week (Monday and Friday departures from Toronto). The pass is a unidirectional circuit and takes a minimum of 3 days, but is valid for the whole season. The route is: Toronto-Algonquin Park-Madawaska-Toronto. Price from $366

Niagara Falls Day Trip
The Niagara Falls Day Trip is a day trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls. It includes a winery tour and other highlights along the way. The Maid of the Mist boat tour is an extra option ($12 CAD). The Niagara Falls day trip operates year round. Departs daily in peak season (June through September), but runs five times per week in all other months. Price from $72

For more information or to book your Moose pass contact your nearest STA Travel branch or call us on 0800 474 400