What to do when the unexpected happens on a Canadian road trip?
You have entrusted us with the planning of your road trip to Canada. Despite all the attention given to your itinerary, some unforeseen events remain beyond our control. Here are the most frequent situations… and the solutions to deal with them calmly.
1. TRANSPORT
What should I do if my flight to Canada is delayed?
If your flight is delayed, don't worry, just make sure to inform the right contacts as quickly as possible to secure your reservations based on your situation:
| Situation | What to do | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | For your rental car at the airport | Call the rental branch to inform them of your delay. The number is on your voucher. |
| 2 | For your accommodation | Contact your hotel, inn, or host directly to let them know about your late arrival. |
| 3 | For your advisor | Contact your advisor or the Authentik assistance service if you can't reach anyone. |
What should I do if my rental car breaks down in Canada?
If your rental car breaks down during your road trip, contact the rental company's roadside assistance service before arranging any repairs. Once you've informed the rental company, let your travel advisor know too, they'll be on hand to help if needed.
The assistance number is usually on the keychain or on your rental contract. This procedure is the same for a car or an RV.
If you have to pay fees on site:
- Keep all your receipts.
- Take photos if needed.
- Write down the names of the people you spoke with.
What should I do if I forgot my driver’s license?
If you've forgotten your original driving licence, there may still be options available depending on your circumstances. The most important thing is to contact us as soon as possible so we can assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.
| Situation | What to do | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Another traveler has a valid license | Contact us quickly so we can try to update the main driver on the rental agreement. |
| 2 | A new driver is added | A valid credit card in their name will also be necessary. |
| 3 | No one else can drive | Have your original license sent via express delivery and postpone collecting the vehicle. |
2. HEALTH AND COMMUNICATION
What should I do if I have a health issue during my trip to Canada?
If you have a health problem during your road trip in Canada, start by assessing the situation. A pharmacy can often be enough for minor issues, while a doctor is more appropriate if symptoms are severe or persistent.
| Where to find a pharmacy | Where to find a doctor |
|---|---|
| In Quebec: Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix, Brunet, Uniprix, and Proxim. Elsewhere in Canada: Rexall, Shoppers Drug Mart, and London Drugs. Pharmacists can advise on some treatments and prescribe some medications on the spot. |
Visit a walk-in medical clinic (a "walk-in clinic") or the nearest hospital, depending on the situation. With travel insurance, contact your insurer before your consultation if possible. Without insurance, be sure to check the fees before your appointment. |
If your health status impacts your itinerary, also remember to notify your advisor.
Can I travel to Canada without speaking English?
Yes, even if English is not your strong point, it is entirely possible to travel with peace of mind in Western Canada. Canadians are generally patient, welcoming, and used to international travelers.
Just try to make yourself understood with the words you know. Perfect English is absolutely not required to fully enjoy your trip.
Google Translate can also be handy for quickly translating a menu, sign, or address.
In case of significant difficulty, your advisor will of course be able to help you if needed.
3. ACTIVITY AND ACCOMMODATION
What should I do if my activity is canceled due to the weather in Canada?
If an activity is canceled due to the weather during your trip to Canada, solutions are usually offered based on conditions and availability at the time:
| Situation | What to do | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The activity can be rescheduled | A new time may be offered to you depending on weather conditions, the same day or the following day. |
| 2 | The activity cannot be rescheduled | Contact your advisor to quickly review possible options with the organizer. |
| 3 | You are waiting for a refund | The amount will be refunded to the card used to pay for the trip. |
What happens if I arrive late at my accommodation in Canada?
If you expect to arrive later than planned at your accommodation, contact the property as soon as possible. This will help avoid any confusion and ensure arrangements are in place for your arrival.
| Type of accommodation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Hotel, inn, B&B, or cottage | Notify the property directly of your approximate arrival time. The contact details are on your voucher. |
| Campground | In case of late arrival, an envelope is often left at reception in your name with your site, a map of the campground, and useful information for your arrival. |
If you arrive after the campground reception closes, remember to stop by the reception the next morning to finalize your registration.
I am disappointed with my accommodation in Canada, what should I do?
If your accommodation isn't quite what you expected, speak to your host or the reception team first. More often than not, a simple conversation is all it takes to find a solution and put things right.
If the problem only concerns the room:
It is sometimes possible to change rooms immediately. Feel free to calmly explain what bothers you so you can see what options are available.
If the problem concerns the accommodation as a whole:
You can contact your advisor to see what alternatives might be possible depending on the situation. Depending on availability and the new accommodation chosen, additional fees may apply.
After your trip, we would love to hear your experience and learn how your stay went.
"Unexpected events are also part of the journey. Fortunately, with the right reflexes and a bit of preparation, most situations can be resolved quickly." Simon Lemay (Linkedin)
Contact Us!
From Canada or from home, if you are calling from a European mobile phone:
- France: 0 805 080 113
- Belgium: 0 800 262 32
- Switzerland: 0 800 898 601
From Canada, if calling from a local phone: 1-514-769-0101
You are now ready to enjoy your organized trip to Canada, with peace of mind and equipped to deal with any situation.
If you have any other questions, feel free to express them in the comment section below.
FAQ
Can you lose your reservation if a flight is delayed?
Can a rental car be replaced in case of a breakdown?
Is it easy to see a doctor in Canada while traveling?
Sources
- FAQ Infos pratiques Authentik Canada (https://www.authentikcanada.com/fr-fr/faq/infos-pratiques-voyage-canada)
- AI Phone sur Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aiphone.secondphonenumber)
- Site officiel de Jean Coutu (Pharmacie) (https://www.jeancoutu.com/)
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