Plan your trip

Set off on your adventure with total peace of mind

Insurance

Travel insurance remains a must, it helps to cope with the unexpected. Even if you do not consider it necessary, a health problem when traveling can have enormous financial repercussions. The health insurance and group insurance offered by your job do not necessarily cover out-of-country medical expenses and travel cancellation fees. We recommend that you have in your possession, during your trip, the name of your insurer, his phone number and the number of your insurance policy. For insurance claims, please call your travel insurance company first, even for the simplest of cases, such as a medication prescription and a doctor’s visit.

Remote Region – Air Médic Insurance

Given the size of our region and its distance from major centers, Voyages EIBJ works with Air Médic to provide better coverage and a quick and efficient evacuation if necessary.

Baggage

It is recommended to add a personal touch to your luggage to better locate them. You can add an original label, a colorful ribbon, a scarf, a padlock with vibrant color. You can also buy a suitcase of color or patterned. Thus, you will distinguish it more easily and if it were to get lost it would be easier to describe.

A daypack is usually good for hand luggage and will serve you throughout your journey. It is recommended to bring a wheeled suitcase, since you will probably have to walk a few meters with your suitcase.

Each airline has its own baggage policies. In the majority of cases, passengers are limited to one piece of checked baggage and one bag per person. We invite you to inquire with the airline to know the number of luggage allowed and the weight accepted for them.

Be careful. If your checked baggage is late, keep things in your bag that may be useful to you.

Health kit

It is recommended to bring a basic kit containing medications that can relieve the discomfort that often occurs during travel and can also treat minor injuries. Your pharmacist can certainly help you compose your health kit for your trip.

You can also visit the “Travel Health Kit” section of the Government of Canada.

Documents

Take care of your identification documents, be it your passport, driver’s license or any other official document to identify you, do not leave it unattended. Keep it secure on you, in an inside pocket or in a hidden secure pouch.

Scan or make photocopies of the identification page of your passport and identity cards. Send a scanned copy of your documents to your personal email address or keep one with you separately from your passport. Also leave a copy to a friend or relative who is not traveling with you. This will facilitate the process of obtaining a new passport (or visa) in case of loss of these. Insurance policies do not cover these losses.

Do not keep your passport, travel tickets, ID, cash, credit cards and insurance certificates together. You may no longer have identification or money in case of theft or loss. Use the safe of your hotel. Do not leave any valuables in your room. We recommend that you have in your possession, during your trip, the name of your insurer, his telephone number and the number of your insurance policy.

Communications

Communications can sometimes be difficult in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region. Indeed, the cellular coverage of most companies does not cover much of the region and its roads. It is recommended to leave your route behind and to use a satellite phone if you discover the region in ‘road trip’.

Money

Payment Methods

Plan more than one payment method and do not keep all your money in one place. It is advisable to change some money (about $ 200) in Canadian currency before you leave. We do not recommend travelers checks.

Credit card

Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted everywhere, but always plan a second payment method.

ATMs

It is possible to obtain cash from ATMs in most communities. Ask your bank about the ATM services offered in this country. Your bank can also tell you if you need a new Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your account when you are abroad.

Cruises

Schedule

Although you are on vacation, observing the schedule for departing coastal cruises is important. Your captain will advise you on the spot if changes should occur.

Dressing up according to the temperature

The temperature on James Bay can vary considerably. This inland sea can change quickly so we recommend to wear closed shoes with socks as well as long pants. It is also best to always bring a hat, a raincoat, a warm sweater (polar), sunglasses and sun cream, a lip balm and a reusable bottle of water.

Thin layers of loose clothing keep the body warm while helping to keep the air flowing. Top clothing should be fitted with a tight, waterproof mesh hood. Mitts (mittens) are warmer than gloves. It is important to wear a hat, because the biggest heat loss (70%) occurs at the head.

The principle of the 3 layers

The principle of 3 layers is to wear several layers of clothing, the closer to the body easily let out perspiration.
Other layers retain heat. We must therefore wear underwear that absorbs moisture and change them at the end of the day, even if they seem dry.

1- The first layer: It must allow the flow of perspiration from the body to the outside and thus make sure to stay dry. For this, synthetic fibers ensure the best results

2- The second layer: It traps the heat. Polyester synthetic fiber (fleece) is very effective. Wool may be a second option.

3- The third layer: This layer protects you from water, snow and especially wind. It should be both ample, breathable and waterproof.

Environment

EIBJ Travel supports good environmental practices and asks you to:

  • Give priority to reusable water bottles (avoid single-use plastics)
  • Give priority to reusable packaging (avoid styrofoam and plastic films)
  • Dispose of your waste in a responsible way (do not throw anything on the ground or along the roads)
  • Camping without traces (Clean behind you and leave no trace of your passage)
  • Watch for overflows when refueling your boats or other motor vehicles.
  • Thoroughly clean the hulls of your boats and drain the ballast water before bringing your boat to a new body of water. This is to avoid bringing harmful and invasive species.