01. What is agri-tourism?
As an agricultural tour operator we define agri-tourism as tours for agriculturally-oriented individuals who are from the farm, in agri-businesses or who have retired from some form of agricultural enterprises and who want to "see how the other guy does it". Typically an agri-tourist has been involved in farming or some form of agricultural enterprises as a part of their life-style - either born and raised on the farm, or employed in some agricultural work. When they travel, they want to meet with and visit others in the same, similar or totally different forms of agriculture and food production activities.

Agri-tourists might also be farmers and agri-business people visiting other counties, provinces, and countries to buy or sell products, as well as visit visit both agricultural and non-agricultural sites and attractions.

Agri-tourists might be traveling to far off places to visit agricultural trade shows and fairs, or plowing competitions, conferences and the like!

02. How long has AgriTours been in business?

AgriTours Canada Inc.'s company president, Richard Buck, has been planning, organizing and implementing agricultural tours for almost 25 years. After working for other tour operators, he started AgriTours Canada Inc. in 1999.

Today, AgriTours Canada Inc. is the largest agricultural tour company in Canada and one of the largest in North America. Agriculture and tourism are our business.

03. What is TICO?
TICO is an organization mandated by the government of the province of Ontario, Canada, to administer the Ontario Travel Industry Act, which governs approximately 3,000 travel retailers and travel wholesalers registered in Ontario. In addition, TICO administers an industry-financed Travel Compensation Fund. AgriTours Canada Inc. is a member of TICO.

04. Why would I want to take a group agricultural tour?
First is the companionship of like-minded individuals and the opportunity to share stories, make new friends, and learn from each other as well as learning the agriculture in a new destination.

A second reason is for convenience. On a group tour, someone else does the driving, navigates, makes hotel and restaurant arrangements, books all the flights, arranges city tours and tours of major attractions. Because we look after all the details you can relax until it's time to visit a farm or agri-business or eat! If a meal is indicated as 'on your own', we always have recommendations for restaurants close to the hotel with varied menus. Taking a group tour is more convenient, more relaxing and more fun.

The third reason is safety. All our tours are in air conditioned motorcoaches with professional drivers. An AgriTours professional tour director accompanies the tour. If something happens, our tour director is there to help. We also travel with a knowledgable tour director from the host country who speaks the language. When visiting farms, we take all the necessary precautions to ensure that diseases are not spread. Your safety and well being is our prime concern.

05. How do I book a group agricultural tour?
If you are an individual, please see question #10.

If you are a tour operator, travel agent or group leader, please go to Travel Agent and Tour Operator FAQ.

06. I am Canadian citizen; can I book a tour with you?
Yes. Please see question #10 to view your choice of booking methods. Unless otherwise stated, all our tours are English speaking. If we are visiting a country whose native language is not English, we will travel with an bilingual (English/country native tongue) tour director from that country.

07. I am American citizen; can I book a tour with you?
Yes. Please see question #10 to view your choice of booking methods. Your flight arrangements will be made from the closest departure airport to your home and you will join up with the rest of the group at the arrival city.

08. I am a citizen of another country; can I book a tour with you?
Yes. If you are a resident, but not a citizen, of either Canada or the United States, you can follow this process under Question #10.

If you are a citizen of another country, residing outside of Canada or the United States, we would be pleased to sell you the land package for the tour and you would then make your own arrangements for flights to join up with the group. We recommend that you work with a qualified travel agent or tour operator in your country for all your arrangements including flights, any necessary visas, insurance etc. Contact us for details.

09. I have a group who would like to come to Canada. Do you facilitate group tours?
Yes, our inbound, receptive division would be pleased to work with you and your group to customize an agricultural tour.

10. Can individuals join existing group tours and how can I pay for my tour?
Yes, individuals are welcome to join our existing tours.

Select and contact a current AgriTours Network travel agent from our list of AgriTours Network members. You can book and pay for your tour through the travel agent, at no additional fee. The agent can also help with other arrangements such as travel insurance and transportation to and from the departure airport; or
Print the tour itinerary from our website and take it to your travel agent, even if they're not a member of the AgriTours Network. Ask the travel agent to contact us to book the tour on your behalf. You then pay the travel agent; or
If there is no agent in your area you may book directly with us. Call 1-877-683-5742 or send a fax to 1.519.826.5244. We will send you a registration form by mail or fax. You can either send us a cheque for the deposit or make a direct deposit to our account. We'll provide you with all the particulars you need to do this at your bank.

11. Will I need a visa and/or passport to enter the country I wish to visit?
You should have a valid Canadian passport for all trips outside Canada. The passport must be valid for six months after your departure from the country you are visiting. Details are available from the Foreign Affairs Canada website.

You need a visa to enter many foreign countries. The requirements and processing times for your visa will depend on what you intend to do while you are abroad: visit, study or work. For details, click here.

Important: While AgriTours Canada will assist you by providing guidelines for necessary documentation for your tour, you are solely responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary documents to travel and to return to Canada.

12. How do I obtain a Canadian passport?
Visit the Passport Canada website for instructions. Additional passport information is posted on the Foreign Affairs website.

13. What passport should I use if I have dual citizenship? (Canada and another country.)
The government of Canada strongly recommends that Canadian citizens travel with their Canadian passports. The Foreign Affairs Canada provides more information about dual citizenship issues.

14. Will a past police record prevent me from travelling abroad or entering the US for a connecting flight?
If you have a police record you may encounter difficulties entering a foreign country, including the USA. Even if you received a pardon and the charge has been removed from your record, other countries may not have been notified of the removal of the charge.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all your travel documents are correct and valid for the country into which or through which you are travelling. This includes ensuring that you can enter the USA for either a visit or in transit on your way to another country.

AgriTours Canada Inc. uses US gateways for some of its tours. If you think you may have a problem entering the US, please discuss with us before booking your tour.

15.
For Canadians who are farming or otherwise employed in agriculture a portion of agricultural tour costs may be tax deductible. Once your tour has concluded, AgriTours Canada will provide you with a letter outlining the technical components of your agri-tour. Your accountant will assist you in making a claim for income tax deduction.