Questions to Ask any Adventure Company

Regardless of whether or not you book a trip with us, the following are some questions that you should ask any travel company to ensure that you are in capable hands. Getting proper answers will also reduce your exposure to fraud (Internet or mail).

1. How long have you been in operation?

Call Of The Wild has been in continuous business since 1993. We are one of the oldest, full time adventure companies in Toronto, and have taken thousands of people, from all over the world, out for a memorable wilderness adventure.

2. Do you carry Liability Insurance?

Call Of The Wild does carry liability insurance. In order to protect yourself from false claims of coverage, you are entitled to ask for the name of the Insurance Company so that you can ensure that they really do carry Liability Insurance.

3. What training do your staff and guides have?

There are several independent agencies that offer certification in various aspects of guiding in Ontario. Any guide should have the following as a minimum:

• Emergency Wilderness First Aid
• Canoe Certification (ORCA, or some other agency)
• Basic navigation skills
• Guiding experience - each new guide should do at least 6 trips as an assistant before leading their own groups.

4. Do you have previous Client Recommendations, and Professional Reviews?

This is an excellent way to gauge the reputation and professionalism of any company. Look for Recommendations from a variety of people, spanning a number of years.

At Call Of The Wild, we are quite proud of our recommendations. We have put a long list of previous customers and their thoughts about us on our Client Comments page. We have also been reviewed by several major newspapers, guide books, and TV shows. Most of these articles are on our Reviews page. The following are some of the professional media we have been prominently featured in:

• The Globe & Mail
• The Toronto Sun
• The Toronto Star
• Sunday Tasmanian (Australia)
• Daily Telegraph (Sydney, Australia)
• The Rough Guide (Canada and Toronto editions)
• Let's Go USA/Canada
• Work On The Wildside (Japanese Eco-tourism guide)
• Getaway Travel (Australian TV travel show)
• The Mail on Sunday (England)

5. How is your safety record?

Call Of The Wild has an excellent safety record. We have had no more (partly due to the vigilance and expertise of our guides) than a couple of sprained ankles and blisters.

If all of the above questions can be answered to your satisfaction, then you are probably dealing with a reputable company. As with anything though, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. So never completely rely on the judgements of others when it comes to your safety. Always satisfy yourself that you are dealing with experts who can look out for you. And remember to have fun!!