I went to Las Vegas in Feb and took my bike (was free with Virgin
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).
I've got a nice padded CRC bag which I've used to go to Alps, etc. but the trouble is that whilst the limit on Easy Jet to Geneva is 32 kg, the limit on Virgin was 23kg, my Commencal bike is about 16kg, and the CRC bag is about 5kg so that would put me over the limit once youve put in a few tools and helmet, it can help to wear heavy shoes like Five Tens, etc.
So I used my old bag which is a thinish affair with no padding but weighs very little, for the journey out I took apart the rear triangle and wrapped the whole frame in bubble wrap, then put the wheels in using the CRC wheel bags, i put some heavy stuff like the rear shock and some other bits in my main luggage.
I also bought some bits over there, Bell 2R helmet and Marzocchi forks from Jensen and had them shipped to place I was staying (but of course I had to still bring them back, my bag was a smidgen under 23kg on way back).
Whether you need to take tools, etc depends on where you are staying and how remote it is, I bought a few bits out there (including gas gun cartridges which you cant take on plane). Central Las Vegas had some bike shops but not that great, but Boulder City had a great well stocked shop..its got amazing trails and uplifts, etc).
I suspect Canada might be a bit pricey for parts ? (I've heard Whistler is), it might be like Morzine which has a bit of a captive audience and the prices are jacked up a bit ?).
As for insurance I used DogTag both in France and in US, but you'll need to declare whether you are doing general trail riding or Downhill..the prices increase for DH not surprisingly. Ive heard good things about Snowcard too and they can cover your bike for loss, theft too...most companies say they'll cover £2000 or so but that's a total not a single item !, so need to read the small print.