CANCELLATION POLICY

We have created our cancellation policy based on the work that goes into planning and organizing each trip, tour and course. This means that depending on your booking, it might change the Cancellation Policy.

First, if Uplift Adventures cancels an activity or course due to low registration, weather, or something unforeseen, then we will first try to reschedule and if this is not possible then we will issue a full refund. Please see below for our Weather Cancellation Policy. Uplift Adventures is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparing for a cancelled trip or course (for example, plane tickets, hotel fees, or other travel plans associated with this trip or course).

Why do we have this policy? As a small business, it is very challenging for us to offer experiences and then people cancel on short notice. We specialize in small groups to give a quality experience, but at the same time, we have a minimum requirement that covers the cost of operating a business. This leaves very little room for flexibility when a participant cancels. It is also very difficult to fill spots close to the date as most people make plans well in advance. Unfortunately, once covid-19 restrictions were lifted, it made us realize that people are quick to cancel and they may not realize the impact on a business. Cancelling does impact us and we have often taken out trips or tours where we do not meet our minimums after guests cancel. This means that we are paying to operate and that is hard on us. This isn’t intended to make you feel bad, it is intended to help you understand what it means to us. We do understand that life happens and things change. We are human and also like to book tours and travel, so we have developed these policies based on being fair to you, but also being fair to our small business, our guides who depend on this work, and the other participants who have signed up and planned for a trip or course.

One Day Activities, this does not include courses, but includes one day or less summer and winter tours and trips

For one-day activities, guests must cancel or rebook within 48hrs. A refund or rebooking will not be issued within less than 48hrs. For group bookings (4+ people), must cancel 7 days prior to event for a refund.

For the Adventure Club series, the cancellation policy applies to the first day of the series. You can review the Frequently Asked Questions on the Adventure Club’s webpage for more information if you need to miss a session.

All Courses and Multi-Day Backpacking Trips

If you cancel more than 60 days from your course or trip start date:

1. Your course or trip fees will be returned except for a $25 administrative fee.
2. For Wilderness First Aid, if you asked to have the textbook mailed to you in advance and it’s already been sent out, you will get a refund minus $75 ($25 registration + $50 textbooks).

If you cancel less than 60 days from the course or trip, but more than 30 days before your course or trip start date:

1. You will get a 50% refund of your course or trip fees.
2. If you find someone to transfer your space to, we not charge you anything.

For Wilderness First Aid, if you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

If you cancel 30 days or less before the course or trip start date:

1. You will not receive a refund.
2. If you find someone to transfer your space to, we will retain a $25 admin fee as we often have to change logistics or meal plans.

For Wilderness First Aid, if you received textbooks in advance, we will also retain the $50 textbook fee for a total of $75.

If all of this makes you nervous, we understand. Below is an option to purchase cancellation or interruption insurance through an organization who offers insurance for adventures and trips. Uplift Adventures is not affiliated in any way with this organization. You can also check your credit card company as some will have cancellation insurance.

https://www.tugo.com/en/travel-insurance/cancel-for-any-reason/

Weather Cancellation Policy

Uplift Adventures will cancel and try to reschedule or give a refund if the weather is extreme. This does not include the Wilderness First Aid course as we can adjust to be indoors if the weather is extreme. Examples of extreme weather include 120km continuous winds, below -25°C with the wind chill or -20°C without the wind chill, heavy snowfall warnings for the duration of our trip, and severe thunderstorms for the duration of the trip. Examples of extreme weather does not include subzero temperatures or rain.

There are often no washrooms available at the trailhead or along the trail. Please ensure you use the washroom before meeting up with the group.

If you booked a snowshoeing or winter trip and there is not enough snow, then we will winter hike. We can't control the weather, but we can help you have an amazing experience. Vice versa, if you booked a hiking trip and there is lots of snow or it is icy, we will set you up with the right gear for the trip. If it is dangerous to do the trip, then we will either adjust or cancel.

It is the responsibility of the participant to bring the right clothing such as insulated hiking boots, winter jacket, gloves, and a head cap in the winter. In the summer, we recommend a hat, sunscreen, waterproof jacket and pants, and hiking boots. We recommend that you do not wear cotton in the outdoors. We try to have extra stuff with us, but cannot guarantee it. If you know you forgot something, contact us as soon as you know. We want to set you up for success! The guide can refuse to allow a participant on the trip if he/she is not prepared properly for mountain weather.

We must have a minimum of 4 participants to run most trips and courses. The exceptions are the Moonlight Snowshoe and Navigation Courses where we require a minimum of 6 people, and the Wilderness First Aid Course where we require a minimum of 8 people.

Uplift Adventures’ waivers are required to be signed before starting the activity or course. If a participant is under 18 years of age, an Acknowledgement of Risk Form must be filled out by both the participant and a legal guardian.

Guests under 18 years of age, must have legal guardian consent to attend the activity or course prior to the start date. If a participant is under age, please advise Uplift Adventures in advance to make arrangements for approval. Guests under 15 years of age, must be accompanied by an adult unless pre-arranged and then approved by Uplift's management.

Guests must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including cannabis, while out on an activity or course. Uplift Adventures has the right to refuse participation if a guest is suspected under the influence prior or during the activity or course. A return or compensation will not be given to the customer.

Please advise Uplift Adventures of any medical conditions, past injuries or allergies prior to the course or activity. This information is only used by our staff to better prepare our guides and duty officer for your safety while on your activity or course.

Uplift Adventures will cancel and try to reschedule or give a refund if the weather is extreme. This does not include the Wilderness First Aid course as we can adjust to be indoors if the weather is extreme. Examples of extreme weather include 120km continuous winds, below -25°C with the wind chill or -20°C without the wind chill, heavy snowfall warnings for the duration of our trip, and severe thunderstorms for the duration of the trip. Examples of extreme weather does not include subzero temperatures or rain.

We send out an email leading up to our trip with updates about the weather conditions and we do want to prepare you for those conditions. If you are worried about not having the right gear, please reach out to us as we can likely help you. We also want you to enjoy your time with us!

Use the booking calendars on the activity, course, or gear rental pages to select your desired date to join an available adventure! Additional information about specific types of activities or courses can also be found on their booking pages.

To find more information about an activity or course, select the date of your activity in the calendar, and then click on the 'Details' button below the calendar.

If you prefer a private trip, please send us an email at info@upliftadventures.ca

We often put this information in the Details section under the calendar. To review this, select the activity and date of your adventure in the booking calendar. Below the calendar there is a Details tab with lots of information about the activity or course. We also send this information when you book your activity or course. If you do not have something on this list, we also have rental gear available.

If you have questions about your gear, please don't hesitate to ask us ahead of time / before the activity or course starts. We would rather that you come prepared and with the right gear for the adventure.

On our overnight backpacking trips, we like to meet up the evening before to ensure we do a gear and safety check before we meet up on the trail. Day 0 is the evening before.

Below is an example of a typical two-day backpacking trip. If you are planning a longer backpacking trip with us, then the days will be similar with an early start. If there are fluctuations in time, the guide will communicate this with you.

Day 0 | 7 – 9pm | Meet in Crowsnest Pass or Waterton to go over gear, food, and itinerary. We will meet for 1 – 1.5 hours the night before to ensure the gear is in good shape, your backpack has the essentials and is ready to go. This is also when we will disclose the official location. Please ensure you have accommodations in Crowsnest Pass for this evening.

Day 1 | 8am | We will meet at our designated meeting spot (decided the night before) and drive to the trail head. Driving time can be up to an hour on backcountry roads.

Depending on the trip you pick, expect between 8 – 15km of backpacking in mountainous terrain (this means elevation). It is not easy, and some physical endurance is required. We will have lots of time for breaks along the way to the campsite location.

At the campsite, you will have some time to explore, meditate, or read while our guide prepares dinner. Or hang out with the guide and gain some local knowledge.

Day 2 | 7am | Rise and shine. It is time to get the day started. We will pack up our bags, eat breakfast and head onto the trail by 9am.

Expect a similar distance as Day 1. For the 2-day backpack trip, plan to return back to the vehicles between 2 – 3pm. However, timing always depends on the group’s ability, so do not plan activities immediately after the trip.

We want to set you up for success! Why not try it, before you buy it? On the checkout page, make sure you add Gear Rental to your purchase.

We rent tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more!