Participant Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions govern the purchase of and participation in activities organized by Valkyrie Adventures Inc. (hereinafter, “Valkyrie Adventures”). By booking and participating in a Valkyrie Adventures Activity, Participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
Definitions
“Activities” (and each individually, an “Activity”) include, but are not limited to, any guided hiking and backpacking trips and tours of various lengths, outdoor confidence-building experiences, and other lodge-based adventure experiences, which are hosted by a Valkyrie Adventures Guide
“Guide” means any representative or employee of Valkyrie Adventures who is leading, supervising, and/or organizing an Activity
“Participant” means any person who participates in an Activity operated by Valkyrie Adventures
Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise stated. A booking is considered confirmed once payment has been received and a confirmation email has been issued. Valkyrie Adventures reserves the right to refuse or cancel bookings where participation would present safety, logistical, or operational concerns.
Booking and Payment
Participants must be at least 19 years of age.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they possess the fitness level, mobility, and experience appropriate for the difficulty rating of an Activity.
Participants must disclose any medical conditions, allergies, injuries, or physical limitations that could affect their ability to safely participate in an Activity.
The guide reserves the right to deny participation to any individual who appears unfit, unprepared, or unable to safely complete an Activity.
Eligibility
Required Documentation
Participation in any Activity organized by Valkyrie Adventures requires review and execution of the following documents prior to departure:
Release of Liability/Waiver of Claims and
Participant Readiness And Medical Disclosure Questionnaire
Participants who fail to complete the above and required documentation may be denied participation in an Activity and may not be eligible for a refund. All Participants acknowledge and agree that the information provided therein is true, accurate, and complete.
Equipment and Preparation
Participants are responsible for bringing all required personal equipment as outlined in the trip gear list. The gear list will be provided at least 7 days prior to the Activity, and may be provided earlier at the discretion of Valkyrie Adventures.
Required gear may include appropriate footwear, weather appropriate clothing, water, food, and safety equipment. Failure to arrive with appropriate equipment may result in a Participant being refused permission to join the Activity by their Guide. In this situation, the Participant may not be eligible for a refund.
The Guide may also refuse permission for a Participant to join an Activity if their equipment is deemed unsafe or inadequate. In this situation, the Participant may not be eligible for a refund.
All Participants must follow the instructions from the Guide at all times.
The Guide has full authority to modify the itinerary, adjust pace, alter the route, or terminate an Activity where environmental or situational conditions present safety concerns.
The Guide may remove a Participant from an Activity if their behavior compromises anyone’s safety, disrupts the group, or violates these Terms and Conditions. No refunds will be issued in such circumstances.
Safety and Guide Authority
Valkyrie Adventures does not provide, sell, or distribute alcohol or controlled substances during any experience. Participants are expected to arrive ready to participate, clear headed, and physically prepared for the demands of the activity.
For the safety of the group, the consumption of alcohol or any substance that may impair judgment, coordination, or physical ability before or during an experience is not permitted.
If a participant appears impaired or unable to participate safely, guides may limit or decline participation at their discretion. No refunds will be issued in such circumstances.
Illegal substances are not permitted at any time during Valkyrie Adventures experiences.
Alcohol and Substance Policy
Participants acknowledge that Valkyrie Adventures experiences are conducted at a planned group pace appropriate for the route, terrain, distance, and daylight conditions.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the physical fitness and endurance necessary to maintain the general pace of the group.
If a Participant is unable to maintain the required pace or safely continue an Activity, the Guide may require the Participant to turn back, return to the trailhead, or withdraw from the Activity.
Where possible, reasonable efforts will be made to assist the participant in safely exiting an Activity. However, Participants acknowledge that Guides must prioritize the safety and progress of the entire group.
No refunds will be issued if a participant is unable to continue with an Activity due to inadequate fitness, inadequate preparedness, or inability to maintain the group pace.
Group Pace and Participant Responsibility
Participants acknowledge that outdoor Activities may occur in environments that include uneven terrain, exposed coastal areas, cliffs, rocks, roots, mud, wet surfaces, and other natural obstacles.
Participants understand that trails may involve steep ascents and descents, narrow paths, loose footing, and natural hazards that require balance, coordination, and physical effort.
Participants accept that environmental conditions such as wind, rain, fog, temperature changes, and rapidly changing weather are common in coastal and wilderness environments in Nova Scotia.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are physically capable of safely navigating these conditions.
Environmental Conditions and Terrain
Routes may involve travel near or along coastal environments where tides, waves, and ocean conditions can change rapidly.
Participants acknowledge that coastal terrain may present hazards including slippery rocks, unstable footing, wave exposure, and changing tide levels that may affect route access.
Participants agree to follow all instructions provided by the Guide regarding safe travel in coastal areas.
Tides, Water Exposure, and Coastal Hazards
Participants understand that some Activities may take place in areas where immediate emergency medical assistance may not be available.
Response times for emergency services may be delayed due to the remote nature of certain locations.
Participants acknowledge that evacuation from a trail or wilderness location may require hiking, assistance from other Participants, or rescue services.
Participants agree to cooperate with Guides and emergency personnel in the event of any incident.
Emergency Response and Remote Locations
Outdoor Activities are subject to changing conditions including weather, trail conditions, tides, access restrictions, and other environmental factors.
Valkyrie Adventures reserves the right to modify routes, destinations, timing, or Activities wherever necessary for safety, operational, or other reasons, to be determined in Valkyrie’s sole discretion.
Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund.
Changes to Itinerary
Participants are responsible for arriving on time at the designated meeting location for an Activity. Activity details, including meeting location and time, will be provided via email at least 7 days prior to the Activity, and may be provided earlier at the discretion of Valkyrie Adventures.
If a Participant cancels their booking:
Cancellations made 14 days prior to the Activity or earlier will receive either:
a full credit toward a future Activity, or
a refund, less any non-refundable booking fees
Cancellations made within 14 days of the Activity are non refundable. Participants who fail to appear at the meeting location and time for an Activity will be considered a no show and are not eligible for a refund.
Some Activities may include services provided by third-party partners. These services form part of the overall experience delivered by Valkyrie Adventures Inc. All refunds, credits, and rescheduling will be administered by Valkyrie Adventures Inc. in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
Where an Activity includes third-party components, Valkyrie Adventures Inc. will make reasonable efforts to recover any associated costs. However, Participants acknowledge that certain third-party costs may be non-recoverable. In such cases, any refund issued may be reduced accordingly.
Cancellation by Participant
Valkyrie Adventures reserves the right to cancel any Activity, at any time, in its sole discretion, in instances of:
Severe or unsafe weather conditions,
Insufficient participant numbers,
Safety concerns or environmental conditions,
Guide illness or emergency, and/or
Circumstances beyond Valkyrie Adventure’s control.
Where Valkyrie Adventures cancels due to any of the above criteria, affected Participants will be offered either:
A full refund, or
A credit toward a future Activity with Valkyrie Adventures.