Waiver and Release of Liability
By booking, paying for, attending, or participating in any hike, meetup, trek, activity, transport, route-sharing, or outdoor event associated with Van Isle Treks, I acknowledge and agree as follows:
1. Assumption of Risk I understand that hiking and outdoor activities involve obvious and inherent risks, as well as other foreseeable and unforeseeable risks. These include, without limitation, slips, trips, falls, rockfall, loose ground, water crossings, changing weather, cold exposure, heat, dehydration, exhaustion, altitude effects, wildlife encounters, insects, plant exposure, getting lost, remote terrain, delayed rescue, equipment failure, vehicle travel, and the acts or omissions of myself or others. I understand these risks may cause property loss, serious injury, illness, emotional distress, or death. I freely and voluntarily accept and assume all risks of participating.
2. No Duty to Protect Me From All Hazards I understand that Van Isle Treks does not and cannot guarantee my safety, the safety of any route, trail, road, campsite, or terrain, or the availability or timeliness of rescue, medical care, communications, or evacuation. Conditions may change at any time without warning.
3. My Responsibility I am solely responsible for deciding whether I am fit, prepared, equipped, and capable of participating. I am solely responsible for my hydration, nutrition, clothing, footwear, medication, pace, decisions, and conduct. I will turn back, stop, or leave if I believe conditions are unsafe for me.
4. Release of Liability To the fullest extent permitted by law, I waive, release, and forever discharge Van Isle Treks and its owners, operators, employees, contractors, volunteers, representatives, affiliates, successors, and assigns from any and all claims, demands, damages, losses, actions, or causes of action arising from or related to my participation, including claims arising from negligence.
5. Indemnity I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Van Isle Treks and the other released parties from any claim, demand, loss, liability, damage, cost, or expense, including legal fees, arising from my participation or from my acts, omissions, or breach of this agreement.
6. Rules and Removal I agree to follow all safety directions, route decisions, timing decisions, and conduct expectations communicated by Van Isle Treks. I understand that unsafe, disruptive, reckless, or impaired conduct may result in my removal, refusal of participation, or cancellation without refund.
7. Medical and Emergency Response I authorize emergency assistance to be sought if deemed appropriate, but I understand Van Isle Treks has no obligation to provide medical care, rescue, or evacuation, and makes no guarantee that assistance will be available or timely. I accept all costs associated with any medical care, rescue, evacuation, or transportation.
8. Personal PropertyI am solely responsible for my personal property, gear, vehicle, and equipment. Van Isle Treks is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.
9. Photo and Video Consent I grant permission to Van Isle Treks to capture and use photographs or video containing my image for promotional, website, and social media purposes, unless I notify Van Isle Treks in writing before the activity.
10. Independent Participation I understand that my participation is voluntary and independent. While Van Isle Treks may share routes, timing, or general information, I am solely responsible for my own safety, decisions, pace, and actions at all times. I am not relying on Van Isle Treks to ensure my safety.
11. Severability If any part of this waiver is found unenforceable, the remaining terms will continue in full force to the fullest extent permitted by law.
12. Governing Law This agreement is governed by the laws of British Columbia, and any dispute must be brought in British Columbia.
13. Confirmation I confirm that I have read this waiver carefully, understand that I am giving up legal rights, including the right to sue, and agree to it voluntarily as a condition of participating.