Terms of Service

Last updated: December 2024

Welcome to Sentiers du Nord. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website and services related to guided hiking adventures and wilderness expeditions in Canada.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using our website, booking our services, or participating in our hiking expeditions, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing our services.

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time without prior notice. Your continued use of our services after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms of Service.

2. Service Description

Sentiers du Nord provides guided hiking tours and wilderness expeditions throughout Canada. Our services include but are not limited to:

• Multi-day hiking expeditions in Canadian wilderness areas
• Professional guide services and wilderness instruction
• Safety equipment and emergency communication systems
• Educational programs about Canadian flora, fauna, and ecosystems
• Group camping and wilderness survival training

All expeditions are conducted by certified wilderness guides with extensive experience in Canadian mountain and forest environments.

3. Booking and Payment Terms

Reservations for our expeditions must be made in advance through our website or by contacting our office directly. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, with full payment due 30 days before the expedition start date.

Prices are subject to change without notice, but confirmed bookings will honor the price quoted at the time of reservation. All prices are in Canadian dollars and include applicable taxes unless otherwise specified.

Payment can be made by credit card, bank transfer, or certified check. Late payment may result in cancellation of your reservation without refund of deposit.

4. Cancellation and Refund Policy

We understand that travel plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while protecting our business operations:

• 30+ days before expedition: Full refund minus processing fee (5% of total cost)
• 15-29 days before expedition: 50% refund of total payment
• 14 days or less: No refund, but credit may be applied to future bookings
• Weather-related cancellations by Sentiers du Nord: Full refund or rescheduling options

We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances that may prevent your participation.

5. Participant Requirements and Responsibilities

All participants must meet minimum fitness requirements for their chosen expedition level. Medical conditions, injuries, or physical limitations must be disclosed at the time of booking. We reserve the right to refuse participation if safety concerns arise.

Participants are responsible for:

• Arriving with appropriate personal equipment as specified in pre-expedition materials
• Following all safety instructions and guidelines provided by guides
• Respecting wilderness areas and Leave No Trace principles
• Maintaining appropriate fitness levels for chosen expedition difficulty
• Carrying adequate insurance coverage for outdoor activities

6. Safety and Risk Acknowledgment

Wilderness activities carry inherent risks including but not limited to exposure to weather, wildlife encounters, terrain hazards, and potential for serious injury or death. While we maintain the highest safety standards and employ experienced guides, participants acknowledge and assume these risks.

All participants must sign a liability waiver and risk acknowledgment form before expedition commencement. Minors require parental or guardian consent and signature.

Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and emergency response procedures, but participants should be aware that evacuation from remote areas may be delayed due to weather or terrain conditions.

7. Limitation of Liability

Sentiers du Nord's liability is limited to the amount paid for services. We are not liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages arising from our services or any expedition-related activities.

We are not responsible for losses due to weather conditions, flight cancellations, personal injury, theft, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel and adventure sports insurance.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

We respect your privacy and handle personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of information as outlined in our privacy documentation.

Personal information collected during booking and expedition participation is used solely for service delivery, safety purposes, and communication regarding your reservation.

9. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and expedition materials, is protected by copyright and trademark laws. Unauthorized use of our intellectual property is prohibited.

Participants may take personal photographs during expeditions but may not use images of guides or other participants for commercial purposes without explicit written consent.

10. Force Majeure

Sentiers du Nord is not liable for failure to perform services due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions, pandemics, or other unforeseeable events.

In such cases, we will work with participants to reschedule expeditions or provide appropriate compensation as circumstances permit.

11. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada. Any disputes arising from these terms or our services will be resolved through binding arbitration in Vancouver, British Columbia.

12. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms of Service or our expedition policies, please contact us:

By booking our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.