Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk

IMPORTANT LEGAL DOCUMENT - READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING

Participant Information

Name (Print): _______________________________________________

Date of Birth: _______________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City/Province/Postal Code: _______________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

Emergency Contact Name: _______________________________________________

Emergency Contact Phone: _______________________________________________

Acknowledgment of Risks

I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in wilderness activities at Walcott Lodge, located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. I understand that these activities include but are not limited to:

• Hiking and trekking on mountain trails
• Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing (winter visits)
• Staying in off-grid accommodation without modern amenities
• Exposure to wilderness conditions and wildlife
• Travel in remote areas with limited emergency access

I Understand and Acknowledge That:

1. Inherent Risks Exist including but not limited to:

   • Slips, trips, and falls on trails
   • Encounters with wildlife (bears, cougars, elk, etc.)
   • Adverse weather conditions
   • Avalanche hazard (winter)
   • Rock fall and unstable terrain
   • River crossings and water hazards
   • Altitude-related illnesses
   • Injuries from physical exertion
   • Medical emergencies in remote locations
   • Equipment failure

2. Off-Grid Conditions mean:

   • No electricity, running water, or modern plumbing
   • No cell phone service or internet
   • Emergency evacuation may be significantly delayed
   • Medical care is not immediately available
   • Weather can strand guests for extended periods

3. Personal Responsibility:

   • I am responsible for my own safety
   • I must follow all safety guidelines and staff instructions
   • I must honestly disclose any medical conditions
   • I must stay within my physical abilities
   • I must use appropriate equipment and clothing

4. Wildlife Risk:

   • Bears and other dangerous animals inhabit the area
   • Wildlife encounters can result in serious injury or death
   • I will follow all wildlife safety protocols

5. Avalanche Hazard (Winter Visits):

   • The area contains avalanche terrain
   • Avalanches can cause serious injury or death
   • I acknowledge responsibility for avalanche safety education
   • I will carry required safety equipment
   • I will check daily avalanche bulletins

Medical Information

Current Health Status

Do you have any medical conditions that could affect your participation?
☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, please describe: _______________________________________________

Medications

Are you currently taking any medications?
☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, please list: _______________________________________________

Allergies

Do you have any allergies (food, medication, environmental)?
☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, please list: _______________________________________________

Emergency Medical Conditions

Do you have any conditions requiring immediate medical attention (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies)?
☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, please describe: _______________________________________________

Assumption of Risk

I freely and voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation in wilderness activities at Walcott Lodge, including those risks described above and any other risks inherent in wilderness travel and off-grid living.

I understand that:

• Walcott Lodge staff are not medical professionals
• Emergency medical care may be hours away
• Helicopter evacuation may not be possible due to weather
• I may be required to self-rescue or assist in rescue of others
• Costs of rescue and evacuation are my responsibility

Release of Liability

In consideration of being permitted to participate in activities at Walcott Lodge, I hereby:

1. Release and Discharge Walcott Lodge, its owners, operators, employees, guides, contractors, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me while participating in activities or traveling to and from Walcott Lodge.

2. Waive any right to sue or make any claim against Walcott Lodge for personal injury, property damage, wrongful death, or other losses.

3. Indemnify and Hold Harmless Walcott Lodge from any loss, liability, damage, or costs that may incur due to my participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.

Insurance and Medical Treatment

I understand and acknowledge that:

1. Walcott Lodge does not provide health, medical, or travel insurance
2. I am responsible for obtaining adequate insurance coverage
3. I am responsible for all costs of medical treatment and evacuation
4. I authorize Walcott Lodge staff to arrange emergency medical treatment if I am unable to make decisions
5. I am responsible for all costs associated with such treatment

Photo and Media Release

I grant Walcott Lodge permission to use photographs, video recordings, or other media taken of me during my visit for promotional purposes, including but not limited to website, social media, and marketing materials.

☐ I AGREE to photo/media release
☐ I DO NOT AGREE to photo/media release

Conduct and Policies

I agree to:

1. Follow all rules, regulations, and instructions provided by Walcott Lodge staff
2. Follow all Parks Canada regulations and wilderness ethics
3. Practice Leave No Trace principles
4. Behave in a respectful manner toward staff, other guests, and the environment
5. Accept that violation of lodge policies may result in expulsion without refund

Cancellation Policy Acknowledgment

I understand and agree to the following cancellation policy:

• 60+ days before arrival: Full refund minus $100 administration fee
• 30-59 days: 50% refund
• 14-29 days: 25% refund
• Less than 14 days: No refund
• No refunds for early departure or unused services
• Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta and the laws of Canada applicable therein.

Acknowledgment

I have carefully read this Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk. I fully understand its contents and acknowledge that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue.

I sign this agreement freely and voluntarily without any inducement and intend my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.

I AM 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND LEGALLY COMPETENT TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT.

Signatures

Participant Signature: ________________________________________

Print Name: ________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

For Participants Under 18

I am the parent or legal guardian of the above-named minor. I have the legal authority to consent to and do consent to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. I understand that I am not only giving up my right to sue on my own behalf, but also that I am giving up the minor’s right to sue.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________

Print Name: ________________________________________

Relationship to Minor: ________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

Witness (Walcott Lodge Staff)

Staff Signature: ________________________________________

Print Name: ________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

Office Use Only

Booking Reference: ________________________________________

Arrival Date: ________________________________________

Departure Date: ________________________________________

Staff Initial: ________________________________________

This waiver must be completed and signed before participation in any activities at Walcott Lodge. A copy will be provided to the participant.

Walcott Lodge
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Email: stay@walcottlodge.com
Phone: +1 (403) 555-0100

Document Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: October 2025