Please refer to the location selected as an Add-On in your booking confirmation e-mail. You have either selected a Community Walk (your chosen location near you) or one of our permitted hiking locations. You can find more information on our hiking locations and directions page.

We require a contact cell phone number and email address for each Facilitator in Charge for each date you have booked. Please ensure you provide us with this information on the Pre-Trip Form.

After receiving the Pre-Trip Form, guides will contact the Facilitator in Charge by email, 7-10 days before the program to confirm the details provided during booking and on the Pre-Trip Form. They will include important information to help plan for weather and trail conditions. Guides will provide a phone number that you can use to discuss any details, either through a phone call or via text message. Guides will update the Facilitator in Charge, 24-48hrs ahead of the trip, of any weather or trail conditions, if needed.

We ask that the Facilitator in Charge texts the guide, the morning of the program, when they are on their way to the trailhead.

Inquiries for programs can be directed to our staff at education@cpaws.org.

As our programs are in high demand, it is our expectation that those who book programs will make every effort to maintain their bookings. If extenuating circumstances warrant cancellation of a program (like extreme weather, road closures, family emergency, etc.) we will reschedule programs rather than cancel. This may occur in a future season, if we are unable to schedule before the end of the season. We encourage all facilitators in charge to inform us of any circumstances that may prevent the delivery of a program with as much notice as possible.

Our cancellation policy is as follows:

1 month prior to booking: 85% refund – there is a 15% non-refundable deposit at time of booking.

29 to 14 days prior to booking: 50% refund

Less than 2 weeks prior to booking: no refund

CPAWS interpretive guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid and carry bear spray, a first aid kit and a satellite messenger device.

For minor medical emergencies, the Facilitator in Charge will assume the role of first responder, not CPAWS. CPAWS guides will provide guidance and assistance as necessary. For all other emergencies, CPAWS guides will assume the role of first responder, using the CPAWS emergency response procedures. The Facilitator in Charge will help manage the situation. Organizations are expected to follow their own procedures in terms of communication, accident reporting, insurance, etc.

Please be aware of the following:

Allergies/Asthma

All participants, no matter their age, that require an EPIPEN or INHALER must have it with them at all times. Guides have the right to refuse service to participants without their mediation. Check with each participant as they board the bus to ensure they have their medications.

Weather

Participants must be prepared for all weather conditions. Appropriate footwear, warm layers, rain jackets, sunscreen, and hats and mitts are required. Weather can be notably different from Calgary to Kananaskis. It is the Facilitator in Charge’s responsibility to ensure all participants are prepared for the weather prior to leaving.

Guides reserve the right to refuse service to participants that are ill-prepared for the day.

In the event of a change in weather conditions that impacts safety, the trip will be stopped.

Bears & Other Wildlife

We follow industry best practices to avoid negative encounters with wildlife, including having all guides carry bear spray. Additionally, the guides will give lessons on how to avoid such encounters.

To help with this, we have the group travel together and the Facilitator in Charge hikes at the back of the group.

Uneven terrain, slips & trips, and falls

All participants must have appropriate footwear.

CPAWS guides will do their best to identify and manage hazards that pose a slip, trip and/or fall hazard.

Behaviour

Facilitator in Charge is responsible for group behaviour.

If working with youth or others who might be a more challenging group, ensure that you make special arrangements to have extra facilitators present to assist as needed.

Participants who are exhibiting behaviour that puts participants, guides, or other trail users at risk will not be tolerated. CPAWS reserves the right to stop the program if participant behavior is jeopardizing the group or natural area.

Insects

In the spring, and during wet times, there is an increased possibility of insect bites, including mosquitoes and ticks. Insect spray (DEET based) or lotion is recommended, along with long sleeves and pants.