Terms & Conditions
Effective as of May 18, 2026
These Terms & Conditions govern all bookings, tickets, tours, shuttle services, transportation services, and related experiences sold or operated by THE MOUNTAIN EXPLORER CORP, carrying on business as Mountain Explorer Co. (“Mountain Explorer”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).
By making a booking, purchasing a ticket, communicating with us about a booking, or using our services, you agree to these Terms & Conditions on behalf of yourself and all other persons included in your booking party. If you do not agree, do not book or use our services.
If you are booking on behalf of other guests, you represent and warrant that you are authorized to accept these Terms & Conditions for all guests in your booking party, and you are responsible for ensuring that all guests are aware of and comply with them.
Pricing
All prices are stated in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Applicable taxes, mandatory government charges, access fees, booking fees, processing fees, and any other required charges will be shown at checkout or otherwise disclosed before your booking is confirmed.
Prices, pickup locations, schedules, routes, inclusions, and availability may change without notice until your booking is confirmed.
Any third-party booking, reseller, or payment processing fees charged by FareHarbor or another authorized booking or payment platform are separate charges and are non-refundable unless required by applicable law.
Payment & Booking
Full payment is required at the time of booking unless we expressly agree otherwise in writing.
A booking is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation email or confirmation number from us or our authorized booking platform.
You are responsible for providing accurate booking details, including guest names, contact information, pickup information, and any other required details. We are not responsible for losses, delays, missed pickups, or additional charges resulting from inaccurate or incomplete information.
You agree to remain reachable by phone, text message, email, or other contact method you provided in connection with your booking for operational communications relating to your reservation.
Guest Cancellations, Modifications & Refunds
Shared Tours:
Cancellations requested more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure time are eligible for a refund less a non-refundable 5% administration and payment recovery fee.
Private Tours:
Cancellations requested more than 7 full days before the scheduled departure time are eligible for a refund less a non-refundable 5% administration and payment recovery fee.
Cancellations requested within 72 hours of departure for shared tours, or within 7 full days of departure for private tours, are non-refundable and non-reschedulable.
Requests to change a booking date, departure time, pickup location, or other booking details are subject to availability, operational feasibility, and our approval. Changes are not guaranteed. Fare differences or additional charges may apply. If a booking is moved to a lower-priced departure or product, no partial refund will be issued.
Notwithstanding anything else in these Terms, guest-initiated cancellations, change requests, refusals to travel, or requests for credit or refund based on actual, forecasted, or perceived weather or environmental conditions are strictly non-refundable. This includes, without limitation, rain, snow, wind, smoke, wildfire smoke, air quality concerns, low visibility, cloud cover, poor sunrise or sunset conditions, wildfire activity, fire-related advisories, road or trail conditions, wildlife activity, lack of wildlife sightings, lake appearance, crowd levels, or any other natural or environmental condition, even if the request is made before the standard cancellation deadline, provided that Mountain Explorer is still able to operate the booked service or a materially similar service safely and lawfully.
No-shows, late arrivals, missed departures, missed pickup times, and unused services are non-refundable.
If you purchased cancellation coverage or protection from a third party, any claim must be made directly under that provider’s terms. Mountain Explorer is not responsible for administering third-party cancellation products.
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Company Changes, Modifications & Cancellations
We reserve the right, at any time and without liability, to cancel, suspend, delay, shorten, reroute, combine, substitute, or otherwise modify any tour, shuttle, vehicle, stop, pickup, drop-off, route, timing, duration, or inclusion for operational, safety, legal, environmental, or commercial reasons.
Reasons may include, without limitation, weather, smoke, wildfire, road closures, accidents, traffic, vehicle issues, driver illness or unavailability, Parks Canada restrictions, public authority directions, emergencies, safety concerns, insufficient bookings, or any other circumstance we consider relevant to safe and practical operation.
A “materially similar service” includes, without limitation, a change in departure time, route, stop order, stop duration, pickup location, vehicle type, or substitution of one scenic stop, lake, or sightseeing area for another reasonably comparable stop or area due to conditions. If we provide a materially similar service, no refund, credit, discount, or compensation will be due.
If we cancel a booking for reasons within our reasonable operational control, including but not limited to insufficient guest numbers or mechanical issues, and no mutually acceptable reschedule is arranged, our sole liability will be limited to a refund of the amount paid for the affected service.
If we cancel, postpone, or materially curtail a booking because of a Force Majeure Event, our sole obligation, at our option, will be to provide a rebooking or a non-cash credit for future use valid for 24 months from the original service date, unless a different remedy is required by applicable law. No cash refund, compensation, reimbursement, or damages will be owed for Force Majeure Events unless required by law.
Mountain Explorer is not responsible for incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or out-of-pocket losses arising from any cancellation, modification, or delay, including but not limited to hotel costs, airfare, alternate transportation, parking, missed activities, lost income, lost vacation time, or loss of enjoyment.
Missed Departures & Guest Timing Responsibilities
Guests must arrive at the designated pickup location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time unless we specify otherwise.
Departure times are strict. We are unable to hold vehicles for late guests.
Guests are responsible for being on time at every departure point and every return pickup during the tour. If a guest misses any departure, return shuttle, or pickup, that guest must arrange alternate transportation at their own expense, and no refund, credit, or compensation will be provided.
Return times are estimates only and may change because of traffic, weather, closures, operational conditions, or other factors. Some tour locations may have limited or no cellular service.
Participation Condition & Separate Waiver Requirement
Mountain Explorer may require each adult participant, and the parent or legal guardian of each minor participant, to complete and sign a separate Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement as a condition of participation.
If any required waiver or participation form is not completed in the form and by the deadline required by Mountain Explorer, participation may be denied without refund.
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Assumption of Risk, Release, Indemnity & Limitation of Liability
The Mountain Explorer corp is a transportation-based sightseeing company. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the product description, our services do not include guiding, supervision, instruction, backcountry leadership, or rescue services.
You acknowledge that transportation and sightseeing experiences in Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies involve inherent and unavoidable risks, including but not limited to changing weather, smoke, wildfire conditions, poor air quality, road hazards, uneven ground, slippery surfaces, wildlife encounters, crowds, altitude, remote locations, variable lighting, limited services, and delays.
During any free time, stop, walk, viewpoint visit, or self-guided exploration, you are solely responsible for your own decisions, conduct, supervision, safety, and preparedness.
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To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Mountain Explorer and its current and former owners, directors, officers, employees, contractors, subcontractors, drivers, guides, representatives, affiliates, insurers, successors, and assigns (the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, and legal fees arising out of or related to your booking, participation, transportation, presence at any stop location, self-guided activity, or use of our services, including claims arising from the negligence of any Released Party, except to the extent that such liability cannot legally be excluded.
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim, loss, liability, fine, damage, cost, or expense arising from:
(a) your breach of these Terms;
(b) your violation of any law, park rule, direction, or safety instruction;
(c) your negligent, reckless, illegal, or intentional act or omission; or
(d) damage caused by you or anyone in your booking party to vehicles, equipment, property, or other persons.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Mountain Explorer will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary, punitive, or special damages, including loss of income, missed connections, alternate transportation costs, lost opportunity, or emotional distress.
If Mountain Explorer is found liable despite these Terms, the total aggregate liability of Mountain Explorer and all Released Parties will be limited to the lesser of:
(a) the total amount actually paid to Mountain Explorer for the affected booking; or
(b) the minimum amount required by applicable law.
If any part of this section is found unenforceable, the remaining portions will remain in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Guest Conduct, Safety Rules & Compliance with Laws
All guests must follow instructions given by Mountain Explorer staff, drivers, contractors, guides, and applicable public authorities, including Parks Canada.
All guests must wear seat belts when required and comply with all vehicle safety instructions.
Alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, smoking, vaping, harassment, abusive conduct, threats, dangerous conduct, and disruptive behaviour are prohibited in or around our vehicles and during our services.
We may refuse service, remove a guest, end that guest’s participation, or deny boarding without refund if, in our sole judgment, the guest is late, unfit to travel, unsafe, intoxicated, abusive, disruptive, non-compliant, or creates a risk to safety, property, timing, operations, or the experience of others.
Guests are financially responsible for any damage, extraordinary cleaning, repair, loss, downtime, penalty, or cost caused by their acts or omissions.
Guests must remain on clearly marked or designated trails, viewing areas, and lawful public access areas unless expressly instructed otherwise by an authorized guide or official authority. Guests must not enter restricted, closed, off-trail, or backcountry areas unless they are independently authorized and equipped to do so. Any such activity is entirely at the guest’s own risk.
Mountain Explorer does not guarantee specific views, weather, smoke-free skies, sunrise or sunset quality, wildlife sightings, uncrowded conditions, exact stop duration, exact timing, lake colour, trail accessibility, or access to every advertised stop.
Parks Canada Pass, Park Rules & Location Limits
Where applicable, guests are responsible for obtaining and carrying any required national park pass, entry pass, permit, or authorization unless expressly stated by Mountain Explorer to be included.
All services are subject to Parks Canada rules, local bylaws, public authority restrictions, and site-specific operating restrictions. Government or park restrictions may affect itineraries, access, timing, stops, and guest conduct without entitling the guest to a refund.
Children, Accessibility, Mobility & Service Dogs
Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or other authorized adult.
Children who are required by law to travel in a child safety seat or booster seat must have one that is legally appropriate for their age, size, and weight. Guests must notify us in advance if a child seat is required. If a legally required child seat is unavailable, not disclosed in advance where requested by us, or not provided where required, boarding may be denied without refund.
Guests who have mobility needs, disability-related needs, medical needs, or other special requirements that may affect transportation, seating, timing, access, or safety should notify us before booking or as soon as reasonably possible after booking. We will make reasonable efforts to assess and accommodate such needs to the point of undue hardship, subject to vehicle configuration, safety requirements, legal restrictions, and operational feasibility.
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Qualified service dogs will be accommodated in accordance with applicable law. Guests traveling with a service dog should notify us in advance so we can plan seating and safe transport. Pets and emotional support animals are permitted only if expressly approved by us in writing.
Failure to disclose a need that materially affects safe transport, seating, vehicle selection, timing, or feasibility may result in service limitations, denied boarding, or itinerary modification, in which case the standard cancellation and refund rules will apply.
Health, Food & Personal Belongings
Guests are responsible for assessing their own fitness and suitability for the booked service.
Complimentary drinks, snacks, and optional food items may be offered on some departures. We do not guarantee allergen-free preparation or ingredient environments and are not responsible for allergic reactions, dietary issues, or food sensitivities.
Guests are solely responsible for their personal belongings at all times. Mountain Explorer is not liable for lost, stolen, forgotten, or damaged items.
Parking at pickup locations or other sites is at the guest’s own risk. Mountain Explorer is not responsible for parking tickets, towing, theft, or damage to vehicles or their contents.
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Photography, Video & Operational Communications
Mountain Explorer may photograph or record tours and participants for marketing, promotional, training, security, or business purposes. By participating, you grant Mountain Explorer permission to use such images or recordings without compensation, unless you notify us before departure that you do not wish to appear in promotional content.
By booking with us, you consent to receive operational communications relating to your reservation by email, phone call, text message, WhatsApp, or other reasonable communication method. These communications may include pickup instructions, schedule updates, safety notices, waiver reminders, or booking changes.
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Complaints & Notice
If you have a concern during a tour or transfer, you should notify your driver, guide, or Mountain Explorer as soon as reasonably possible so that we have an opportunity to address it.
Any complaint or claim request should be submitted to us in writing within 30 days after the service date to help us investigate while facts are still fresh. This notice requirement is intended to support prompt investigation and resolution and does not limit any legal rights that cannot be limited under applicable law.
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Force Majeure
For the purposes of these Terms, a “Force Majeure Event” means any event or circumstance beyond our reasonable control that affects the ability to perform or safely operate a booking, including but not limited to severe weather, smoke, wildfire, wildfire risk mitigation work, road closures, area closures, acts of government, public authority restrictions, public health events, natural disasters, flooding, rockfall, avalanche, labour disruption, accident, emergency, civil disturbance, utility failure, supply interruption, or similar event.
Where a Force Majeure Event occurs, Mountain Explorer may suspend, delay, modify, reroute, shorten, postpone, or cancel the affected service without liability, and the remedies set out under “Company Changes, Modifications & Cancellations” will apply.
Governing Law & Jurisdiction
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These Terms, your booking, and any dispute arising out of or relating to our services are governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or our services must be brought exclusively in the courts of Alberta, and you attorn to the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts.
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General Terms
If any provision of these Terms is found invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
These Terms, together with your booking confirmation and any product-specific terms expressly incorporated into your booking, form the entire agreement between you and Mountain Explorer regarding the booked service.
The version of the Terms in effect on the date of booking governs that booking, unless applicable law requires otherwise.
We may update these Terms from time to time by posting a revised version on our website. Updated Terms apply to new bookings made after the revised effective date.
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Contact Information
Mountain Explorer Co.
205 stewart creek rise, Canmore, AB, T1W 0M4
Canmore / Banff, Alberta, Canada
Email: info@themountainexplorer.ca
Phone: +1 (403) 493-4515
Website: The Mountain Explorer Co.
By booking with Mountain Explorer, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.