RESERVATIONS
Reservations are not confirmed until a payment is received. Full payment is due at the time of booking.
METHOD OF PAYMENT
You will be able to reserve and book your rental or tour online at our website www.reddeerriveradventures.com. You then will be sent a confirmation email of your reservation and payment along with details of the rental or tour. If you prefer, call us at (403) 821-0229 with your payment information - we accept Visa, and Mastercard. If you pay online or phone you will automatically be charged the balance of your rental or tour reservation.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Day tours cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the departure date will receive a full refund, less a $20 per person administrative fee. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the departure date will receive no refund. For example, a tour departing on July 4th needs to be cancelled by July 1st.
Rental cancellations are subject to a $15 non-refundable booking fee per reservation. Any rental reservation cancelled less than 1 week in advance will receive no refund unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon by Red Deer River Adventures.
Cancellation policies for large or custom bookings are subject to change and will be communicated in the sales invoice.
Cancellations due to prolonged periods of dangerous conditions will receive a full refund, including the $20 per person per day administrative fee. High sustained winds and intense lightning activity over the duration of the tour timeframe are the main factors we consider when determining if conditions are dangerous. Some conditions will determine whether or not tours continue and if Red Deer River Adventures continues to run trips. There is a considerable difference between less than ideal conditions or unpleasant weather and dangerous conditions.
GROUP SIZES AND MAKEUP
Daytrips can accommodate up to __ people. Trips are open to multiple parties in combination unless a specific request is made when you book a tour.
WHAT TO EXPECT
All tours and rentals normally use our sit inside touring kayaks. Double kayaks are faster and are more stable. Single kayaks offer more freedom and usually more room for stuff. Canoes are also an option and similar to double kayaks but also have more room for stuff. We use a combination based on the destination and group. If you have a preference, please let us know. Youth (ages 13 and under) require the use of double kayaks or canoes.
There are few toilet facilities on the River. A camp toilet can be provided. After a brief training session, it is expected that participants when it is safe, help lift and carry kayaks except for unloading and loading on trailers and racks.
The pace and daily scheduled will be determined by the tour chosen, the group's capabilities and interests, and conditions. For a general overview of distances covered, please refer to tour descriptions in the "tours" section. For most people with a moderate level of fitness, a pace of 2 miles per hour is typical. If you have questions about physical requirements or the suitability of a tour, please contact us.
SAFETY
Your guide will bring a cell phone in case of emergency. Please provide us with any pertinent medical information prior to departure. If somebody doesn't know how to swim or panics when in the water, please let us know. Your guide will carry a first aid kit and is certified in wilderness first aid.
While people often worry about encounters with animals dangerous encounters are extremely unlikely. The most common health issue is dehydration and sunburn, so cover up and drink lots of water. After that, slips and falls on the rocks and injuries to the feet are the most likely, so be careful when exploring on land or in shallow water. Any severe allergies (bee stings, nuts, etc) should be communicated to the office when the tour is reserved.
While capsizing a kayak is unlikely, it is a scenario you must be ready for. Your guide will give you advice on how to be more stable in the kayak. Loading the kayak correctly will help a great deal too. When stopping for rests, we will "raft up" for more stability when conditions dictate. When it is getting rough and windy, we will get off the water. In event of a capsize, your guide will give instructions and assist you back inside, then help pump some of the water out of your cockpit until enough is removed to get you safely to shore. Even with assistance it takes some physical strength to re-enter a kayak. If you are unable to easily exit the deep end of a swimming pool without using a ladder, please let our office know.
While trips to Red Deer River are issue-free the vast majority of the time, please be aware of the potential dangers of lightning, cold water, and delayed access to emergency services. These will all be explained in greater detail by your guide. If you have specific concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
RULES
Most situations just call for common sense. There are, however, a few rules required to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone:
• When riding in the vehicle, seatbelt use is required.
• On our tours, lifejacket use is required whenever in a boat.
• Always make sure your tour leader knows where you are and stay within sight.
• Participants must make every effort to stay within communication range of the guide while on the water and follow whatever requests are made, usually concerning navigation or safety.
• No use of illegal drugs. No use of alcohol.
• Leave No Trace principles will be explained and enforced.
• A signed release of liability form is required before trip departure.
