Terms &
Conditions

Effective date: May 14, 2026

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of the West Coast Whitewater website and the booking of any trip, expedition, or service offered by West Coast Whitewater. By accessing our website or making a booking, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding.

1. About Us

West Coast Whitewater is a wilderness expedition rafting company operating in British Columbia, Canada. We offer fixed departure and custom multi-day whitewater rafting expeditions on rivers including the Nass, Bell-Irving, Babine, and Skeena.

References to "WCW," "we," "us," or "our" in these terms refer to West Coast Whitewater. References to "you" or "guest" refer to any individual who accesses our website, makes an inquiry, or books a trip.

2. Bookings & Payment

2.1 Securing a Reservation

A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit and written confirmation from West Coast Whitewater. Submitting a booking request does not guarantee a place on the trip.

2.2 Deposit

A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total trip price per person is required at the time of booking to confirm and secure your reservation. Deposits cover advance logistical costs including permits, staffing, and equipment preparation and are non-refundable under any circumstances.

2.3 Balance Payment

The remaining balance of 70% is due 90 days prior to the scheduled departure date. Reservations made within 90 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

Failure to remit the balance by the 90-day deadline may result in cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your deposit. We will make reasonable efforts to contact you before taking this step.

2.4 Minimum Participation

A minimum of 6 participants is required for fixed departure trips on the Nass and Babine Rivers. If a trip does not meet this minimum, West Coast Whitewater reserves the right to cancel the departure.

We strongly recommend that guests do not book flights or make non-refundable travel arrangements until trip confirmation has been received from West Coast Whitewater. We are not responsible for any travel costs incurred prior to confirmation.

3. Cancellation & Refunds

3.1 Guest Cancellations

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to info@westcoastwhitewater.ca. Cancellations are effective on the date the written notice is received by West Coast Whitewater.

More than 90 days before departure: Full refund of all payments except the deposit, which is non-refundable.

Within 90 days of departure: All payments are non-refundable. The full balance remains owing if not already paid, unless West Coast Whitewater is able to fill your spot from the waitlist, in which case the balance will be waived.

3.2 Cancellations by West Coast Whitewater

If West Coast Whitewater cancels a trip prior to departure - including due to insufficient participation - guests will be offered either a full refund of all payments made or the option to transfer to a future departure.

West Coast Whitewater is not liable for any indirect costs incurred by guests as a result of a cancellation, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, or travel insurance.

3.3 Force Majeure & Itinerary Changes

Conditions beyond West Coast Whitewater's control - including but not limited to high water, forest fires, wildfire evacuation orders, extreme weather, wildlife activity, or unexpected logistical challenges - may require changes to the trip itinerary, route, or location. We reserve the right to modify any element of the trip at any time in the interest of guest safety and operational integrity.

In the rare event that a trip must be cancelled mid-expedition due to circumstances beyond our control, we will make every effort to ensure safe evacuation and return. Unexpected costs arising from such events that are outside the reasonable control of West Coast Whitewater may be distributed equitably among trip participants.

4. Safety, Risk & Your Responsibilities

4.1 Inherent Risks

Multi-day wilderness rafting takes place in remote environments where risk is inherent. Hazards include but are not limited to swift water, submerged obstacles, remote terrain, extreme or unpredictable weather, wildlife, and limited access to emergency services. These risks cannot be entirely eliminated.

Our guides are highly trained, holding certifications in whitewater rescue and wilderness first aid that meet or exceed British Columbia industry standards. All equipment is purpose-built for expedition rafting and undergoes rigorous pre-season and pre-trip inspection. Our approach to risk management is proactive, structured, and continuously evolving - but it operates in partnership with each guest.

4.2 Waiver & Release of Liability

All guests are required to read, understand, and sign West Coast Whitewater's Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Waiver before participating in any trip. A physically signed copy must be received before your expedition begins.

By making a booking, you confirm that you are aware that this waiver will be required and that your participation is conditional upon signing it. West Coast Whitewater's liability in connection with any trip is limited to the total cost of that trip.

4.3 Guest Responsibilities

Each guest is responsible for the following before and during the trip:

Confirming you meet the physical and health requirements of the expedition
Disclosing any relevant medical conditions, injuries, or concerns to your guides prior to departure
Reviewing all pre-trip materials, planning guides, and packing lists provided by West Coast Whitewater
Following all instructions from your guide team regarding river safety, paddling technique, camp etiquette, and wildlife procedures at all times
Raising any concerns or questions with your guide team immediately
Looking out for fellow participants on the river

5. Travel Insurance

West Coast Whitewater strongly recommends that all guests arrange comprehensive third-party travel insurance before departure. This should include, at minimum, coverage for:

Trip cancellation and interruption
Emergency medical expenses
Emergency evacuation from remote wilderness locations

If you hold an existing policy, please confirm with your insurer that it provides adequate coverage for remote wilderness rafting activities and evacuation from your specific trip location.

Travel insurance is the sole responsibility of each guest. West Coast Whitewater is not responsible for any costs arising from a guest's failure to obtain appropriate coverage.

6. Privacy

West Coast Whitewater is committed to protecting your personal information. Our full Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data - including booking information, health disclosures, emergency contacts, and website usage data.

By submitting a booking, inquiry, or pre-trip form, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in the Privacy Policy. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to any legal or contractual obligations required for safe trip participation.

We do not sell, rent, or distribute your personal information to third parties. Information may be shared only as necessary for the safe and effective delivery of your trip, or to comply with legal requirements.

The current Privacy Policy is available on our website at westcoastwhitewater.ca.

7. Photography & Media

West Coast Whitewater guides and staff may take photographs and video during expeditions for use in marketing, social media, and other promotional materials. By participating in a trip, you consent to West Coast Whitewater using images or footage in which you appear for these purposes.

If you do not wish to appear in promotional materials, please notify us in writing before your trip begins. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your request, though we cannot guarantee exclusion from all group photography in remote river environments.

8. Website Use & Intellectual Property

8.1 Use of This Website

This website is provided for informational and booking purposes. You agree to use it only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of any third party or restrict anyone else's use and enjoyment of the site.

West Coast Whitewater reserves the right to restrict or terminate access to the website at any time without notice.

8.2 Intellectual Property

All content on this website - including text, photography, video, graphics, logos, and brand assets - is the property of West Coast Whitewater and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property laws. Nothing on this website grants any right to reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without express written permission.

8.3 Third-Party Links & Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or use third-party services (including payment processors and booking tools). These are provided for convenience only. West Coast Whitewater is not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or reliability of any third-party services and encourages you to review their terms and policies independently.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, West Coast Whitewater's total liability to any guest - whether arising in contract, tort, negligence, or otherwise - is limited to the total amount paid by that guest for the specific trip in question.

West Coast Whitewater is not liable for any indirect, consequential, incidental, or special losses or damages, including but not limited to lost profits, loss of enjoyment, or costs arising from cancelled travel arrangements.

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of British Columbia, Canada.

11. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable for any reason, that provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions.

12. Changes to These Terms

West Coast Whitewater reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. The most current version will always be published on our website. Continued use of the website or booking of a trip following any update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

For trips already booked, the terms in effect at the time of booking apply unless you are notified of a material change and given the opportunity to cancel with a full refund.

13. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, or about any of our policies, please contact us:

Email: info@westcoastwhitewater.ca
Phone: 778-266-3022
Website: westcoastwhitewater.ca

Terms & Conditions

Refund Policy

First Nations Land Acknowledgement

West Coast Whitewater acknowledges that our operations on the Nass River take place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Nisga'a and Gitanyow Nations, and adjacent to the Lake Babine and Gitanmaax Nations. We recognize the deep cultural, spiritual, and historical connection the local indigenous people have to these lands and waters, and we are committed to operating in a way that respects their sovereignty, values, and stewardship. We are grateful for the opportunity to travel through these territories and strive to uphold practices that honour their ongoing guardianship of the Nass and Skeena Valleys.