Welcome to the Backcountry

Adventuring in the mountains comes with inherent risks.

At Great Canadian Tours, we are passionate about sharing the thrill of the mountains and backcountry with you, offering guided and self-guided experiences in Revelstoke’s vast and rugged mountain terrain. Whether you’re exploring by snowmobile, side-by-side and dirt bike or canoes, paddle boards, pontoon boat and sea-doos, these are backcountry adventures—and with that comes real risk and hazards that can never be entirely eliminated, even with the best training, equipment, and guides.

 

Guides and Their Role

Our professional guides are certified, experienced, and trained in emergency response, navigation, and group management. They are passionate about the backcountry and committed to sharing it with others in a safe, supportive environment.

All guides:

• Hold appropriate first aid (all guides) and avalanche safety (winter guides) certifications

• Complete annual in-house emergency response and first aid refresher training

• Make informed decisions based on terrain, group ability, and current conditions

• Provide clear instruction on machine operation and safety procedures

While guides work to minimize risks, they cannot eliminate them. Nature is unpredictable, and your preparedness, communication, and awareness are key to a safe adventure.

 

Risks and Hazards

Great Canadian Tours operates in uncontrolled and remote mountain environments. The terrain can be rough, unmarked, ungroomed, and highly variable—carrying inherent potential hazards. Despite our team’s training, experience, and constant efforts to assess and mitigate risks, incidents can still occur.

These risks and hazards include, but are not limited to:

• Avalanches, Tree Wells and unstable snowpack

• Sudden weather changes including whiteouts and storms

• Collisions, rollovers, or impact with natural obstacles

• Getting lost or separated from the group

• Mechanical failure or equipment issues

• Injury due to falls, overexertion, or unexpected terrain

• Limited visibility and exposure to extreme cold or heat

• Wildlife encounters (bears, moose, etc.)

• Natural hazards like tree wells, cliffs, rocks, rivers, and sinkholes

• Lack of cell/radio service or delay in emergency response in remote areas

• Inexperience or reckless behavior by participants or others on shared trails (It is essential that participants provide a truthful assessment of your skill and ability level when signing up for a trip and follow the guide’s instructions at all times.)

These are real risks of exploring the backcountry. Understanding and accepting them is part of the experience. By participating in any of our tours or rentals, you acknowledge that you are entering a natural, uncontrolled environment and that your personal decisions, awareness, and preparation are vital to your safety.

 

Safety Equipment

We provide and require the use of essential safety equipment:

• Avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels (winter backcountry tours)

• Radios and GPS satellite communicators (all guides and summer rentals)

• Helmets and protective riding gear (all guided tours)

All participants are responsible for properly wearing the equipment provided and asking for help if unsure how to use it.

 

Snow and Weather Safety

Conditions in the mountains can change rapidly. We monitor forecasts, avalanche bulletins, and local advisories to guide decision-making. During our winter season our guides hold daily meetings to discuss snowpacks, avalanche risks, snow conditions and weather to develop their plan for the day. However:

• Snow, terrain and weather conditions are always variable and may change quickly

• Visibility may become limited

• You may encounter terrain that is steep, icy, or unstable

Guides may change the tour route or cancel/reschedule for safety reasons.

 

Emergency Response

While safety is our top priority, it’s important to understand that we operate in remote backcountry areas where emergency services may be delayed or unavailable. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many of our operating zones, and weather or terrain may restrict access by responders.

That said, Great Canadian Tours has extensive emergency response plans in place, and all staff receive regular training to ensure they are prepared to act quickly and effectively in the event of an incident.

Our guides are equipped with:

• Emergency communication devices (e.g., radios, satellite messengers)

• First aid kits and rescue tools

• The training and experience to lead initial response and coordinate further help when needed

We are committed to maintaining a high standard of readiness, but it’s important to remember that help is never immediate in the backcountry, and self-rescue or group cooperation may be necessary depending on the situation.

 

Guest Responsibilities

By joining a tour or rental, guests agree to:

• Read, understand and complete the release of liability waivers before participation

• Arrive fit and healthy for your trip and disclose relevant medical or physical conditions

• Follow all instructions and safety protocols given by guides and supporting staff

• Use the equipment responsibly and wear required gear

• Understand the limits of their own abilities

• Report any concerns before and/or during the activity

• Communicate with your guide and ask questions if you’re uncertain

Refusal to follow safety rules may result in being excluded from the activity without refund.

 

Backcountry Environment and Experience

This is a true mountain experience, not a theme park. Trails are shared with the public and conditions may change without notice. Your experience will be unforgettable—but only if you respect the environment, stay aware, and ride within your limits.

 

Your safety is our priority—but personal awareness, preparedness, and respect for the environment are essential.

By booking a tour or rental with Great Canadian Tours, you acknowledge and accept the risks above and as outlined in our release of liability waivers. If you have any questions about the suitability of an activity for your group, please don’t hesitate to contact us before booking.