Waiver of Liability & Assumption of Risk

---

Effective Date: 1 October 2024

Spore & Lore Inc. ("we," "us," or "our") provides guided educational and foraging excursions, workshops, and related outdoor activities. Participation in these activities involves inherent risks, including environmental hazards, physical exertion, and potential exposure to allergens and wildlife. 

This Waiver of Liability & Assumption of Risk outlines participant responsibilities, the risks involved, and the extent to which Spore & Lore Inc. limits its liability. By purchasing a ticket or participating in any Spore & Lore Inc. activity, you acknowledge and agree to the terms below.

1. Assumption of Risk

By attending a Spore & Lore Inc. excursion or activity, participants voluntarily assume all risks associated with outdoor exploration, natural hazards, and foraging. These risks include but are not limited to:

• Uneven terrain, slippery or unstable surfaces and falls
• Encounters with wildlife, insects or potentially dangerous plants or fungi
• Exposure to changing weather conditions and temperature extremes
• Physical exertion, dehydration or exhaustion
• Adverse reactions to plants, fungi or other natural materials

Participants acknowledge that these risks cannot be entirely eliminated, even with the best safety precautions. Participation is undertaken at your own risk.

2. Medical Considerations & Responsibility

Participants are solely responsible for assessing their fitness and medical suitability before attending an Excursion, Workshop or related activity.

Any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies or disabilities that could impact participation must be disclosed to Spore & Lore Inc. prior to the Excursion or Workshop. Participants are responsible for bringing and administering their own medications, medical devices, or emergency interventions (e.g., epinephrine auto-injectors, inhalers, etc.). Spore & Lore Inc. does not provide medical assistance and is not responsible for providing or carrying emergency medical supplies. Spore & Lore Inc. assumes no liability for adverse outcomes related to undisclosed conditions. 

By attending, participants acknowledge and accept all medical risks associated with their participation and agree to manage their health needs independently. In case of injury or illness, participants assume full financial responsibility for any medical expenses incurred.

3. Limitation of Liability

Spore & Lore Inc., its owners, employees, contractors, partners, guides and affiliates shall not be held liable for any injury, illness, loss or damage sustained during Excursions, Workshops or related activities. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical injuries resulting from falls, environmental hazards or wildlife encounters
• Illness or allergic reactions from handling or consuming wild plants or fungi
• Damage to or loss of personal property, including clothing, equipment, or vehicles

By participating, you waive any legal claims against Spore & Lore Inc. for liability arising from participation in these activities, except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

4. Acknowledgement of Emergency Response Limitations

Spore & Lore Inc. operates in outdoor environments where access to emergency medical services may be delayed. By participating, you acknowledge that:

• Immediate medical assistance may not be available in the event of an injury or medical emergency
• Spore & Lore Inc. is not responsible for the cost of emergency transportation, including ambulance or airlift services
• Participants should carry a fully charged mobile phone (if applicable) and inform someone outside of the group of their planned attendance

5. Participant Responsibilities

To ensure safety and minimize risks, all participants must:

• Follow all instructions provided by the guide and adhere to designated safety protocols
• Refrain from handling or consuming any plants, fungi, or other natural materials unless explicitly permitted by the guide
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor conditions
• Remain with the group at all times and avoid wandering off alone
• Respect environmental regulations and the property of others

Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in dismissal from the activity without refund.

6. Transportation & Parking

Participants are solely responsible for arranging their own timely transportation to and from Spore & Lore Inc. Excursions, Workshops, and related activities. Spore & Lore Inc. assumes no responsibility for:

• Delays caused by traffic, road closures, or other travel disruptions
• Damage to, theft of, or vandalism of vehicles or personal belongings left in parking areas
• Towing or retrieval costs if a vehicle becomes stuck in a ditch, mud or other difficult terrain
• Parking fees or fines incurred

By participating in a Spore & Lore Inc. activity, participants acknowledge and accept full responsibility for their own transportation and parking arrangements.

7. Indemnification Agreement

Participants agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Spore & Lore Inc., its owners, employees, contractors, partners, guides, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Injuries, accidents or illness sustained during participation
• Violations of excursion rules or instructions
• Any actions or negligence contributing to harm of oneself or others

This indemnification extends to legal fees and related costs incurred in defense of such claims.

8. Changes to These Terms

Spore & Lore Inc. reserves the right to update the terms of this Waiver of Liability & Assumption of Risk at any time. Changes will take effect upon posting to our website. Continued participation or use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

9. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

This Waiver of Liability & Assumption of Risk is governed exclusively by the laws of Ontario, Canada. Any disputes, controversies or claims arising from these Terms shall first be resolved through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration within Ontario in accordance with the Arbitration Act, 1991, unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties in writing.

10. Enforcement

This Waiver of Liability & Assumption of Risk apply to all participants at the time of their engagement with Spore & Lore Inc. Updates to its terms apply prospectively and will not retroactively affect prior engagements unless explicitly stated. If any provision is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

11. Participant Agreement & Signature

By purchasing a ticket or participating in any Spore & Lore Inc. activity, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to the terms outlined in this Waiver of Liability & Assumption of Risk.

12. Contact 

For questions regarding this Waiver of Liability & Assumption of Risk, please contact us through our “Contact” page.