Frequently Asked Questions
Click any question below to expand for answers and additional information.
What's included in your tours, and what should I bring?
At MOLARI, we handle the transport, lunch, technical logistics, and park admissions so you can focus on personal essentials and the experience itself.
For more information, you can find a specific list of inclusions, exclusions, and 'what to bring' recommendations on each tour’s description page.
What does the provided field lunch include?
Our field lunches are prepared fresh daily by a local Calgary deli.
Each lunch includes: a sandwich or wrap, a side salad, and a snack.
Protein Options: Beef, Chicken, or Vegetarian (Dairy-Free).
Dietary Notes: We are currently unable to provide gluten-free options or cater to severe allergies (e.g., nut, celiac). For your safety, we recommend that guests with these requirements bring their own lunch and snacks.
Do your tours include National/Provincial Park passes?
Yes, park passes are included for all participants during their time on tour.
Do you provide any hiking gear or equipment?
Yes we do!
For all participants we provide hiking poles, as well as microspikes/ice cleats, and/or snowshoes for hikes and walks in winter conditions.
Do I need to bring bear spray on tour?
Safety is our priority, and as such your guide will always be equipped with bear spray, regardless of the time of year (with the exception of our urban Calgary Nature Loop tour).
We appreciate that some guests prefer to also carry their own, and you are of course welcome to do so.
What time do your tours start and finish?
Standard start and finish times vary depending on tour type and departure location. Because our tours are private, we can also accommodate custom timing arrangements.
What is the difficulty level of your hikes/walks?
Difficulty levels are customized to each individual group - one of the many benefits of a private tour.
Our outings range from 'very easy' to 'upper-intermediate,' with the level typically determined by trail length and elevation gain.
Safety is our constant priority: we only guide on designated, permitted trails and do not include scrambling or technical terrain.
Our active endeavours are: hiking, walking and snowshoeing.
What is your cancellation policy?
For customer cancellations, our policy is as follows:
Single-Day Tours:
- 100% refund minus 15% deposit if cancelled 7+ days prior;
- Full charge (no refund) if cancelled less than 7 days prior.
Multi-Day Tours:
- 100% refund minus 15% deposit if cancelled 60+ days prior;
- 70% refund if cancelled 30-59 days prior;
- Full charge (no refund) if cancelled less than 30 days prior.
Grace Period: For any booking made at least 14 days in advance, we offer a 24-hour grace period. In such cases, we will provide a 100% refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking.
For any cancellations by us:
A full refund or the option to reschedule will be offered if an excursion is cancelled by MOLARI, including due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure (e.g., extreme weather, road closures, safety, wildfire/smoke, natural disasters, mechanical issues, or government orders). MOLARI is not responsible for any associated external costs (e.g., flights, hotels).
You can review our full Terms and Conditions here.
Do you allow children and pets on your tours?
We gladly welcome children on all but one of our tours, with a few caveats for those under the age of 6. Waivers are still required for any participants under the age of 18, and these are to be signed by a parent or guardian.
Pets are considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to additional pet fees.
Please review our full Child and Pet policies here.
Do you offer custom tours?
Yes, we do! We offer custom tours from Calgary (and the surrounding area), Canmore and Banff.
Do you offer a discount for multi-day bookings?
We do indeed! Please feel free reach out to discuss your needs here.
Do tours still operate in snowy conditions or bad weather?
Our adventures operate year-round and are designed to embrace the changing mountain seasons. Should a tour need to be cancelled due to extreme weather and safety concerns, we will offer to reschedule or provide a full refund.
Do you use winter tires on your van?
Yes, our all-wheel drive van is also equpped with winter tires for increased road safety between October and April every year.
Why should I consider a private tour with a local guide?
With MOLARI, a private guide turns a simple "day in the mountains" into an all-encompassing, active and immersive experience.
Beyond the safety of an expert at the helm, you gain local context, hidden insights, and a customized pace that simply isn't possible on a group bus.
What is Kananaskis Country, and why should I visit?
Kananaskis Country is a lesser known part of the Canadian Rockies compared to its famed National Park neighbour. As Tourism Canmore Kananaskis puts it:
Kananaskis is playground of unfiltered wilderness that surrounds the town of Canmore and runs alongside Banff National Park.
It’s known for its untamed mountain vibe and raw beauty, offering countless ways to explore, recharge, and connect with nature.
Quick Facts:
Geographic Location: Just over an hour west of Calgary, bordering Banff National Park and the town of Canmore.
Area Size: 4,000 sq km (1,544 sq mi) of parks and protected lands.
Elevation: Summits reach up to 2,936 m (9,633 ft).
Parks & Recreation Areas: More than 10 provincial parks, wildland parks, and ecological reserves, plus numerous recreation zones.
Trails: Over 150 official hiking trails, from family-friendly walks to multi-day backcountry routes.
Activities: Hiking, cycling, paddling, climbing, camping, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing across all four seasons.
Read more about this local's favourite here.
When is the best time to visit the Rockies?
The 'best' time to visit depends entirely on the experience you’re seeking, as every season here offers a distinct character.
Thankfully the Rockies are an incredible year-round destination, though if we had to pick our favourite time to explore it would be late September for the weather, fall colours, and lighter crowds.
What should we do before our tour to be prepared?
For the best experience come tour day, we recommend the following preparation steps:
1. Complete your Discovery Questionnaire/Call, or share any specific prefernces with us - as soon as possible after booking.
2. Review your Gear List: Prepare your 'What to Bring' items the evening before to ensure a relaxed morning.
3. Sign your Waiver & Medical Form: Please ensure these are completed digitally for each guest prior to our departure.
4. Check the Forecast: Review the weather the day before and the morning of your tour; our mountain environment can be dynamic.
For anything else, please feel free to reach out to us any time.
Why do I have to sign a waiver?
Safety is our first priority. Because our tours involve active discovery in a mountain environment, a signed waiver is required for each guest to comply with insurance standards and ensure everyone is fully informed of the day's activities.
What does "active discovery" mean?
"Active discovery" is the transition from being a spectator to a participant.
Rather than just viewing the Rockies from a window or road-side photo stop, we engage with the landscape through movement: hiking, walking, or snowshoeing to gain a deeper, more personal connection to our surroundings.
What does your Discovery Process refer to and entail?
This is our collaborative planning phase for those who book a Co-Design [CD], fully customized, or Surprise Me [SM!] tour. After booking, you'll complete a brief questionnaire or join us for a 20-minute call to discuss your group’s goals, fitness levels, and interests.
We use these insights to tailor the 'wheres, whens, and how-longs' of your specific adventure.
