GIKERS™ Montreal - Gay Hikers ( 2SLGBTQI+ & Friends)

We are a relaxed "No Attitude" group of LGBTQIA Hikers, Bikers, Snowhoers, Skiiers, Curlers, Pickle ball Players (picklers) & Friends who enjoy being outdoors and in community year-round, whether

hiking,

snow-shoeing,

cycling,

skiing,

pickleball playing,

snow rafting,

curling,

indoor skydiving,

bowling
or
at blended social events like Circus Socials, Group Social Dinners, Jazz & Walk (Montreal Jazz Festival), Urban Mural Art Walk, Theater, Modern Dance & others.

Group is ALL Inclusive - Including LGBTQIA+ Family & Friends;

All Ages from 20s to 80s;

All levels of expertise - from beginner to expert,

IMPORTANT:
While LGBTQ+ Families are welcome to all events,
NO MINORS on their own are allowed as members of the group.

There is no fee to join group, but for some of the events, national parks and trails we visit, there may be entrance or vendor fees and those will be posted on the event listing.

We try to keep events to a manageable size for hiking or snowshoeing, but also a size that tries to encourage community en route. For that reason, some of the events may get filled up and have a waitlist - but as spots open up, waitlisted members will be automatically added.

Profile Photo: Please include a photo of yourself to facilitate group events.

Meetup/Group Mutual Respect & Etiquette:
If you receive an unsolicited - offensive message here from another member - please copy message and meetup handle name & send directly to us. This is private group and we have and will continue to ban and block any member that does not respect the meetup & group etiquette.

This is a free group to all, but the group in existence since 2014, has annual meetup membership fees that keep going up (including in the past year) and other costs associated with running the group - so for those members that can help with group meetup dues/costs - thank you, but not required from anyone to join the group.

Gikers Volunteers:
The Montreal – Laurentides Gay Hikers & Friends (“Gikers”) Group Organizers are volunteers, not professional guides and we do not have any type of certified training. Organizers are going on hike and/or other outdoor/recreational activities and inviting others to join. If you would like to become an event organizer and host local events, reach out directly to group organizers.

Participation in any event with the group is at your own and your guests' risk. Hiking and all events' safety is your responsibility. Make sure that you and any guest you may bring are in good physical condition to participate and you have all the required equipment.

CARPOOLS LINK PROVIDED WITH MOST EVENTS - Carpool link is strictly provided in response to members requests to include in every event, but please know that the carpool link is strictly populated by and for group members and not managed or overseen by any of the group organizers or event coordinators.

ALWAYS be extremely careful before getting into anyone's car and please pay close attention and follow the CARPOOL/RIDE SHARE SAFETY TIPS suggested by Kijiji Central in their note below: Car pool and ride share safety tips - https://www.kijiji.ca/kijijicentral/autos/owners/driving/car-pool-and-ride-share-safety-tips/

Please review the Statement of Responsibility below in detail and

If you do not agree with any part of the statement of responsibility, 

please do not sign up for the group and/or delete yourself from the group asap.

# Gikers™ Montreal - Gay Hikers (2SLGBTQI+ & Friends)

# DIGITAL ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RELEASE OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT

(Province of Quebec, Canada)

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## ⚠️ IMPORTANT – LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT

By checking the acceptance box, becoming a member, accessing the group platform, registering for any event, or attending any activity organized or promoted by Gikers™ Montreal - Gay Hikers (2SLGBTQI+ & Friends) (“Gikers Montreal”), you agree to the terms below.
This Agreement applies to:

• Initial membership
• Every event registration
• Any guest participation

***

## 1. VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION

Gikers Montreal is organized by volunteers who are not professional guides unless explicitly stated.

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## 2. ACTIVITIES COVERED

Activities include but are not limited to:
Winter sports (skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, curling, sledding, snow rafting), hiking, cycling, kayaking, pickleball, tennis, bowling, laser tag, social and cultural outings, and related travel to and from events.

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## 3. ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Participant understands that recreational and social activities involve inherent risks including:

• Falls, collisions, drowning
• Weather hazards
• Equipment failure
• Wildlife encounters
• Road and transportation accidents
• Third-party negligence
• Acts of other participants
• Exposure to communicable diseases
• Serious injury, disability, or death

Participant voluntarily assumes all risks.

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## 4. TRANSPORTATION & CARPOOL DISCLAIMER

Transportation to and from events is not organized by Gikers Montreal unless expressly stated.
Gikers Montreal may provide links or tools to allow participants to coordinate ridesharing as a courtesy.
Participant acknowledges:

• Carpools are private arrangements between individuals.
• Gikers Montreal does not organize, supervise, screen, approve, insure, or manage any driver or vehicle.
• Gikers Montreal does not verify driver licensing, insurance, or vehicle condition.
• Carpool participation is entirely voluntary and at Participant’s sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted under the Civil Code of Québec, Participant releases the Released Parties from liability arising from participation in any carpool.
Nothing in this Agreement excludes liability for intentional or gross fault where prohibited by Quebec law.

***

## 5. RELEASE OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by Quebec law, Participant releases and discharges Gikers Montreal and its organizers from liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from participation, including ordinary negligence.
This Release binds Participant and Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, and estate.

***

## 6. GUEST RESPONSIBILITY

Each guest must separately agree to this Release.
If Participant brings a guest who does not sign, Participant assumes full responsibility and agrees to indemnify the Released Parties.

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## 7. INDEMNIFICATION

Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims arising from:

• Participant’s conduct
• Guest participation
• Carpool involvement

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## 8. MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION

Participant confirms physical fitness and authorizes emergency medical treatment. Participant is fully responsible for providing event hosts of each event they participate in with their emergency contact information. Participant assumes all medical costs at all times.

## 9. PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO & MEDIA RELEASE

Participant acknowledges that photographs, video recordings, and other media may be taken during activities and events organized or promoted by Gikers™ Montreal - Gay Hikers (2SLGBTQI+ & Friends).
By agreeing to this Release, Participant:

1. Grants Gikers Montreal a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, publish, display, and distribute photographs, video, or audio recordings in which Participant may appear.
2. Authorizes use of such media on platforms including, but not limited to:
   • Meetup event pages
   • Social media platforms
   • Websites
   • Promotional materials
   • Newsletters and digital communications
3. Acknowledges that such media may be used for community-building, documentation, and promotional purposes.
4. Waives any right to inspect or approve the finished product.
5. Waives any claim for compensation related to such use.

Participant understands that under Quebec law, individuals have personality and privacy rights. By agreeing to this clause, Participant expressly consents to the capture and use of their image as described above.
If Participant does not wish to appear in photographs, Participant agrees to notify the event organizer in advance via email or messaging in this platform and take all reasonable steps to avoid being photographed; including but not limited to stepping away from any group photographs being taken during any and all events.

## 10. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement is governed by the laws of Quebec.
Jurisdiction: Courts of Quebec, District of Montreal.

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## DIGITAL CONSENT

I confirm that "with my request to join this group", I have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to this Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Agreement.

Merci!