Privacy Policy

Introduction

Hey there! Thanks for choosing Pyrelith Hollow Lodge. Look, we know privacy policies aren't exactly exciting reading, but this one's important. We're a family-run mountain retreat that's been welcoming guests since way back, and we treat your personal information with the same care we'd want for our own.

This policy covers everything you need to know about what data we collect when you book a room, sign up for one of our wilderness tours, or just browse our website. We're based in Alberta, Canada, so we follow Canadian privacy laws - specifically PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) - but honestly, we'd protect your info regardless of what the law says.

By using our services or website, you're agreeing to what's outlined here. If something doesn't sit right with you, reach out and let's talk about it.

What Information We Collect

We're not in the business of collecting stuff we don't need. Here's what we typically gather and why:

Personal Details You Give Us

• Contact stuff: Your name, email, phone number, and mailing address when you book with us
• Payment information: Credit card details (though we don't actually store the full number - our payment processor handles that)
• Booking preferences: Room type, dietary restrictions for our farm-to-table meals, accessibility needs, and any special requests
• Emergency contacts: Especially important for our guided hiking and winter sports activities
• Corporate details: Company info and employee names if you're booking team building events

Information We Collect Automatically

• Website usage: Pages you visit, time spent on site, browser type, IP address - standard web stuff
• Device information: Whether you're browsing on mobile or desktop, screen size for optimization
• Location data: General location (city/region) to show relevant content and weather info

Guest Experience Data

• Feedback forms and reviews you submit
• Photos from events if you've given permission
• Spa appointment history and wellness preferences
• Equipment rental records for winter sports gear

How We Use Your Information

Everything we collect serves a purpose. We're not just hoarding data for the sake of it. Here's the breakdown:

Who We Share Data With

We're not selling your information to random companies. That's not how we operate. But we do work with some trusted partners:

• Payment processors: To handle credit card transactions securely. They've got their own strict security standards.
• Booking platforms: If you found us through a third-party site, they'll have some of your info too. Check their privacy policies as well.
• Tour operators: When we arrange specialized experiences with local guides, we'll share relevant details so they can prepare properly.
• Service providers: Our website host, email service, and reservation system need access to function. They're bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Emergency services: If there's an accident or medical situation, we'll share necessary information with first responders.
• Legal obligations: If the law requires us to disclose information (court orders, government requests), we'll comply - but we'll notify you unless legally prohibited.

We don't share data with advertisers or data brokers. Period.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Like pretty much every website these days, we use cookies. Not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately.

What Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: These keep the site working - remembering what's in your booking cart, keeping you logged in, basic functionality stuff. You can't really turn these off without breaking things.
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how people use the site. Google Analytics and similar tools. They're anonymized, so we see trends, not individuals.
• Preference cookies: Remember your choices like language settings or whether you've already seen certain pop-ups.
• Marketing cookies: Track whether you came from an ad or promo link, so we know what's actually bringing people in.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Just know that blocking everything might make parts of the site wonky. Most browsers let you pick and choose what you're comfortable with.

How We Protect Your Information

Security's a big deal to us. We've invested in solid protection measures:

• Encryption: Our website uses SSL/TLS encryption (that's the little padlock in your browser). Payment data gets encrypted before transmission.
• Secure servers: Data's stored on protected servers with restricted access. Not just anyone on our team can view guest information.
• Regular updates: We keep our systems patched and updated to defend against new vulnerabilities.
• Staff training: Everyone who works here knows the importance of privacy and how to handle sensitive information properly.
• Limited access: Only staff who need specific information to do their jobs can access it. The front desk doesn't need your credit card number, and the kitchen doesn't need your home address.

That said, no system's 100% bulletproof. We do our absolute best, but if there's ever a breach, we'll notify you and the authorities as required by law. So far, knock on wood, we've had zero incidents.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal information:

To exercise any of these rights, email us at reservations@pyrelithhollow.info or call (250) 847-3920. We'll need to verify your identity first - can't just hand out guest info to anyone who asks.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We don't hold onto information forever. Here's our general approach:

• Booking information: Kept for 7 years after your last stay, mainly for accounting and tax purposes
• Marketing data: As long as you're subscribed to communications, plus 2 years after you unsubscribe
• Website analytics: Usually retained for 26 months, then deleted or anonymized
• Security footage: Erased after 30 days unless there's an incident
• Guest feedback: Kept indefinitely but anonymized after 3 years

If you request deletion and there's no legal reason to keep it, we'll purge your data within 30 days.

Children's Privacy

We love hosting families at the lodge, and kids are always welcome on our property. However, our website and booking system aren't designed for children under 16 to use independently. If you're booking for your family, that's totally fine - just make sure a parent or guardian is handling the reservation process.

We don't knowingly collect personal information directly from kids under 16. If we discover we've accidentally gathered such information, we'll delete it promptly. If you're a parent and think your child has given us their information without permission, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Policy

Things evolve - new technologies, updated regulations, changes in how we operate. When we update this privacy policy, we'll post the new version here and update the "Last Updated" date at the top.

If there are major changes that significantly affect how we handle your information, we'll send an email to guests with upcoming bookings and anyone on our mailing list. We won't just sneak in big changes and hope nobody notices.

It's worth checking back here occasionally, especially before making a new booking. Your continued use of our services after changes means you're okay with the updated policy.

Questions or Concerns?

Look, privacy policies can be confusing. If something here doesn't make sense or you've got questions about how we handle your information, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd rather you ask than worry.