Vancouver is the biggest metropolis on Canada’s west coast, a pocket of modern ingenuity in an otherwise vast landscape of forests, rivers, mountains, islands, and steep cliffs. It’s deceptive, one of the few places in the world where you can die on the mountain while staring at the lights of the city.
Most of Canada’s west coast is only accessible by foot or by boat, offering a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts and the athletically minded. However every year people die in BC’s mountains, in both winter and summer. A good number of those people die because of unpreparedness, lack of experience, or just an absence of judgement. So before you book your flight to the Pacific Northwest this summer, here are a few hiking safety tips to stay safe in the mountains, avoid needing the search and rescue teams, or even just how to stay alive until they get to you.
1. Does someone know where you are?
Whether you are travelling alone or in a group, if no one knows your trip plan, search and rescue won’t know where to start looking, or might not even realize that you are missing until too late! As a basic guideline, your person should be someone who takes your safety seriously; they should know where your trip is starting and ending; what route you are taking; any potential medical conditions; and when you are finishing. I tend to tell my dad. I give him a time I expect to end at, and a time when it is appropriate the call search and rescue. For example, if I intend to finish the hike around 7pm, I’ll tell him this and tell him to call search and rescue at 10pm if he hasn’t heard from me. That way I have a bit of extra time if I’m running late, but I’m making a commitment to myself and to him that I’ll be in contact by 10 even if that means I don’t get to finish the summit I maybe planned on summiting.
The above information is the bare minimum, even if you don’t plan on spending the night. For all trips, but for overnight trips especially, I recommend leaving your loved ones with a trip plan sheet, which you can obtain from your local search and rescue organization.
2. Research!
Speaking of a trip plan, nothing should take you by surprise on the trail. Do your research, know your route, and if something does take you by surprise that is not readily available information, let a park ranger know or leave a review on the trail mentioning it. Platforms like Alltrails come with maps downloadable for offline use, reviews by people who have done the trail, and a quick write up which offer a great spot to start.
Every member of the group should have working trail knowledge, otherwise people who become separated from the group are at risk. Multiple people doing their research also reduces the risk of something going unnoticed.
3. Plan to stay the night
Most search and rescue teams, even near big cities, will not search overnight. They don’t have the necessary equipment and it puts the searchers at risk of becoming lost themselves. Even if you only plan to be in the mountains for a few hours, you should plan to spend the night. Check the overnight forecast, always carry more layers than you need, more food and water than you need, and some sort of rainproof gear. Don’t let your layers get wet, carry light, a fire starting kit, and an emergency blanket. I tend to think carrying a tent is overkill, but depending on the trip you may want to consider. Preparedness to spend the night can mean the difference between rescuers finding your body or them finding you ready to welcome guests.
4. Pack the right gear
In all outdoor activity, from camping and hiking to kayaking or cycling, the ten essentials are:
Flashlight and backup: It happens to us all, we lose track of time and suddenly the sun is down. Always bring light and backup, and a cellphone flashlight should never be your primary source of light, they are too likely to die.
Extra Food and Water: Blood sugar drops, the sun is too intense, or even you just spend more time on the mountain than expected. Pack extra and it won’t be a problem.
Extra clothing (rain, wind, water protection): You should always have more layers than you need. Temperature and weather vary by elevation, position, and if you get caught outside overnight you always need to be ready to keep your body temperature under control.
Navigational Aids: Phones are incredibly unreliable on the mountain. Always carry a map of your route and a compass.
Fire Starter : A small fire-starting kit with two forms of fire starter and two forms of tinder can be a life-saver if you get caught out overnight. I carry a bit of paper, some dryer lint, a candle, a lighter, and matches in a small ziplock bag, but any waterproof bag would work.
First Aid Kit: Having the ability to administer first aid on the mountain can save lives. Here is a list of things you should carry in an effective mountain first aid kit and here are some good first-aid courses for the recreational backcountry user.
Emergency Shelter: You don’t need to bring a tent, something as simple as an emergency blanket and a length of paracord can turn into a shelter at a moment’s notice.
Sun Protection: Sunstroke, severe sunburns, snow blindness, and dehydration are serious concerns in the backcountry. Always carry a hat, sunscreen with high SPF (minimum 30), and sunglasses.
Pocket knife: You’ll never know you’ll need it until you do. Just trust me on this one.
Signalling Device: If you want to get all fancy a buy a satellite GPS go ahead, but even a cheap plastic whistle can save your life.
Always check to see if there are essentials unique to the area you are hiking in. Mosquito nets, certain medication, water purification tablets, bear spay. Not in the ten essentials but something I highly recommend is backup phone battery. Phones tend to die if being used for music, strava, or even if the temperature dips too low. Backup battery in the case of emergencies can be a lifesaver.
5. Know the Wildlife
In the Mountains of BC, you are in bear country, mountain lion territory, and frankly I wouldn’t really like a pine marten clinging to my face either. Bear or dog spray can be useful but you should always know how to behave if you do have encounters with wildlife and you should never rely only on a weapon to keep you safe.
Speaking of bear spray, know how to use it! Bear spray is only useful when it is used correctly. I know many female hikers who carry it for non-bear related reasons so keep that in mind too.
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