Rescue teams warn hikers not to rely solely on AI and apps for B.C. backcountry trips. Planning, training, and awareness remain critical for safety.
As B.C.’s mountain rescue teams grapple with a surge in avoidable emergencies, experts are raising red flags about a growing reliance on artificial intelligence and mobile apps for wilderness navigation. The message is simple: digital tools are helpful—but no substitute for proper trip planning, training, and situational awareness
Chatbots vs. Common Sense
After a recent rescue on Unnecessary Mountain, Lions Bay Search and Rescue team leader Brent Calkin decided to put AI to the test. He asked a chatbot to suggest a spring hike near Vancouver. While the response was relatively safe—Buntzen Lake and Quarry Rock—it came with a cautious disclaimer to check trail conditions.
However, when Calkin used a broader query—“a mountain I can climb near Vancouver”—the suggestions became riskier: Panorama Ridge and the Lions, both covered in spring snow and requiring advanced skills.
“The quality of the input matters,” said Calkin. Unfortunately, many inexperienced hikers don’t know how to ask the right questions
Misguided by Maps and Chatbots
The tipping point came when Calkin’s team had to rescue two men who used ChatGPT and Google Maps to pick a trail, unknowingly choosing a snow-covered route while wearing flat-soled shoes. They soon found themselves stuck and required assistance—boots, ski poles, and a guided descent.
“They were lucky,” Calkin noted. “It could have ended far worse.”
Lions Bay Search and Rescue quickly issued a reminder: chatbots and hiking apps aren’t built for backcountry navigation. North Shore Rescue had echoed similar warnings just months earlier, after two separate groups were stranded in snowy terrain after blindly following app directions.
Social Media’s Role in Risky Hikes
The issue isn’t confined to Canada. A report from Mountain Rescue England and Wales cited social media and navigation apps as contributing factors in a record-breaking number of callouts last year—especially among hikers aged 18 to 24.
Trending locations on Instagram and vague app directions have lured many into challenging terrains they’re not prepared for. These tools often lack offline functionality or accurate, up-to-date trail information.
The Illusion of Information
Stephen Hui, author of the popular guidebook 105 Hikes, highlighted the risks of relying on AI-generated recommendations. “You can’t always tell whether the information is accurate or outdated,” he said. He’s seen trail apps list incorrect distances and misleading difficulty ratings.
Hui recommends cross-checking sources and always carrying a physical map: “You want multiple data points to confirm a trail’s real-time conditions.”
Digital Convenience, Real-World Costs
While technology lowers barriers to outdoor access, it also bypasses traditional safety education. “People used to learn about trails through hiking clubs,” said Ryan Stuart of the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. “Now they rely on apps and head out solo—with little context or preparation.”
Platforms like Reddit and local Facebook hiking groups, Stuart added, often provide more timely and relevant information than apps or AI tools. Users regularly share current trail conditions, weather forecasts, and safety concerns—like recent bear sightings or trail closures.
When Tech Helps—and When It Doesn’t
Apps like Gaia GPS, onX, and Trail Forks offer robust maps tailored for the backcountry. But they only work well if hikers understand their limitations. “Don’t expect Google Maps to save you off the road,” said Stuart.
He stressed the importance of redundancy: carry a backup battery, download maps in advance, and know how to use analog tools. “If your phone dies, cracks, or falls into a creek—what then?”
Satellite messengers like ZOLEO and inReach can be lifesaving in areas without cell coverage, but even these devices require basic knowledge to use effectively.
The 3 T’s of Wilderness Safety
Christine Strub from Squamish Search and Rescue urges all hikers to follow the “3 T’s”:
- Trip Planning: Choose your route wisely, check the weather, and file a trip plan with someone you trust.
- Training: Gain the skills and knowledge you need—then stay within your limits.
- Taking the Essentials: The “10 Essentials” list includes items like a flashlight, fire-starting kit, extra clothing, navigation tools, and a first-aid kit.
Every adventure, adds B.C. AdventureSmart executive Sandra Riches, should consider seasonal and sport-specific needs. “A snowmobiler’s kit looks very different from a hiker’s,” she said.
In emergencies, she advises following the STOP principle: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan—then act. It’s a mindset that values calm, informed decision-making over panic.
Technology may open the door to the wild—but it won’t walk you through it safely. Respect the mountains, prepare thoroughly, and understand that no app can replace experience, awareness, or common sense.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more safety insights and outdoor updates.
