Parks Canada says rescue calls are on the rise in mountain parks

Traffic travels along the Trans Canada Highway past Mount Rundle of the Rocky Mountains near Canmore, Alta., Monday, April 24, 2023.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Parks Canada is urging tourists and hikers to exercise caution this spring and ensure they are properly prepared for backcountry travel as search and rescue crews respond to an increasing number of incidents across the mountain parks.

The warning follows several recent rescues involving stranded or unprepared hikers in the Bow Valley and surrounding regions.

Parks Canada spokesperson Justin Brisbane said spring conditions in the Rockies can create serious and often unpredictable hazards for visitors.

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One of the biggest concerns this time of year is avalanche danger. Many popular hiking routes remain exposed to avalanche terrain well into spring, even when valley conditions appear warm and snow-free.

Trails currently associated with elevated avalanche risk include the ascent of Mount Rundle from Banff, the Cory Pass Loop, unofficial trails on Sulphur Mountain, and several Lake Louise area hikes, including Lake Agnes, the teahouses, Big Beehive, Little Beehive, the Plain of Six Glaciers, and sections of the lakeshore trail. Many of these routes typically do not become reliably safe for hiking until mid-June.

Parks Canada is also warning hikers about slippery trail conditions caused by lingering snow and ice. Officials recommend carrying ice cleats for icy sections of trail and remaining cautious around unstable snowpacks that can suddenly collapse underfoot, causing hikers to sink into deep snow.

While spring conditions create seasonal risks, rescue calls in the region have been increasing overall in recent years. According to the Bow Valley Insider, search and rescue incidents rose by 19 per cent in 2025.

Several factors may be contributing to the rise. Tourism in the Canadian Rockies continues to grow, placing more people in potentially hazardous terrain. Rescue crews also say many visitors underestimate how quickly conditions can change in the mountains and how dangerous steep terrain can become.

Many rescue calls are related to slips and falls on steep or unstable ground.

Officials say preparation is one of the best ways hikers can reduce their chances of needing emergency assistance.

Before heading out, visitors are encouraged to research trails thoroughly, including current trail conditions, avalanche forecasts, weather reports, and terrain difficulty. Understanding what equipment is required and whether a route matches a hiker’s skill level can significantly reduce risk.

Parks Canada also encourages visitors to familiarize themselves with wildlife safety, particularly how to respond during bear encounters, before entering the backcountry.

Road conditions are another factor travellers are encouraged to consider. Mountain roads can change rapidly due to snow, ice, rockfall, or sudden weather shifts. Checking road conditions ahead of time can help prevent travellers from becoming stranded before reaching their destination.

“Visitor safety is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada,” Brisbane said. “We do our part to make sure you can have a safe visit by assessing the risks, managing hazards, and making sure that safety information is freely available to everyone. You can do your part by seeking out the information you need to stay safe and make well-informed decisions while enjoying these special places.”

As spring hiking season ramps up across the Rockies, officials are reminding visitors that mountain conditions can remain winter-like long after snow has melted in townsites. Proper planning, equipment, and awareness remain essential for anyone heading into the backcountry.