Image Credit: Kent Simmonds

By Dylana Kneeshaw

SAFETY REMINDER

Rescue teams urge public preparedness for hot-weather hikes around Kamloops

Sep 3, 2025 | 5:11 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s not unusual for Kamloops Search and Rescue crews to save heat-exhausted hikers during summer months in the Interior. However, a recent string of rescues in one particular area has prompted a warning from search teams.

The Tranquille Slot Canyons are becoming more popular, thanks to viral videos on social media. However the steep hike is not for beginners and rescue volunteers say an ill-prepared hiking expedition in high temperatures could bring deadly consequences.

For a second time this summer, Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) teams were recently called out to the Tranquille Slot Canyons for a heat-related rescue operation. KSAR member Alan Hobler says it ended safely, but they are concerned about a rise in unprepared hikers.

“We’re seeing a massive increase in people going down to the Slot Canyons based on what’s being projected on social media,” he notes.

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According to Hobler, the problem is when someone tries a hike based on a quick video meant to highlight the scenic part of the experience and the risks aren’t considered.

“That location is extremely steep and when you hike in, you’re hiking downhill so you don’t fully appreciate how hard it will be when you hike back out,” explains Hobler. “We’re seeing people with heat exhaustion or who can no longer hike out, requiring assistance back out.”

Kamloops Fire Rescue Life and Safety Educator Josh Cowen says there are a few other hiking hot spots in the city to be mindful of.

“Cinnamon Ridge, the hoodoos, it’s a dangerous, steep hike. It’s also exposed to a lot of sun, as well as Peterson Creek,” he adds. “Over the years, we’ve had a lot of people throughout both of those hikes get stranded, trapped and not able to extricate themselves.”

Accidents happen but hiking-related emergencies often boil down to a lack of preparedness.

“If they are going to go out hiking, research the routes, let someone know where they’re going beforehand. And if you are going to hike in this heat, maybe start at sunrise and go until 10:00 a.m. instead of starting at 1:00 p.m. and going until 4:00 p.m. at the heat of the day,” reiterates Cowen. “Keeping up with your hydration, as well as having electrolytes on you.”

Rescue teams aren’t saying, ‘Don’t go for a hike’, but they are saying, ‘Don’t go if you aren’t ready for that level of terrain or the heat’.

“We’re really encouraging people to do their research. [Tranquille Slot Canyons is] not an official trail. That’s a route that is braided a bit and it’s easy to go down the wrong location. I know it’s a refuge in the summer months for rattlesnakes and bears, as well, so there are other risks in there as well that I think the public may not be aware of,” adds Hobler.