Kamloops Search and Rescue urging caution after series of rescues at Tranquille Slot Canyons

Sep 10, 2026 | 5:05 PM

KAMLOOPS — While summer is nearing an end, Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) is still urging caution following yet another rescue at the Tranquille Slot Canyons over the Labour Day long weekend.

It was the second such rescue this year, after two last year – in July and September – and it has prompted another reminder from KSAR as the natural beauty of the Tranquille Slot Canyons can often overshadow the lurking dangers.

“It’s a really steep canyon. It’s basically a technical scramble and you can make your way down but it’s really a challenge coming up,” KSAR president Paula Davies said. “Most of the time it is people who are heat exhausted or they go off the trail or they have an injury or something like that and they find themselves in trouble.”

The hike has grown in popularity in the era of online influencers, and while they make it look easy, a rescue call if you get in trouble can also be challenging for people coming to help.

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“If we can’t walk them out after we’ve given then water and electrolytes, what are those other options and that might be a rope rescue – we did that earlier in July this year in the dark, which was challenging for the team.”

“If that is not a possibility, then helicopter out of that canyon, but there are challenges with that as well – daylight hours, where are they going to land and is a helicopter even available.”

As with any outdoor activity, KSAR wants people to understand the physical demands of any trail, no matter the difficult level and to also ensure the weather is good before heading out. Davies also said it’s important to carry enough water, wear proper gear and have emergency supplies on hand.

“There’s about a 200-metre elevation change in a kilometre distance [at Slot Canyons] so it really is challenging,” she said. “If you go off that route, you might go end up in a cliff band and get stranded. The terrain is very loose, you could slip and fall.”

“It definitely is challenging and it’s not for people that are not experienced hikers.”

by Victor Kaisar

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Kamloops Search and Rescue urging caution after series of rescues at Tranquille Slot Canyons

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