Lions Bay search-and-rescuers warn against dangers of Google Maps

A couple was rescued from the B.C. Howe Sound Crest Trail earlier this month after they became exhausted and unable to complete their day hike. Photo by Lions Bay Search and Rescue/Face

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Google might be able to find you the answer to almost anything — but it likely won’t help you find your way out of the B.C. backcountry once you’re lost and exhausted.

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Lions Bay Search and Rescue is reminding those venturing into the wilderness that Google Maps isn’t an adequate planning tool.

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The warning comes after hikers were rescued this week after attempting to complete the Howe Sound Crest Trail using printed Google Maps directions that said the hike would take less than half the amount of time it usually requires.

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“This week we responded to hikers attempting part of the Howe Sound Crest Trail who had planned their trip using Google Maps. It’s not the first time we’ve seen this — let’s deep-dive,” said the post on the Lions Bay SAR Facebook page.

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The post went on to detail how the hikers had printed the following directions from Google Maps:

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“Turn left onto Howe Sound Crt Trl, Slight left to stay on Howe Sound Crst Trl.

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• Cypress to West Lion: 2 hr 55 min

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• West Lion to Lions Bay: 2 hr 18 min

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Total: 5 hours 13 minutes”

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“Anyone familiar with the Howe Sound Crest Trail knows that’s wildly optimistic,” said the warning from Lions Bay SAR.

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In reality, even elite trail runners typically take about nine hours to complete the trail. Experienced hikers can tackle the hike in 12 to 14 hours, though it’s typically split across several days with overnight stops along the way.

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According to rescuers, the stretch of the trail where the hikers were found measures about 18 kilometres long with more than 1,300 metres of elevation gain, as well as “alpine terrain, route finding, scrambling sections, loose rock, and countless ups-and-downs that Google simply doesn’t account for.”

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AllTrails, a popular resource for outdoor adventuring, describes the Howe Sound Crest Trail as “a visually stunning and dynamic trail” but warns that it “ventures deep into the background and up into exposed alpine where snow and severe weather is common well into the summer.”

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The site advises would-be trail hikers to bring water, hiking poles and proper equipment, noting that the trail often sees “a large number of avoidable injuries and search-and-rescues each spring and summer.”

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In its message, Lions Bay SAR points out that “when your planning tool gets the fundamentals wrong, your entire trip is built on a false assumption.”

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“Every decision that follows — from your departure time to the amount of food and water you pack — is affected. It’s one of the reasons we regularly respond to hikers who become exhausted, benighted, injured or unable to complete their objective safely,” the post said.

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Before heading into the backcountry, hikers are reminded to check the weather, ensure they know the elevation gain being attempted, pack adequate food and water, carry essential safety equipment, start early and, of course, know when to turn around.

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“A map is only one part of planning. Even the best hiking app can’t replace good judgment,” read the Lions Bay SAR message. “Please don’t let Google Maps convince you that a serious hike is just another afternoon walk.”

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The group reminds would-be hikers that Google Maps was designed to navigate roads and city streets, not mountain terrain, and suggests a number of other options designed specifically for backcountry wayfinding.