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Hiking experts share survival tips after recent rescues on Ottawa trails

Tue, January 17, 2023 

A rescue team helped lost hikers on Dec. 28 in the Marlborough Forest in Kanata. (Ottawa Fire Services - image credit)

Hiking and rescue experts in Ottawa are urging people to be prepared when going into the woods after two separate hiking groups were rescued within the last month.

On Saturday evening, firefighters were called by hikers that couldn't find their way out of the South March Highlands Conservation Forest in Kanata. Ottawa Fire Services said the hikers had made their way near a lot of water and ice, and didn't want to walk back over it after hearing cracking sounds.

On Dec. 28, firefighters used snowmobiles to rescue another group out of the Marlborough Forest, south of Ottawa near Kemptville, Ont.

"I'm not surprised, primarily because it can happen to anybody — even sometimes [for] the most experienced people, sometimes things just go awry," said Rob Burnfield, president of the Ottawa Outdoor Club.

Burnfield warned that in the woods, trees tend to block out sound.

"It's amazing how quickly sound disappears," he explained.

Alexander Behne/CBC

And winter can add to the confusion if you lose your way, according to Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue's president Lynn Dupuis.

"Your markers aren't necessarily there, the leaves are gone, it's white everywhere," said Dupuis. She warned in the winter, new trails can lead you down the wrong path.

"There are many people that go off trails, you know, snowshoeing and such. It's a little bit easier to do that in the winter than it is to go off trail in the summer, so it's very easy to get pointed in the wrong direction."

Going in prepared is key

Both Burnfield and Dupuis urge people to prepare before hiking, even if you are experienced.

That means dressing for the conditions and bringing extra food, water and clothes — preferably ones that wick sweat.

Bringing in a cell phone that is well charged is a good idea too, they said, so rescuers can find you.

"Assume you're going to get lost," Burnfield said. He says bringing a paper map may help, and if you are new to hiking, start small and go to a well-marked, shorter trail.

Beware of ice that can hide under snow, he added, so don't assume a flat area is ground.

If you end up on ice, lay down flat and crawl off, Burnfield said.

Christer Waara/CBC

If you do get turned around, Dupuis said the first thing is to remain calm.

"Take a moment, breathe deeply and don't panic," she said. Then, you can try and locate yourself on a map or GPS.

"So you can retrace your steps, you know you can see the path you've taken and attempt to go back. And don't wait to call for help — I think that is also very important."

Once you call for help, stay where you are so emergency crews can find you, Dupuis said.

One of the most important steps before you go out is to tell someone where you are going and for how long, she added.

Dupuis recommends the app from the national Adventure Smart program to share locations and for more hiking tips.