A couple was rescued from the Howe Sound Crest Trail in British Columbia on Sunday night after they became exhausted and unable to complete their day hike, prompting Lions Bay Search and Rescue to perform its first-ever night hover rescue.
The husband and wife began their hike at approximately 9 a.m. from Cypress Mountain, intending to complete the 30-kilometre route in a single day. However, by the time they reached James Peak—only about a quarter of the way along the trail—they were exhausted and called for help.
Underprepared for the demanding trail
Search manager Maria Masiar stated, “They significantly underestimated the distance, difficulty, and fitness required for this trail. They also had no overnight equipment, no backup plan, no turnaround time set.” The hikers were not equipped for the challenging backcountry route, which features a cumulative elevation gain of 2,200 metres and typically takes 10 to 12 hours for extremely fit and experienced hikers to complete.
Most hikers choose to camp overnight on the Howe Sound Crest Trail due to its strenuous nature. Lions Bay Search and Rescue noted in a Facebook post that the trail “is a long, strenuous, and committing backcountry route that requires careful planning, appropriate equipment, sufficient food and water, and a realistic understanding of the time and fitness required to complete it.”
Night hover rescue a first for the team
Lions Bay SAR, with assistance from Talon Helicopters, conducted a night hover rescue—a first for the search and rescue team. North Shore Rescue was also alerted and placed on standby in case the operation required a longline rescue. Around nightfall, three search and rescue team members were dropped off on the mountain near the hikers. The crew and the couple were later lifted to safety.
The rescue operation underscores the risks of underestimating the demands of backcountry hiking. Lions Bay SAR emphasized that hikers should carry appropriate gear, including headlamps, extra clothing, food, and water, and should set a turnaround time to avoid being caught in the dark.
