In the rugged terrain of British Columbia’s mountains, a concerning trend has emerged as inexperienced hikers increasingly rely on artificial intelligence and mobile applications to guide their wilderness adventures—often with dangerous consequences.

The Perils of AI-Guided Wilderness Exploration

A recent incident on Unnecessary Mountain near Vancouver highlighted the potential dangers of this technological dependence. Two hikers found themselves stranded in snow while wearing only flat-soled sneakers, completely unprepared for the mountain conditions. Brent Calkin, head of Lions Bay Search and Rescue team, described the rescue operation to the Vancouver Sun: “We ended up bringing boots for them. We inquired about their boot sizes and brought up boots and ski poles.”

The hikers had planned their ill-fated journey using Google Maps and ChatGPT, trusting these technological tools over traditional wilderness planning resources. This case exemplifies a growing problem that search and rescue professionals are witnessing across British Columbia.

“With the abundance of information accessible online, it’s incredibly easy for individuals to find themselves in over their heads very quickly,” Calkin told the Vancouver Sun after testing some wilderness questions with an AI chatbot himself.

Social Media “Honeypots” and Rescue Surges

Mountain Rescue in England has reported a significant increase in rescue operations, attributing this surge to what they call “honeypot” locations—scenic spots that gain popularity through social media exposure—and increased reliance on navigation applications. This phenomenon isn’t limited to British Columbia but represents a global challenge for wilderness safety professionals.

Stephen Hui, author of “105 Hikes,” emphasized to the Vancouver Sun that verifying information reliability remains one of the most significant challenges posed by AI chatbots and apps. “With AI, it can often be challenging to discern whether it’s offering outdated data from an obscure source or drawing from a credible one,” Hui explained.

Technology’s Dual Role in Mountain Safety

Ironically, while consumer AI applications are creating new hazards, other technological advancements are revolutionizing search and rescue operations. North Shore Rescue, Canada’s busiest volunteer search and rescue organization, has begun employing drones equipped with thermal imaging and artificial intelligence software to locate lost hikers more efficiently.

“It’s a solution that merges the essential needs of search and rescue with the capabilities of innovative tools available today,” stated a drone operator with North Shore Rescue as reported by CBC News. The thermal imaging technology makes people appear “quite bright” when viewed from 60 to 90 meters above, significantly improving detection capabilities in challenging terrain.

These drones complement traditional ground crews and allow searchers to efficiently scan difficult-to-access areas like gullies, creeks, and cliffs. However, the same rescue professionals implementing this technology caution that it cannot replace proper preparation.

The Human Element Remains Essential

Despite technological advances in both consumer apps and rescue operations, wilderness safety experts uniformly emphasize the importance of proper preparation and equipment. “Don’t expect the drone to locate you every single time,” cautioned a North Shore Rescue team member to CBC News.

As AI continues to integrate into daily decision-making, search and rescue professionals across British Columbia are issuing an urgent reminder: technology should supplement—not replace—wilderness knowledge, proper equipment, and sound judgment when venturing into the mountains.

The contrasting roles of technology—creating problems through misinformation while simultaneously offering new rescue solutions—presents a complex challenge for outdoor recreation management in an increasingly connected world.