Social media effect attracts unprepared hikers to dangerous Kamloops trail

Kamloops Search and Rescue has been called twice this summer to a scenic hike near the city, prompting the volunteer group to issue a public warning.

Rescuers were called to the Tranquille slot canyons for hikers struggling with heat exhaustion. The rock formation lines a portion of the Tranquille River, and it has become more popular as social media attention spurred more visitors to the steep hike.

“They’ve been promoting it as a great place to spend a summer afternoon, but without warning people of the risks,” Kamloops Search and Rescue president Paula Davies said. “It’s a short hike, but the slopes are quite steep and it’s really hot there this summer.”

Several TikTok videos of the rock formations have been recently circulating, but Davies said the social media posts don’t adequately warn prospective visitors of the danger and physical demands of the trek.

The canyon-side trail is the main way to descend to the eroded rock formations, but it’s steep, isn’t maintained and offers little reprieve from the sun.

Although search and rescue crews have retrieved just two hikers from the canyon, a social media post from the volunteer group suggests they have seen multiple other hiking parties at the trail who “appear to be ill-equipped.”

“There are places touted as these great hikes to go on, but people aren’t going back to the basics and aren’t thinking about whether they have the right equipment, food or things in case we get into trouble like spending the night,” Davies said.

While the TikTok videos may be prompting more visitors to the canyon, they don’t prepare hikers for the trek they’ll undertake, Davies said.

“Public safety is our top priority. If you’re heading into rugged areas like Tranquille Slot Canyons, do your research, pack smart and hike responsibly,” a Kamloops Search and Rescue social media post read.