‘Very inexperienced and unprepared’ hikers rescued in B.C.’s Sea-to-Sky region

A group of ill-equipped hikers are seen while being rescued at Garibaldi Lake on Sunday, May 3. (Courtesy: North Shore Rescue)

Search and rescue volunteers are reminding hikers to do their research and be prepared for outdoor conditions after a group had to be helicoptered from a trail north of Squamish, B.C., in the early hours of Sunday morning.

North Shore Rescue says it sent its helicopter team, equipped with night vision goggles, to help a group of five hikers at Garibaldi Lake.

In a social media post, the organization says the hikers were “very inexperienced and unprepared,” did not expect the area to be covered in snow, and were not carrying the gear needed for the conditions or a hike of that nature.

The helicopter was able to land nearby, and volunteers gave the hikers warmer clothes and flew them to Squamish Airport.

NSR urged nature-goers to research their intended destination, have the training needed for a given trail, and carry the proper gear.