Debunking 5 common hiking myths we hear from our clients

As guides in the stunning South Canadian Rockies, we hear a lot of interesting ideas about hiking and the great outdoors. While we love the enthusiasm, some of these notions could lead to less-than-ideal situations.

So, let’s clear the air on a few common misconceptions we hear from you, our dear clients!

  1. “Drinking mountain water is okay”

Ah, the allure of a crystal-clear mountain stream—it looks so pure and refreshing. But before you dip your bottle, let’s pump the brakes. Mountain water might look pristine, but it can harbour some unwelcome guests like Giardia, E. coli, or other bacteria that can make your adventure a little too memorable (and not in a good way). Always pack a reliable water filter or purification tablets that kill protozoas to ensure that the water you’re drinking is as pure as the mountain air.

The Alpenglow Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
  1. “Search and rescue is always on call”

The thought of a Search and Rescue (SAR) team swooping in like superheroes is comforting. But here’s the reality: SAR teams are indeed highly trained and dedicated, but they’re not all-powerful. There are limits to where helicopters can land, weather conditions can delay or prevent rescues, and visibility can be a major issue. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare properly, know your limits, and understand that even with the best efforts, rescues aren’t always guaranteed.

You can plan every detail of your backcountry adventure, but the wilderness has a way of throwing the unexpected your way. Our Wilderness First Aid course equips you with the skills to handle those “what if” situations, from sprains to more serious injuries. Knowing how to respond effectively can make all the difference until help arrives.   Secure your spot in our next Wilderness First Aid session.
  1. “Apps are a great tool for wayfinding”

We’re living in the age of tech, and apps can be a hiker’s best friend—or worst enemy. While trail apps can help get a general idea about an area, relying on them solely in the backcountry is a risky move.

The way most trail apps work is they rely on public data and user-generated content. This means that anyone can add a route, which is both a strength and a potential weakness. While these apps can provide helpful insights, they are not always 100% accurate. Routes might be outdated, incomplete, or incorrectly marked, leading to possible confusion or even danger, especially in remote areas where cell service is unreliable. There’s a big difference between a trail – a designated path that has been established for hikers, often marked and/or well-trodden – and a route – a path that may or may not follow established trails and can require off-trail navigation, bushwhacking, scrambling, or other more technical hiking skills. It’s important to use these apps as one of many tools in your hiking toolkit, not as your sole guide. Always cross-reference with official maps and bring a compass to ensure you stay on the right path.

Our hands-on Wilderness Navigation course teaches you how to route plan, use a compass, navigate on- and off-trail in the mountains by selecting your own routes, read a topographical map, and much more. Register today to up your skills and confidence in the backcountry.
Teaching map reading on a Navigation Course.
  1. “Wildlife will leave me alone if I leave it alone”

This one’s a classic. While it’s true that most wildlife prefer to avoid humans, that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Bears, cougars, and even smaller animals like porcupines can be unpredictable. Understanding how to properly store your food, making noise on the trail, and knowing what to do in case of an encounter are all essential skills for safe hiking. We have often heard the statement, “Wildlife is more scared of you, than you are of them.” Our response is, “Until they are not.” Respect the wildlife, know how to react to encounters and how to reduce negative encounters.

  1. “The weather looks good, so I don’t need to worry about it”

Sunshine at the trailhead doesn’t guarantee clear skies all day. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly—what starts as a perfect day can quickly turn into a stormy situation. Packing layers, including waterproof gear, is essential, even if the forecast looks promising. It’s also wise to keep an eye on the sky and be prepared to turn back if conditions start to deteriorate. Remember, it’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard by Mother Nature’s mood swings!

Our blog post, Safe hiking: Four weather forecasts to plan outdoor trips in Alberta, details some common and highly useful weather forecast tools you can be checking when you’re planning your adventure.

Let the experts handle the details

Hiking in the South Canadian Rockies is an incredible experience, but like any adventure, it requires the right knowledge and preparation. By debunking these common misconceptions, we hope to help you have a safer and more enjoyable time on the trails.

And if you prefer to let the certified experts (that’s us over here at Uplift Adventures!) handle the details, we’d love to have you join one of our upcoming trips. Our Waterton Day Trips explore some of the best sights in Waterton Lakes National Park, while our Adventure Club series takes you to a different, yet equally epic, spot every week. Have your own idea of what you’d like to do and where? Reach out about a private trip and tell us your goals!