North Vancouver and Squamish recorded the highest number of hiking and climbing-related deaths in B.C. between 2016 and 2025, the BC Coroners Service says, as the agency urges residents to put safety first heading into summer.
The warning comes alongside a broader report on outdoor fatalities between March 1 and May 31, 2026. Drownings tied to recreational activities rose to nine deaths from five during the same period last year, while motorcyclist deaths nearly tripled — climbing to 14 from five.
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“Every summer we see several fatalities that are mostly preventable,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner. “As the weather warms up, we’d like to encourage everyone to take their personal safety and the safety of their loved ones seriously when planning outdoor adventures.”
Hiking and climbing deaths are most common between May and September, peaking in July. Falls are the leading cause. The coroner’s service advises hikers to research routes ahead of time, notify someone of their plans and return time, stay on marked trails, and carry adequate food and water.
According to the coroner’s service, alcohol and drugs were a contributing factor in 40 per cent of accidental drowning deaths between 2015 and 2024. The agency recommends life-jackets on the water, supervision of children near water, and swimming lessons for all ages.
The motorcyclist spike comes at the end of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Recent deaths involved animal collisions and curve navigation. The coroner’s service recommends riders monitor speed, use signals, wear protective gear, and periodically refresh their skills.
The agency also flagged heat-related risks, noting other countries are already experiencing intense heat waves. Older adults, people living alone, those with pre-existing health conditions, pregnant women, and young children face the greatest risk during extreme heat. Residents are encouraged to identify local cooling centres before temperatures rise.
“Remember to put safety first to avoid preventable tragedies,” Baidwan said. “Enjoy a healthy, safe summer in B.C.”
