Planning a bike ride or hike often starts with the weather, the route and your equipment. Take a few minutes to prepare the information someone helping you might need, too. Your phone, trip plan and emergency contacts each have a different role.
Leave your route with someone you trust
Parks Canada recommends leaving a trip plan with a trusted person, telling them about changes and carrying your emergency contact details. This gives someone a clear picture of your plans instead of leaving them to guess.
To make your message useful, consider including:
- your starting point and planned route, including trail names when you know them;
- the people travelling with you;
- the time you expect to check in;
- the steps you have agreed on if you do not respond;
- contact details for your destination or the relevant local service.
Send the expected message when you return. If your plans change, let your contact know when you can. A shared itinerary that no longer matches your outing can cause confusion.
Plan communication around your destination
The same Parks Canada page notes that phones and cell coverage are not always reliable in remote areas. Before leaving, check your destination’s information about access, current advisories and suitable ways to communicate.
Do not assume a charged device will work everywhere. Learn how to use your equipment before your outing, and keep important numbers somewhere easier to find than a long message thread. A paper contact card can complement your digital tools.
Check the information you carry
A helmet, backpack or wristband may go through several activities and seasons. Before using your equipment again, review the contact details associated with it. Is the number still correct? Does the person know they are your contact? Does the profile belong to the person wearing the tag?
This is also a useful check when equipment changes hands within a family. Make updating the information part of preparing the item for its next user.
SOSCAN’s role on an outing
SOSCAN lets you carry a profile and contact details on an NFC chip. It does not track your location, detect a fall or send automatic alerts. Someone must find and read the tag. With Internet, an NFC-compatible phone opens the profile in its browser; without Internet, the SOSCAN app must be installed on the phone reading the tag. The tag cannot restore cell coverage or replace a way to call for help that suits your destination.
Test the tag before leaving. In an emergency, call 911 or the appropriate local emergency number when your communication equipment allows, then follow the instructions you receive.
Check your SOSCAN before an outing · Make your emergency contacts accessible
Sources and review
Sources consulted November 3, 2026. Adapt your preparation to the location, conditions and abilities of your group.