Coastal communities practice tsunami preparedness at High Ground Hike events

High Ground Hike is an annual program that brings communities together during Tsunami Preparedness Week (the second full week every April). These events help raise awareness about B.C.’s tsunami risk and give people in coastal areas the opportunity to practice reaching a tsunami-safe location at high ground.

In 2024, 22 communities participated in High Ground Hike! Kudos to all that participated for taking an important step in tsunami preparedness.

High Ground Hike in action

The PreparedBC team attended events in White Rock, Sooke and Colwood (in partnership with Royal Roads University). Each event brought out a group of engaged community members who had the opportunity to join preparedness presentations, explore evacuation maps and connect with local experts. Of course, everyone enjoyed the walk to “high ground” too!

Where is “high ground?”

The most common question at each event was “how high is ‘high ground’ anyway?” The answer is, it depends on where you live. In some communities it’s not as high up or as far away as you may think.

For example, Prince Rupert hosted a High Ground selfie contest to remind people that when they receive a Tsunami Warning or Alert the best action is to move away from the waterfront or if they’re at home, to stay there.

The Capital Regional District (Greater Victoria area) has developed a Tsunami Information Portal with an interactive map so you can explore and understand tsunami hazard in your neighbourhood.

Talk to your First Nation or local government to confirm the “high ground” or tsunami-safe location(s) in your community.