Missing Canadian Hiker Found Alive After 6 Weeks in Freezing Wilderness

Sam Benastick, a 20-year-old Canadian hiker, has been found alive after surviving more than six weeks in the harsh wilderness of northern British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed his rescue on Tuesday.

Benastick had embarked on a solo 10-day camping trip on October 7 but failed to check in with his family as planned. Alarmed by his prolonged silence, his family reported him missing on October 19. The Northern Rockies endured extreme winter conditions during this period, with temperatures plummeting below 4°F (-16°C).

How He Was Rescued

Benastick was discovered on November 26 by two workers traveling to Redfern Lake Trail. Using makeshift walking sticks for support and a cut-up sleeping bag to keep his legs warm, he flagged them down for help.

The workers transported Benastick to a hospital, where police identified him as the missing hiker.

According to authorities, Benastick survived by initially staying in his car before moving to a creek and the mountainside, where he camped for 10–15 days. He later relocated to a dried-out creek bed, where he built a shelter and waited for help.

RCMP Commends Search Efforts

“Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all this time, it was feared we wouldn’t have such a result,” said RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson.

The RCMP extended gratitude to the Canadian Rangers, volunteers, and other agencies for their contributions to the search. “The time, effort, and resources invested to locate Sam were beyond measure. We are thankful for the great outcome,” Saunderson added.

Community Support

A GoFundMe campaign organized by Benastick’s sister helped raise funds for search expenses. The family has expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue mission.

This incredible survival story highlights both the resilience of the human spirit and the dedication of search teams in remote wilderness areas.