I’ve just finished reviewing all the details from the remote search and rescue mission in British Columbia that captivated Canadians over the past two weeks. The story that’s emerged is nothing short of remarkable.
Jason Montgomery, a 42-year-old software developer from Vancouver, is recovering in hospital today after spending thirteen grueling days lost in the backcountry of Mount Robson Provincial Park. Search teams located Montgomery yesterday afternoon in a ravine approximately eight kilometers from where he was last seen by fellow hikers on July 28th.
“It’s the outcome we all hoped for but honestly didn’t expect after so many days,” said Sergeant Theresa Williams of the BC Search and Rescue Association. “The odds of survival decrease dramatically after 72 hours in wilderness conditions.”
Montgomery had set out on what was planned as a day hike along the Berg Lake Trail, a popular route known for its spectacular views of glaciers and alpine meadows. According to park officials, he separated from his hiking group to photograph wildlife and never returned to their designated meeting point.
The terrain where Montgomery was eventually found presents significant challenges even for experienced hikers. Summer temperatures in the region have fluctuated between 5°C at night and 28°C during daylight hours, with three significant rainfall events during the period he was missing.
“He did almost everything right under the circumstances,” explained wilderness survival expert Cameron Fraser, who assisted in the search operation. “Montgomery found a water source, fashioned a basic shelter, and rationed the small amount of trail mix he had with him.”
According to medical staff at Prince George Regional Hospital, Montgomery is suffering from exposure, dehydration, and numerous insect bites, but remarkably avoided major injury. His condition has been upgraded from serious to stable.
The search effort grew to include over 60 personnel from multiple agencies, two helicopter teams, and trained rescue dogs. Parks Canada officials estimate the operation cost exceeded $175,000, raising familiar questions about backcountry preparedness and safety protocols.
Montgomery’s sister, Jennifer, spoke briefly with reporters outside the hospital. “We’re just overwhelmed with gratitude,” she said, visibly emotional. “The search teams never gave up, even when hope was fading. Jason has always been stubborn, and I guess that stubbornness kept him alive out there.”
Statistics from Adventure Smart BC show an alarming 32% increase in backcountry rescue operations across the province since 2019. Last year alone, search teams responded to over 1,800 incidents in British Columbia’s wilderness areas.
Provincial Minister of Public Safety Marcus Thompson praised the rescue teams but added a note of caution. “While we celebrate this remarkable outcome, it’s also an opportunity to remind British Columbians about wilderness safety. Even experienced hikers can find themselves in life-threatening situations without proper preparation.”
Montgomery apparently survived by drinking from a small stream and eating berries he could identify as safe. He attempted to signal rescuers several times by creating smoke from small fires, but dense forest cover complicated aerial detection efforts.
Search coordinator William Chen described the moment Montgomery was located: “One of our ground teams heard a faint call for help. They found him in a small ravine where he’d created a makeshift shelter using branches and his rain jacket. He was weak but conscious and able to communicate.”
The rescue comes amid ongoing debate about visitor management in BC’s provincial parks. Annual visitation has increased by nearly 25% since 2018, according to Parks Canada data, while safety infrastructure and education programs have seen minimal budget increases.
“We’re seeing more people venturing into remote areas without adequate experience or equipment,” explained Dr. Aisha Karim, who specializes in wilderness medicine at UBC. “What happened to Mr. Montgomery could happen to anyone who becomes separated from their group, especially if they’re unprepared for unexpected nights outdoors.”
Montgomery’s rescue will likely reignite discussions about whether hikers in provincial parks should be required to carry personal locator beacons or satellite communication devices. Currently, such equipment is recommended but not mandatory in British Columbia’s parks.
Friends describe Montgomery as an avid photographer but not an experienced backcountry traveler. His social media accounts show numerous wildlife and landscape images from previous, less remote hikes around Vancouver.
“Jason’s story is extraordinary, but the reality is that not all missing hikers are found alive,” Sergeant Williams noted. “The wilderness doesn’t forgive poor planning or simple mistakes.”
As Montgomery begins his recovery, his family has requested privacy but promised he will share his experience “when the time is right” to help educate others about wilderness survival.
For now, the BC hiking community is celebrating a rare positive outcome in what could have been another tragic statistic in Canada’s vast wilderness.
