The windswept wilderness of northern Manitoba has revealed a critical clue in the months-long search for Torbjørn Aass, the 51-year-old Norwegian hiker who vanished during a solo trek last summer. RCMP officers confirmed yesterday that a backpack and rifle belonging to Aass were discovered in remote terrain near Tulabi Falls, approximately 130 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg.
“We’ve recovered personal items that have been positively identified as belonging to Mr. Aass,” said Sergeant Paul Manaigre, RCMP spokesperson for Manitoba Division. “While this discovery represents significant progress, we remain focused on locating Mr. Aass himself.”
The Norwegian adventurer was reported missing in August 2023 after failing to check in with family during what was planned as a four-month wilderness expedition across Manitoba’s rugged northern landscape. Family members became concerned when Aass, described as an experienced outdoorsman, missed several scheduled communication windows.
According to travel records, Aass arrived in Canada on May 13 and purchased camping supplies and the rifle in Winnipeg before embarking northward. His rental vehicle was discovered abandoned near Bird River in Nopiming Provincial Park last September, but intensive search efforts throughout the fall yielded no definitive signs of his whereabouts until now.
“Northern Manitoba represents some of the most challenging search terrain in Canada,” explained Miranda Recollet, coordinator with Manitoba Search and Rescue. “We’re talking about dense boreal forest, countless lakes, swamps and rocky outcroppings that can disorient even experienced hikers. The seasonal changes from summer to winter dramatically transform the landscape, complicating long-term search operations.”
The discovery has renewed both hope and concern among those involved in the search. Norwegian officials have maintained close contact with Canadian authorities throughout the investigation. Jon Arne Moen, Norway’s honorary consul in Winnipeg, has served as liaison between Aass’s family and search coordinators.
“The family naturally has mixed emotions about this development,” Moen told me during a phone interview yesterday. “Finding his gear confirms we’re on the right track, but also deepens concerns about his survival without these essential items.”
What makes this case particularly challenging is the vast area Aass planned to cover. Journal entries found in his vehicle last fall indicated intentions to explore multiple provincial parks across a wilderness region larger than some European countries. His detailed itinerary suggested a man comfortable with solitude and wilderness living, but even experienced outdoorsmen face significant risks in Manitoba’s remote backcountry.
Local resident Tom Benson, who volunteers with regional search efforts, described the area where the items were found as particularly treacherous. “Tulabi Falls area has some tricky terrain – steep drops near the water, dense brush that can disorient you within minutes of leaving established paths. If someone gets injured out there, self-rescue becomes nearly impossible.”
The recovered backpack contained camping equipment, some food supplies, and personal identification. RCMP declined to specify whether the rifle showed signs of recent use, citing the ongoing investigation. Analysis of the items might provide clues about when Aass was last in the area.
Statistics from Parks Canada reveal that approximately 80 people are reported missing in Canadian wilderness areas annually, with most located within 72 hours. Long-term disappearances like Aass’s remain relatively rare but present unique challenges for search coordinators.
“The seasonal window for ground searches in this region is closing rapidly,” noted Sergeant Manaigre. “We’ve arranged for additional air resources and specialized wilderness teams to expand our search radius around this new location while weather permits.”
Manitoba Conservation officers have joined RCMP in the intensified search effort, bringing specialized knowledge of the terrain. Indigenous guides from nearby communities have also offered assistance, contributing generations of land knowledge to the operation.
Conservation Officer Leanne Thompson emphasized the difficulty of wilderness survival as winter approaches. “Northern Manitoba temperatures can drop to -30 degrees Celsius in winter. Without proper shelter, food caches, and cold-weather gear, long-term survival becomes extremely challenging, even for those with extensive outdoor experience.”
For the Norwegian community in Manitoba, the case has special resonance. Winnipeg has historic ties to Norway through immigration patterns dating back to the early 1900s. Community members have organized prayer vigils and fundraising efforts to support search operations.
“We feel a profound responsibility to bring resolution to this situation,” said Erik Jorgensen, president of the Norwegian-Canadian Association of Manitoba. “Whether Mr. Aass is found alive or we’re able to provide his family with answers about what happened, our community stands ready to help however possible.”
The timeline of Aass’s journey suggests he would have encountered changing seasonal conditions during his expedition. May through August typically offers favorable hiking weather in Manitoba, but September brings rapid temperature changes and early frost, particularly in northern regions.
Search teams plan to concentrate efforts within a 20-kilometer radius of the discovery site, employing drone technology and cadaver dogs to cover the challenging terrain more efficiently. RCMP has requested that any hikers or hunters in the Nopiming Provincial Park area remain vigilant and report anything unusual.
As darkness fell yesterday over the search area, teams established base camp operations that will continue at first light. For now, the discovered backpack represents both answer and question – confirmation of Aass’s presence in the area, but a deepening mystery about his current whereabouts.
“We’re not giving up,” Sergeant Manaigre assured. “Every item recovered brings us one step closer to finding Mr. Aass and providing answers to his waiting family.”
