Canadian Hiker Survives Five Nights in a Cave After Getting Lost on Mount Habrich

Stanislav Volo, a 43-year-old Canadian, failed to return from a hike on the Mount Habrich Loop in the Coast Mountains above Squamish, British Columbia. After his phone battery died, he lost his bearings, slipped on a steep drainage area, and injured his heel and wrist. He sought shelter in a small cave near a waterfall, where he remained for several days, rationing the gummy-bear packets he had packed and supplementing his diet with edible wildflowers. On September 4, he emerged from the wilderness, walked to the Indian Arm Forest Service Road, and was rescued by search crews.

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• August 30 – The British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) listed Volo as overdue after he did not return from the Mount Habrich Loop.

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• September 1 – Volo briefly contacted 911, reporting that he was “stuck on the mountain” before the call dropped; search officials intensified efforts in the area.

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• September 4 – CBC News reported that Volo was found alive after a multi-agency search that included ground teams, air support, police dogs and drones.

Newsweek

Volo’s injuries prevented him from retracing his ascent, forcing him to descend despite the steep terrain. He endured stormy weather while sheltering in the cave, which protected him from rain and allowed his foot to rest. His initial food supply consisted of several packets of gummy bears; as those dwindled, he foraged edible wildflowers, noting that the taste was initially sweet but later less appealing. Despite spotting search helicopters overhead, he was unable to attract attention and concluded that self-rescue was his best option.

Newsweek

The RCMP confirmed that Volo was reported overdue on August 30 and that the search operation involved coordinated efforts from multiple agencies. Tyler Duncan, the Squamish Search and Rescue manager, described Volo’s ordeal as “absolutely horrendous” and highlighted the remarkable nature of his survival. Squamish Search and Rescue later announced that Volo walked himself out and was located on the Indian Arm Forest Service Road, after which he was taken to hospital with minor injuries and reunited with his family.

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Volo cautioned other hikers that reliance on technology can be risky in remote terrain, emphasizing that “it can happen to anyone” and urging preparedness for unexpected situations. His experience underscores the importance of carrying adequate navigation tools, emergency supplies, and the willingness to adapt when technology fails.

Newsweek