A Norwegian hiker on a trip of a lifetime vanished in a remote part of Canada before his dog wandered into a nearby town, per officials.

Steffen Skjottelvik, aged 29, was last in contact on August 14. He used a GPS device to communicate with individuals in York Factory in the Hudson Bay, a location he intended to visit as part of his multi-year trek on foot from Ontario to Alaska.

Skjottelvik said he would be at the historical site the next day, but never arrived, as reported by the CBC.  

During his last call, Skjottelvik mentioned he had lost one of his two dogs in a wolf attack, according to officials.

A Facebook user then shared images of a skinny Husky found wandering alone in Fort Severn on Monday that resembled Skjottelvik’s companions. 

The adventurer embarked on his journey last month from Fort Severn in Ontario, accompanied by his two dogs, according to a Facebook page documenting his voyage called ‘Steffen’s Great Canadian Journey.’

Steffen Skjottelvik, 29, went missing on August 14 during a trekking journey from Canada to Alaska, according to officials

A Husky believed to be the hiker’s was found wandering alone in Fort Severn on Monday

The hiker’s family said they have GPS evidence that placed him near the fast-moving Hayes River before he vanished

Skjottelvik said he planned on hiking from James Bay in Canada to Alaska over a period of three to five years, aided by the dogs and sledding. 

He had set out from Ontario in the spring of 2023, and Facebook users had been monitoring his journey since then.

The hiker’s family said they have GPS evidence that placed him near the fast-moving Hayes River before he vanished. 

Police said they are now focusing their search in the area of the river, which is about 2.7 miles from York Factory. 

Officials said they suspect Skjottelvik tried to cross the river before he went missing. 

“I hope we can find him, but realistically, it’s shifting more towards a search and recovery effort at this point,” stated Sgt. Paul Manaigre of the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

‘We’re looking at a week now that he hasn’t made contact with anyone, so we have to assume, at this point, the worst.’

Officials added that the area where Skjottelvik went missing is filled with wolves and polar bears. 

According to his family, Skjottelvik planned to trek from James Bay in Canada to Alaska over three to five years, utilizing both his dogs and sledding.

The hiker’s family and friends have raised more than $40,000 to fund a search for him 

The area where Skjottelvik went missing is filled with wolves and polar bears, officials said

Skjottelvik had long aspired to walk from Canada to Alaska, according to his uncle Lars Jorgen Sorensen, who shared this with the Norwegian news outlet Røyken og Hurums Avis, as reported by the CBC.

“He has dreamed of crossing Canada on foot for many years. He planned to walk in the summer and use a dog sled in the winter. He has been saving money for a long time to accomplish this journey,” Sorensen explained.

‘He has prepared himself for this trip for many years. He got to know many people while walking. He also lived with them for longer periods, before moving along.’ 

People in Fort Severn who knew Skjottelvik have raised more than $40,000 to fund the search for him, as reported by CTV News.