A B.C. hiker missing since Wednesday in Banff National Park has been found safe. Banff R.C.M.P. issued an update just before 5 p.m. Friday, saying, “Banff RCMP is so happy to report that missing hiker Chad Singer has been located safe.” Singer, 42, of Radium, B.C., started his hike Wednesday near the Aurora Creek trail, east of Radium Hot Springs. RCMP said he was last seen that afternoon in Marvel Pass in the national park. Police say the trail system can connect to trails near Marvel Lake and the trail network between Sunshine Mountain, Banff and Mount Shark in Kananaskis. RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Gina Slaney said the Parks Canada Banff Field Unit managed the search, which included ground search teams, a helicopter visual thermal search and the Parks Canada canine team. She said the RCMP also sent in with its own dogs to help locate Singer. An earlier version of this story quoted RCMP saying the missing hiker separated from his friend and carried on alone as his friend did not wish to accompany him. RCMP now say that information -- contained in an initial report -- was inaccurate. With files from The Canadian Press
