Norwegian adventurer Steffen Skjottelvik died during his multiyear trek across Canada after attempting to travel through remote wilderness near Hudson Bay on August 15, 2025. The 29-year-old was crossing the country by foot, dog sled, and canoe with the ultimate goal of reaching Alaska, according to reports from the New York Times and Canadian broadcasters.
Skjottelvik’s grueling journey had covered more than 700 miles over nearly two years when he failed to arrive at his scheduled checkpoint at York Factory, a historic site in northern Canada. Ten days after his disappearance, rescue teams located his body two miles downstream along the Hayes River. Authorities and family spokespersons confirmed that an autopsy established the cause of death as drowning.
Expedition Details and Route Through Northern Ontario and Manitoba
Skjottelvik arrived in Canada in April 2023, launching his ambitious expedition via dog sled from Moosonee, Ontario, at the southern edge of James Bay. His long-term plan involved spending years traversing the Canadian wilderness toward Alaska. Throughout the journey, friends maintained a Facebook page titled “Steffen’s Great Canadian Journey” to allow supporters to follow his progress.
In May 2023, while camped in northern Ontario along the southern shore of Hudson Bay, Skjottelvik connected with residents from the Cree community of Peawanuck. He chose to stay in the area temporarily to better understand the local culture and the demanding wilderness he intended to navigate. During this period, he met Lilyann Mack and formed deep bonds within the community. He also began learning the Cree language.
After leaving Peawanuck with his two dogs, Togo and Bay, Skjottelvik traveled by canoe to Fort Severn, Ontario. He spent approximately a month there before setting out on foot on July 25, 2025, heading toward the York Factory National Historic Site in Manitoba. The 300-kilometer trek crossed treacherous terrain characterized by waist-deep muskeg and significant wildlife populations, including polar bears.
Last Days and Final Video Recordings
On August 11, Skjottelvik arrived at the remote Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, situated roughly 40 kilometers east of York Factory, accompanied by just one of his dogs. He informed lodge operators that he had lost his other dog, Bay, during a wolf encounter, and noted that he had encountered approximately 200 polar bears along his route.
The final confirmed contact with Skjottelvik occurred on August 14, when he spoke via phone with Angus Miles, a friend in Fort Severn who later coordinated the search efforts. When Skjottelvik failed to arrive at York Factory by August 18, a full-scale search commenced. On August 24, a helicopter pilot contracted by the Fort Severn First Nation discovered his body along the Hayes River.
Recovered with his undamaged equipment was an SD card containing more than 20 hours of video diaries. Christian Dyresen, executive director of the Steffen of Norway Foundation, noted that the footage captured Skjottelvik’s journey up to two minutes before his drowning. The final recording shows him standing on an island in the middle of the Hayes River near York Factory, with his final words to his surviving travel companion being, “We made it, Togo boy, we made it.”
Legacy and the Steffen of Norway Foundation
Miraculously, both expedition dogs survived their respective ordeals. Bay survived the wolf encounter and returned independently to Fort Severn, while Togo was found safely on the opposite riverbank near York Factory. Both dogs were subsequently returned to live in Peawanuck.
Following a memorial service in Winnipeg in September 2025, Skjottelvik’s body was returned to Holmsbu, Norway, for burial. To honor his memory and passion for the outdoors, his family and supporters established the Steffen of Norway Foundation. The organization launched in September 2025 with the goal of uniting First Nations communities, Norway, and nature conservation through cultural exchanges and nature therapy camps for youth.
Skjottelvik’s parents, Gry and Atle, alongside foundation representatives, have returned to Canada multiple times to retrace parts of his route, meet community members who befriended him, and collaborate with media outlets on an upcoming documentary and book that will complete the storytelling he began during his expedition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steffen Skjottelvik
Who was Steffen Skjottelvik?
Steffen Skjottelvik was a 29-year-old Norwegian adventurer and hiker who undertook a multiyear expedition across Canada by foot, dog sled, and canoe.
When and how did Steffen Skjottelvik die?
Skjottelvik died on August 15, 2025, after drowning in the Hayes River in northern Manitoba while attempting to complete a 300-kilometer trek toward York Factory.
What was the purpose of his expedition?
His goal was to cross the wilderness of Canada and Alaska, documenting his travels and experiencing deep immersion in nature and local Indigenous cultures.
What happened to his dogs?
He traveled with two dogs, Togo and Bay. Bay survived a wolf attack and returned to Fort Severn, while Togo survived the river crossing near where Skjottelvik passed away. Both dogs now live in Peawanuck, Ontario.
What is the Steffen of Norway Foundation?
Established after his death, the foundation promotes nature therapy for youth, cultural exchanges between First Nations communities and Norway, and environmental awareness.
