LOST 3 NIGHTS, GIRLS FOUND IN ALGONQUIN PARK MONDAY

SMOKE LAKE — Three nights lost in the woods of Algonquin Park ended at noon Monday when police found two young teenage girls from Kitchener missing since Friday.

After a massive air, ground and water search, the pair who went astray while camping with friends were found safe.

An OPP Canine Unit located them late this morning, July 15.

Officers report that the girls are in good health and were reunited with their families, who had travelled to the area.

Smoke Lake is about 45 minutes east of Huntsville, near the Portage Store.

The teens had made it about a quarter of the way toward their destination Friday, when they realized they had left the trail and were lost.

They drew on their education about being in the forest and practised the message of “hug a tree,” said police.

When lost in the forest it is always best to stop and stay where you are, rather than continuing on, possibly farther from any trails and potential rescue.

The girls were reported missing about 10 p.m. July 12.

A major search effort began on Saturday morning as members of the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), front line members from several OPP detachments, and several OPP Canine Units converged on the area assisted by Park Wardens and members of the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA).

An OPP helicopter and a float plane from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests also took part in the search.

The girls, despite becoming lost, did the right things, say police, by staying put and rationing their food and water.

They had a tent and other camping equipment and limited supplies.

The OPP would like to thank our partners and members of the public for support during the search.