Hiker rescued after rainy night alone on North Shore mountain

A hiker was lucky to find a blue tarp, seen in the background of this photo, while lost on the North Shore. (Image credit: Facebook/NorthShoreRescue)

A lost hiker who spent an unanticipated night outdoors on the North Shore mountains was found safe Sunday afternoon, according to search and rescue crews.

The hiker was found uninjured although “cold and wet” near Norvan falls, according to North Shore Rescue.

“They were very lucky to find a large blue tarp to use as shelter overnight, which also assisted in locating them from the air,” a Facebook post said, adding this was a “great example of why wearing bright colours in the backcountry can potentially save your life.”

North Shore Rescue was assisted by volunteer crews from Coquitlam and Lions Bay, park rangers and the RCMP.

The search started Saturday evening and continues through the night, with the use of heat-detecting drones and police service dogs.

A rainfall warning was in effect for the duration of the search, as was a high streamflow advisory.