CANADA Canada - Darius Macdougall, 5, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta,Canada 21 Sept 2025

[Lalalacasbah]

Ya I'm trying to map/get images of that Tent Mountain Rd area but I don't know if I'm understanding it right...

I cannot find an actual "Tent Mountain Rd" - I think it's used to describe the actual gravel road that goes to Tent Mountain. The road doesn't actually have a name but I may be wrong.

If it's Tent Mountain it's even more isolated than the actual campground! I do not think I'd let my kids wander as it really is in the wilderness!

*ETA: There are two marked camping areas on google maps between the two bodies of water on the map below: Hazell and Island Ridge, will update other posts below as well.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

Here is an archived brochure on the Livingstone Public Land area, just to get an idea of what it's like. It is HUGE land mass, but I zoomed in on the particular area they were said to be.

I also circled red on the map where it sounds like they maybe were possibly camping - South of Hwy 3, looks possibly on the road that leads to Tent Mtn? Unless they camped outside of the norm camp areas (marked by the camping map icon).

This is me guessing, maybe any locals who might know can comment MOO

*ETA: There are two marked camping areas on google maps between the two bodies of water on the map below: Hazell and Island Ridge. so maybe more popular or known than I thought.

https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/747cbb70-a7cb-4d90-9585-1bb51f5d0a08/resource/b4d15e6f-73cc-49d7-8548-bbf756943083/download/aep-livingstone-public-land-use-zone-brochure-2021-04.pdf

 

[MistyWaters]

I’m curious about the background information, how did it happen? How it came to be that six or seven children went for a walk without any adults and one of the children goes missing. What was the attraction of this area? Had the adults been there before? Where did the children walk, was there a dirt road or a path and they were supposed to go a short distance and turn around? Surely they didn’t go for a walk in the dense forest. What was the purpose of this walk and how long was it? I know it was stated they searched for Darius for an hour before calling for help but when did the children leave on this walk and how long was it before they returned without Darius? Did any of them notice he was missing during the walk and if so, what was the plan, after they arrived at the recreation area somebody would go back and find him? Or did nobody notice until they got back?

It’s an unusual situation, I’m sure many of us would be interested in the details that resulted in this very sad situation. There can’t be anything worse than a missing child.
JMO

 

[Serononin]

The RCMP shared this photo. I don’t know if it’s the exact area but it probably doesn’t matter as the terrain is all as rugged and difficult throughout.

Source:

Favourite song among the tools used in search for missing Alberta boy | Globalnews.ca

Search and rescue crews have adopted some new tactics as they continue to search for a 6-year-old boy who went missing five days ago near the Crowsnest Pass area of Alberta.

globalnews.ca

View attachment 617250

It looks like a beautiful part of the world, but man, the thought of such a small child being lost in that vast landscape is just heartbreaking

 

[tarabull]

This map is visible at the link...scroll down the page

Tent Mountain

Check out this 8.2-mile out-and-back trail near Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 59 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, snowshoeing, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Dogs...

www.alltrails.com

 

[Lalalacasbah]

This is as far as I can get on Google maps with streetview, I marked with a red X. There seems to be gravel roads, possibly running along the creek on the right(?) The photo is right around where the red X is so can get a general idea of surroundings.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

I think there are blog photos out there I think, but can't post as not authorized link IIRC.

 

[tarabull]

Corbin to Tent Mountain

maps.app.goo.gl

I used Corbin based on Corbin Rd to TM but here is from Island Lake:

Island Lake Provincial Recreation Area to Tent Mountain

maps.app.goo.gl

ETA: either way.....nevermindme.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

Corbin to Tent Mountain

maps.app.goo.gl

I used Corbin based on Corbin Rd to TM but here is from Island Lake:

Island Lake Provincial Recreation Area to Tent Mountain

maps.app.goo.gl

ETA: either way.....nevermindme.

Wow it's truly beautiful out there. Those location points show train tracks and more open.

Tent Mountain came up lots in searches but I think they were only on Tent Mountain Rd which who knows how long that road is!

I find it all a bit confusing!

 

[Lalalacasbah]

I’m curious about the background information, how did it happen? How it came to be that six or seven children went for a walk without any adults and one of the children goes missing. What was the attraction of this area? Had the adults been there before? Where did the children walk, was there a dirt road or a path and they were supposed to go a short distance and turn around? Surely they didn’t go for a walk in the dense forest. What was the purpose of this walk and how long was it? I know it was stated they searched for Darius for an hour before calling for help but when did the children leave on this walk and how long was it before they returned without Darius? Did any of them notice he was missing during the walk and if so, what was the plan, after they arrived at the recreation area somebody would go back and find him? Or did nobody notice until they got back?

It’s an unusual situation, I’m sure many of us would be interested in the details that resulted in this very sad situation. There can’t be anything worse than a missing child.
JMO

I have similar questions...

Was this a regular camp spot for the family? Did the group of kids all know eachother well and were they close? Sounds like cousins... had they all hung out together before?

IIRC someone upthread I thought mentioned there might be hunting in the area although the PLUZ (Public Land Use Zone) is huge so maybe only part designated for hunting? Seems to be a place to ATV as well maybe.

It really is true wilderness, it's not like the kids going to walk to the arcade or store at a KOA campground.

 

[MistyWaters]

I have similar questions...

Was this a regular camp spot for the family? Did the group of kids all know eachother well and were they close? Sounds like cousins... had they all hung out together before?

IIRC someone upthread I thought mentioned there might be hunting in the area although the PLUZ (Public Land Use Zone) is huge so maybe only part designated for hunting? Seems to be a place to ATV as well maybe.

It really is true wilderness, it's not like the kids going to walk to the arcade or store at a KOA campground.

Yes hunting in Alberta is legal on Crown Land, which Livingston PLUZ is. But taking that many children hunting and then allowing them to walk around in the wilderness during hunting season, I’d rather not believe that to be so.
JMO

 

[Lalalacasbah]

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass on FB has been holding requests for public assistance for people who live in the area. I tried to look at their official website to link but their official FB is more up to date and more active for this.

The purpose is to collect information that could assist search efforts for the missing child in the Tent Mountain area of Crowsnest Pass. This is a staffed information-gathering session, not a media or public briefing information.

Things that may be helpful for searchers: observations from past week (times, locations, directions of travel), photos or video (trail cam/dashcam/phone), notes on outbuildings/caves/rock outcrops/shacks, and vehicle details (make, model, colour, plates.)

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass | Coleman AB

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, Coleman. 4,708 likes · 1,328 talking about this · 62 were here. The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is tucked into the southwest corner of Alberta in the beautiful...

www.facebook.com

 

[Andreee]

I’m curious about the background information, how did it happen? How it came to be that six or seven children went for a walk without any adults and one of the children goes missing. What was the attraction of this area? Had the adults been there before? Where did the children walk, was there a dirt road or a path and they were supposed to go a short distance and turn around? Surely they didn’t go for a walk in the dense forest. What was the purpose of this walk and how long was it? I know it was stated they searched for Darius for an hour before calling for help but when did the children leave on this walk and how long was it before they returned without Darius? Did any of them notice he was missing during the walk and if so, what was the plan, after they arrived at the recreation area somebody would go back and find him? Or did nobody notice until they got back?

It’s an unusual situation, I’m sure many of us would be interested in the details that resulted in this very sad situation. There can’t be anything worse than a missing child.
JMO

I spent a long time trying to figure out on the advanced map posted where they actually were camped. I was looking in the wrong place at first, but I think I figured out kind of where they were. But various details in this disappearance are not clear, including how many children were on the walk and where they were walking. First reports said three children, then I saw somewhere else it was six?! Would be good to know the basics, including how many adults were present at the camp and how many children.

 

[Inthedetails]

I spent a long time trying to figure out on the advanced map posted where they actually were camped. I was looking in the wrong place at first, but I think I figured out kind of where they were. But various details in this disappearance are not clear, including how many children were on the walk and where they were walking. First reports said three children, then I saw somewhere else it was six?! Would be good to know the basics, including how many adults were present at the camp and how many children.

My hunch is they are protecting the kids from media scrutiny.

jmopinion

 

[lcl117]

tent mountain road is labelled on this image.

 

[Serononin]

tent mountain road is labelled on this image.

This makes things a lot clearer, thanks!

 

[lcl117]

They waited about an hour to call RCMP in, they searched for him first. I cannot speak too much because i've never been in that situation but not calling the RCMP right away just sounds like a mistake. I grew up about an hour from the Crowsnest Pass and was super close with the one side of his family. My mom also worked between there and PIncher Creek so we spent a lot of time at events in those areas and I cannot imagine trying to find a baby in those woods.

I believe i read * dont quote me though* that the number of people camping with Darius isn't being released at this time, i'll try and find a source for that and the ages of the children could not be provided at the press conference but they havent released them since either.

 

[TMich6811]

They waited about an hour to call RCMP in, they searched for him first. I cannot speak too much because i've never been in that situation but not calling the RCMP right away just sounds like a mistake. I grew up about an hour from the Crowsnest Pass and was super close with the one side of his family. My mom also worked between there and PIncher Creek so we spent a lot of time at events in those areas and I cannot imagine trying to find a baby in those woods.

I believe i read * dont quote me though* that the number of people camping with Darius isn't being released at this time, i'll try and find a source for that and the ages of the children could not be provided at the press conference but they havent released them since either.

I agree I can’t imagine waiting an hour at home with a child without complex needs let alone in the middle of nowhere camping with a child with complex needs.

I don’t feel there was direct cause 94 involvement in his disappearance but is it possible they waited for a reason? Maybe he wanders but always comes back, maybe there was alcohol/weed use in supervision and they were nervous

 

[Lalalacasbah]

tent mountain road is labelled on this image.

YES! Good find, finally something official in regards to the road.

 

[Lalalacasbah]

They waited about an hour to call RCMP in, they searched for him first. I cannot speak too much because i've never been in that situation but not calling the RCMP right away just sounds like a mistake. I grew up about an hour from the Crowsnest Pass and was super close with the one side of his family. My mom also worked between there and PIncher Creek so we spent a lot of time at events in those areas and I cannot imagine trying to find a baby in those woods.

I believe i read * dont quote me though* that the number of people camping with Darius isn't being released at this time, i'll try and find a source for that and the ages of the children could not be provided at the press conference but they havent released them since either.

I guess no one thinks their child is really lost and maybe they are fibbing and hiding or playing a game... but in that wilderness, different story.

Thank you for your insight on the area too. Is it very populated with locals or campers where they were? I imagine the main campgrounds were busier? MOO, I have no idea but curious if people around that weren't in the family/other campers.