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Crime & Justice • Missing Persons

Highway of Tears

The Highway of Tears is a long section of Highway 16 in northern British Columbia, Canada, associated with the disappearances and murders of many women, especially Indigenous women.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Highway of Tears is a section of Highway 16 in northern British Columbia, Canada, associated with the disappearances and murders of many women, especially Indigenous women. Official and community estimates differ on the number of victims, and many cases remain unsolved. It is widely discussed as part of the broader crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

Geography

The Highway of Tears is a section of Highway 16 in northern British Columbia, running between Prince George and Prince Rupert. Sources describe it as roughly 719 to 724 kilometres long.

Cases and victim count

Official RCMP lists identify 18 murders and disappearances associated with the highway, while Indigenous groups and advocates have suggested the number is substantially higher, with some estimates exceeding 40.

Investigation and unresolved cases

The highway became notorious because many of the cases were not solved for years or remain unresolved. The issue has drawn attention to policing, transportation access, and safety in remote communities.

Broader significance

The Highway of Tears is commonly discussed as part of the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. It has become a symbol of violence affecting Indigenous communities.

Key facts

  • The Highway of Tears refers to a stretch of Highway 16 in British Columbia.
  • The highway has been linked to disappearances and murders since the late 1960s.
  • RCMP official lists cite 18 cases, while Indigenous communities and advocates have estimated many more.
  • Most identified victims have been women, especially Indigenous women.
  • Many cases remain unsolved.
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Canadian context

The Highway of Tears is a major Canadian human-rights and criminal-justice issue, especially relevant to British Columbia and to national discussions about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Highway of Tears?
It is a section of Highway 16 in British Columbia, Canada, known for many disappearances and murders, especially of Indigenous women.
How many victims are on the Highway of Tears?
The RCMP officially lists 18 cases, but Indigenous communities and advocates have estimated the number is much higher, with some estimates above 40.
Where is the Highway of Tears?
It is located on Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia, Canada.
Who was the killer on the Highway of Tears?
There was not one single killer. Authorities have linked some cases to different offenders, but many disappearances and murders remain unsolved.
What is the Highway of Tears documentary?
It usually refers to documentaries about the disappearances and murders along Highway 16 in British Columbia, focusing on victims, families, and the broader issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

References

  1. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/highway-of-tears
    Supports: Defines the Highway of Tears, gives its location, and notes RCMP official case counts and the broader MMIWG context.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway_of_Tears
    Supports: Provides the highway length, route, and historical context from 1969 onward.
  3. Carrier Sekani Family Services — https://www.highwayoftears.org/highway-of-tears/
    Supports: Describes the highway, emphasizes Indigenous victims, and notes that the exact number of victims is disputed.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/25/world/americas/canada-indigenous-women-highway-16.html
    Supports: Reports official and community estimates of victims and notes that many cases remain unsolved.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2175928/
    Supports: Describes the documentary film Highway of Tears and its subject matter.