The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Parks Canada have confirmed one person has died and three were injured in a rockslide yesterday afternoon near Bow Glacier Falls inside Banff National Park. The search for others victims continued until dark and was resumed at first light this morning.
Rescuers rushed to the scene around 2:00pm after receiving reports that a group of hikers had been struck by the rockslide on the Bow Glacier Falls hiking trail which is moderately difficult and popular with day hikers.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith responded to the tragic events on X:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic event at Bow Glacier Falls, north of Banff, today.
We are thinking of all those involved and wishing for their safety as we await further details.
On behalf of Alberta's government, I also want to offer my most sincere gratitude to…
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) June 19, 2025
Calgary resident Kamala Dixon was hiking in the area captured the rockslide on video:
“This is the footage I took as I hiked right up Mount Jimmy Simpson. I wasn’t even supposed to be there but couldn’t score a shuttle for Moraine or Louise. Please please be aware the Falls were waaay bigger than normal and flowing very fast. I felt something wasn’t right and when I heard the crack I turned around expecting to see a few rocks instead total devastation.“
Our thoughts are with the victims families and friends at this time. Read Banff National Park’s latest statement below.
Banff National Park Latest Statement:
On June 19, 2025 at 1 pm Parks Canada received a report of a serious rockfall near Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park. Parks Canada visitor safety teams responded with RCMP and supporting agencies.
RCMP has confirmed that two individuals were evacuated by STARS Air Ambulance and one by ground ambulance, and their conditions are unknown at this time. Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene. Parks Canada and RCMP extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
Parks Canada visitor safety teams will continue search and recovery operations until dark and will resume at first light to confirm that no other hikers remain missing.
-Alpine Club of Canada guests staying at Bow Hut are safe. Visitors staying at Bow Hut will be able to exit on schedule via the usual route, which is unaffected and safe to travel.
-Bow Lake is closed to all visitors. A NOTAM (no-fly zone) is in place to ensure public safety and for park operations.
-Heavy precipitation including snow is expected on the Icefields Parkway. Please check the weather forecast and Alberta 511 before travelling.
-Banff National Park remains open and safe to visit. The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N) remains open with intermittent, short-term traffic stoppages in the vicinity of the incident.
Parks Canada and RCMP are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our hearts go out to the friends and families of all involved. Updates will be provided as more information comes available.
