LAKE LOUISE — Rescue crews, paramedics and police scrambled to a remote region of Banff National Park on Thursday, after getting word that a group of hikers were hit by a rock slide and it was possible some were killed.
At least two were airlifted to hospital.
“The initial report indicated there were multiple hikers and there may be serious injuries and/or fatalities,” RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney said in a news release.
Parks Canada said in a statement it responded to a report of a serious rockfall near Bow Glacier Falls in the Alberta park. The site is north of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway, about 200 kilometres northwest of Calgary.
"Following the tragic rockfall at Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park, Parks Canada extends its deepest condolences to those impacted," it said in a social media post.
Parks Canada president Ron Hallman also said in a post his thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected.
STARS air ambulance spokeswoman Kate Langille said two units were deployed about 2 p.m., taking two patients to the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.
She did not have information on their conditions.
Niclas Brundell of Canmore saw the rock slide and ran to escape.
Brundell, who said he was unable to immediately speak with The Canadian Press, told CBC that he and his wife were hiking in the area just after lunch, when they heard rumbles and small rocks falling, prompting them to start leaving.
There were other hikers in the area, he said.
“People kept taking selfies and stuff, and both of us were taking it as a warning sign to at least keep further away from the mountainsides," he told CBC.
"All of a sudden, we heard this much louder noise, and I turned around and I see, basically, a whole shelf of a mountain come loose, like something I’ve never seen before.
"(It) almost looked like a slab avalanche but made of rock.”
He said there were at least 20 people in the area under the rockfall and, as it crashed down, it sent up a massive rolling dust cloud.
“The scariest part was that whole group underneath the waterfall just kind of disappeared into that cloud formation,” he said. “My wife thought the whole mountainside was coming loose."
They weren’t sure they could outrun the cloud, he said.
“I was just yelling at (my wife) to like, ‘Go, go, go! We need to run!’ And luckily, we got out.”
Evidence of the rockfall was visible from across the lake. The side of the mountain near a waterfall was darkened and worn, except for a large patch that was significantly lighter, where a heap of debris lay below.
Low-flying helicopters were seen scanning the area late Thursday, making several trips between the rockfall site and the Lodge at Bow Lake.
The parking lot to enter the lodge was closed to the public and media, and several ambulances were parked near the hotel.
On social media, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she was deeply saddened.
"We are thinking of all those involved and wishing for their safety as we await further details," she said.
"On behalf of Alberta's government, I also want to offer my most sincere gratitude to the emergency crews, including search and rescue teams and STARS air ambulance for responding quickly."
Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, also in a social media post, said: "My heart is with everyone affected by the rock slide near Bow Glacier Falls in Banff."
"Grateful to Parks Canada, STARS air ambulance and all first responders supporting the emergency response."
The Bow Glacier Falls hiking trail is a nine-kilometre route open year-round, running along the edges of Bow Lake. It's considered a moderate challenge for hikers, and day-trippers include families.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025.
— With files from Aaron Sousa in Edmonton
Matthew Scace, The Canadian Press
