A significant rockfall has occurred near Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park, approximately 37 kilometres north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North). The incident, reported around 1:30 p.m., involved multiple hikers on the Bow Glacier Falls Trail, a nine-kilometre moderate hike popular with tourists. Bow Falls is also a popular ice climb in winter.

At least one fatality has been reported, with multiple serious injuries reported, though exact numbers remain unclear due to limited cell service in the remote area. Estimates suggest 15 to 20 people were in the vicinity when a large section of rock, described as approximately 50 metres wide and 10 metres deep, broke off from cliffs to the right of the falls, creating a cloud of dust and debris.

Niclas Brundell witnessed the event, noting initial small rockfalls prompted him and his wife to flee before a loud “chunk” signalled a massive section of the cliff collapsing. He used an emergency satellite device to call for help. Emergency response was swift, involving Parks Canada, Lake Louise RCMP, Lake Louise Fire Department, and STARS Air Ambulance, with two helicopters (STAR-1 from Calgary and STAR-3 from Edmonton) airlifting one patient each to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. At least eight ambulances and three helicopters were reported on scene, with medical tents set up.

Parks Canada has closed the Icefields Parkway near Bow Lake temporarily to facilitate rescue operations and urged visitors to avoid the area. This is not the first rockfall in the region; a similar incident occurred on Aug. 26, 2023, causing minor injuries and a broken arm or shoulder for one tourist. Official statements from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Parks Canada CEO Ron Hallman, and other officials expressed condolences and gratitude to first responders. The situation remains ongoing, with limited updates due to the remote location.

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