Helicopters arrived at Bow Glacier Falls after a rockfall on June 19 that killed two hikers. CBC
A popular hiking trail in Banff National Park remains closed two weeks after a deadly rockfall. The incident happened near Bow Glacier Falls and took the lives of two hikers. Three others suffered injuries.
Officials closed the area on June 19 to keep visitors safe. A woman from Calgary and a man from British Columbia died after rocks came crashing down along the trail.
Park officials assess the area
Parks Canada is currently checking the area through a geotechnical review. They want to understand the land conditions before reopening. Amy Krause, a spokesperson, said there's no set date for when the trail will reopen.
The closure stays in place while experts continue their work. Krause said they haven’t received reports of anyone breaking the rules so far.
Heavy fines for breaking rules
If anyone ignores the closure signs and enters the area, they could face serious consequences. The fine can go up to $25,000. In some cases, people may even face arrest.
Officials remind visitors that safety must come first, especially in areas with recent rockfalls.
No warning before the tragedy
Experts say the rockfall happened without any warning. There were no signs ahead of time that the rocks would fall. The cause was natural mountain movement—something common in this kind of landscape.
Park officials stressed that this kind of event is hard to predict or prevent.
Stay alert and follow safety rules
Hiking in the mountains always carries some risk. Visitors are urged to stay on marked paths and follow any posted warnings. If an area is closed, it's for everyone's safety.
Many hikers love the Bow Glacier Falls trail for its beauty and views. But right now, that same trail poses danger.
Officials want to avoid more accidents and ask for public cooperation during this time.
No reopening date yet
The area near Bow Glacier Falls will stay closed until further notice. Park teams need time to make sure it’s safe again. Until then, hikers are encouraged to explore other open trails in the park.
