BANFF, Alberta — Parks Canada says the massive rock slide that killed two people and injured several others along a popular hiking trail in Banff National Park was a rare and tragic act of nature — one that could neither have been predicted nor prevented.
The slide occurred early Thursday afternoon near Bow Glacier Falls, a scenic destination roughly 200 kilometres northwest of Calgary. The force of the rockfall left two hikers dead and sent three others to hospital, two of them airlifted in critical condition.
“This was an extremely rare geological event for this region — neither preventable nor predictable,” said François Massé, Parks Canada’s superintendent for the area, during a virtual press briefing Friday. “Our focus now is on ensuring the site is safe before reopening it to the public.”
A Deadly Collapse
Authorities confirmed the victims were part of a group of 13 people caught near the debris when the mountainside gave way. Emergency crews, aided by bystanders already administering first aid, raced to the remote location along Highway 93. Despite the swift response, the treacherous conditions delayed recovery efforts, with the second victim’s body retrieved only on Friday.
The first victim was identified as Jutta Hinrichs, a 70-year-old retired academic from Calgary. Hinrichs, remembered as a beloved occupational therapist and nature lover, had just returned from a hiking trip in Peru. Officials have not yet released details about the second deceased hiker, pending notification of next of kin.
A Scene of Chaos and Courage
Witnesses described scenes of panic and bravery. Kamala Dixon, hiking on the opposite side of the falls, saw the rockslide and rushed to help. “I realized there were people in the path of the falling rocks. I put my phone away and ran to assist,” she said. “It was chaotic. People were risking their own safety to provide first aid.”
Rescue teams from Banff, Jasper, Calgary, and surrounding areas worked through the night. Search dogs, helicopters, and thermal imaging drones confirmed no one else was missing.
The Aftermath
Parks Canada has closed the affected area while experts assess the stability of the mountainside. The Bow Lake area reopened Friday, though a no-fly zone remains in effect to support ongoing safety measures. Meanwhile, visitors at Bow Hut and along unaffected trails are safe, and the Icefields Parkway remains open with possible traffic delays.
“This tragic event is a stark reminder of the powerful natural forces that shape our mountain landscapes,” Massé said. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected.”
