RCMP Confirms US Tourist Drowned in Banff National Park

An RCMP epaulette is seen in Edmonton on Feb. 5, 2025. The Canadian Press/Jason Franson

The RCMP says a U.S. man who went missing in Banff National Park on May 1 has been found dead in what investigators are calling an accidental drowning.

Police received a report around 6:45 p.m. that a person may have drowned after jumping into the Lower Falls area at the Johnston Canyon Trail, one of the most visited sites in the park. Parks Canada immediately closed the trail and launched a search operation involving emergency responders.

In an update on May 3, Parks Canada said the RCMP had confirmed a suspected fatality linked to an incident at Johnston Canyon, adding that the investigation remained ongoing. The trail was reopened the following day after search efforts were completed.

In a subsequent statement, the RCMP confirmed the victim was a 25-year-old man from Pennsylvania. No further details about the circumstances of the incident have been released.

Johnston Canyon is a popular hiking destination in Banff National Park known for its narrow limestone canyon, waterfalls, and elevated catwalks that run along steep cliffs. Parks Canada has previously warned that the terrain can pose safety risks, particularly when visitors leave designated trails or approach fast-moving water.

Lower Falls is located approximately 1.2 kilometres from the trailhead, with a round trip hike of about one hour, according to Parks Canada.

While fatalities in Banff National Park are rare, the most common reported non-fatal incidents involve falls during hiking, scrambling, and climbing, which account for roughly half of documented cases in Parks Canada safety summaries. These include slips on trails, missteps on uneven terrain, and falls in exposed alpine areas.

The second most frequent category involves hikers or climbers becoming lost, stranded, or overdue, accounting for an estimated 15 to 25 percent of incidents and often resulting in search-and-rescue operations. Avalanche-related incidents are less frequent overall, making up roughly 10 to 20 percent of cases, but account for a disproportionately high share of fatalities due to their severity and the remote terrain in which they occur.

Parks Canada advises visitors to plan ahead, stay on marked trails, and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions. Officials urge hikers to wear appropriate footwear, carry sufficient food, water, and navigation tools, and to turn back if conditions deteriorate or terrain becomes unsafe. In winter and spring, it warns that avalanche terrain can extend well beyond maintained areas and recommends checking daily forecasts and carrying essential safety equipment, including a transceiver, probe, and shovel, before entering backcountry areas. Visitors are also encouraged to travel in groups, share trip plans with others, and ensure they have enough daylight to complete their route safely.

Parks Canada says most incidents in the park are preventable with proper preparation, awareness of conditions, and respect for closures and posted warnings.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.