Two people were killed and three others injured in a rockslide on Thursday while hiking near Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park, Alberta, one of Canada’s most visited natural landmarks. The victims were part of a group on a popular 2.7-mile trail near Lake Louise, a key tourist draw known for its striking alpine scenery.

Authorities confirmed the death of a 70-year-old woman from Calgary and recovered the second victim’s body on Friday, though further details have not been disclosed. Emergency responders, using helicopters and thermal imaging, ensured no others were trapped. Thirteen individuals, including bystanders, were safely evacuated from the area.

François Masse, superintendent with Parks Canada, described the event as “extremely rare,” stating it was neither foreseeable nor preventable. While rockfalls are a known natural risk in mountainous regions, often caused by water seeping into rock fissures, freezing, and forcing cracks to widen, officials emphasized the unusually large size of the slab involved in this incident. The region had experienced recent rainfall, which may have contributed to slope instability, though Thursday's weather was clear.

Authorities have deployed a geotechnical engineer to assess the site for further hazards and closed off the area to the public as a precaution. The identities of the injured have not been released, and their conditions remain undisclosed.

This tragedy underscores the growing vulnerability of outdoor recreation to natural hazards, a concern echoed in other regions impacted by climate volatility. From fatal landslides in Italy to glacier collapses in the Alps and flooding in Yellowstone, global tourism hotspots increasingly face the challenges of sudden geological and environmental shifts. As outdoor activities surge in popularity, particularly post-pandemic, park officials and governments worldwide are being urged to re-evaluate safety protocols and public education efforts to navigate the unpredictable forces of nature.