Search for American tourist's body in Banff National Park waterfall continues: RCMP

Tourists pose on the shore of Bow Lake near Bow Glacier Falls, seen in background, in Banff National Park on Friday, June 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

BANFF NATIONAL PARK — Mounties in Alberta say an American tourist who jumped into a rapidly moving waterfall in Banff National Park is likely dead.

RCMP spokesman Cpl. Mathew Howell says efforts to recover the 25-year-old man’s body from the water at Johnston Canyon entered its second day Sunday.

Howell says the man, who was visiting Alberta with friends from Pennsylvania, jumped into the water on Friday, just after 6:30 p.m., and didn’t resurface.

He says Parks Canada hasn’t been able to send divers due to the dangerous terrain and is instead using cameras, but strong currents caused by spring melt are making it difficult to see under water.

Parks Canada says in a social media post that it extends condolences to the man’s family and loved ones during this difficult time and that the canyon is closed until further notice.

Howell says the popular tourist site, located west of the town of Banff, has signs saying entering the water in the canyon is not allowed.

“Unfortunately, he may be deceased and it’s always heartbreaking to hear that,” Howell said Sunday.

“It’s a tragedy, especially for the family ... It’s just a reminder to everyone that yes, we have these beautiful parks, but there’s a reason why there’s paths you’re not supposed to go on, there’s a reason you’re not supposed jump in the water at certain areas.”

Howell said the man’s relatives, who weren’t with him at the park, are in touch with Mounties.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2026.