Parks Canada closes Johnston Canyon after suspected drowning

Parks Canada closed the johnston canyon Trail and Day-Use Area after a suspected drowning at Lower Falls in Banff National Park. RCMP said the report came in around 6:45 p.m. Friday, and emergency crews were responding on Saturday.

Lower Falls at Johnston Canyon

Parks Canada said around 11 a.m. Saturday that the drowning reports happened at the Lower Falls at Johnston Canyon Trail. RCMP said it is believed someone jumped into the rapids and never resurfaced.

Mounties are leading the investigation, while park rangers are leading the recovery efforts. The response has kept the trail and day-use area closed, and Parks Canada asked members of the public to stay away so emergency responders can work safely.

Parks Canada response

Parks Canada said, "Parks Canada extends sincere condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones during this difficult time" and added, "Out of respect for the individual involved and their family, Parks Canada will not share further details at this time."

For visitors, the immediate change is access: the Johnston Canyon Trail and Day-Use Area are closed while crews work at the Lower Falls site. Anyone planning to hike there will need to avoid the area until the closure is lifted.

RCMP and park rangers

The incident is now split between two tasks. RCMP is handling the investigation, and park rangers are handling recovery work. That division means the closure is not a routine access restriction; it is tied to an active emergency response at one of Banff National Park’s busiest hiking areas.

The public instruction is simple and direct: stay away from Johnston Canyon so responders can carry out their work. For anyone headed into Banff National Park, the affected trail and day-use area are off-limits for now.