Parks Canada has confirmed that an active investigation is ongoing after a natural stone in Banff’s protected national Park was vandalized.
An image began circulating online of the boulder with several names on it, most of which seemed to be of Indian origin, appearing to be signed on September 18, 2026.
On Friday, Parks Canada confirmed with Juno News that the natural park preservation department was investigating the graffiti and warned that graffiti on natural objects in protected parks is considered illegal.
“Parks Canada is aware of images circulating online that show graffiti near the Devil’s Thumb in the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park,” a spokesperson for Parks Canada told Juno News in an email. “The matter is currently under investigation.”
The spokesperson warned that “destroying or damaging natural objects like rocks, trees and plants is strictly prohibited in national parks.”
“National parks are shared spaces, and visitor actions matter. Graffiti on rocks is considered damage to a natural object and is illegal under Section 10 of the Canada National Park Act General Regulations,” the spokesman said. “Violators may be required to appear in court and could face fines of up to $25,000.”
He also urged anyone with information that may assist with the investigation to contact Banff Dispatch at 403‑762‑1470.
