Parks Canada Investigating Graffiti Near Devil’s Thumb In Lake Louise

Parks Canada is investigating after graffiti was found near Devil’s Thumb, a rocky viewpoint high above Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

Images shared show writing across several rocks along the hiking route. The photos also appear to show a marker left among the rocks.

“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,” James Eastham, public relations and communications officer for the Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit, told Bow Valley Insider.

“The matter is currently under investigation.”

Graffiti can come with serious penalties

Parks Canada says graffiti on rocks is considered damage to a natural object and is illegal in national parks.

“Destroying or damaging natural objects like rocks, trees and plants is strictly prohibited in national parks,” Eastham said. 

“National parks are shared spaces, and visitor actions matter.”

The rules specifically protect rocks.

Under the federal National Parks General Regulations, the definition of a “natural object” includes rock, as well as soil, sand, gravel, minerals, fossils and other naturally occurring objects.

Section 10 of the regulations prohibits removing, defacing, damaging or destroying a natural object except where specifically permitted or authorized.

Parks Canada also tells visitors to leave natural and cultural objects where they find them, including rocks, fossils, antlers, wildflowers and nests.

“Leave what you find, it is the law,” the agency states in its Banff National Park rules and regulations.

Fines can reach $25,000

In the case near Devil’s Thumb, Parks Canada says anyone found responsible for the graffiti could be required to appear in court and face fines of up to $25,000.

It is not yet clear who was responsible for the writing or when it was left. Parks Canada has not provided further details about the investigation.

Anyone with information that could help investigators is being asked to contact Banff Dispatch at 403-762-1470.