Search intensifies for Waterton missing hiker as 81-year-old B.C. man unaccounted for since July 19
Search underway in Waterton Lakes National Park for missing hiker Bob Toothill, 81, last seen July 19 on Rowe Lakes Trail. Call 1-855-727-6825 ext. 2 now.
Parks Canada and regional teams are leading a multi-day operation after a Golden, B.C., resident failed to arrive as planned in Coleman following a section of the Great Divide Trail. The Waterton missing hiker, identified as 81-year-old Bob Toothill, was last known to be on the Rowe Lakes Trail on July 19, prompting concern after more than a week without contact. Authorities are concentrating resources in and around the western reaches of Waterton Lakes National Park while coordinating searches beyond park boundaries.
Search concentrated in western Waterton
Parks Canada confirmed search activity is focused in the western portion of Waterton Lakes National Park where Toothill’s last known movements were recorded. Ground teams, park rangers and aerial assets have been deployed to cover established trails and adjacent terrain. Searchers are systematically checking campsites, ridgelines and watercourses where a lost hiker might seek shelter or become stranded.
Timeline and last confirmed sighting
Officials say Toothill was last seen on July 19 on the Rowe Lakes Trail after hiking a section of the Great Divide Trail, with plans to arrive in Coleman in the Crowsnest Pass. He did not reach his intended destination and did not make further contact, triggering notifications to family and emergency services. The gap between his last confirmed location and the time authorities were alerted has guided the focus and scale of the ongoing operation.
Profile of the missing hiker
Parks Canada identified the missing man as Bob Toothill, 81, of Golden, B.C., who had been travelling the trail independently. Authorities have publicly shared his name and basic travel plans to assist members of the public who may have seen him in the area. No additional personal medical details have been released, but search teams are treating the case with urgency given his age and the rugged terrain.
Coordinated response across agencies
Southwest Alberta Regional Search and Rescue is working alongside Parks Canada, local RCMP detachments and volunteer SAR groups to cover areas inside and outside the park. The multi-agency response includes parallel search lines and information sharing to avoid duplication and ensure safety for search crews. Parks Canada has emphasized that official teams, with specialized training and equipment, are managing the operation.
Public asked to share official information and avoid self-deploying
Parks Canada has asked the public to amplify official social media posts and information about the search, noting that sharing verified details is the most helpful action civilians can take. Authorities explicitly discourage volunteer searchers from self-deploying to search areas, citing safety risks and potential interference with coordinated efforts. Trails in the park remain open at this time, but visitors are urged to exercise caution and report any relevant sightings immediately.
How to report sightings or information
Anyone who was in the Waterton area around Rowe Lakes Trail after July 19 or who may have seen someone matching Toothill’s description is asked to contact Parks Canada at 1-855-727-6825, ext. 2. Witnesses should be prepared to provide the time, location, and a description of the individual, clothing, and any direction of travel. Even seemingly small details — a vehicle description, campsite location, or a brief sighting time — can assist search planners and narrow the search area.
The search remains active and dynamic as teams refine their search corridors based on terrain, last-known movements and any new information from the public. Parks Canada and partnering agencies continue to review trail cameras, hiker check-ins and other records that could clarify Toothill’s route after July 19. Family members and officials have not released further personal updates, while search coordinators maintain that public assistance via verified information is critical to the effort.
