LAKE LOUISE – A woman who fell over a ledge near Peyto Lake earlier this week remains in a Calgary hospital with serious injuries.
A 53-year-old woman walking west of the Peyto Lookout area went off the trail onto a rock band, where she fell between five and eight metres onto the boulders below on the afternoon of Monday (June 26).
"STARS transported a 53-year-old female patient to Foothills Medical Centre where she arrived in critical condition," said Deb Tetley, a spokesperson for STARS air ambulance.
Parks Canada officials say the woman suffered head and neck injuries as well as a pelvis fracture.
“Her husband and other hikers reached her immediately, including an emergency room doctor and two firefighters,” said Suzanne White, a spokesperson for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit in an email statement.
“Nearby Parks Canada aquatics and environmental assessment staff also responded with a First Aid kit.”
Highway 93 North was closed for about 90 minutes for both Alpine Helicopters and STARS air ambulance to land at a parking lot near Peyto Lake. The highway reopened around 4:30 p.m.
The area was secured by Lake Louise’s fire department and park law enforcement wardens.
“Parks Canada and Alpine Helicopters evacuated the patient via helicopter long line,” said White.
White said visitors are reminded to avoid cliff edges and stay on designated pathways.
“Be aware of hazards such as loose rocks, soft soil and slippery areas when walking or hiking on or off the trails,” she said.
