Search narrows in Waterton for missing 81-year-old hiker

An extensive search is underway in southern Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park after an 81-year-old hiker was reported missing over the weekend.

Bob Toothill communicated plans to hike Section A of the Great Divide Trail that stretches about 150 kilometres from Waterton to Coleman, Alberta in the Crowsnest Pass. He was last seen at the Rowe Lakes Trail on July 19th and failed to show up at Crowsnest Pass by his expected arrival on the 22^nd.

Toothill might be wearing dark blue shorts or pants, a light blue shirt, and carrying a grey backpack. According to Waterton Park on social media, Parks Canada has concentrated its search effort to a specific section of the National Park and is discouraging volunteer searches as the terrain being scoured is remote, rugged and can put people at risk.

No trail closures are currently in place, and authorities are asking anyone who might have information or was in the area to call 1-855-727-6825 Ext: 2.