Kananaskis Country

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Bear Cougar Water Closure All

  • Closure - Blasting at Yamnuska Quarry

      August 20, 2019

      • Effective Date: Late on August 20, 2019 until August 21, 2019 once blasting is complete
      • Where: Yamnuska Day Use parking lot and trails within 600 m of the Lafarge Quarry
      • Why: Blasting operations. The parking lot will be closing on the evening of August 20. The area will not be open until blasting has completed for the day on August 21.

  • Bear Warning - Spray Lakes West Campground & Old Goat Glacier Trail

      August 18, 2019

      • Effective Date: August 18, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Spray West campground and the Old Goat Glacier undesignated random trail 
      • Why: Multiple black bears feeding in the area including a sow with two young of the year cubs. 

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Bear Warning - Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas

      August 16, 2019

      • Effective Date: August 16, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: All trails and area between Votiers Flats and Shannon Terrace Day Use Areas in Fish Creek Provincial Park
      • Why: Multiple bears feeding in the area.

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Construction Closure - McKinnon Flats Barn

      August 15, 2019

      • Effective Date: August 15, 2019 until September 30, 2019
      • Where: McKinnon Flats Barn
      • Why: Contractors are repairing the barn foundation at McKinnon Flats from August 15 to September 30.  There will be no public access to the homestead site during this time.  Access to the parking areas, boat launch and washrooms are not affected by this work.

  • Stream Changes Trail

      August 14, 2019

      • Effective Date: August 14, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Stream Changes Trail
      • Why: Stream Changes Trail will have the yellow tactile warning pads that are used at crossing intersections removed while we search for a permanent solution.  In the interim, please use additional caution when approaching these intersections.

  • Bear Warning - Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit & Aster Lake Trail

      August 13, 2019

      • Effective Date: August 13, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit, including the junction to Aster Lake to the top of the headwall.
      • Why: Multiple bears feeding in the area.

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Construction Advisory - Mount Allan Substation

      August 6, 2019

      • Effective Date: August 6, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Mount Allan Substation along Stoney Trail.
      • Why: Altalink and FortisAlberta will be conducting operations and further construction south of the substation on the right-of-way and within the boundary; approximately 1 km.

      To ensure that the public will continue to have access to areas beyond the Mount Allan 115s substation, a temporary trail will be constructed for public use along the southeast treeline. Please obey all signage, fencing and staking and stay away from the work site. Dedicated personnel will assist in monitoring and directing foot traffic when required.

       

  • Bear Closure - Bill Milne Bike Path and Wedge Pond Connector Trail

      August 5, 2019

      • Effective Date: August 5, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Bill Milne Bike Path connecting to Wedge Pond Connector Trail
      • Why: Multiple bears feeding in the area.

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Bear Warning - Highline Trail & Surrounding Area

      August 2, 2019

      • Effective Date: August 2, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Highline Trail, Riders of Rohan, East and West Connector Trails, and all access trails between Three Sisters Blvd and Peaks Drive and all land south and west of Three Sisters Parkway, including land within the Town of Canmore
      • Why: Grizzly bear sow with cubs

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

    Map of Affected Area

  • Bear Warning - Paddy's Flat Campground

      August 2, 2019

      • Effective Date: August 2, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Paddy's Flat Campground 
      • Why: Black Bears grazing on Buffalo Berries throughout the campground

       

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Bear Warning - Mount Kidd RV Park Campground

      July 29, 2019

      • Effective Date:   July 28, 2019 until further notice
      • Where:  Mt. Kidd RV Park Campground including campsites, trails and the permanent house trailer park.
      • Why: Back Bear frequenting the area.

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

    Map of Affected Area

  • Bear Closure - South of Mount Kidd RV Park

      July 23, 2019

      • Effective Date: July 23, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: The area of Evan Thomas Provincial Recreation Area South of Mount Kidd RV Park F-Loop bordered by the Kananaskis River on the west and Hwy 40 on the east, plus the powerline in this region.
      • Why: Multiple bears feeding on berries in the area

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

    Map of Affected Area

  • Bear Warning - Troll Falls, Hay Meadows, and Stoney Trail

      July 17, 2019

      • Effective Date: July 17 until further notice
      • Where: Troll Falls, Hay Meadow, and Stoney Trail
      • Why: Multiple bears frequenting the area

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Construction Advisory - Big Elbow Trail - East Bridge Washout Replacement

      July 17, 2019

      • Effective Date: July 17th, 2019 until end of October
      • Where: Big Elbow Trail from the Little Elbow Day Use Area to the East Bridge washout area  
      • Why: Please be advised that there will be contractor equipment and vehicles moving on the Big Elbow Trail from the Little Elbow Day Use Area to the East Bridge washout area. Vehicle movement and construction will begin and continue periodically Wednesday, July 17th and continue to the end of October. Heavy equipment and crews will be working on or near the east bridge washout site.  Crews will be building new bridge abutments approximately 100m up river from the washout site.  Caution should be used, particularly around heavy equipment, and all posted signage must be obeyed. The existing trail at the original bridge site will remain open.

  • Bear Warning - Moose Loop

      July 15, 2019

      • Effective Date: July 15 until further notice
      • Where: Moose Loop
      • Why: Black Bear feeding on carcass

       

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Fox Warning at Sundance Lodges

      June 17, 2019

      • Effective Date:  June 17, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Sundance Lodges, campground and area
      • Why: Food conditioned red fox in area. The fox has been approaching campers attempting to gain access to human food left in firepits, on picnic tables and in cooking areas.

         

        If this fox continues to receive food rewards from campers and becomes a safety risk, it may have to be destroyed. You can help protect this fox by: 

        • Ensuring all attractants are properly stored inside a vehicle or hard-sided trailer. No food, garbage, recyclables, pet food or other scented items can be left unattended outdoors or on your picnic table at any time, including when you are inside your trapper’s tent, teepee, or other camping unit.
        • Acting aggressively if you are approached by the fox. Stomp your feet, yell or use bear spray. These actions will help to teach the fox not to approach people.
        • Keeping close watch over young children.
        • Keeping your pet on a leash.

         

        Please report fox sightings in Sundance Lodges to 403-591-7755.

         Learn more about wildlife safety at www.wildsmart.ca

  • Bear Warning - Kananaskis Village

      June 9, 2019

      • Effective Date: June 9, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Kananaskis Village hotels and staff housing areas including the Village Rim trail, baseball diamond, and nearby circulation trails.
      • Why: Multiple Black Bears with cubs frequenting the area

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Bear Warning - Grassi Lakes Day Use Area and Trails

      June 3, 2019

      • Effective Date: July 15th, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Grassi Lakes Day Use Area, trail and surrounding area
      • Why: Numerous black bears frequenting the area including a sow with cubs.

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Bear Warning - Lower Lake Campground

      May 28, 2019

      • Effective Date: May 28th, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Lower Lake Campground
      • Why: Multiple Grizzly Bears in the area

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Bear Warning - Bear Warning at William Watson Lodge and Surrounding Trails

      May 26, 2019

      • Effective Date: May 26, 2019 until further notice.
      • Where: The William Watson Lodge facility including the areas around the guest cabins, campground and circulation trails including the Bill Benson Trail to the viewpoint on Lower Kananaskis Lake.
      • Why: Grizzly bear with two cubs frequenting the area.

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Construction Closure - Moose Mountain Trail

      May 21, 2019

      • Effective Date: May 21 until September 1, 2019
      • Where: Moose Mountain Trail from junction with Moose Packers to Moose Mountain Fire Lookout
      • Why: Construction of a new fire lookout.

    Map of Affected Area

  • Bear Warning - Canmore Nordic Center Provincial Park

      May 14, 2019

      • Effective Date: July 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
      • Why: Numerous black bears including a sow with cubs, and grizzly bears in area.

    Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

    • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
    • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
    • Keep your pet on a leash.
    • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
    • Learn more about bear safety on our webpage or at WildSmart.

    Please report all bear sightings immediately to 403-591-7755.

  • Closure - Valleyview Road

      April 10, 2019

      • Effective Date: April 10, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Valleyview Road from Hwy 40 (North) to Hwy 40 (South) including Little Highwood Pass Day Use Area
      • Why: Wildlife feeding on carcass

    Map of Affected Area

  • Construction Closure - Glennfield Day Use Areas & Parking Lot

      March 1, 2019

      • Effective Date: March 2019 – October 2020
      • Where: Glennfield Day Use Areas and Parking Lot, Fish Creek Provincial Park
      • Why: Heavy equipment and crews will be on site completing upgrades to Glennfield washrooms and group shelters and the associated infrastructure.The entire day use site, including the parking lot, will not be accessible to public for the 2019 season. Detours will be in place for commuters. Caution should be used when utilizing the trails systems around Glennfield area. Posted signage and instructions from flagging staff must be obeyed. There will be limited access to the site in the 2020 season to allow for vegetation regrowth following the construction.

  • Closure - Glennfield Washrooms

      February 25, 2019

      • Effective Date: Feb 25, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Glennfield washrooms
      • Why: Water main issue

  • Construction Closure - Bebo Grove Day Use

      July 27, 2018

      • Effective Date: July 27, 2018 until further notice.
      • Where: Bebo Grove Day Use
      • Why: Storm water infrastructure improvements by the City of Calgary in the area has required cutting power to the building. The parking area and access road are closed. Paved trail access from Shannon Terrace and Votier’s Flats and the Bebo picnic area remain open.
      • Portable toilets have been placed near the washroom building.

       

  • Construction Advisory - LaFarge Meadows Day Use

      July 27, 2018

      • Effective Date: July 27, 2018 until further notice 
      • Where: LaFarge Meadows Day Use via 194th Avenue will be closed
      • Why: 194th Avenue near Fish Creek Provincial Park is being reconstructed by West Creek Developments to City of Calgary roadway standards
      • Alternative pedestrian access is available via Chaparral Valley Drive.
      • Alternative parking and access is available at the south parking lots of Sikome Aquatic Facility via Sun Valley Boulevard or Bow Bottom Trail SE. See attached maps.

    Map of Affected Area

  • Construction Advisory - Legacy Trail Extension

      June 30, 2018

      • Effective Date: July 30, 2018 until further notice 
      • Where: Extension of the Legacy Trail from the Canmore Nordic Centre’s main parking lot to the Town of Canmore’s portion of the trail
      • Why: The Alberta Parks portion of the Legacy Trail Extension is complete and open to the public. The Town Of Canmore section is under construction and users should follow all signage and be aware of equipment and workers.

  • Area encompassing Sandy McNabb Road

      June 23, 2018

      • Effective Date: June 23, 2018 until further notice
      • Where:  The area encompassing Sandy McNabb road in Sandy McNabb Day Use.
      • Why: Roadside embankment has falling rocks and debris falling across the road. 

       

  • Closure - Widow Maker Trail

      October 30, 2017

      • Effective Date: October 30, 2017 until further notice
      • Where: Widow Maker Trail from Canoe Meadows to the Green Tongue river feature, downstream from the Barrier Visitor Information Center.  A re-route is available along the river.
      • Why: Hazardous conditions due to compromised trees

  • Washed Out Bridge Material in Sheep River

      June 20, 2017

      Please be advised of washed out bridge material in the Sheep River approximately 100m downstream from the Indian Oils Day Use area. The material extends into the flow causing a strainer and other risk of getting hung up with numerous protruding pieces. Caution is advised in this area.

  • Construction Closure - Canyon Interpretive Trail

      June 15, 2017

      • Effective Date: Closed until further notice
      • Where: Pocaterra Dam on the north end of Lower Kananaskis Lake to the Canyon Interpretive Trail
      • Why: Due to flood damage and construction activities.

Safety Links

Trail Reports
Wildlife
Minimizing Impacts
Backcountry Safety

Provincial Sources for Advisories

Alberta 5-1-1 Road Reports
Alberta Emergency Alert
Fire Bans & Restrictions
Blue Green Algae Advisories
Streamflow Advisories
Weather Alerts for Alberta