Kananaskis Country

Advisories & Public Safety

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Bear Cougar Water Closure All

  • 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

  • Construction Closure - Bow River Campground Closure

      June 15, 2019

      • Effective Date: June 24 until June 28, 2019
      • Where: Bow River Campground
      • Why: For construction to finalize the water infrastructure and testing for the campground to insure water services will be turned on.

  • Bear Warning - Ribbon Creek Trail

      June 12, 2019

      • Effective Date: June 12, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Ribbon Creek Trail between the bike rack and Ribbon Falls
      • Why: Unconfirmed report of a fawn carcass in the creek close to the trail

    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 - 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.

  • Construction Closure - Ha Ling Trail

      June 6, 2019

      • Effective Date: April 3, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Ha Ling Trail and Ha Ling climbing routes.  
      • Why: Please be advised that there are construction activities taking place on the Ha Ling Trail, and a full mountain closure remains in place. Heavy equipment and crews will be working in the area to complete trail repairs and upgrades, the hazard of falling rock will remain throughout the duration of the project. To support construction of the new hiking trail alignment, high risk activities including rock removal/placement are required. Caution should be used, particularly around heavy equipment in the Goat Creek Trailhead parking lot, and all posted signage and instructions from flagging staff must be obeyed. Alberta Parks will not permit access to hiking and climbing routes on Ha Ling Peak during the area closure. Alberta Parks users are asked to respect the closure notices for their own safety and the safety of workers.

       

      Visitors looking for alternatives to Ha Ling Peak can call the Kananaskis Information Line at 1-403-678-0760 or via a Kananaskis Information Centre such as Barrier Lake, Elbow Valley or Peter Lougheed.

    Map of Affected Area

  • Water Advisory - Bow River Campground

      June 3, 2019

      • Effective Date: June 3, 2019 until June 28, 2019
      • Where: Bow River Campground
      • Why: There will be no water service to campsites, and no access to the dump station.

         

  • Bear Warning - Grassi Lakes Day Use Area and Trails

      June 3, 2019

      • Effective Date: June 3, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Grassi Lakes Day Use Area, trail and surrounding area
      • Why: Black bear sow 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 Closure - Opal Ridge near Fortress Junction

      June 2, 2019

      • Effective Date: June 2, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: Opal ridge area including the entire opal ridge from 2.5km North of Fortress Junction along Hwy 40 to Grizzly creek in the south.  The closure extends to the east including the east flank of Opal Ridge and the valley bottom east of Opal Ridge.
      • Why: Female Grizzly Bear with 2 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.

    Map of Affected Area

  • 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: May 14, 2019 until further notice
      • Where: All trails and area at the Canmore Nordic Center Provincial Park from highway 742 to the meadow.
      • Why: Black bear sow with cubs 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 - Grassi Lakes Climbing Routes

      May 13, 2019

      • Effective Date: April 21, 2018 until further notice
      • Where: Left side of the Graceland rock climbing area due to an owl nesting site near the following climbing routes on Grassi Lakes:
        • You Ain’t Nothing But a Hang Dog
        • Memphis
        • It’s Now or Never 
      • Why: To minimize disturbances to an owl nesting site.

  • 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 - Barrier Dam Day Use

      April 1, 2019

      • Effective Date: April 01, 2019 - June 28, 2019
      • Where: Barrier Dam Day Use
      • Why: Heavy equipment and crews will be working on site to facilitate expansion and redevelopment of Barrier Dam Day Use area. The construction closure of Barrier Dam Day Use will impact parking and access to some facilities and trails. Alternative access to Prairie View Trail, Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground and related trail networks is available from the North via Quaite Valley and Jewell Pass trails. 

      May 9th Update: We are now going to allow access to the trails by hiking along the shoreline. Parking along highway 40 is still prohibited and the access along the lake is use at your own risk.

    Map of Affected Area

  • Construction Advisory - Jura Creek

      March 25, 2019

      • Effective Date: March 25, 2019 - June 21, 2019
      • Where: Jura Creek, located east of the Hamlet of Exshaw on Hwy 1A
      • Why: Creation of a parking lot, washroom and garbage facilities and improvements to the highway intersection.  Users will need to watch for men and equipment working as well as reductions to speed limits in the 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 Advisory - Sikome Lake Water treatment plant

      October 22, 2018

      • Effective Date: October 22, 2018 until further notice
      • Where: Sikome Lake Water treatment plant, Sikome Lake, and area north-east of Sikome Lake.
      • Why: Heavy equipment and crews will be on site completing Upgrades to the Sikome Water Treatment Plant and the associated infrastructure. Work will primarily take place in the fenced area of Sikome Lake and not accessible to public. However caution should be used, particularly when heavy equipment is outside the fence perimeter. Posted signage and instructions from flagging staff must be obeyed.

  • Construction Closure - Sentinel Day Use Area

      August 27, 2018

      • Effective Date: August 16, 2018 to June 27, 2019
      • Where: Sentinel Day Use Area
      • Why: Due to early winter conditions, construction has been postponed until next season.

  • Construction Closure - Bebo Grove Washroom Facility

      July 27, 2018

      • Effective Date: July 30, 2018 until further notice.
      • Where: Bebo Grove Day Use Washroom Facility
      • 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

  • Construction Closure - Tombstone Backcountry Campground

      September 18, 2017

      • Effective Date: September 18, 2017 until further notice
      • Where: Tombstone Backcountry Campground
      • Why: Tombstone Backcountry Campground will be closed for facility upgrades.

  • 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