Effective Date: July 14, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area , Link Trail , Ribbon Creek Day Use , Ribbon Creek Trail , Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground , Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campground , Spray Valley Provincial Park

Ribbon Creek Trail and the surrounding area from Ribbon Creek Day Use through to just northeast of Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground, including the Memorial Lakes Basin, is closed until further notice. This includes the Link Trail. 

Ribbon Falls and Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campgrounds are now open.

While these campgrounds are now open, they can only be accessed from the Buller Pass Trailhead on the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail (Highway 742), or the Galatea Trailhead on Highway 40, and travelled as out-and-back trips.

Visitors should expect the following hazards:

• These routes require hikers to cross mountain passes and significant elevation gain/loss.
• Travel distances and elevation changes are substantially greater than the traditional access routes.
• Visitors should only undertake these trips if they have the fitness, experience, equipment, and time required for backcountry travel.
• Careful trip planning is essential.

Visitors travelling between Ribbon Lake and Ribbon Falls must navigate the Ribbon Lake headwall.

• The headwall is a steep, physically demanding section of trail that gains significant elevation over a short distance.
• Hikers will encounter exposed terrain with cables, uneven and rocky footing, loose surfaces, and sections where extra care is required, particularly during wet conditions. (harnesses with appropriate via ferrata lanyards are recommended)
• This route is not recommended for inexperienced hikers or those uncomfortable with heights, exposure, or sustained steep ascents and descents.
• Due to the steep terrain, exposure, and challenging footing, dogs are not recommended on this section of trail during this period of limited site access.

Effective Date: July 3, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Black Prince Day Use , Chester Lake Day Use , Driftwood Day Use , High Rockies Trail , Sparrowhawk Day Use , Spray Valley Provincial Park

The following sections of the High Rockies Trail are closed: 

• From Driftwood Day Use Area to Sparrowhawk Day Use Area (at the Junction of High Rockies Trail and Sparrowhawk Connector)
• From Chester Lake Trailhead (at the junction of Burstall Pass connector and High Rockies Trail) to Black Prince Day Use Area (at the junction of Black Prince Connector Trail and High Rockies Trail).

Widespread damage from recent significant precipitation and high stream flows. Crews are working to assess and repair the damage.

Effective Date: June 29, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Bow Valley Provincial Park , Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park , Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area , Highwood House Day Use , Kananaskis Country , Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area , Peter Lougheed Provincial Park , Sheep River Provincial Park , Spray Valley Provincial Park

The State of Local Emergency for Kananaskis has ended.

Crews are conducting detailed assessments of trails, campgrounds, day-use areas, roads and other infrastructure impacted by flooding and high water. While access has been restored to many areas, numerous backcountry campgrounds, trails and day use areas remain closed while damage is assessed, and repairs are planned.

Visitors are reminded use extreme caution around waterways, obey all posted signs, barricades and closures. Please stay off closed trails and out of restricted areas to protect your safety, allow crews to complete their work, and help prevent further damage to already vulnerable landscapes and infrastructure.

If you encounter hazards or damage after an area has reopened, only proceed with your recreation if safe to do so. Any hazards or damage discovered can be reported via email at AlbertaParks.ca/ContactUs. Include location details and photos if possible.

Check AlbertaParks.ca/Advisories and local weather forecasts before you visit. 

Highway 40: Road access has been reestablished for visitors travelling HWY 742 up to the rockslide closure and both directions along HWY 40, including HWY 40 South. Access across the Evan Thomas Bridge is open with work from highway crews continuing onsite. Travellers are encouraged to check 511 Alberta for the most up to date information.

Current road closures:

• Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) - Canmore Hill, full closure

Effective Date: June 24, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Mount Engadine Lodge , Rummel Lake Trail , Spray Valley Provincial Park , Mount Shark Road

A Grizzly bear exhibited persistent, dog-focused behavior during an encounter with a hiker and their leashed dog. The bear made repeated approaches, closing to within approximately one metre.

Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered 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 it.
• Secure attractants like food, garbage, pet food and any scented items in hard sided vehicles or bear proof lockers.
• Learn more about bear safety.

Report sightings and incidents to 403-591-7755.

Effective Date: June 8, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park , Spray Lakes West Campground , Spray Valley Provincial Park

Spray Lakes West Campground is open, however it is only accessible via Hwy 40 South and the unpaved portion of Hwy 742 N via Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.