Alberta’s government, Bow Valley communities, and partners are reducing wildfire risk through fireguards, fuel reduction, and ongoing FireSmart work.
Work on the next phase of the Bow Valley Community Fireguard began August 18 at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. This project is a partnership between the Town of Canmore, Government of Alberta, Municipal District of Bighorn, and Kananaskis Improvement District.
The fireguard work is separated into three areas, two of which are located at the east end of the Nordic Centre (upper and lower) and one at the west end to the boundary of Banff National Park. The majority of work at the Canmore Nordic Centre is expected to be complete by the end of October 2025, with some additional areas closed over the winter and to be completed by Spring 2026.
This work will involve mechanical tree removal and forest thinning with log hauling though Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park and will use heavy equipment and forestry machinery. Many trails in the area will remain open for recreation, but some will be closed, or have access restrictions.
A list of closed trails is provided below. Download a map of affected trails.
In addition to the fireguard work, Alberta Parks is also undertaking targeted forest fuel reduction which will remove trees and vegetation in specific patches of land above Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park.
These areas will provide improvements to wildlife habitat around Canmore and the Canmore Nordic Centre, with the aim of enhancing human-wildlife coexistence by providing space for animals away from human development, recreation areas and trails. They will also support wildfire mitigation efforts in the Bow Valley.
Most of the work will involve the removal of coniferous trees which are the most flammable. Douglas fir and deciduous trees will be retained.
Wildfire mitigation can involve a range of practices, from fireguards to fuel reduction and Alberta’s approach prioritizes community safety while being mindful of wildlife habitat.
Alberta Parks is working with our partners to ensure this work can happen with minimal disruption to visitors, and work will take place concurrently with the fireguard project.
The Odyssey Trail will remain open but has two road crossings where trail users will have to use caution, and cyclists will have to dismount.
Closed August 18 - mid-October 2025
Closed August 18 – Spring 2026
Map of work in area: (Enlarge map on mouseover)
For More Information: Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge: 403-678-2400
