Calgary police have confirmed that the motorcade activity seen across the city in recent weeks is tied to escort training for the upcoming G7 Summit, scheduled to take place in Kananaskis from June 13 to 15.
In a May 27 social media post, CPS wrote:
"Hey Calgary! We've seen clips & photos of the motorcades circulating on social media & thought you should hear directly from Insp. Patterson."
The video featured Inspector Rob Patterson, who said his team is leading G7 motorcade escort operations in partnership with the RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs, and Edmonton Police Service.
"During that time, we're probably going to cause you some grief," Patterson said. "You will see our teams blocking intersections, moving motorcades through traffic… We just ask for your patience."
Patterson said escort operations are ongoing and will continue in and around Calgary in the lead-up to and during the summit.
CPS first posted a general motorcade advisory in late April and reissued the post on May 21. The notice stated that drivers and pedestrians may encounter "marked and unmarked police vehicles escorting vehicles throughout the city," and advised the public to obey all officer directions and remain alert.
Airdrie motorists heading to Calgary International Airport or travelling along Airport Trail N.E. will also face new restrictions from June 14 to 18.
In a separate May 23 update, CPS said the tunnel on Airport Trail N.E. will be closed beginning at 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, through Wednesday, June 18. CPS said the closure is intended "to ensure the safe arrival and departure of G7 delegates and world leaders."
The off-ramp from 19 Street N.E. to westbound Airport Trail will also be closed, and no stopping or parking will be allowed around the perimeter of the airport between Saturday, June 14 and Wednesday, June 18. CPS said the north end of McCall Way will be limited to airport employees and businesses only, with a security checkpoint in place.
CPS advised travellers from east Calgary to use Country Hills Boulevard N.E. to access Barlow Trail N.E. as an alternate route. Airport Trail N.E. will remain open from Deerfoot Trail to Barlow Trail — but the tunnel will be inaccessible.
Airdrie-area drivers may also encounter temporary closures or rolling stoppages as motorcades escort G7 delegates to and from the airport.
Kananaskis closures and RCMP-controlled access zone
The RCMP is leading overall security for the 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit, working in coordination with local, provincial, and federal partners through the Integrated Safety and Security Group.
According to the RCMP, a Controlled Access Zone (CAZ) will be in effect in Kananaskis from June 10 to 18, with vehicle screening checkpoints on Highway 40 near Mount Lorette Ponds and 10 km farther south.
Access will be restricted to authorized personnel, residents, and businesses. Temporary permits, staffed checkpoints, and clear signage will be used to maintain essential access.
The northern CAZ boundary begins near Mount Lorette Ponds, extending south to Galatea Creek parking lot. The western edge runs along Highway 742’s eastern slope — closing most trails east of the road. The southern boundary ends near the Kananaskis Lakes Trail Junction. The eastern boundary follows the mountain ridge east of the valley.
RCMP responsibilities include site protection, access control, risk assessment, emergency coordination, traffic management, and community outreach.
Day-use and trail closures across Kananaskis have been confirmed by Alberta Parks to support summit security. As of Wednesday, May 28, the following are listed on the Alberta Parks website:
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Galatea Day Use and Mount Lorette Ponds (May 20–June 20)
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Ribbon Creek, Centennial Ridge Trail, Coal Mine Trail, Evan-Thomas PRA (May 21–June 30)
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Mount Kidd RV Park (May 15–June 30)
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Beaver Ponds, Evan-Thomas, Troll Falls, Wedge Pond day-use areas (May 24–June 30)
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Kananaskis Village Common Area (June 10–18)
These closures are also reflected in RCMP operational documents for the Controlled Access Zone. Additional closures listed by the RCMP include:
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Highwood Pass (Highway 40) from Highwood Junction to Kananaskis Lakes Trail Junction (June 1–20)
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Nakiska Ski Area (April 22–July 30)
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Kovach Pond (March 10–July 31)
The RCMP said, "Our main role is to ensure a safe and secure event for everyone involved, including participants, residents, and visitors."
Temporary airspace restrictions will also be in effect during the summit, prohibiting unauthorized aircraft and drones within a designated no-fly zone. The RCMP said details will be released in coordination with Transport Canada.
Both the RCMP and Alberta Parks have advised that all closure dates are subject to change, and visitors as well as residents are urged to check before planning trips. The most up-to-date information can be found online.
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