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With school out and national park access now free, officials are warning of closures, bears and trail hazards in Banff and Kananaskis.
Access to Bow Glacier Falls in Banff National Park remains restricted following a deadly rockslide earlier this month.
The area is closed under subsection 36(1) of the National Parks General Regulations. The order was issued by the Banff superintendent on June 20 and will remain in effect until further notice to ensure public safety and support park operations.
Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act, which carries a maximum penalty of $25,000.
The closure continues as Parks Canada rolls out a nationwide free admission initiative through the Canada Strong Pass.
From June 20 through Sept. 2, visitors can enter all federally operated national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas without paying regular entry fees.
Parks Canada staff will remain at gates and visitor centres to assist guests. The free access does not apply to provincial or territorial parks, Sépaq parks in Quebec, municipal or private parks, or services provided by third parties.
The initiative also includes a 25 per cent discount on roofed accommodations and camping managed directly by Parks Canada. This includes tent and RV camping, oTENTik units, MicrOcubes, cabins, yurts, tipis, Ôasis pods, historic stays and backcountry sites. Reservation fees still apply.
The promotion will also reduce lockage and backcountry day-use fees at applicable northern sites and historic canals. Online and phone reservations made during the eligible window will receive the discount automatically. Visitors without reservations who register on-site will also receive the reduced rate.
While federal sites prepare for increased visitation, Alberta Parks has issued new warnings for the Kananaskis region.
A partial trail closure is in place along the Bill Milne Trail due to a grizzly bear with a cub frequently observed in the area. The closure affects the section between Mount Allan Drive and the Water Treatment Road. The remainder of the trail remains open.
Separately, a bear warning was issued June 26 for the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park after multiple black bears were seen near day-use areas.
Alberta Parks is reminding visitors to keep attractants secured, leash pets, travel in groups, carry bear spray, and report all bear sightings to 403-591-7755.
A weather-related trail advisory is also in effect for areas above 2,000 metres in the Spray, Kananaskis and Highwood valleys, where a June 21 snowstorm created hazardous hiking conditions.
Officials say trail crews are working to clear debris, but snow and downed trees have made travel slow and slippery. The risk of falling rock, landslides, and high stream crossings remains elevated during melt periods.
Hikers are urged to use proper footwear and navigation tools, carry emergency communication devices, and check conditions in advance.
Other bear warnings and wildfire-related closures remain in effect across Alberta Parks. The above advisories are the most recent as of June 27.
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