Alberta Parks has issued a bear warning for six campgrounds in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, after it reported multiple grizzly and black bears frequenting the area — the latest in a string of July advisories and one full-area closure across the Kananaskis Region.
The newest warning, posted July 26 and in effect until further notice, applies to Canyon Campground, Boulton Creek Campground, Lower Lake Campground, Lower Lake Group Campground, Interlakes Campground, and William Watson Lodge and Campground.
The advisory follows a June 16 incident in which a black bear accessed and damaged an unoccupied tent at Boulton Creek Campground. Alberta Parks said the tent contained food attractants, but it is unclear whether the bear received a food reward. Because of proximity to Boulton Creek, the warning was extended to the surrounding campgrounds within the facility zone.
The July 27 advisory is the most recent in a series of bear warnings and one full-area closure issued by Alberta Parks across the Kananaskis Region this month, following grizzly and black bear activity on popular trails and near campgrounds.
On July 19, Alberta Parks issued a warning for the Troll Falls Trail system after a grizzly bear “bluff charged” a person in the area. The advisory includes Hay Meadows, the lower section of Skogan Pass, and the southern portion of Stoney Trail.
A separate warning has been in effect since July 16 for the trail network behind the University of Calgary Barrier Lake Research Station, where an adult grizzly bear has been repeatedly observed. The affected area includes trails accessed from Lusk Creek Provincial Recreation Area and Stoney Creek Group Campground, such as Baldy Pass, the Baldy–Lusk Connector, Lusk Pass, and several Barrier Lake forestry routes.
The only full-area closure currently in effect was issued July 15 for Commonwealth Valley and surrounding trails. Alberta Parks said the decision followed sightings of “multiple grizzly bears frequenting and feeding in the area.”
The closure impacts portions of both Peter Lougheed and Spray Valley provincial parks, including the Commonwealth Creek and Lake routes and Pig’s Back.
A warning remains in place for the Bill Milne Trail, where Alberta Parks said a grizzly bear “bluff charged” a hiker near Wedge Pond and Mt. Allan Drive on July 8. The advisory also applies to adjacent areas in Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area.
An earlier warning issued July 1 covers the Grassi Lakes Trail System and the Reclaimer Trail near Canmore. Alberta Parks said the advisory followed an increase in black bear activity in the area, which includes the Canmore Nordic Centre, Grassi Lakes day use site, and both the interpretive and upper trails.
Alberta Parks reminds visitors that bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time, regardless of whether a warning or closure is in effect.
To avoid a surprise encounter, officials advise the public to keep all food, garbage, recycling, pet food, and scented items secure and never unattended; travel in groups and make noise; be alert and look for bear signs; keep pets leashed; and carry bear spray, keep it accessible, and know how to use it.
Bear sightings should be reported immediately to 403-591-7755. Additional information is available at WildSmart and through Alberta Parks.
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