Alberta Parks has issued a bear warning for the entirety of Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley after an “exceptional berry crop” led to more bear sightings, close encounters, and bluff charges in the region.
The advisory, effective Aug. 12 until further notice, applies to all provincial parks and protected areas within Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley, including Bow Valley Provincial Park, Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, Elbow Falls Provincial Recreation Area, Elbow River PRA, Evan-Thomas PRA, Little Elbow PRA, McLean Creek PRA, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Sheep River Provincial Park, and Spray Valley Provincial Park.
"Expect to encounter bears!" the advisory underlines.
Officials noted that bears may be more reluctant to move away from their food source, hence visitors should be vigilant and look for bear foods and sign (berries and scat).
"If you see a bear: stop, speak calmly, and slowly leave the area — give them plenty of space."
Officials say both grizzly and black bears are frequenting day-use areas, campgrounds, trails and roadways.
On Aug. 11, a separate closure was issued for the Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit Trail from North Interlakes Day Use to White Spruce Day Use, including the 1982 Canadian Mount Everest Expedition Interpretive Trail and the entire shoreline within the section. Officials say multiple bears are feeding in the area and a grizzly bear bluff charge was reported.
Alberta Parks notes bears can be encountered anywhere in the Kananaskis Region at any time. Safety recommendations include:
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Keep all attractants secure from bears, including food, garbage, recycling, pet food and any other scented item. Never leave these items unattended.
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Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
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Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
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Keep your pet on a leash.
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Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and know how to use bear spray.
Current bear warnings and closures
Bear Warning — Entirety of Kananaskis Country and Bow Valley
Effective: Aug. 12, 2025
Where: All provincial parks and protected areas within Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley
Why: Exceptional berry crop leading to increased sightings and close encounters with both grizzly and black bears in day-use areas, campgrounds, trails, and along roadways
Bear Closure — Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit Trail
Effective: Aug. 11, 2025
Where: From North Interlakes Day Use to White Spruce Day Use; includes 1982 Canadian Mount Everest Expedition Interpretive Trail and all shoreline in this section
Why: Multiple bears feeding; reported grizzly bear bluff charge
Bear Warning — Canyon Creek Road
Effective: Aug. 10, 2025
Where: Canyon Creek Road
Why: Grizzly bear bluff-charged person with dog
Bear Warning — Ribbon Creek Trail and parking area
Effective: Aug. 8, 2025
Where: Ribbon Creek Trail and parking area
Why: Grizzly bluff-charged hiker near parking lot; multiple grizzly sightings
Bear Closure — Bill Milne Trail from Kananaskis Village to Mount Kidd RV Park
Effective: Aug. 7, 2025
Where: From Kananaskis Village to Mount Kidd RV Park (section from Mount Kidd to Wedge Pond remains open)
Why: Multiple grizzlies and black bears feeding on berries; one bluff charge reported
Bear Warning — Bill Milne Trail from Mount Kidd to Wedge Pond
Effective: Aug. 7, 2025
Where: Mount Kidd to Wedge Pond
Why: Grizzly bluff-charged hiker
Bear Closure — Area south of Gorge Creek Trail
Effective: Aug. 6, 2025
Where: South of Gorge Creek Trail, west to Bluerock Creek Trail, east to Indian Oils trail gate (Gorge Creek and Bluerock Creek Trails remain open; no off-trail travel)
Why: Grizzly feeding on cow carcass
Bear Warning — Mount Shark Road and Smith-Dorrien Trail (Hwy. 742)
Effective: Aug. 6, 2025
Where: Between Mount Shark Road and Sparrowhawk Day Use
Why: Grizzlies feeding on berries; close encounter with cyclist, bear spray deployed
Bear Closure — Buller Mountain Day Use, including Buller Pond Hiker-Biker Camping
Effective: Aug. 6, 2025
Where: Buller Mountain Day Use (trailhead parking open for Buller Pass hikers)
Why: Multiple grizzlies, including with cubs, feeding on berries
Bear Warning — Mount Kidd RV Park
Effective: Aug. 5, 2025
Where: Mount Kidd RV Park
Why: Grizzly with cubs frequenting area
Bear Warning — Buller Mountain Trailhead
Effective: Aug. 5, 2025
Where: Buller Mountain Trailhead
Why: Multiple grizzlies feeding on berries
Bear Warning — Galatea Trail
Effective: Aug. 2, 2025
Where: Galatea Trail
Why: Close encounter; bear spray deployed
Bear Warning — Kovach Trail
Effective: Aug. 1, 2025
Where: Kovach Trail, near Little Kidd Lookout trail and surrounding area
Why: Bear bluff-charged hikers; bear spray deployed
All bear sightings should be reported immediately to 403-591-7755.
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