Outdoor enthusiasts heading to Kananaskis Country this spring need to stay on high alert. Alberta Parks has issued multiple bear warnings across the region west of Calgary following two separate aggressive encounters that have forced the closure of several beloved hiking destinations.
The first incident occurred on Mount Shark Road near the Tryst Lake Parking area in Spray Valley Provincial Park, approximately 25 kilometres south of Canmore. A bear bluff charged a pedestrian, prompting parks officials to immediately shut down the Tryst Lake Parking area until further notice. The warning now extends to all trails and areas surrounding Mount Shark Road and Mount Engadine.
Just days earlier, on May 4, another bluff charge occurred near the Nakiska ski area, roughly 50 kilometres southeast of Canmore. That encounter brought a bear within just four feet of a hiker, sending officials scrambling to issue warnings across a vast swath of popular recreational areas.
Multiple Trails Closed or Under Advisory
The expanded closure list includes some of Kananaskis' most frequented destinations: Hummingbird Plume Lookout Trail, Troll Falls Trail, Sunburst Trail, Stoney Trail, Skogan Pass Trail, High Level Trail, Hay Meadow Trail, Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area, and Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park.
Despite the advisories, Alberta Parks emphasizes that bears can appear in the backcountry at any time, regardless of official warnings. The province is urging all visitors to take precautions seriously.
What You Need to Know Before Heading Out
If you're planning a Kananaskis adventure, Alberta Parks recommends:
Safety practices: Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Listen and watch for bears or signs of bear activity. Travel in groups rather than solo. Keep dogs leashed. Make plenty of noise as you hike to avoid surprising wildlife.
Essential gear: Carry bear spray and know how to use it before you venture into the backcountry. Keep the spray accessible — not buried at the bottom of your pack.
Food management: Secure all food, garbage, pet food, and scented items in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof containers. Never leave attractants unattended.
Report Sightings Immediately
Anyone who encounters a bear or spots one in the area is asked to report it immediately by calling 403-591-7755. Quick reporting helps Alberta Parks track bear movement and adjust warnings accordingly.
The warnings come as spring hiking season reaches its peak, with Albertans eager to explore the stunning trails of Kananaskis after winter. While bear encounters remain relatively rare, these recent bluff charges serve as a critical reminder that the backcountry is wild animal habitat.
This report was originally compiled by Global Calgary and updated by WestNet News.