As Alberta prepares to host the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis from June 15 to 17, select roads, campgrounds, day-use areas, and trails in the area will be temporarily closed before, during, and after the Summit.
To support the security of the G7 Summit, the RCMP will establish a controlled access zone, which will be closed to the general public, from June 10 – 18 in Kananaskis Country. Expect access restrictions, road closures, traffic detours, temporary closures and increased security presence. Some site closures are already in place and may extend into July. These measures are essential for the event's success and the safety of all participants.
As the G7 Summit approaches, be sure to check for official updates on Kananaskis closures and alternative routes on the RCMP’s Integrated Safety and Security Group website and AlbertaParks.ca/Advisories. Planning ahead will help ensure you have a successful and enjoyable visit.
Many areas will still be open to visitors, but you may experience traffic delays or need to take an alternate route as Highway 40 will be closed from June 10 - 18 between Mount Lorette Ponds and Galatea Day Use areas. The Highwood Pass (Highway 40 from Highwood Junction to the Kananaskis Lakes Trail Junction) will be closed to vehicle traffic up to and including June 20 and will open June 21.
Some areas not located within the controlled access zone may also be impacted due to the closure of the Highwood Pass. This may include campsites, group areas and backcountry camping located near or along the Highwood Pass in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Spray Valley Provincial Park and Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park.
While campgrounds will remain open, visitors with affected reservations will be contacted directly and offered a full refund due to the reduced access. Campers and users still planning to visit the affected area should be aware that access to campgrounds and day use areas will require travel on a mountain gravel road with steep inclines and uneven surfaces.
During both road closures from June 10 to 18, alternate route into Peter Lougheed and Spray Valley Provincial Parks is the Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail). Travellers should exercise caution if choosing to drive on Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail). This is a gravel mountain road, and road conditions can be unpredictable, with washboarding and potholes. There is no cell service along Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) south of the Canmore Hill.
All motorists should drive with caution and be aware of spring and winter weather causing icy or muddy conditions, especially with increased traffic in both directions. All motorists should plan ahead and carefully assess whether their vehicle is suitable for remote, unpaved, and uphill travel. Vehicles towing trailers (including RVs) and low-clearance vehicles are advised not to travel via the Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) due to steep and narrow road segments, especially up the Canmore Hill.
Please note: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass will still be required for vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley.
Campsites already booked located in the following parks will remain open but will only be accessible via Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) for the June 10 – 18 period due to the closure of Highway 40 north and the delayed opening of Highwood Pass:
Backcountry campsites already booked at the following campgrounds will remain open but will only be accessible via Highway 66 until June 21:
Please be advised that a trip to Elbow Lake from this access point would be over 30 kilometres including travel over the Tombstone Pass which can still be covered in snowpack into July. This travel route is not recommended.
Campgrounds will remain open, but campers with arrival dates up to and including June 20, 2025, can cancel with a full refund, including any reservation or change fees paid. Cancellations can be made on Shop.AlbertaParks.ca or by calling 1-877-537-2757.
For faster processing of refunds, make your cancellation online at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca prior to May 28.
Transaction fees will be automatically refunded in 15-20 business days, and you may receive multiple emails or refunds.
Highwood Pass/Highway 40 South will be closed to all vehicle traffic until it opens on June 21. Cyclists will not be able to access Highwood Pass from the north. Cyclists and pedestrians will still be able to access the Highwood Pass via the south. Cyclists will be turned around at the top of Highwood Pass just north of the Ptarmigan Cirque Parking Lot and be required to head back south. There will be increased security presence on the road and signage indicating the locations of closure points.
If users choose to cycle up the Highwood Pass, there may be a delay in emergency response due to the road closures. Alberta Parks recommends that cyclists fully research their trip, bring a satellite communication device, and consider their abilities before venturing out given these factors.
The section of Highway 40 North between Mount Lorette Ponds and Galatea day-use areas is within the controlled access zone and will be closed to the general public from June 10 to June 18, including vehicles, cyclists and hikers.
As disruption will occur for a short period of time, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is still required. Closures in Kananaskis Country occur throughout the year due to construction and other factors.
Trails and routes within the controlled access zone will be closed. Some trails remain open up to the controlled access zone. The RCMP’s G7 Summit website indicates which trails will be affected. A list of trails impacted and a map will be updated on Alberta Parks’ website in the coming days.
The G7 Leaders’ Summit is a major international event with partners from all levels of government involved in the preparation and execution of the event. The closures are essential to the event’s success and the safety and security of all participants.
Accreditation is not available to the general public. Access to the controlled access zone will be restricted to authorized personnel, residents, and businesses.
Accreditation ensures that Kananaskis residents and business owners will be able to enter the controlled access zone. Specific questions around accreditation should be directed to the RCMP. The RCMP asks the public to avoid these high-security points.
With so many options to explore, now is the perfect time to experience a new adventure in a different Alberta park. Whether you’re camping by a quiet lake, hiking to a waterfall, or riding through the foothills, Alberta has many beautiful parks that will not be affected by the G7 Leaders’ Summit and can provide similar recreation opportunities for those looking to explore and enjoy the outdoors in June.
Start planning your getaway today:
