Rules & Safety Tips

Ice Safety: Alberta Parks does not monitor ice conditions; learn how to assess them for yourself.

General

For detailed information, please read Alberta Parks regulations.
Review the safety tips below and Alberta Parks winter trail etiquette and safety info.
Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area is day use only.
- It's open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- The only exception to the "day use only" rule is overnight camping by organized youth or educational groups at Group Use Areas.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1 or 780-644-3880.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times while in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.
Dogs are not permitted on trails that are track-set for skiing in winter.
Avoid fields where cattle are grazing. Leave all gates as you find them.
Do not approach, harass or attempt to feed wildlife or livestock.
Find info on wolves & outdoor recreation.
If you encounter a steel animal trap, do not remove or tamper with it. A registered trap line is used to manage problem wildlife, especially beaver. (Beavers breed rapidly. They cause extensive damage to trails and other facilities, including flooding of nearby farms and residential lands).

Garbage containers are NOT provided along trails or in backcountry areas. Please pack out all garbage.
Open fires are permitted only in the firepits and stoves provided. Portable stoves are recommended for cooking.
Staging Areas are equipped with shelters, pit toilets, cisterns and hand pumps. These cisterns are inoperable during winter.
Potable water is not provided in the backcountry, with the exception of the large water tanks at the Lost Lake, Meadow & Running Dog Shelters (operational in summer only).

Be aware that hunting occurs in Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area during regular hunting seasons. Aboriginal hunting may occur in the area year-round.
Hunters wishing to carry or discharge a firearm in the recreation area must obtain a Firearms Discharge Permit.
Discharging firearms is not permitted within 400 metres of the staging areas (boundaries are identified by bright orange-yellow signs) or within 200 metres of backcountry shelters.
Check the Alberta parks hunting section for detailed information.

Travel on recreation trails can be hazardous. Weather can change quickly. Many of the trails are remote and not patrolled on a regular basis.
Obey all posted signs. Do not enter closure areas.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1 or 780-644-3880.
Be prepared. Bring

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is the the lowering of body temperature. It's caused by exposure to cold and can occur even on relatively warm days.
As the body cools, it loses its ability to function normally. Symptoms include shivering, confusion and clumsiness.
To avoid hypothermia, keep warm and dry. Dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing and wear a hat. Carry extra socks and an extra sweater or warm jacket.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when living tissues freezes. Fingers, feet, ears, nose & cheeks are most susceptible.
The first sign of frostbite is the skin turning red, then suddenly becoming a grayish-white colour.
To treat frostbite, gently warm the area by breathing on it or placing it under an armpit. Avoid rubbing or massaging the skin which can destroy skin cells.

Look at the Summer Trails Map, Winter Trails Map or Trails page to confirm what activities are permitted .
Check the Trail Report for conditions.
To prevent travel problems and conflicts with other users, please respect all cautionary and trail closure signs.