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Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park

Alberta Parks
Information

A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley

Information

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Information & Facilities

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Effective Date: September 28, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park , Quaite Valley Backcountry Campground

Details:

Please be advised that Alberta Parks will be doing construction work at Quaite Valley Backcountry Campground beginning September 28, 2026. Construction crews will be on site working to upgrade the backcountry campground.

To support construction activities, Alberta Parks is closing the campground for the following reasons:

  • To reduce danger to backcountry campers as contractors work in the area falling trees and moving heavy equipment.
  • It is more time and cost effective. The contractor needs to be able to work efficiently without keeping track of the public in the campground. Alberta Forestry and Parks wants to complete the project as efficiently as possible.

Please note:

  • Quaite Creek Trail is anticipated to remain open throughout the project.
  • Alternative backcountry camping opportunities during any closure period include Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground, Point Backcountry Campground, and Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground, subject to current road conditions, trail closures, and advisories.
  • Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions before travelling to the area.

Follow the direction of all signage and personnel in the area and stay out of active construction zones.

Effective Date: September 22, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Bow Valley Provincial Park , Cloudline Trail , Middle Sister Access Trail , Wind Viewpoint Equestrian

Details:

Due to ongoing construction of the Bow Valley Community Fire Guard, the Cloudline Trail, Middle Sister Access, Wind Viewpoint Equestrian Trail, and all surrounding areas are closed until further notice.

Follow the direction of all signage and personnel in the area and stay out of active construction zones.

Map of Affected Area

Effective Date: September 13, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park , Cloudline Trail , Highline Trail

Details:

Due to ongoing construction of the Bow Valley Community Fire Guard, the Cloudline Trail, Highline Trail from the East Connector junction (at the east end of Peaks of Grassi community) to the Cloudline Trail, and all surrounding areas are closed until further notice.

The East Connector Trail to the Highline and the Highline heading west from this junction remain OPEN. 

Follow the direction of all signage and personnel in the area and stay out of active construction zones.

Map of Affected Area

Effective Date: May 24, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Bow Corridor Trail Trail , Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park , Heart Creek Day Use , Heart Creek Trail , Heart Creek Bunker Trail, Trans Canada Trail

Details:

A Bear Warning has been put in place at Heart Creek Trail, Heart Creek Bunker Trail and the Trans Canada Trail between the Heart Creek Bunker and the access to Grant MacEwan Peak/Acephale climbing area. Numerous black bears, including a black bear sow and cubs-of-the-year, have been seen in the area and in close proximity to these trails.

Although an advisory is in place for this area, bears can be encountered at any time. To avoid a surprise encounter with a bear:

  • Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for bears and their signs.
  • Keep your pet on a leash.
  • Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible and know how to use it.
  • Secure attractants like food, garbage, pet food and any scented items in hard sided vehicles or bear proof lockers.
  • Learn more about bear safety.

Report sightings and incidents to 403-591-7755.

Updated: August 13, 2026 
Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
Information: 1-866-686-0339
Directions
Facility Operator: Cedar & Spruce Campgrounds
85 km west of Calgary south of Hwy. 1

Activities

Canoeing/Kayaking  Canoeing/Kayaking (AIS)
Fishing  Fishing
Hiking - Backcountry  Hiking - Backcountry
Equestrian  Equestrian
Hunting  Hunting
Rock Climbing  Rock Climbing
Snowshoeing  Snowshoeing
Geocaching  Geocaching
Electric Bicycles  Electric Bicycles
Mtn. Biking/Cycling  Mtn. Biking/Cycling
  • Permitted activities may vary within a park. Please confirm details with park staff.
    • Canoeing/kayaking: Jewel Bay Backcountry Campground is accessible by canoe/kayak; canoe launching is available at Barrier Lake boat launch in Bow Valley Provincial Park; for boating safety information, visit the Transport Canada website.
    • Fishing: there is fishing in Barrier Lake, which falls within ES1 fish management zone; for detailed information refer to the Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations.
    • Rock climbing: Mt. Yamnuska cliff face provides a number of popular climbing routes.

Events

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No upcoming events at this time.

Hunting in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park

More information:
Learn about hunting in Alberta's parks system

Alberta Hunting Regulations
Purchase your Hunting License
*To be connected toll-free in Alberta, dial 310-0000 followed by the 10-digit phone number.

Maps & Guides

  • Backcountry Etiquette Parks: Peter Lougheed PP Big Elbow PRA Bow Valley PP Bow Valley WPP Spray Valley PP Elbow-Sheep WPP Facilities: Aster Lake Backcountry Campground Big Elbow Backcountry Campground Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground Forks Backcountry Campground Lillian Lake Backcountry Campground Jewell Bay Backcountry Campground Mount Romulus Backcountry Campground Mount Romulus Equestrian Backcountry Campground Point Backcountry Campground Quaite Valley Backcountry Campground Ribbon Falls Backcountry Campground Ribbon Lake Backcountry Campground Rummel Lake Winter Backcountry Campground Three Isle Lake Backcountry Campground Tombstone Backcountry Campground Tombstone Equestrian Backcountry Campground Turbine Canyon Backcountry Campground -- 474d48d4-094b-4311-aff9-c1fca5db370d True
  • Ha Ling Trail Map Bow Valley WPP, Map, Ha Ling Trail, Kananaskis Country, -- 474d48d4-094b-4311-aff9-c1fca5db370d True
  • Wind Valley Trail Map Pigeon Mountain Trailhead Day Use, Windy Viewpoint Trail, Centennial Ridge Trail, Skogan Pass Trail, Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, Bow Valley WPP, Map, Kananaskis Country, Map, Windy Viewpoint Trail, Kananaskis Country, Pigeon Mountain, Day Use, -- 474d48d4-094b-4311-aff9-c1fca5db370d True
  • Bow Valley Map (Geo Referenced) Map, Kananaskis Country, map Campground: Lac Des Arcs Day Use: Heart Creek Trails: Heart Mountain, Highline Trail Parks: Bow Valley PP, Bow Valley WPP Facilities: Canoe Meadows Campground, canoe Meadows Day Use, Canoe Meadows Group Camping -- 474d48d4-094b-4311-aff9-c1fca5db370d True
  • Kananaskis Valley Map (Geo Referenced) Map, Kananaskis Country, Kananaskis Valley, map, Campground: Quaite Valley Backcountry, Mount Romulus Backcountry, Mount Romulus Equestrian Backcountry, Tombstone Backcountry , Tombstone Equestrian Backcountry Day Use: Yamnuska, Heart Creek, Pigeon Mountain, Mt. Lipsett, Wasootch Trails: Grotto Creek Canyon, Heart Mountain, Rocky Mountain Legacy Parks: Bow Valley PP, Bow Valley WPP, Elbow-Sheep WPP Facilities: Canoe Meadows Campground, canoe Meadows Day Use, Canoe Meadows Group Camping -- 474d48d4-094b-4311-aff9-c1fca5db370d True
  • Northwest KC WMU Map (Geo Referenced) Kananaskis, Map, Wildlife Management Unit, Northwest Kananaskis Country, Bow Valley PP, Bow Valley WPP, Spray Valley PP, Kananaskis Valley, Hunting, Kananaskis Country, Map -- 474d48d4-094b-4311-aff9-c1fca5db370d True
  • Ribbon Creek Winter Map Parks: Map, Kananaskis, Evan-Thomas PRA, Bow Valley WPP, Trails: Kananskis Village Trails, Wedge Pond Area Trails, Bill Milne Trail, Coal Mine Trail, Evan-Thomas Fireroad Trail, Hidden Trail, High Level Trail, Ribbon Creek Trail, Kovach Trail, Terrace Trail, Skogan Trail, Marmot Basin Trail, Skogan Trail, Ruthie's Trail, Troll Falls Trail, Hay Meadow Trail, Skogan Pass Trail, Sunburst Trail, Terrace Trail, Link Trail, Kovach Trail, Aspen Trail, Wedge Connector Trail, Bill Milne (Winter), village Snowshoe Loop, Aspen, Aspen-Terrace Long Loop, Aspen-Terrace Short Loop, Centennial Ridge (Winter), Coal Mine, Evan-Thomas Fire Road, Hidden, High Level, Kovach, Link, Mine Meadow, Ribbon Creek (Winter), Ribbon Creek Snowshoe, Ruthie's, Shinrin, Studless, Skogan Pass, Skogan Pass Loop, Stoney, Sunburst, Terrace Link, Terrace North, Troll Falls, Village Rim, Village Snowshoe Loop, Wedge Connector Facilities: Kovach Pond Day Use, Ribbon Creek Day Use, Troll Falls Day Use, Kananaskis Country Golf Course -- 474d48d4-094b-4311-aff9-c1fca5db370d True
  • Kananaskis Country Skogan Pass Area Map Parks: Trail Map, Evan-Thomas PRA, Bow Valley WPP, Kananaskis Country Trails: Skogan Pass, Skogan Loop, High-Level, Sunburst, Hummingbird Plume, Stoney Trail, Troll Falls, Hay Meadow, Beaver Pond, Hidden, Coal Mine, Ribbon Creek Facilities: Beaver Ponds, Troll Falls, Ribbon Creek, Kovach Pond -- 474d48d4-094b-4311-aff9-c1fca5db370d True
  • Spray Valley Trail Map (North) Map, Kananaskis - Spray Valley PP, Bow Valley WPP, Spray Valley Trail Map (South) Campground: Eau Claire, Lillian Lake Backcountry, Ribbon Falls Backcountry, Ribbon Lake Backcountry, Spray Lakes West, Rummel Lake Winter Backcountry Day Use: Buller Mountain, Driftwood, Galatea, Goat Creek, Mt. Shark, Opal, Sparrowhawk, Spray Lake, Wedge Pond Trails: Buller Creek, High Rockies (Winter), Spray Road West, Buller Pass, High Rockies (Summer) -- 474d48d4-094b-4311-aff9-c1fca5db370d True
Updated: Sep 21, 2026
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