Alberta Parks
Information

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

Information

Ski passes are now on sale! Purchase Frozen Thunder and regular season passes at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca. Save 10% on regular season passes when purchased by October 31, 2026.

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 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 
Lat: 51.053327 Long: -115.114470

This backcountry campground is found in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park. It can be accessed via the Quaite Valley Trail, which starts at the Heart Creek Day Use Area about 18 km east of Canmore on Hwy. 1. The campground is about 4.7 km from the trailhead with 100 metres of elevation gain and is rated easy. There are 20 tenting sites, with group firepits (firewood provided), pit/vault toilets, and secure food storage lockers available.

Secondary access from Barrier Dam Day Use Area and is 8.6 km and 240 m of elevation.

Camping

Sites $/Person/Night Water Source Camping Season Current Status
20 $12 Jewell Creek Jun 5 - Sep 27 Seasonal Closure
  • Quaite Valley Backcountry campground is in the Bow Valley Wildland permit area
  • Reservations can be made 90 days in advance of arrival date.
  • A maximum of 6 people and 1 tent is permitted on each site with some exceptions.

Amenities


Bookings Open
March 7

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
  • 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

Safety


Updated: Sep 15, 2026
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