• Kakwa Wildland is not regularly patrolled; visitors must be self-reliant.
• Research the route you plan to take. 
• Good maps, a GPS and survival gear are necessary.  There is no cell phone service in Kakwa.
• Check local weather forecasts before you go. Be prepared for sudden changes in mountain weather.  Snow is possible any month of the year. Hypothermia and wet cold conditions can turn a fun adventure into a life threatening emergency.
• Grizzly bears, black bears, and cougars live in the park.  Be familiar with safety around wildlife.
• Inform family or friends of your planned route, camping spots and estimated return time.

Emergencies

• To report an emergency in Kakwa Wildland Provincial Park once back in an area with cell service, call the Conservation Officer at 780-833-4369.  
• If you had to leave a hunting carcass due to a bear at your kill site, please report it to the Conservation Officer.

Camping, Cooking and Garbage Disposal

• Follow these rules and guidelines for random backcountry camping.
• Use a backpacking stove.  If a wood fire becomes necessary in an emergency, know how to have a campfire safely.
• Pack garbage out of the backcountry.  Check our garbage disposal tips.
• Never feed wildlife.

Safety around Wildlife

• There are grizzly and black bears in Kakwa.  Follow these simple techniques to minimize the risk of a dangerous bear encounter. 
• Cougars also live in adjacent areas.  These large and powerful cats generally avoid encounters with humans. Refer to Preventing Conflict with Cougars for tips on staying safe.

Safety Around Water

Crossing streams and rivers can be the most dangerous challenge that hikers confront.  Please read our safety info on

• Cold water immersion
• Crossing streams & rivers