Effective Date: July 9, 2025

Where: Moonshine Lake Campground , Moonshine Lake Group Use , Moonshine Lake Provincial Park , Moonshine Lake Beach Parking Lot 

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

Effective Date: June 10, 2025 - Until Further Notice

Where: Moonshine Lake Provincial Park

Please be advised that some walking trails at Moonshine Lake Provincial Park are closed until further notice due to damage from the wildfire. 

• Lakeview Loop trail is open.

• Moose Meadows trail is closed.

• Pioneer Path trail is closed.

• Loggers Lane trail is closed.

Effective Date: May 21, 2026 - Until Further Notice

Where: Moonshine Lake Campground , Moonshine Lake Group Use , Moonshine Lake Provincial Park

Please be advised that there have been multiple sightings of cougars throughout Moonshine Lake Provincial Park. 

Cougar Safety

Cougars can usually be found in wooded, rocky areas and may den in dense underbrush, under an overhang of tree branches, under logs or in rock caves. If your next outdoor adventure takes you into cougar country, you should learn how to avoid human-cougar encounters whenever possible, and how to respond if you do encounter a cougar.

Precautions to take in cougar territory

• Avoid surprise encounters. Make noise to alert cougars of your presence (cougars generally avoid people).
• Look behind you regularly to make sure you’re not being followed.
• Carry bear spray. Be prepared to use it to defend yourself if a cougar approaches within 12 metres (40 feet - equivalent to a bus length).
• Keep children close. Never let them play outside unsupervised, near forested areas or at dusk or dawn.
• Always walk your dog on a leash or leave it at home.
• Avoid any area where you smell a dead animal - cougars often cover their kills with forest debris.

If you see a cougar in the distance

Cougars grooming or periodically looking away from you may simply be resting. In this case, avoid provoking the cougar:

• Bring everyone in close and back away.
• Do not run and do not turn your back.
• Prepare to use your bear spray.

If the cougar is close

Cougars close and showing such behaviours as hissing, snarling, staring intensely and tracking your movements present a threat. You must show the cougar you are not a prey animal and you are able to fight back:

• Do not run. Do not turn your back.
• Make sure children and dogs stay calm. Keep them very close.
• Make yourself look big. Wave your arms, open your jacket and do not crouch down or bend over.
• Continue to use your noise deterrent and bear spray.

If the cougar makes contact

• Continue using your bear spray.
• Fight back with everything you can. Rocks, sticks or your fists should be aimed at the cougar's eyes and face.
• If you're knocked down, get back up. Do not stop fighting.
• Never play dead with a cougar.

Please report cougar sightings to 310-LAND (5263)

Download the Preventing Conflict with Wildlife-Cougars pamphlet.

• Read more safety tips for cougar encounters at Cougars and Outdoor Recreation.

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

• Make plenty of noise and travel in groups.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen for cougars and their signs.
• Carry bear spray. Make sure it’s easily accessible and know how to use it
• Keep children close.
• Keep your pet on a leash at all times.
• Learn more about cougar safety.

Report sightings and incidents to 310-LAND (5263).