Hiking season in Alberta is just getting underway, but bears are already making frequent appearances near popular trails. At least two serious incidents have been reported in Kananaskis, prompting Alberta Parks to issue a warning to hikers and close one of the parking lots.
The first warning concerns the Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area and surrounding trails. According to Alberta Parks, on May 4, 2026, a grizzly bear made a bluff charge toward a hiker and stopped about 4 feet away from the person. Following this, on May 5, a Bear Warning was issued for the Sunburst Trail, Stoney Trail, Troll Falls Trail, Hay Meadow Trail, High Level Trail, Skogan Pass Trail, Hummingbird Plume Lookout Trail, and surrounding areas.
A second incident occurred in Spray Valley Provincial Park. On May 7, Alberta Parks reported that a bear made a bluff charge toward a hiker on Mount Shark Road. As a result, the Tryst Lake Parking Area was closed, and a Bear Warning was issued for the Mount Shark Road and Mount Engadine Lodge areas. Both warnings remain in effect until further notice.
Alberta Parks emphasizes that even if a warning applies to a specific area, bears can be encountered anywhere and at any time. Tourists are advised to stay alert to their surroundings, watch and listen for signs of bears, travel in groups, avoid walking in silence, keep dogs on a leash, and securely store food, trash, pet food, and strongly scented items.
Separately, Alberta Parks advises keeping a safe distance from wild animals. For bears, the recommended distance is about 100 meters. You should also avoid stopping near bears on the road, surrounding them, chasing them, or trying to get closer for a photo.
The reason for this activity is typical for spring: after hibernation, bears search for food in lower valleys where vegetation appears earlier. During this period, they may venture closer to trails, roads, and recreational areas more frequently, especially where there are natural food sources or human-left attractants.
For tourists, this means checking the latest warnings on the Alberta Parks website before heading out, not ignoring Bear Warnings, and being prepared to change your route if the area is closed or under a heightened caution status.
If you encounter a bear or spot a bear in Kananaskis, Alberta Parks asks that you report it by calling 403-591-7755.