Seasonal closures and restrictions

Banff National Park

This listing shows planned closures and restrictions. Where there are no dates marked, closures or restrictions will fall sometime during the time period specified.

Additional closures and restrictions may happen at any time, in any location and without prior notice.

Seasonal closures

Where When Activity Why Closure
Moraine Lake Road Year-round Driving Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles Yes
Minnewanka Loop Road
(western section)
November to May Driving To reduce the level of human activity adjacent to an important wildlife corridor Yes
Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course Road November to May Driving To reduce the level of human activity in an important wildlife corridor Yes
Lake Minnewanka
Sheep Point
Spring All activities For park resource management purposes Yes
Banff Legacy Trail Early fall to early spring All activities The trail is not cleared of snow and ice in the winter. With large sections of the trail exposed to highway maintenance debris, travel is dangerous. -
Bow Valley Parkway / Hwy 1A March 1 to June 25
(8 p.m. to 8 a.m.)
All activities This closure (17-km section east of Johnston Canyon Campground only) gives the animals the space they need to thrive during the spring; at crucial times of the day and year. Yes
Spray River Valley April 15 to November 15 All activities Wildlife activity in this area cannot be disturbed by human presence Yes
Fairholme Range Ecologically Sensitive Site Year-round Hiking The Fairholme Range Environmentally Sensitive Site was established to protect the largest intact block of montane habitat in the park. A voluntary closure was implemented in order to reduce human use of this critical area. Yes

 

Seasonal restrictions

Where When Activity Why Restriction
Allenby Pass Seasonal Trail Restriction August 1 to September 30 Hiking To minimize disturbance to bears feeding on berries. Yes
Lake Minnewanka Seasonal Trail Restriction July 10 to September 15 Biking To minimize disturbance to bears feeding on berries. Yes
Moraine Lake Area Seasonal Trail Restrictions July to October (dates may vary)
All activities Grizzly bears frequenting the area. Yes
Lake Louise Cross Country Ski Trails November 1 to April 30 Cross-country skiing Dogs are not allowed on certain track set ski trails. Yes
Healy Pass / Sunshine Meadows Area Spring to Fall Horseback Riding
Horse use is restricted to prevent damage to sensitive alpine meadows Yes
Healy Pass / Sunshine Meadows / North of Citadel Pass Spring to Fall Hiking off trail To protect sensitive habitat and improve habitat security for grizzly bears. Yes

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