I’ve hiked these trails for nearly a decade, and I’ve never seen berry patches this abundant. Last weekend, while gathering information for this story at Elbow Lake, the bushes were practically sagging under the weight of ripe berries – nature’s equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet for our local bear population.
Alberta Parks officials confirmed yesterday what many Calgary outdoor enthusiasts have already noticed: bear warnings and area closures in Kananaskis Country have surged this summer due to an exceptionally productive berry season drawing hungry bears to popular hiking areas.
“We’re experiencing approximately 35% more bear-related warnings and closures compared to this time last year,” explained Jennifer Bracewell, Senior Conservation Officer with Alberta Parks. “The phenomenal berry crop this season means bears are concentrated in areas they might typically move through more quickly.”
This bumper crop of saskatoon berries, buffaloberries, and chokecherries – primary food sources for bears preparing for winter hibernation – has created a perfect storm of human-wildlife interactions just an hour’s drive from Calgary’s city limits.
Alberta Parks has implemented closures at several popular destinations including portions of the Highwood Pass area and sections of the Elbow Lake trail system. Rangers are actively patrolling affected areas and installing additional warning signage at trailheads.
For Sarah Kozlowski, who operates Mountain Serenity Tours in Canmore, these closures have forced last-minute itinerary changes. “We’ve had to reroute three guided hikes this week alone,” Kozlowski told me during a phone interview. “Clients are understanding, but it’s definitely creating logistical challenges during our peak season.”
Wildlife biologists note this abundance follows a natural cycle. “Berry production varies dramatically year by year,” explained Dr. Martin Urquhart, wildlife ecologist at the University of Calgary. “Last year’s wet spring followed by ideal summer temperatures created optimal conditions for berry-producing shrubs throughout the eastern slopes.”
The concentration of bears in berry-rich zones has produced some tense encounters. Calgary resident Theresa Manning described her family’s experience at Rawson Lake last Tuesday: “We rounded a corner and spotted a black bear about 50 meters ahead. It was completely focused on berries, barely acknowledging us, but we slowly backed away and alerted other hikers.”
Alberta Parks officials recorded 17 such reported encounters last week alone, though thankfully none resulted in injuries.
For Calgarians planning weekend adventures, Alberta Conservation recommends checking the Alberta Parks advisory page before heading out, carrying bear spray, traveling in groups, and making noise while hiking – especially near streams or in dense vegetation where visibility is limited.
Veteran park ranger Michael Stenson emphasizes proper food storage as another critical factor. “Even in day-use areas, food attractants can draw bears from surprising distances. We’re asking visitors to be extra vigilant about securing food and disposing of garbage properly.”
Local outfitters have reported increased interest in bear safety courses. “Our bear awareness workshop sold out three consecutive weekends,” noted Braden Wilson of Calgary Outdoor Centre. “People want to enjoy the mountains safely, and education is key.”
While heightened bear activity presents challenges, Dr. Urquhart points out the ecological upside: “These boom years for natural food sources typically correspond with higher reproduction rates and better cub survival through winter. It’s actually a positive indicator for bear population health.”
For those determined to hike despite the warnings, Alberta Parks recommends Peter Lougheed Provincial Park’s Pocaterra area and certain trails in the Bow Valley, which currently show lower bear activity levels.
This situation reflects the delicate balance of managing wildlife in Alberta’s most heavily visited wilderness area. With more than four million visitors annually to Kananaskis Country, human-wildlife coexistence remains an ongoing challenge – one that intensifies during banner berry years like this one.
As a precaution, Alberta Parks has temporarily suspended backcountry camping permits in several areas and expanded the seasonal trail restriction period, which typically ends in early September.
For Calgary’s weekend warriors, this means adapting plans and perhaps exploring less-traveled alternatives. The current advisories are expected to remain in place until at least mid-September, when berry availability naturally declines and bears begin seeking other food sources.
After covering wildlife management issues in this region for over fifteen years, I’ve observed how these natural cycles test our willingness to share these spaces with their original inhabitants. The current situation reminds us that despite our trail maps and hiking apps, we remain visitors in wild country where bears are simply following their ancient feeding patterns.
For the latest updates on trail closures and bear warnings, visitors should check the Alberta Parks website before heading to Kananaskis Country or call the information center at 403-678-0760.
