Grizzly bear closes Lake Minnewanka backcountry campgrounds in Banff again
Parks Canada has shut down backcountry campsites near Lake Minnewanka after a grizzly bear repeatedly displayed bold behaviour toward visitors.
Why it matters
The closures affect popular backcountry routes and highlight ongoing safety risks for hikers and campers in Banff National Park.
Parks Canada has closed backcountry campgrounds in the Lake Minnewanka area of Banff National Park for a second time after a grizzly bear showed bold behaviour, including approaching people and campsites. The closure is meant to protect both visitors and the bear while it remains active in the area.
A separate wildlife warning has also been issued for the Skoki region, where a grizzly bear has similarly been approaching people and campsites without displaying fear. Parks Canada is advising hikers and campers to stay alert, travel in groups, make noise, and carry bear spray in both areas.
Officials say bold behaviour from bears, particularly repeated approaches toward humans, can increase the risk of conflict and sometimes leads to further management action if it continues. Visitors are urged to check for updated closures and warnings before heading into the backcountry.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.