December 1, 2023
Winter conditions are here. Snow is falling and accumulating on the GDT so expect wet, icy and slippery trail conditions. Boots, hiking poles, snow cleats or snowshoes are recommended. Temperatures are below freezing, so be prepared for winter conditions and short days when travelling into the backcountry this winter.
Remember that the GDT is not designed for snow travel and is not maintained in the winter. When the trail is covered in snow, finding it may be impossible so excellent navigation skills are required. Hiking or skiing on the GDT when it’s snow covered means exposing yourself to potential avalanche risk. In many places, it’s unwise to travel the trail during these conditions. While planning your hike, research snow conditions and check out the Canadian Avalanche Centre for the latest avalanche bulletins.
TRAIL CLOSURES AND NOTICES:
- SEASONAL CLOSURE – Jasper National Park: The GDT is closed from Four Point Campground (e15) to Trapper Creek (e24) and from Moose Pass (f15) to Bess Pass (g3) from November 1, 2023 to May 16, 2024, to prevent winter trails from facilitating an unnatural level of predator access to threatened woodland caribou.
- CLOSURE – Collie Creek Alternate Route: The Blaeberry bridge near Cairnes Creek Rec Site was removed on August 30, 2023, cutting off access to the Collie Creek Trail on the east side of the Blaeberry River. The main route of the GDT via Ensign Creek Road to Cairnes Creek is still open.
- CLOSURE – Mount Robson Provincial Park: The Berg Lake trail will open for winter use from December 5, 2023 to April 30, 2024. Closures on the Berg Lake Trail for the summer 2024 season are still to be confirmed.
- CLOSURE – Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek shelters are closed until further notice due to construction.
ACCESS:
- Winter conditions exist on many mountain highways and roads. Roads can be snowy and icy so check for the latest conditions before you travel and carry chains and/or winter tires. For more information, check out Alberta 511 and Drive BC.
- Highway 40 is seasonally closed from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Highwood House beginning December 1.
- Forestry Trunk Road 940 is seasonally closed south of Cataract Creek and northwest of Plateau Mountain Road beginning December 1.
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass will be required for all vehicles visiting Kananaskis Country and provincial sites in the Bow Valley Corridor. The pass is not required for people arriving without a vehicle on foot, horseback or bicycle.
- Walker Creek FSR is inaccessible to regular vehicles during the winter.
National and Provincial Park Trail Conditions:
Banff National Park
Jasper National Park – NEW Submit a Jasper trail condition report
Kootenay National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park
Yoho National Park
Akamina‐Kishinena Provincial Park
Castle Wildland Provincial Park
Castle Provincial Park
Elk Lakes Provincial Park
Height of the Rockies Provincial Park
Kakwa Provincial Park
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
