Parks Canada has announced three temporary area closures in Banff National Park as of May 2026 to facilitate wildfire safety work and protect wildlife during calving season.
The Spray Middle Springs Wildfire Risk Reduction Project has resulted in the closure of Upper Springs Blocks 1 and 2, effective May 8 through July 1. This area is restricted to allow for mechanical forest thinning, debris burning, and log hauling operations meant to protect the Town of Banff from fire risks.
Additionally, two areas are closed until June 30 to support park resource management and wildlife safety. Access to Lake Minnewanka Sheep Point, including the lakeshore and trails leading from Stewart Canyon, is restricted. Meanwhile, the west slope of Tunnel Mountain, located south of the Tunnel Mountain Trail, is closed to provide a secure habitat for female elk during their calving season.
The elk calving closure aims to reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict, as protective mothers can become aggressive toward people. This initiative is part of the long-standing Elk Management Strategy, which has worked to manage habituated elk populations in the Bow Valley since 1999.
Visitors are reminded that entering these closed zones is prohibited under the Canada National Parks Act. Violators may face fines of up to $25,000. Hikers and park users are encouraged to check for current updates on conditions before heading out to ensure they are not accessing restricted areas.
