In Canmore and the surrounding Bow Valley, Alberta Parks has announced that Pigeon Mountain and the West Wind Valley will be closed to public access from December 1 through June 15 to protect critical winter range for elk and bighorn sheep. The move affects the Pigeon Mountain Trail, West Wind Ridge and West Wind Valley (both listed by Alberta Parks as closed Dec. 1–June 15), and the Centennial Trail area within Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, which is identified as a seasonal wildlife protection closure by local management partners.
Hikers and backcountry skiers may still reach West Wind Pass itself, but travel into the valley beyond that point or up adjacent ridges is strictly prohibited — the pass is a common ‘turn-around’ point and users must not proceed further into closed areas. Signage and active patrols by Alberta Parks Conservation Officers enforce the closures; violations may be prosecuted under the Provincial Parks Act.
Wildlife experts say low-elevation slopes provide crucial forage during winter and for spring lambing and calving. Disturbing elk and bighorn sheep in these areas forces them to flee, exhausting precious fat reserves and raising the risk of starvation or reproductive failure.
Recreational users are urged to choose alternative routes and check the Avalanche Canada Kananaskis forecast before heading into high-alpine terrain. Those who observe people in the closed areas can report violations to Kananaskis Emergency Services at (403) 591-7755 or call the Report-A-Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
