Canada Day long weekend is a chance to not only celebrate but also to be able to take some much-needed family and downtime. With many Airdrie residents and other Albertans planning on travelling to different areas of the province to enjoy one of the country's greatest gifts- nature, it's best to be armed with knowledge about parking, road closures and detours as well as whether there are restrictions on fires. 

Fire restrictions and bans:

The City of Airdrie is currently not under any fire advisories or restrictions, nor is West or East Rocky View County. However, those who are travelling to the provincial parks should be aware that there may be fire restrictions and/or fire bans in place. According to the Alberta Parks website, Alberta Parks operates under a year-round fire restriction state within Provincial Parks and Provincial Recreation Areas, in alignment with regulations.

That which is permitted includes:

  • Wood, briquette and propane/natural gas fires contained within designated fire pits
  • CSA or UL standards
    • Portable propane fire pits when placed within designated fire pits
    • Liquid or gas-fueled lanterns (enclosed flame)
    • Liquid or gas-fueled stoves and BBQs designed for cooking
    • Patio heaters (propane, catalytic or infrared/radiant) if deemed safe by a Conservation Officer

A fire ban occurs when there is an extreme fire hazard. Prohibited things include all open fires, including campfires and charcoal briquettes, as well as all wood fires inside park facilities including those contained within a device. Permitted things include portable propane fire pits contained within designated fire pits and gas or propane stoves and barbeques designed for cooking or heating. As of Friday, June 30, there are 24 fire bans across provincial parks in Alberta. Off-highway vehicle restrictions are in effect in eight areas in provincial parks. 

When it comes to National Parks, Banff National Park has stated that as of June 30, there were no active wildfires of concern in the area.

Park Closures:

Currently, there are several closures at the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, including The Narrows, the Bow River Loop, and the Bearspaw Trail. All of these closures are in effect until further notice and are due to the presence of cattle.

Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park also has several noted closures. Starting on Saturday, July 1, due to construction the Cougar Creek area will be closed. Affected areas include:

  • Cougar Creek Canyon from the junction of Montane Trail and Lady MacDonald Trail upstream for approximately 1 kilometre
  • Lady MacDonald Trail Closure will be lifted and temporary access provided as of July 1, 2023.
  • Montane Trail and Horseshoe Trail are open.

Banff National Park issued a trail closure notice on June 29 for the Sulphur Mountain Westside Trail.

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"Sulphur Mountain Westside Trail from the intersection with the Sanson Peak boardwalk to the junction with the Sundance Trail. The trail requires further assessment by Parks Canada to ensure public safety," National Parks stated. It is estimated that the closure will last till July 13.

Safety reminders:

Those who love being out on the water are being asked to be mindful of the dangers of cold water. According to the Kananaskis Country website, looks can be deceiving and deadly.

"Most of Kananaskis Country’s waterways are very cold, even mid-summer. Falling into cold water causes death by drowning, year after year."

To ensure your safety and the safety of others while visiting bodies of water, remember to:

  • Wear a life jacket. Lifejackets help keep you warm and may save your life.
  • Dress appropriately for comfort and to help prevent hypothermia. Consider layering with synthetic materials, similar to hiking. Avoid cotton.
  • Wear a paddling jacket or shirt with neck and arm cuffs that seal. Neoprene layers are excellent.
  • Do not overload your boat.
  • Avoid situations where you may fall overboard.

Road closures, detours and parking passes:

Those travelling to the Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Corridor will need to purchase a parking pass. 

"Only one pass per personal or commercial passenger vehicle is required. There is no extra cost for trailers or additional passengers. Pass purchases are non-transferable to another vehicle."

Those travelling to Morraine Lake are reminded that Morraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles all-year round.

Gas prices:

As of Friday, June 30, Airdrie gas prices were hovering between $1.379 to $1.409. Banff gas prices were at $1.479. Calgary gas prices were hovering between $1.249 to $1.399. Across Alberta, the cheapest gas price was recorded in Stony Plain at $1.239.

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