Flooding in Banff and Kananaskis: Where to find up-to-date information on road and trail conditions

The floods that hit Canmore, Banff, Kananaskis, Waterton and other areas of the Canadian Rockies will be felt by the outdoor community for the rest of the summer, and probably well beyond. With all the misinformation flying around the Internet--and credible up-to-date information often difficult to find--I thought I'd put together a list of links where you can find the trail and road condition information you need to make decisions about getting out to the mountains.

General Mountain Conditions

• Highway conditions--http://511.alberta.ca/ab/en.html
• ACMG Mountain condition reports--http://acmg.ca/mcr/archives.asp & http://acmgmountainconditionsreport.blogspot.ca/
• Reports on conditions throughout the mountains as reported by ACMG guides.

Banff National Park

The Banff townsite is open. Check the links below for the latest information on how to get there and what you can do once you're there.

• Comprehensive flood-specific information including road and trail closures--http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/ne/neuf-news.aspx
• Trail conditions--http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100092

Canmore

If there's a central page for flood related information, I couldn't find it on the Town of Canmore website. You'll have to click around to find specific information, but it's there:

• http://www.canmore.ca/
• Canmore attractions status updates from Tourism Canmore--http://www.tourismcanmore.com/explore/insiders-guide/canmore-attractions-status-updates

Jasper National Park

• Comprehensive information on flood-related, seasonal and other closures--http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jasper/ne/urgence-emergency.aspx
• Jasper Trail conditions--http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100244

Kananaskis Road and Trail Conditions

• Comprehensive flood-specific information including road and trail closures--http://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/advisories-public-safety/advisories/southern-alberta-flooding-situation.aspx
• This page also contains information on other provincial parks.

• Kananaskis Trail conditions--http://www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/trail-reports.aspx
• Map of road and area closures--http://www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country/advisories-public-safety/kananaskis-closed-areas-%28including-highways%29.aspx

Kootenay National Park

Kootenay isn't reporting any damage or closures from the flooding.

• Kootenay Trail conditions--http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100253

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton had some flooding damage and road closures, but remained open and accessible.

• Information on road and trail closures--http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Rec_Rep_e.asp?opark=100429
• Waterton Trail Conditions--http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100429

Yoho National Park

Yoho wasn't affected by the flooding.

• Yoho Trail conditions--http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100438

Canoeing with Kids: Getting them Started on a Lifelong Adventure

Canoeing is a natural family activity. It brings parents and kids together as a cohesive team in a way that most other outdoor activities don't. And it's fun. Way fun. If you'd like to get your kids and family out canoeing this summer, please read the article Canoe Camping with Kids that I wrote for Amelia Meyer's blog, Tales of a Mountain Momma. While you're there, be sure to check out her other great posts on getting your kids, your family and yourself outside where you all belong.