Limited Access for Cyclists on Highwood Pass Due to G7 Security Crackdown in Kananaskis
Cathy Ellis
Rocky Mountain Outlook
KANANASKIS – Highwood Pass will be closed to all vehicle traffic until June 21 due to the heavy security crackdown for the G7 Summit of world leaders in Kananaskis Country, while cyclists will only be able to access the epic cycling spot from the south.
Alberta Parks officials say cyclists will not be able to access Highwood Pass on Highway 40 from the north, and cyclists riding from the south from the Longview side will be turned around at the top of the pass just north of Ptarmigan Cirque parking lot and required to head back south.
The Alberta Parks website indicates there will be increased security presence on the road and signage indicating the locations of the closure point.
“If users choose to cycle up the Highwood Pass, there may be a delay in emergency response due to the road closures,” states the notice.
Since Highwood Pass – the highest paved pass in Canada – is closed to cars annually from Dec. 1 to June 14, this trail is mostly used for road biking in late May and early June, and sometimes in early December, depending on whether snow is an obstacle yet.
Members of the Rundle Mountain Cycling Club (RMCC) say Highwood Pass offers a short but beautiful window each year when it is free of snow, closed to vehicles and open to cyclists, making for a stunning ride and a solid workout.
“While it’s a bit of a sacrifice for cyclists, we recognize that having the G7 Summit in our backyard is a rare opportunity to showcase this incredible area to world leaders,” said Kevin Wallis, president of RMCC.
“If this exposure helps drive future investment in local trails and amenities, the temporary closure might be a worthwhile trade-off. Our hope is that the province and federal government take the community’s feedback seriously and invest more in services and infrastructure to support outdoor activities in Kananaskis and surrounding area.”
As Alberta prepares to host the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis from June 15-17, select roads, campgrounds, day-use areas, and trails in the area will be temporarily closed before, during, and after the summit.
A controlled access zone will be in place from June 10-18. There is also restricted airspace for aircraft and drones.
The section of Highway 40 between Mount Lorette Ponds and Galatea day-use areas is within the controlled access zone and will be closed to the general public from June 10-18, including vehicles, cyclists and hikers.
Beaver Ponds, Galatea and Mount Lorette Ponds day-use areas will be closed June 6-20, Kovach Pond is closed now until July 31, and Troll Falls trailhead is closed May 20-June 20.
The entire Kananaskis Village is closed from June 1-18 and William Watson Lodge is closed June 1-22.
“Expect access restrictions, road closures, traffic detours, temporary closures and increased security presence,” states the Alberta Parks website.
“Some site closures are already in place and may extend into July. These measures are essential for the event’s success and the safety of all participants.”
With Highway 40 closed through the controlled access zone, the alternate route into Peter Lougheed and Spray Valley provincial parks is Highway 742, also known as the Smith-Dorrien Trail.
According to Alberta Parks, some areas not located within the controlled access zone may also be impacted due to the closure of the Highwood Pass.
“This may include campsites, group areas and backcountry camping located near or along the Highwood Pass in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Spray Valley Provincial Park and Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park,” states the website.
Closed trails include Rummel Pass, Rummel Ridge, Buller Pass, Sparrowhawk, Read’s Tower Route, Mount Bogart Route, Spencer Creek Trail, Little Lougheed, Spurling Creek, West Wind Pass, High Rockies Trail, Mount Lorette Ponds and Galatea Day Use and trailhead.
The RCMP-led Integrated Safety and Security Group (ISSG) will increase patrols and police presence around the Kananaskis area to enhance security.
“The RCMP and its ISSG partners are working closely with national and international agencies to monitor potential threats,” according to ISSG.
“Intelligence gathering, surveillance, and real-time information sharing are ongoing to stay ahead of any risks that may arise.”