When group hiking restrictions are in effect in these areas due to bear activity, you must travel in a tight group of four or more people. A tight group means that two individuals must must be no further than 3 metres (10 feet) apart when hiking in these areas.

Horse users must travel in a close group of two or more on horse/hiking trails, which means that two individuals must be no further than 4 metres (13 feet) apart.

This helps prevent bear-human encounters and increases safety for both people and bears.

Trails under Group Access include:

• Consolation Lakes
• Larch Valley
• Sentinel Pass
• Eiffel Lake
• Wenkchemna Pass
• Sheol and Paradise Valleys

Please note that the Moraine Highline, Moraine Lakeshore and Rockpile trails are NOT under Group Access.

Approaches and descents for climbs immediately adjacent to the Rockpile and Lakeshore trails NOT under Group Access include:

• access to the Tower of Babel via the Rockpile Trail
• access to the Neil Colgan hut and surrounding peaks via the Lakeshore Trail and connector trail to the Perrren or Siesser route plus other peaks further west via the Wenkchemna Moraine/Glacier.

Please check the Banff National Park trail report for further updates and current trail conditions.

A seasonal trail restriction is in effect on the Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail (Stewart Canyon to the East Park Boundary), Aylmer Pass Trail and Aylmer Lookout Trail from July 10 to September 15, 2011. The restriction is designed to ensure visitor safety and reduce disturbances to female grizzly bears and cubs during the important feeding season.

During this restriction:

• Cycling is not permitted along the Minnewanka Shoreline Trail.
• Hikers must travel in tight groups of four or more and carry bear spray at all times.
• Dogs are not permitted beyond the Stewart Canyon Bridge.

Please check the Banff National Park trail report for further updates and current trail conditions.

The Aylmer Pass Trail in Banff National Park will be closed annually for the fall berry season, from the junction with the Lake Minnewanka Lakeshore Trail to the Park boundary, including the trail to Aylmer Lookout. LM-8 backcountry campground is also closed during this period.

This is to minimize displacement of grizzly bears from one of their prime food sources at a critical time of the year.

Please note: The Lake Minnewanka Lakeshore Trail to Devil's Gap remains open during this period.

Please check the Banff National Park trail report for further updates and current trail conditions.