Access Restored to Kananaskis Village as State of Local Emergency Continues

Access to Kananaskis Village has partially reopened after days of flooding and road washouts, allowing visitors to once again reach the area's hotels, restaurants and attractions even as a State of Local Emergency remains in effect across the Kananaskis Improvement District.

As of Tuesday evening, Highway 40 is open in both directions from Highway 1 to Kananaskis Village, restoring access to one of the region's busiest tourism hubs ahead of Canada Day.

Several businesses confirmed they are operating as normal, including the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Kananaskis Nordic Spa, Kananaskis Outfitters, Moose Family Kitchen and Boundary Ranch. The Kananaskis Country Golf Course, however, remains closed.

"We're happy to share that the road has reopened and the Lodge is ready to welcome guests for Canada Day," the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge said Tuesday. "There is lots happening at the Lodge and in the Village, with plenty for guests to enjoy safely throughout the festivities."

Explore Kananaskis also confirmed that Canada Day celebrations in Kananaskis Village will proceed as planned Wednesday.

Boundary Ranch said its horseback trail rides are continuing as scheduled and guests with reservations can still access the ranch.

Despite the improved access, officials stress that conditions remain far from normal.

The Kananaskis Improvement District remains under a State of Local Emergency following days of heavy rainfall, localized flooding, landslides and road damage that continue to affect travel throughout the region.

Emergency crews remain on the ground monitoring infrastructure, supporting campground operations and maintaining road closures while repairs continue.

Alberta Parks continues to encourage visitors to postpone non-essential travel to Kananaskis Country unless they are travelling to destinations that remain accessible.

Access Still Limited Beyond Kananaskis Village

While Highway 40 has reopened as far as Kananaskis Village, travel farther south remains heavily restricted.

Visitors located south of the Evan-Thomas Creek Bridge, including those at Mount Kidd Campground, are still being directed to leave the area by travelling south on Highway 40 toward Longview while that temporary route remains available.

Several major road closures also remain in effect, including:

• Highway 40 at Mount Allan Drive, closed to southbound traffic.

• Highway 40 northbound between Highwood House and Kananaskis Lakes Trail, where public access remains restricted.

• Highway 742 (Smith-Dorrien Trail) at Canmore Hill.

• Highway 742 near Chester Lake.

• Powderface Trail at Dawson Campground and Day Use Area.

Numerous Trails Closed After Flood Damage

Flooding has also forced widespread trail closures across Kananaskis Country as crews assess damage caused by high stream flows.

Among the popular trails currently closed are Troll Falls, Heart Creek, Ribbon Creek, Galatea Creek, Buller Pass, Grotto Canyon, Bill Milne Trail, Powderface Creek, Prairie Creek, Baldy Pass and the Evan-Thomas Fire Road.

Alberta Parks said crews are actively inspecting infrastructure and carrying out repairs where conditions allow. Trails, backcountry campgrounds and day-use areas will reopen only after they can be safely assessed.

Campers with reservations affected by the closures will be contacted directly by email. Alberta Parks said impacted reservations will be automatically cancelled and fully refunded, including any transaction or penalty fees. Officials are asking visitors not to cancel reservations themselves, as doing so could delay the refund process. Campers who do not receive a cancellation notice can proceed with their trip as planned.

Officials continue to remind visitors to obey all closure signs and stay well back from rivers, creeks and other waterways, where water levels remain elevated and conditions can change quickly.

The partial reopening marks a significant improvement from Monday, when flooding and multiple washouts left campers and visitors stranded throughout parts of Kananaskis after both routes out of the area became impassable.