Canmore Area Trail Master Plan
Bow Valley Climbers, now is the time to provide your opinion to shape the future of climbing access in the Canmore Area for decades to come.
For the first time in history, climbing access trails have been recognized by the Alberta Government and with that comes a plan to maintain these trails for sustainable access. This review has also raised some concerns regarding parking, longer approaches, and deviations related to mining dispositions, for which we would appreciate your input.
Input is currently open until January 25th
Interactive Map
This map is intended to inform the development of the Canmore Area Trails Master Plan (CATMP). Public input is extremely valuable to CATMP, and your participation is highly encouraged.
Canmore Area Trails Master Plan: Feedback on Draft Plan.
The Government of Alberta is gathering input on Canmore area recreational trails.
Canmore Area Trails Master Plan (CATMP)
The purpose of the Canmore Area Trails Master Plan is to provide the foundation for developing, managing and maintaining an integrated, authorized and sustainable trail network in the Bow Valley that balances ecological values with quality outdoor recreation opportunities.
Below are the top areas that you may be concerned about, and we want to have your input in both the survey and the interactive map:
Bataan
The trail to Bataan is proposed to come from the Notch (Echo Canyon), and head east through exposed terrain and drop into the crag around the Sweet Hereafter Sector.
Parking is slated to be designated at the current Echo Parking lot, which is already at capacity on a good day.
Acephale
The parking situation at Acephale has been precarious for sometime, and now front and centre with the explosion of our sport and the popularity of Acephale. The ditch parking at Acephale is something Alberta Transportation is looking to end, and a proposed wildlife fence makes this more likely.
Currently, the approach to Acephale goes right through a Graymont disposition. The trail will need to be rerouted, but as the main user group of this area, we would like to be a part of this plan.
Stoneworks Canyon
Loss of current parking at Silvertip will result in a longer approach with no designated parking lot proposed.
Playground/Apocalypse Cave/Alcatraz
The current approach for these areas travels deep into the active Graymont disposition. This trail will have to be re-routed and rebuilt and we are hoping with the collaboration of BVCAS, CASA, Graymont and Alberta Parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CATMP?
CATMP stands for Canmore Area Trails Master Plan (previously titled Canmore Area Trails Strategy, or CATS). The purpose is to produce a 10-year trail management plan for the Bow Valley, spanning from Highway 1X in the east to the Banff National Park boundary in the west. Once approved, the trail management plan will guide trail management decisions for the next decade, likely beginning in 2026.