Unauthorized travel beyond these closure points may put users at risk. Signage installation has begun, and all trails within the lease will soon be decommissioned by Graymont, resulting in the permanent closure of all recreational access within the lease, approximately 1,000 m east of Echo Canyon.
At that point, G8 will no longer function as a loop trail and will instead be used as an out-and-back route. Please follow all posted signage and remain on existing trails.
What’s next for this area?
CAMBA has been actively involved in the Canmore Area Trails Strategy. Although the process is ongoing, it proposes reforming the remaining trails outside the lease into a loop, retaining as much trail access as possible outside of the lease while protecting critical wildlife habitat. The first revision of the strategy will soon be released to the public for review and comment on the Canmore Area Trails Strategy website.
We understand the disappointment many may feel, but public safety and environmental stewardship are top priorities. Thank you for your understanding—and for your ongoing support in building a responsible and sustainable trail network.
Background
The G8 trail system is well-used and well-loved. However, many users don’t realize that these trails are located on Public Land—not within a Provincial Park—and that they are currently undesignated. While recreational access is allowed on Alberta’s Crown lands, the trails themselves must be formally designated and managed to ensure their long-term viability and protection.
What makes things even more complex is that the trails in this area either developed informally over time or were built without official approval. Adding to the challenge is the presence of a mineral leaseholder in the area, which introduces further land use considerations.
A large amount of this area is also closed from December 1st to June 15th to protect the ungulate winter range. However, most of the existing signage which informed users of this seasonal closure has disappeared over the years.
The impending closure of the eastern end of the G8 trails may come as a surprise to many users. However, these changes have been in the works for many years. Although we do not speak for Graymont, we know that Graymont has held this lease for many decades and has consistently prioritized the safety of users, particularly during blasting operations. As Graymont’s operations have expanded to the west, the risk to users in this area of their lease has become too great. For public safety, the trails in their lease must now be closed. As the leaseholder, they must act responsibly and have the legal right to close these trails
What’s Next for This Area?
CAMBA has been actively engaged in the Canmore Area Trails Strategy (CATS), which is still in development. Although CATS was not the primary driver for these closures, it will provide recommendations on the future of the remaining trails outside of the lease. One proposal is to reconfigure the remaining trails outside the lease area into a connected loop. This approach aims to preserve as much trail access as possible while safeguarding critical wildlife habitat. The first draft of the strategy will be available soon for public review and feedback.
You can stay informed and participate in the process here:
Canmore Area Trails Strategy Engagement
We understand that changes to trail access can be disappointing. But in some cases, especially where public safety and environmental stewardship are at stake, difficult decisions must be made.
CAMBA remains committed to enhancing and protecting the trail network in our community. Your support helps us build a future where trails are safe, sustainable, and accessible for all.
Thank you for your understanding and for being part of this journey with us. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at contact@camba.ca or come to our AGM on May 23rd.