For those of you who have been asking, as of 2008, we are now producing print-on-demand Kananaskis Country Gem Trek maps on waterproof material. These waterproof maps are printed on one side only (front map side), as the roll of waterproof plastic will not go through the plotter (large printer) twice.
The cost of each map is $19.95, and all three of these print-on-demand editions have traditional green and and white topographic colors (not relief shading).

The three maps that are now available in a waterproof version are:

• Kananaskis Lakes (2007) 5th edition
• Bragg Creek & Sheep Valley (2008) 5th edition
• Highwood & Cataract Creek (2008) 2nd edition

You can order the three print-on-demand Kananaskis maps on waterproof material by emailing Gem Trek, with the name of the maps you would like, the number of copies of each, your full name, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached when the maps are ready, as they will be printed in small batches. They will be available for pick-up or mail-out from Map Town in downtown Calgary, Alberta, at #100, 400 - 5th Ave. SW, (phone (403) 266-2241).

If 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.

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.