Hikers Who Don't Have Bear Spray Are Turned Away On Banff Trail

Hikers and bikers who are not aware of the new restrictions in place on the Lake Minnewanka trail are being sent to other regions of Banff National Park.

The popular and busy Heritage Day long weekend has brought tourists out in full force; however, those without bear spray on them, or who are travelling in groups consisting of fewer than four people are being turned away from the well-known popular mountain pathway for other trails.

Since July 10, Parks Canada has enforced compulsory hiking in clusters and the self defense spray canister in order to avoid confrontations with bears in the area. Additionally dogs and mountain bikers are prohibited from the heavily travelled lakeside trail.

Less than a week of the restrictions taking effect, a student from Korea found himself fined $400 for not carrying bear spray on him on July 17. When it comes to hikers and bikers that are turning up without the spray canister on hand or those with dogs, they are simply choosing different routes.

Serious bear attacks that took place near Alymer Pass in 2001 and 2005, have prompted Parks Canada to make the restrictions compulsory from July 10 to September 15. Hikers on the Lake Minnewanka Trail are expected to travel in groups of four or more with at least one of those hikers carrying bear spray.

During this time of the year, the location is a key spot for bears who are collecting buffalo berries in time for their winter hibernation.

Of course, while these restrictions have been put in place, not everyone is aware of them, and will often violate the restrictions without knowing it. Many others, however, were aware and as a result made sure that they were prepared before arriving at the trail.

Those who didn’t have bear spray on them soon realized that after a certain distance they could go no further and decided to head back for a different route.

In order to make hikers and bikers aware of the new restrictions wardens will be patrolling the trail on the busy long weekend to make sure that no one without bear spray or in groups less than four are violating the rules. Those who are found to do so will find themselves charged with a hefty fine.

When it comes to travelling in an area that is known to house bears it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your protection. By taking the time to read up on the latest facts about an area you are visiting you will be better prepared about what to expect and what you will be required to do first before arriving.

Your safety is important and to avoid the risk of running into bears along the way it is important to have a form of self defense on hand.