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Kananaskis Declares Local Emergency as Heavy Rain Strands Campers and Shuts Roads

Damage to roads and bridges could delay recovery, harming local travel and tourism.

A sign marks the entrance to Kananaskis Country, Alta., Monday, June 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Emergency officials block off Highway 40 south of Canmore because of heavy rain and flooding making the road too dangerous to travel.
Alberta has declared a state of local emergency in Kananaskis Country due to heavy rain and localized flooding on June 29, 2026.
From L, Twylia Girdauckis, son Linton, 12, husband Jason Kenyon and their dogs at the damaged Evans Thomas Bridge on Monday.

Overview

  • Kananaskis Improvement District declared a state of local emergency after intense rainfall on June 29 produced rapid runoff, mudslides and washouts that made roads impassable.
  • Alberta Parks estimated up to 1,500 campers were unable to leave campgrounds and emergency teams were dispatched to support evacuations and sheltering.
  • William Watson Lodge and the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre have been opened for people needing temporary shelter while staff and contractors work to clear routes.
  • Multiple provincial road closures remain in effect, including sections of Highway 40 and the Smith Dorrien Trail, as officials assess bridge and roadway damage and restore safe access.
  • An integrated Emergency Coordination Centre in Canmore is managing the response, officials have rescinded some Canmore evacuation alerts, and the public is urged to avoid non-essential travel and stay away from creeks and embankments.