Exclusive campsites for hikers and cyclists being set up in Kananaskis country

New campsites exclusively for hikers and cyclists are now available in Kananaskis Country.

These sites are intended for visitors who navigate the Kananaskis region on their own, without the aid of a motorized vehicle.

Julie Schmitt, supervisor of the Kananaskis Tourist Information Center, said the four new sites are intended to meet demand.

“[This way], they don’t have to do a grand tour in a day, ”Schmitt said.“ Also, we try to encourage people to access the park in a non-motorized manner. “

Campgrounds are located along the High Rockies Trail.

The affected sites are Spray West Campground, Pocaterra Overflow Campground, Buller Pond Day Use Area, and Sawmill Trail Day Use Area.

The length of stay varies for each site, but facilities at the sites may include food storage lockers, restrooms, and self-check-in kiosks.

Jeff Gruttz, past chair of the Friends of the Kananaskis Country volunteer group, has been an advocate for cycle touring campsites for over 15 years.

He said there has long been a lack of overnight facilities to match the number of Albertans who enjoy self-sufficient biking and hiking.

“My intention is not only to have hiker and biker sites only in Kananaskis Country, but to work with Alberta Parks, to create hiker and biker sites at other provincial campgrounds and eventually at municipal facilities and private elsewhere in the province, ”said Gruttz.

“And who knows? [Maybe] across the country too. “

Hikers and cyclists can always stay at other campsites. Some campgrounds are on the reservation system, while others are first come, first served.