Parks Canada has closed the Opal Hills Trail in Jasper National Park following a recent grizzly bear encounter that left two hikers with minor injuries. Officials say the trail will remain closed while wildlife staff monitor the area for the family group of bears involved in the incident.
According to Parks Canada, the hikers surprised a female grizzly at close range. The bear reacted defensively to protect both herself and her cubs. The visitors sustained only minor injuries during the encounter.
The hikers were carrying bear spray in an accessible location, knew how to use it, and had discussed ahead of time how they would respond if they encountered a bear on the trail. Those preparations likely played a major role in preventing more serious injuries.
The closure will stay in effect while Parks Canada assesses conditions and determines when it is safe to reopen the popular hiking route.
First reported bear human contact since 2014
Parks Canada says this is the first reported bear human contact encounter in Jasper National Park since 2014. While bear sightings are relatively common throughout the park, physical encounters that result in injuries remain rare.
The incident serves as a reminder that hiking in the Canadian Rockies means sharing the landscape with large predators. Grizzly bears occupy much of Jasper National Park and are especially protective when accompanied by cubs. Sudden close range encounters are among the most common situations that can trigger a defensive response.
Wildlife managers routinely close trails when bears are active in an area. Temporary closures are intended to protect both visitors and wildlife by reducing the chance of additional encounters.
Bear safety remains essential for all visitors
Following the incident, Parks Canada is urging all visitors to follow posted trail closures and warnings without exception. Officials also recommend carrying bear spray where it can be reached immediately rather than storing it inside a backpack.
Visitors should also travel in groups whenever possible and make regular noise while hiking to reduce the chance of surprising wildlife. Speaking loudly, clapping, or calling out while moving through areas with limited visibility can help alert bears to your presence before a close encounter occurs.
The agency emphasized that preparation makes a significant difference during wildlife encounters. Understanding how to respond before heading onto the trail can improve safety for both hikers and animals.
Hiking in bear country requires constant awareness
Jasper National Park is one of North America’s premier mountain destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of hikers every year. While many trails feel easily accessible, wildlife experts remind visitors that bears can be encountered throughout the park, not only in remote backcountry areas.
Visitors should respect all closures, remain alert, and prepare for the possibility of encountering wildlife on any hike.
As officials continue monitoring the bears near Opal Hills Trail, hikers planning trips to Jasper should check current trail conditions before leaving for the trailhead and be prepared to change plans if closures remain in place.
Parks Canada summed up the situation with a reminder that applies throughout Jasper National Park. You may not always be in the backcountry, but you are always in bear country.