As summer fades and the air turns crisp around September, Canmore transforms into one of the best spots for fall hiking in the Rockies. Nestled between Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country, this outdoor mecca is surrounded by a tremendous variety of trails—many of which are especially magical in autumn. Bright gold aspens light up the valleys, snow dusts the peaks, and the area’s unique larch trees burst into vibrant yellow before shedding their needles for winter.
Fall is also one of the most pleasant times to hit the trail. Weather is still comfortable (though layering is smart at this elevation), summer crowds have thinned, and wildlife sightings increase as animals prepare for winter. And if you're looking for a home base to explore several trails this season, Grande Rockies Resort is perfect, with many of the best fall hikes near Canmore within an hour’s drive. Here are eight of the best:
Grassi Lakes
8 km/14 minutes from Grande Rockies Resort
Grassi Lakes is a longtime local favourite in any season, for good reason. Despite its perpetual busy-ness, it’s still one of the area's best spots for fall hiking, and far less crowded than Banff and Jasper national parks. Choose between the easy main trail or a steeper, rockier route, both leading to a pair of crystal-clear turquoise lakes framed by golden foliage. It's one of the most scenic fall trails Canmore has to offer, and as a bonus, its lower elevation means it's accessible later in the season, when higher alpine trails are not.
Mount Lorette Ponds
48 km/33 minutes from Grande Rockies Resort
If you’re looking for a super easy, family-friendly outing, Mount Lorette Ponds in Bow Valley Provincial Park is a top pick. This under-one-kilometer loop circles a series of peaceful, trout-stocked ponds and features a boardwalk-style 'paved' path that’s fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Golden larches and other jewel-tones fall colours surround the glassy water, and with picnic tables and restrooms onsite, it’s a great nature-focused day trip without exertion.
West Wind Pass
23.5 km/41 minutes from Grande Rockies Resort
Compared to popular neighbors like Ha Ling Peak, West Wind Pass flies under the radar but it delivers equally impressive views without the same foot traffic. The trail is 4.2 kilometers round-trip with about 378 meters of elevation gain, a short, moderately steep climb most hikers can complete in a few hours. Note that West Wind Pass lives up to its name; gusty winds are common, so pack a snug-fitting hat and warm layers.
Troll Falls
53.7 km/37 minutes from Grande Rockies Resort
Kananaskis Country's Troll Falls hike is an easy 4.5-kilometer out-and-back perfect for spotting autumn colour. You’ll wind through dense aspen groves and alongside a tranquil mountain creek on your way to the namesake waterfall. And if you want to extend the adventure just a bit, take the side trails to Upper Troll Falls or Marmot Falls, where you can actually step behind the cascading water.
Rummel Lake
41 km/1 hour, 4 minutes from Grande Rockies Resort
Tucked away in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Rummel Lake is a quiet alternative to some of the region's more trafficked larch hikes. The 10-kilometer round-trip trail is accessible for most hikers, with gentle elevation gain. You’ll pass through forested terrain on your way up to the lake, and as you near it, patches of fiery larches pop up along the shoreline. For a bonus viewpoint, hike a bit past the lake to take in views looking down on the scene.
Tent Ridge
42.9 km/1 hour, 7 minutes from Grande Rockies Resort
This is a bucket-list hike for experienced hikers and those looking for a challenge. The 10-kilometer loop includes everything from frolicking through alpine meadows to marveling at a larch forest and shuffling across narrow ridgelines with exposure, so it’s not ideal for beginners or anyone uncomfortable with heights. But if you’re up for it, the reward is panoramic 360-degree views over the Spray Valley with countless peaks in view and some of the most dramatic fall landscapes around.
Larch Valley
93 km/1 hour, 12 minutes from Grande Rockies Resort
If you're searching specifically for Canmore fall hiking trails with larches, Larch Valley should top your list. In spite of its popularity, this 8.6-kilometer trail in Banff is a must in late September. The hike begins near the Moraine Lake canoe docks and climbs through switchbacks before opening into an alpine valley glowing with golden larches. You won't have it to yourself, but the views—especially looking back at the Ten Peaks framing the trees—are worth the crowds.
Arethusa Cirque
98.1 km/1 hour, 18 minutes from Grande Rockies Resort
Looking for less crowded hikes near Canmore that still deliver jaw-dropping fall scenery? Arethusa Cirque is your answer. Another gem in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, this 4.5-kilometer loop offers one of the best displays of larches in the region without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of nearby Ptarmigan or Pocaterra Cirques (it's actually their proximity that keeps this trail under the radar). The trek takes you through forest, alpine meadows, and rocky glacier moraine, eventually opening up to a valley blanketed in thousands of larches.
Larch-viewing tips
Fall hiking in the Rockies means rapid weather changes, so always dress in layers—and pack an extra one. A flannel or puffy jacket, gloves, and a beanie go a long way in keeping you comfortable if conditions shift mid-hike.
At the same time, don’t forget to hydrate. Even in cooler temps, dry mountain air and high altitude can lead to dehydration.
Be extra mindful of wildlife during larch season. Elk, deer and moose are in rut, making them more aggressive, and bears are in hyperphagia (preparing for hibernation), so carry bear spray, make noise on the trail and give wildlife plenty of distance.
Even on lesser-known routes, trailhead parking can be tight during peak larch season. Arrive (very) early in the day or opt for a weekday hike to increase your chances of having a quieter experience. Also keep in mind that when the larches start turning, the window for seeing them at peak is short—sometimes just a week or two. To time it right, check local Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or AllTrails reviews for up-to-date conditions.
