Fall Colours in Canmore: What to See & Where to Go for Spectacular Views

Imagine the Canadian Rockies bathed in a golden yellow, with crisp autumn air and hiking trails that feel like you’ve got them all to yourself. That’s fall in Canmore, and there’s nowhere in the world quite like it. If you do make a fall visit to Canmore, what to see and what to do can be hard to narrow down. There’s just so much.

Staying at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre puts you right where you need to be to take in Canmore in all its fall glory, and we can help you make sure you take in the most spectacular views and exceptional trails. 

Key Takeaways 

• Larch season is short and worth planning around: The best window to see golden larches is roughly September 20 to October 4, so timing your visit matters.
• There's a spot for every fitness level: From flat, accessible paths like Policeman's Creek Boardwalk and Three Sisters Pathway to challenging climbs like Ha Ling Peak, fall scenery is accessible to almost anyone.
• Early starts pay off: Popular spots like Grassi Lakes and Larch Island Trail have limited parking, so arriving early helps you beat both crowds and the lot filling up.
• Most trails are pet-friendly: The majority of the listed trails welcome leashed dogs, making it easy to bring your pup along.
• Weather can shift fast: September can still bring snow at higher elevations, so packing layers and proper footwear is essential even on easier trails.

Top 10 Scenic Spots in Canmore: What to See & Where to Go this Fall

1. Larch Island Trail

This short and easy loop near the Bow River is ideal for a leisurely walk to enjoy fall colours. What makes the Larch Island Trail a must-see in Canmore? Walking on this winding trail will lead you through a grove of golden larch trees in the fall. There are some spectacular larch hikes around Canmore that draw visitors from around the world in late September and early October, but this one is easy enough for your whole family to enjoy.

What to know: The trail is relatively flat and 7.7 kilometres long, though since it’s a natural dirt path, you should bring appropriate footwear. Pets are welcome.

Where to find it: Near the Canmore Nordic Centre (access from Three Sisters Drive or Bow Valley Trail).

Where to park: Limited parking is available near the trailhead. Arriving early is often necessary, so the fact that the Larch Island Loop is only an 8-minute drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre makes it the ideal place to stay and get an early start.

2. Grassi Lakes Trail 

Grassi Lake Trail is only a 13-minute drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre and is beautiful in any season, but particularly special in the fall when the leaves and needles on the trees begin to turn as temperatures start to dip. It’s a local favourite and can get busy during the summer, but the crowds won’t be an issue if you’re visiting outside of peak season in the fall.

The 1.9-kilometre trail has an elevation of 125 metres and leads up to two turquoise lakes, where you’ll enjoy seeing the fall foliage reflected in serene pools of water. This trail is family-friendly but does have uneven, rocky terrain with some elevation gain. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

What to know: You have two options for hiking at Grassi Lakes. The Interpretive Route is more challenging, although it is still doable for most visitors.

Where to find it: Grassi Lakes Upper Trailhead, Spray Lakes Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 2W4.

Where to park: Park off Spray Lakes Road at the Grassi Lakes Trailhead parking lot. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Canmore, so be sure to arrive early.

3. Policeman's Creek Boardwalk

This scenic spot begins in downtown Canmore, just 20 minutes from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, and includes an accessible walking trail with a boardwalk. It follows Policeman’s Creek through town and while you are never far from downtown or one of many entry or exit points. 

Start things off by taking a photo of the Big Head Statue, which is right at the entrance of the path and then wander along the trail at your own leisure. In the fall the surrounding mountains are even more breathtaking than usual, as larch trees begin to turn a shade of golden yellow. The trail is flat and smooth, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

What to know: There are songbirds and even some wildlife you can spot, so keep your camera handy and your eyes on the water's edge as you walk.

Where to find it: 609 8 St, Canmore, AB T1W 2B1.

Where to park: The boardwalk is easily accessible from several points around town. You can park at Elevation Place or along 8th Street in Canmore, or just leave your car at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre and kick off your hike with a quick 20-minute walk to the start of the trail.

4. Quarry Lake Park

Quarry Lake Park is the perfect place for a picnic. The trail is only 1 kilometre long and is suitable for people of all ages, so bring a picnic basket and a blanket, and take in the panoramic mountain views, which are incredible in the fall with so many golden aspen trees. 

There are plenty of accessible areas, with picnic tables, grassy areas and benches. If you’ve brought your dog along for your trip, bring them on this hike and enjoy the off-leash dog park. 

What to know: There’s a swimming area, although it will be too cold in the fall for most people to brave going for a dip.

Where to find it: 101 Spray Lakes Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 2V5.

Where to park: The Quarry Lake parking lot is located just off Spray Lakes Road and is a 9-minute drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre.

5. Three Sisters Pathway

The Three Sisters rise above Canmore and are visible from just about anywhere in town. Known as Big Sister, Middle Sister and Little Sister, they are the most recognizable peaks in the Bow Valley and serve as an awe-inspiring backdrop for your trip to Canmore.

The Three Sisters Pathway may be the best way to take in the Three Sisters’ majesty. Running along the Bow River, this highly accessible pathway is paved and mostly flat. This means it’s suitable for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers, allowing anyone and everyone to enjoy the fall foliage and crisp autumn air.

What to know: Dogs are welcome on a leash, and if you’re looking to get out on a bicycle, this path is perfect.

Where to find it: Along the Bow River, Canmore, AB T1W 2X2.

Where to park: Park at the Canmore Recreation Centre or Riverside Park. The path is accessible from several points along the way.

6. Ha Ling Peak 

Ha Ling Peak is a challenging hike in Canmore. It’s about 8 kilometres long and has an elevation of 792 metres. If you’re up for a steep climb and some high elevation, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in Canmore, including a 360-degree view of the area, Bow Valley and the rugged Rocky Mountains once you reach the summit. 

Hiking to Ha Ling Peak in the fall can actually be much more pleasant than in the height of summer. There are smaller crowds, especially on weekdays, and the cooler temperatures make it easier on the body. Get an early start if you can to really take advantage of the cool, early-morning mountain air. You’ll be surrounded by a spectacular array of yellow, orange and red trees, too, making fall arguably the best time to hike Ha Ling Peak.

Dogs are allowed on a leash, but be prepared for uneven terrain, significant elevation gain and steep inclines.

Where to find it: Ha Ling Trailhead, Spray Lakes Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 2X2.

Where to park: Park at the Goat Creek Day Use Area or the Ha Ling Trailhead parking lot, located just off Spray Lakes Road. Driving from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre will take you about 20 minutes.

7. Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park

The Canmore Nordic Centre is one of the world’s top cross-country skiing facilities and played host to the Nordic skiing and biathlon competitions at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Before the snow falls, though, fall offers great opportunities to get out and explore by foot or on a mountain bike. There’s even an 18-hole disc golf course, which offers a fun opportunity to enjoy the autumn colours with friends.

What to know: Most of the trails are multi-use, and while you can bring your dog, they must be kept on a leash at all times. There are over 65 kilometres of trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre, and picking up a trail map at the day lodge will help you identify accessible trails and hikes that meet your skill and fitness levels.

Where to find it: 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB T1W 2T6.

Where to park: The Canmore Nordic Centre’s main parking area is located near the day lodge, which is a 10-minute drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre.

8. Grotto Canyon

With towering limestone walls, a scenic creek and even a waterfall, this hike just 15 minutes outside of Canmore is especially spectacular in the fall when the leaves start to change colours. While it’s listed as being a 4.2-kilometre, in-and-out trail, the reality is that there are many spots where less experienced hikers can stop to take in the views and then turn around. 

If you’re looking for adventurous activities in Canmore, head to Grotto Canyon. However, because this natural path along a creek bed has uneven, rocky terrain, it isn’t very accessible for anyone with mobility challenges, although it is dog-friendly (on a leash). 

Keep an eye out for rock pictographs as you make your way along this path. The Hopi pictographs were painted between 500 and 1,000 years ago. 

Where to find it: Grotto Canyon Trailhead, Bow Valley Trail, AB-1A, Exshaw, AB T1W 2T8 (just outside Canmore).

Where to park: Park at the Grotto Mountain Day Use Area, just 13 minutes from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre

9. Three Sisters Viewpoint

Different from Three Sisters Parkway, this extra special viewpoint provides one of the most iconic views of Canmore. To experience this wonder, park your car, walk to the viewpoint and take in the breathtaking mountains amid the fall scenery. 

This is considered an easy hike and is only about 1-km long. It leads to a beautiful alpine pond where the peaks of the Three Sisters can often be seen reflecting in the water. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and while some areas may have uneven ground, this is still a relatively accessible option.

What to know: This can be a wonderful place to watch the sun rise above the mountains if you get there early enough.

Where to find it: Three Sisters Boulevard, Canmore, AB T1W 0G6.

Where to park: You can access the viewpoint by car via Three Sisters Boulevard, but there’s a small parking area nearby or street parking available along the road. From there, it’s a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint.

10. Benchlands Loop

Located just across the highway from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, this pathway is about 4 kilometres long and can be accessed from the Cougar Creek/Lady MacDonald trailhead. It reveals stunning panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding mountains. 

It’s considered moderately challenging because while it’s shorter than other trails in and around Canmore, there are some hills you’ll have to climb, so bring water. It’s pet-friendly and highly accessible.

Drop by the nearby Summit Cafe for a local treat or coffee as a reward when finished.

Where to find it: 500 Benchlands Trail

Where to park: Street parking is available along Benchlands Trail, and there’s a parking lot near the trailhead, just a 4-minute drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre.

Experience Fall in Canmore at Its Best

There are plenty of things to do in Canmore in the fall during the day, but if you need a place to stay at night between adventures, book a room at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. 

Our pet-friendly hotel is within walking distance of Policeman’s Boardwalk and a short drive from the trailheads for Canmore’s best fall hikes.

Book your stay with us today.

FAQ 

1. What is the best time to see larches in the fall?
-The window to see larches turn golden-yellow is very short in Alberta and can vary from year-to-year. Typically, between September 20th and October 4th, most locals plan to get out into the mountains to see the larches in all their fall splendour.

2. Is there snow in Canmore in September?
-Preparing for variable weather is important when you’re planning a visit to Canmore in the fall. Packing long-sleeved clothes and a jacket that’s suitable for colder nighttime temperatures is advisable. There can be snow in September, although it is typically restricted to higher elevations. The best fall hikes in Canmore can see snow fall overnight and melt in the day, making some surfaces wet and slippery. Make sure you’re wearing hiking boots.

3. Are hiking trails busy in the fall?
-While many trails will be less busy in Canmore in the fall than during the busy summer months, the larch season does attract big crowds. If you are looking to see the larches as their needles turn, you’ll want to get to the trailheads early to secure a parking spot.