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Two people walk across a bridge on a larch hike near Canmore

The 5 Best Larch Hikes Near Canmore

02/09/2025

Every fall, guests from across Alberta and around the world flock to Canmore for the nearby larch hikes. Larch season doesn’t last long, but the best larch hikes near Canmore show off gorgeous mountain vistas that turn a glorious shade of gold every September and early-October.

Key Takeaways

  • Larch season: Mid-September to early October; needles turn golden, creating stunning alpine views.
  • Top hikes near Canmore:
    • Pocaterra Ridge – medium-hard, 9.8 km.
    • Ptarmigan Cirque – easy, 4.5 km.
    • Chester Lake – moderate, 9.6 km.
    • Healy Pass – hard, 18 km.
    • Larch Valley – medium, 7 km, very popular (requires shuttle).
  • Tips and considerations:
    • Carry bear spray and stay alert.
    • Expect crowds; arrive early or visit mid-week.
    • Have backup hike options if parking lots are full.
    • Weather is unpredictable; dress in layers and check forecasts.
  • Base in Canmore: Staying at Coast Canmore Hotel gives quick access to trailheads plus post-hike amenities like pool, hot tub, and dining.

What is a larch tree?

Larch trees are a type of pine tree that are deciduous, not evergreen, meaning they lose their needles when the temperatures turn cold, unlike almost any other type of conifer. Known scientifically as Larix lyalli, they may be unspectacular in the middle of the summer, but in the fall, larch trees turn a dramatic shade of yellow that lights up the alpine slopes of the Canadian Rockies.

Why do a larch hike?

As winter approaches and the larch needles turn to a brilliant golden hue, the Eastern slopes of the Rockies become a destination for hikers from all over the world. The yellow larches contrast vibrantly with the evergreen trees that neighbour them, providing stunning mountain vistas that dazzle anyone lucky enough to witness them. Larches are most found in the Kananaskis area as well as the nearby Banff National Park,  making Canmore your perfect home base for larch hikes.

5 best larch hikes near Canmore

You’ll find larches throughout the Rockies near Canmore and will never be disappointed hiking in the fall, but there are a few truly spectacular larch hikes that will take your breath away. Here are our top 5:

A deer stands by a lake near Canmore with golden larch trees in the distance.

1. Pocaterra Ridge

Difficulty: Medium-to-hard
Length: 9.8 kilometres
Distance from Canmore: 95 kilometres

You’ve got options when you take on this incredible larch trail, as there are a couple of different turning-back points that can make the hike easier or harder depending on how you’re feeling. Whether you go right to the end or cut back before the final climb to the ridge itself, there are unbelievable views of out-of-this-world alpine valleys filled with golden larches dotted throughout the length of the trail. It’s a popular one, though, so make sure you get to the parking lot early.

2. Ptarmigan Cirque

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 4.5 kilometres
Distance from Canmore: 96 kilometres

This is one of the more well-trafficked larch hikes in Alberta, both because of the incredible views and its relative ease compared to many other options. There’s a bit of a climb at the beginning, but you’ll see waterfalls, alpine meadows and even some wildlife as you wind your way down the trail.

3. Chester Lake

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 9.6 kilometres
Distance from Canmore: 46 kilometres

Nestled below Mount Chester, this serene hike will take you to a gorgeous alpine lake that is surrounded by golden larches. It’s one of the best easy larch hikes, and while there is some elevation, it’s nicely spread out over the 2.5-hour trail time. There’s a large parking lot, too, and this is one of the hikes that delivers stunning landscapes even for those of us who might not want to go straight up a mountain.

4. Healey Pass

Difficulty: Hard
Length: 18 kilometres
Distance from Canmore: 33 kilometres

Located just a 25-minute drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is this stunning hike that will take you up and above the famous Sunshine Village ski resort. You don’t have to go all the way up to see the larches, though, as there’s a beautiful mountain valley before the final ascent that is a perfect place for lunch before you turn around. The parking lot is right off the Trans-Canada highway in Banff National Park, and the hike itself is breathtaking.

5. Larch Valley

Difficulty: Medium
Length: 7 kilometres
Distance from Canmore: 94 kilometres

Larch Valley is the most famous of the larch hikes in the Rockies and is undeniably spectacular. With that, though, comes big crowds and a few notable challenges. Getting to the trailhead at Moraine Lake involves booking a shuttle with Parks Canada, and you should be prepared for crowds. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the extra effort, though. There’s a reason why Larch Valley is the most popular of the larch hikes. It just takes a little planning.

Considerations Before a Larch Hike

A person goes on a larch hike near Canmore, Alberta surrounded by mountains.

Be Bear Aware

As bears prepare to hibernate for the winter, they need to eat as much as possible. That means it’s not only likely that you’ll see a bear, but they will be focused on the task at hand and may not be as aware of what’s around them as they normally would be. Bring bear spray, make lots of noise and stay conscious of your surroundings on all of your hikes.

Expect Crowds

Larch hikes are extremely popular, and you should expect Albertans and visitors to the region to flock to the mountains while the needles are yellow. That doesn’t mean you’re going to struggle for space on the trails, but parking lots at the base of the mountains can fill up fast.

Have Backup Plans

This list of larch hikes should help out with this one, because it’s a good idea to have a couple of different options when you head to the mountains during this popular time of the year. If there’s no parking at one of the larch hikes in Kananaskis, there will be other opportunities to check them out close by.

Arrive Early or Mid-Week

The earlier you can arrive at a trailhead, the better your chances of finding parking. That’s especially true on weekends, when Calgarians are off work and head to the mountains en masse. If you can get a day off and make it to the Rockies mid-week, you’ll inevitably be dealing with fewer people jockeying for parking.

Prepare for the Weather

Even in the middle of the summer, the weather in Western Canada can be unpredictable. In the fall? You never know what’s coming. It can be sunny and warm one minute, and then cold and snowing the next. Make sure you not only check the forecast, but also bring clothing that will keep you warm in any conditions.

When to do larch hikes near Canmore

Larch season is short in Alberta, so you’ve got to get your timing right. Most years, the needles start to turn yellow in mid-September, and this lasts until early October. There’s no official announcement for when the season begins and ends. It’s entirely weather-dependent. But you can generally safely assume that the larch hikes near Canmore will be bathed in a golden-yellow hue throughout that stretch of the fall.

Staying at our hotel in Canmore gets you close to larch hikes

The larch hikes near Canmore are truly breathtaking and worth building a trip to the Bow Valley around. Stay at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre to set yourself up with the perfect home base for the larch season. Because it’s so close to the best larch hikes, you can get up early and beat the Calgary crowds, ensuring you’ll get a parking spot and a head start on your trail adventure. When you return to the hotel, take a dip in our indoor heated pool or hot tub, or enjoy a delicious meal at TABLE Food + Drink.

Book online at Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre today or call us at 800.716.6199.

FAQs about larch hikes

Can you bring your dog on hikes near Canmore?

Yes, but it’s important that you keep your pets on their leashes when you’re checking out pet-friendly trails in Canmore. There is a lot of wildlife in the mountains, and it’s best for both the animals and you if your pet doesn’t interact with them.

Do I need a pass to do larch hikes in Canmore?

Yes. If you are doing any of the larch hikes in Kananaskis, you’ll need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. You’ll need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for any of the hikes in the national parks, including near Banff and Lake Louise.