When Do the Larches Turn in Canmore? Your Complete Larch Season Guide
Every year between the third week of September and early October, the larch trees in the Canadian Rockies near Canmore turn a stunning shade of golden yellow. While the exact days of larch season in Canmore can vary year-to-year because of weather and elevation, it’s always a short but sweet season for locals in Alberta and visitors who come from far and wide to take in the majesty of the mountains in the fall.
Key Takeaways
- Peak larch colour in the Canmore/Banff/Kananaskis area typically runs from mid-September to early October, with higher-elevation trails like Healy Pass turning first and lower elevations following a week or two later.
- You don't need to hike to see larches, the Lake Louise Gondola, Canmore Engine Bridge, and Mt. Lorette Ponds all offer easy, non-technical viewing within a short drive of the hotel.
- Exact dates shift year to year with weather and the first frost, so check Parks Canada and Alberta Parks trail reports for the dates near your trip instead of relying on fixed dates.
- Larch season is one of the busiest stretches in the Bow Valley, book your stay early, hit trailheads midweek and at first light, and carry bear spray since bears are actively foraging before hibernation.
Typical Larch Colour Window by Year & Elevation
Give or take a couple of days, larch season in Alberta starts around September 15 and runs until October 5 most years, but there can be some variation in when and where the larch trees turn gold. Conditions are usually colder at higher elevations, so hikes like Healy Pass can be worth visiting earlier in that window. At lower elevations, larch season can start a little later. The higher you go, the earlier the season starts, as a general rule.
Other factors that affect the larch season include weather and the timing of the first frost in the Canadian Rockies. While September can feel like summer during the day in the mountains, it’s never a surprise if snow falls overnight, and a cooler start to fall can lead to the larch trees turning golden a few days earlier.
Tip: While there isn’t an alert that goes out telling you that the needles on the larch trees have started to change colour, monitoring Parks Canada’s trail conditions and Alberta Parks’ trail reports and advisories can keep you up-to-date on whether your trail of choice is good to go. Local media in Calgary and Canmore often report on the start of larch season, too, so keep an eye out for stories in the news. Planning your trip? Rooms fill up fast during larch season, check availability.
Best Viewpoints (Not Just Hiking Trails)
There are some incredible larch hikes in Canmore, Banff National Park and the provincial parks of Kananaskis Country, but you don’t need to pack snacks and tie on your hiking boots to get breathtaking views of the fall colours. Seeing larches in Canmore and the surrounding area is totally possible without a hard hike.
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Just 45 minutes down the highway from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is the world-famous Lake Louise Ski Resort. There won’t be any snow in September, but you can take a gorgeous gondola all the way up the mountain where you’ll get spectacular views of the valleys surrounding you.
Some visitors may choose to stick close to the gondola station, but if you decide to explore and do a short hike, the Ptarmigan Valley Viewpoint Trail will have you surrounded by the stunning fall trees and some amazing larch viewpoints.
Canmore Engine Bridge
The iconic Canmore Engine Bridge is worth a visit at any time of the year and is popular for catching sunrises and sunsets, but it’s especially beautiful in the fall when the larches have turned their lovely shade of gold. Less than 2 km from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre and easily accessible from the Bow River Loop, the Engine Bridge can be combined with a crisp fall walk that’s perfect for anyone, including seniors and parents of young kids. It’s one of the best larch viewpoints in the area, with no hiking required.
Larch Island Interpretive Trail
This is really more of a walk than a hike, and while the entire trail is 3.5 kilometres long, nobody should feel like they have to complete the whole thing. If you’re looking for a short, family-friendly walk where you’ll see some larches, get beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and don’t have to worry about any elevation, the Larch Island Interpretive Trail is for you. It can be accessed from a small parking lot on 15th Street, just 3 km from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre.
Highwood Meadows Trail
From near the trailhead for the Highwood Meadows Trail, you get access to some of the most popular larch hikes in all of Alberta, including Ptarmigan Cirque and Pocaterra Ridge. Those can be challenging for inexperienced hikers, but the Highwood Meadows Trail is only about 600 metres with no elevation and is a beautiful place to go for a stroll and take in all the fall mountain colours. The trailhead is about an hour from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre on Highway 40.
Driving Highway 40
Driving Highway 40 through Kananaskis is breathtaking, even if you don’t get out of the car. The highway winds through stunning mountain vistas, offering spectacular views, especially in larch season. Starting from the Trans-Canada Highway just 20 minutes east of Canmore, you’ll go through the Highwood Pass, which is the highest paved pass in Canada at 2,206 metres. Pack a lunch and stop at one of the many day use areas in Kananaskis.
Mt. Lorette Ponds
Located in the Bow Valley Provincial Park, Mt. Lorette Ponds is a popular destination for walking, fishing and paddling and is absolutely stunning in the fall. It is only about a half-hour drive from the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. There’s a short 900-metre trail that is accessible for everyone, but you can also sit at a picnic table with your family and take in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies around you.
How to Plan Around Crowds
While Banff and Canmore are generally less busy in the fall than in the peak summer tourist season, that’s not necessarily true for popular larch hikes. Albertans flock to the mountains when the trees start to turn golden, and you should be prepared for busy parking lots and trails.
There are a few ways you can avoid the busiest times, though:
- Visiting midweek will generally ensure smaller crowds. The weekends get very busy
- Whether you’re visiting on a weekend or on a weekday, the earlier you can arrive, the better.
- Have a backup plan in case you can’t find a parking spot when you arrive at your chosen destination.
Photography Tips for Golden Larch Shots
Larch season is a great opportunity to capture amazing photos, whether you’re a professional building your portfolio or an amateur looking to impress friends with spectacular photos on social media. Here are a few tips for getting the best shots:
- Early morning and late afternoon typically have the best light.
- Try to capture the contrast of the golden larches against a bright blue sky. The larches also reflect beautifully in the peaceful waters of alpine lakes, while the mountains themselves provide a gorgeous backdrop that really makes the fall colours pop.
- Be sure that all of your gear is charged, clean and ready for action.
Book Your Larch Season Stay at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre
Larch season is a popular time for visitors in Canmore, so you should book early to ensure you’ve got a room at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre this fall. Knowing where to stay for larch season in Canmore will help you beat the rush of Calgarians coming to the mountains when the larches turn gold. Book your stay today.
FAQs About Canmore Larch Season
Are bears active during larch season in the Rockies?
Yes, grizzlies and black bears are both active in late September and early October as they prepare to hibernate during the winter. Bring bear spray and make lots of noise on any mountain trails.
What is the best week to see larches turn gold in Canmore?
Larch season runs from mid-September to early October, although the specific dates vary year to year. Booking for the last week of September is generally a safe bet and should ensure the trees have turned.
Why do larch needles turn gold and fall off?
Larch trees are a type of deciduous pine tree, meaning they lose their needles when they turn cold. This doesn’t happen with most conifers.
How do I avoid crowds during larch season in Canmore?
Crowds are always hard to avoid in larch season, but plan to arrive as early as possible and visit popular larch destinations mid-week to avoid the busiest times.
What elevation do larches turn first?
Generally, the higher the elevation, the earlier the larches turn gold because it is usually colder at higher elevations.