It’s coming to that magical time of year, and our favorite season in the Rockies, larch Season. Golden leaves and needles turn these hikes into a fall paradise, a hiker's dream, stunning vistas, crisp fall air and beautiful larches. 

We’ve rounded up four of our favorite local hikes, at varying levels of difficulty to ensure there is something for everyone.  So grab your hiking boots, your fave trail snacks, maybe a buddy and let’s go trekking.

We recommend checking trail status before you head off, to ensure they are open and in good condition. Always carry bear spray when hiking in Canmore, Kananaskis country or Banff National Park, if you’re in Canmore or Banff you can pick yours up at UNLTD which has shops in both towns. 

Chester Lake - Easy level difficulty

A Kananaskis hike which is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a bit of everything. beautiful larches, a picturesque lake,  meadow surrounds and stunning mountain views. The trailhead starts from the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes Road, there is plenty of parking available, but this is a very popular hike so we recommend getting there early. 

The trail is about 10 kilometers round trip and it’s a pretty straight forward route. Most of the incline is tackled in the first half of the hike and then it flattens out to a beautiful meadow path. You will be treated to larches along the way and in the meadows and once you reach the lake it is framed by a mountain peak and golden needles. 

This is a straightforward out and back lake, no need to pack for a day hike, but we recommend packing some lunch to enjoy at the lake.

Remember you will need a Kananaskis pass if you are planning on driving to the trail, it’s not the same as your Parks Canada discovery pass. 

Big Beehive - Mid level difficulty

A hike at the iconic Lake Louise, it couldn’t get much better, except it can… go during larch season. The trail starts right on the shore line of Lake Louise and climbs through the surrounding woodland. The trail starts at a relatively steep incline, it does settle a little, but expect to be going uphill nearly the entire way. Don’t worry the glimpses of turquoise water through the tree’s will spur you along the way. Enjoy a respite at Mirror Lake, then it’s just a short way further to Lake Agnes and the historic tea house, the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a cup of tea and snack at 2,135 meters above sea level.

Make your way around Lake Agnes and start the ascent of the beehive, nothing technical, just a set of (somewhat painful) short switchbacks to tackle. But the views will be so worth it once you reach the top. A panoramic view of Lake Louise and its surrounding mountain range, it doesn’t get much sweeter than that.

Remember parking is limited at Lake Louise and costs $34 for the day, get there early, or book a shuttle to save on the parking fees. 

Larch Valley - Mid level difficulty

Photo credit: All Trails

The trailhead is at the stunning Moraine Lake, just past Moraine Lake Lodge you will start the hike through the tree’s, but on a well groomed path. After a little while you start catching glimpses of the peaks surrounding the lake, including the Mt. Fay glacier. After this point this incline does go up a few grades, with a set of switchbacks on the scent to larch valley. But the glimpses through the trees of beautiful Lake Moraine are a welcome distraction. The trees begin to thin and the view is spectacular, it is one of the most loved larch hikes for a reason, the colors are breathtaking and the vista of the valley is unmatched. Continue your walk through the valley and the views will only get better and better.

The hike ends when you reach the Sentinel pass trailhead. There are plenty of spots here to take a rest and enjoy the beauty of the Rockies before you make your way back through the valley and to Moraine Lake. 

Don’t forget the road to Moraine Lake is not open to private vehicles, you may cycle the road if you wish, or opt for an easier start to your hike and book a shuttle bus to take you.

Healy Pass - Hard level difficulty

Photo credit: All Trails

The trailhead is located right at Sunshine Village Gondola, crossing the bridge behind it to start the steady incline through the forest. Though you don’t get much view out of the dense woodland initially, the forest itself is a beauty to behold with soft moss lining the path and sunlight peeking through.

The incline does pick up a little before the halfway point of the hike, but nothing too crazy, and trust us, with the ever-growing amazing views you won’t mind. The hike opens up into more meadow-like terrain as you continue to gain elevation. Once You reach the pass the views across the valley are breathtaking, with more yellow larches than the mind can comprehend. 

Thanks to the copious parking at Sunshine Village you haven’t got any fears of missing out on this hike, but we do recommend getting there early if you prefer a less populated trail.