Hidden Gem Alert: Grassi Lakes in Canmore, Alberta
Grassi Lakes is a great hike in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, and it isn’t even in Banff. It’s easy to overlook sites that are outside of Banff when planning a vacation. I know the first time I went to Banff, I was totally unaware that there were any hikes worth doing outside of the National Park. Banff is, of course, beautiful, but if you want something closer to Calgary or just a quick hike, there are some great options in the Kananaskis region. There are a couple of Provincial Parks in the Kananaskis that are full of beautiful mountains and lakes. You can see how I fit it into my three day Banff itinerary here.
One of the best hikes in Kananaskis is Grassi Lakes. A “hidden” gem, although well known to locals. Unlike Banff, entry to Grassi Lakes is free. This hike is found in a wildlife corridor so you may want to check out bear warnings before going just to know what to be aware of. I didn’t see any while I was there but its always best to be prepared when it comes to wildlife. Check out the Alberta Parks site for Grassi Lakes for any wildlife warnings. While you can do this hike self-guided, there is also this option for a guided hike to Grassi Lakes.
Located just outside of Canmore, Alberta, Grassi Lakes hike is easy to access without going far off of the main highway. It makes for a great half-day hike on the way to Banff or if you are staying in the Canmore area. It’s also possible to do as a day trip from Calgary. Other options for great hiking in the Rocky Mountains are these hikes in Banff National Park or this easy and scenic hike, Johnston Canyon.
Practical Information
Location: Grassi Lakes is found left off of Spray Lakes Road (Hwy 742), 2km past of the Nordic Centre. There are signs pointing you in the direction of the Nordic Centre. After passing the Nordic Centre there will be another sign for Grassi Lakes. It is easy to miss as the parking lot is down a hill.
Distance/Time: 3.8 km, climbs 300 m of elevation. 1.5-2 hours.
Rating: Easy to moderate. Some elevation gain and steep, rocky sections. Some steep stairs which can be slippery because of a nearby waterfall. Upper Grassi Lakes trail is easier and more gentle, no steep rocky sections.
When to Visit: Visit from Spring-Autumn. The Grassi Lakes scenic trail is closed in the winter because water flows over the trail and causes it to be icy. You can hike the Upper Grassi Lakes trail in the winter
Grassi Lakes Hiking Trail
With waterfalls, a great view, and two clear turquoise falls at the end, Grassi Lakes makes for a spectacular short hike. There are two routes that you can take to get to the lakes, easier and more difficult. Because it loops at the lakes, you can do both the trails. This hike seems suitable for all ages as I saw toddlers doing this hike with their parents. If you are worried about some of the steep sections, Upper Grassi Lakes Trail is gentler but you will miss out on views of the valley and waterfall.
The hike took 2 hours, but I was stopping a lot to take photos and took a break at the lakes for a snack. It is 3.8 km of walking round trip and the trail climbs 300m (984 ft).
The more scenic route is a bit rugged in some sections worth it. There is a section that has some steep stairs and this is probably the most challenging bit of the hike. But the views into the reservoir below and to some of the mountains that are around Canmore are worth it.
You can get closer to the large waterfall but it isn’t on the trail. At the top of the trail, it opens up into a large area with benches around the rather small lakes.
Grassi Lakes is a great hike and also a popular rock climbing location. While I was there, quite a few people were climbing there, which you can see just behind the lakes. There also is tons of birds that seem to nest in the cliff side.
I took the easier route back because I was running short on time and I wanted to check it out. There aren’t scenic viewing points like there are from the more difficult trail but it is still a nice hike.
Grassi Lakes makes for the perfect day trip from Calgary and is suitable for families. This easy hike has rewarding views and can be done in just a couple of hours.
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Love hiking! Never been here but it looks so serene, and it’s always good knowing that there is a less steep option. Though without the grand views, still, you’re in nature which beats being in the city anytime.
Alberta is filled with great hikes! The less steep option at least gets you to Grassi Lakes even if you do miss out on some scenery along the way.
The waters of Alberta never cease to amaze me. The color is absolutely stunning:)
Alberta does have beautiful coloured lakes and rivers, it’s a great place to explore.
I am dying to go to Banff so I will have to add on the Grassi Lakes when I do! The water looks just a picturesque and beautiful. I like that it was only a 2 hour hike too!
The Canmore and Kananaskis region have a lot to offer and can be cheaper to stay in than downtown Banff. Hopefully you can make it to Banff soon 🙂
This seems so picturesque and looks easy hike.I am dying to go to banff. Thanks for sharing such offbeat place ,will include it in my list.
It definitely an easy hike but is so rewarding. I hope you can make it to Banff soon, when you do check out some of the surrounding area, Canmore can be cheaper to stay in than Banff but has lots of sights!
Wow – unreal photos. We lived in BC – Whistler to be exact for 2 years and miss the scenery like this very much. Although we’re now living in NZ so it’s not so bad. We didn’t make it to Canmore but saving this for when we revisit.
The Rockies just have such beautiful scenery all across it. New Zealand looks beautiful!
Grassi Lakes does look like a gem! Those photos are stunning!
Thank you! Grassi Lakes is beautiful, it’s hard to believe so many people don’t know about it!
Always been in awe of Alberta! I love your photo of waterfall ? so serene.
Thank you! Alberta’s Rockies are easy to photograph, everything is beautiful.
Grassi lakes hike in Canmore Alberta looks gorgeous. We are big fans of Canada’s wilderness but never been to Alberta!
Grassi Lakes is a gorgeous hike! Hopefully you can make it to Alberta sometime 🙂
Beautiful photos. My brother recently moved to Alberta and I am eager to visit and see what it has to offer. It looks like the turquoise waters are even further south! Do you know if bears are common on these hiking trails? I am probably more scared of bears than snakes.
Thank you! Grassi Lakes is a bit closer to Calgary than Banff is actually, along the same route to Banff. I think Grassi Lakes trail is so used by humans that the noise would scare most of them off. When I was there I did talk to a Park Ranger who said there are bears in the area. And indeed, from the hike, I could look down and see a bear in the distance along the hydroelectric poles walking. I did this hike at the end of May when there are many bears waking up and wandering around Banff and Canmore. It was common to see both Grizzly and Black bears on the side of the road while driving.
These photos make me wanna go on a hike now! Wow. Alberta sure has some great lakes.
Thank you, Alberta really does have some beautiful lakes and rivers! Great place for hiking.