Canmore Larch Hikes
For a fun and memorable fall weekend, consider a sightseeing trip to enjoy the beauty of nature’s changing colours. Our guide tells you why visitors come from around the province to see these trees, where to see larches in Alberta, and how to make the most of your trip.
What Are Larches?
Majestic larch trees stand 50-80 feet tall. Their short, soft needles give them a spruce-like appearance. They are the only known conifer tree to lose its needles in fall. Before the larches drop their leaves, they turn brilliant shades of orange and yellow.
Many neighbourhoods and hiking trails in the Canmore area showcase the beauty of our local larches.
Did you know… larch trees are also known as tamaracks!
Where To See Larches In Alberta
The Canmore and Banff area holds many larch trees, which begin to turn colour in mid-September and can be viewed in their brilliant fall foliage through to the end of October. Many hiking trails with varying levels of difficulties offer gorgeous views of the trees. Consider one of these popular trails for your sightseeing trip.
Mt. Lorette Ponds
This year-round park has paved trails, making it a great choice for families with strollers, visitors with wheelchairs, or anyone looking for an even-surfaced trail. Visitors have a choice between the main 700m trail or a shorter 230m trail. In addition to the larches, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the glassy Mt. Lorette ponds the park is named for.
Ptarmigan Cirque
Though this hike is initially steep, it levels out into a smooth loop that passes by picturesque waterfalls. You might even see some local wildlife! Because of its relative ease and beautiful views, this is a popular hike. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Pocaterra Ridge
For more experienced hikers, the 11-km Pocaterra Ridge offers stunning views of the changing larches. Car shuttle and leave a vehicle at your destination so you don’t have to retrace your steps. Remember to dress for the weather, and bring hiking poles for assistance in the steeper areas.
Making the Most of Your Sightseeing Trip
While you’re planning your sightseeing weekend, the little details can make your trip truly unforgettable. After you’ve decided on the perfect location to see larches in Alberta, use our handy checklist to plot the details.
Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.
- Hike safely. Wear weather-appropriate clothes. Research your route and let a trusted person know when you expect to be back. Use the Alberta Parks hiking safety reference during your planning.
Learn More - Charge your phone and bring a battery backup. You won’t miss a single beautiful shot when you’re prepared.
- Pack a picnic. Bring water, trail mix, or a small cooler of snacks and have a mountainside picnic! Remember to bring your trash with you to dispose of properly.
- Go easy. If you’re not an experienced hiker, plan a day trip to an easier trail.
In addition, these tips help you take memorable photos of the larches and mountain scenery.
- Take panoramas. If you’ve never used this mode before, you’ll be amazed at how much you can capture with your phone! Select “panorama” from your photo options and follow the directions on your screen.
- Move around. Take photos from different angles. Try shooting through tree branches or a rock formation to “frame” your shot.
- Use the “rule of thirds” to make your photos pop. Try for a composition of ⅓ sky and ⅔ land for professional looking photos. Some phones will optionally display gridlines to make composing your shots easier.
- Take lots of pictures! You can sort through them for the best ones after your trip.
Credit: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography.
Home is Where the Larch Is
If you’d like to see the changing larches every year, consider buying a home or vacation property in Canmore. These two houses showcase the beautiful variety in Canmore homes. You could enjoy year-round access to hiking trails, winter and summer activities, and stunning mountain views. Plus, you could make a larch hike your annual family tradition!
117 -173 Kananaskis Way – SOLD!
Enjoy vacation living with four weeks a year in this beautiful modern suite. Curl up in your cozy living room with gas fireplace after a day hiking the larch trails.
16 Terrace Place – SOLD!
The spirit of mountain living permeates this beautiful alpine-style home. With vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Norwegian Pine throughout, every day will feel like you’re living in your own private chalet.
