We are beyond excited to share that larch season has officially arrived in Alberta. It’s that magical time of year when Alberta’s alpine transforms into a sea of gold. Larch trees are coniferous trees that shed their needles in the fall, unlike their evergreen cousins. Before they do, their needles turn a brilliant golden-yellow, creating some of the most stunning autumn landscapes you’ll ever see. If you’ve had the opportunity to see the larches in their full autumn glory, you know what we’re talking about. If you’ve yet to experience their beauty, there’s still plenty of time to check them out before their brilliant, vibrant needles fall to the ground. Read on to discover 8 of the best family-friendly hikes around Alberta, perfect for hikers of all ages and abilities.
Ptarmigan Cirque
Distance: 4.5 km loop
Elevation gain: 210 m
Difficulty: Easy
This family-friendly hike near the Highwood Pass is one of the most popular hikes in the area and is ideal for those who want big rewards for minimal effort. From the trailhead, the hike quickly ascends to a stunning cirque filled with golden larches and vibrant fall colours. It’s a relatively short hike, perfect for the kids, where they can explore and climb in the rock garden, and parents can take in the expansive views and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Chester Lake
Distance: 9.3 km, out and back
Elevation gain: 420 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Chester Lake is a beauty. It’s one of the best year-round trails in K-Country for good reason. It’s popular for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing and is perfect for the whole family. After a short 3 km elevation gain, the trail heads through grassy alpine meadows and gorgeous views at every turn. The trail winds through a forest of larches, with the grand finale being the pristine shores of Chester Lake. Stunning golden larches surround the lake, where the kids can throw rocks or even try their luck throwing a line in the water to catch a fish or two! Dogs are welcome to join the fun but must be on a leash.
Pocaterra Cirque
Distance: 6.9 km
Elevation gain: 395 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Pocaterra Cirque is a gorgeous and relatively easy hike at Highwood Pass that leads up into the valley, offering an extensive larch forest and pond. You’ll be treated to sweeping views of rolling golden meadows and towering peaks. The trail continues on to Pocaterra Ridge, but a great option would be to hike just to the end of the larch forest and skip the final ridge ascend.
The trails start at the same parking lot as Ptarmigan Cirque at the Highwood Pass parking lot. There are several winding trails near the trailhead, so be sure to download a map and keep an eye out for the adorable Pikas you may meet along the way!
Arethusa Cirque
Distance: 4.5 km loop
Elevation gain: 325 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Here’s another excellent family-friendly hike in Kananaskis Country. Arethusa Cirque is an under-the-radar gem compared to some of the busier hikes in the area and is a great option. As the trail gains elevation, there are a few short but steep sections that lead to a natural amphitheatre filled with an incredible amount of gorgeous larches. Stop and break for lunch to enjoy the surrounding mountain views of K-Country, and the beautiful golden larch trees make it worth every step.
Rawson Lake
Distance: 8 km out and back
Elevation gain: 320 m
Difficulty: Easy
Rawson Lake, in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, is an outstanding hike that offers a slightly more challenging but gratifying larch-viewing experience. After a gentle start along the shores of Upper Kananaskis Lake, the trail steepens (but nothing too intense), leading you through a stunning larch forest to a beautiful alpine lake. The golden needles reflect beautifully against the turquoise waters of Rawson Lake, making it a postcard-perfect view. The whole family will love this hike.
Larch Valley
Distance: 8.5 km out and back
Elevation gain: 530 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Larch Valley is often regarded as the place to see Alberta’s larches. It’s considered to be one of the best hikes in Banff National Park. The trail begins at the world-renowned Moraine Lake and climbs steadily through the forest to an expansive valley filled with golden larches, with the Ten Peaks towering in the background. Although there are some difficult sections with a consistent climb and rocky terrain, it’s well worth it to make it to the top. Everyone will appreciate the jaw-dropping views. Take a break at the Minnestimma Lakes, where the kids can skip rocks and parents can soak it all in. It’s nothing short of spectacular.
Saddleback Mountain
Distance: 7.5 km out and back
Elevation gain: 595 m
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (but it’s not that bad!)
The Saddleback Mountain Trail takes you through a beautiful larch forest to a high saddle between Fairview Mountain and Saddle Mountain. The views from the top are outstanding, with a panoramic view of golden larches, rugged mountain peaks, and the majestic Lake Louise far below. It’s a moderate hike, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
Lake Louise Gondola
For an extra special experience, take the Lake Louise Gondola up the mountain and discover some of the valley's best views without much effort! Explore the scenic Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint trail with a short 1.7 km out-and-back hike to the viewing platform. It’s a beautiful and easy hike the whole family will enjoy!
Pro Tips:
Larch hikes are incredibly popular in the fall, so If you can go mid-week when the crowds are smaller, you won’t be disappointed. Get an early start! Especially if you are hiking on the weekend. Bring poles if you need help with balance; some of these hikes can be hard on the knees. Always be bear smart. Travel in groups, make lots of noise and always carry bear spray.
Layers Layers Layers, mother nature is unpredictable, and the weather can change at any given moment. Download your trail map and always check trail reports before any hike.
A Kananaskis Conservation pass and a Parks Canada pass are required for entry onto any of Alberta’s trails. Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake requires planning. Parking lots fill up early, so it’s best to book a Parks Canada shuttle. It’s easy and stress-free! Be sure you’re prepared.
With these tips in mind, get out there and enjoy the incredible larch season in Alberta. Hiking in this neck of the woods is considered to hold some of the most beautiful trails in the world, and we couldn’t agree more. Stop for lots of breaks, pack plenty of water and snacks, take in the stunning mountain surroundings, and remember to breathe, Alberta!
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
