A high-traffic trail, with a high-key reward💚

Grassi Lakes is pretty much THE classic Canmore hike that absolutely everyone recommends. Definitely for good reason - it’s short, highly accessible, and the payoff at the end is unreal. It’s definitely no secret, so don't expect a secluded wilderness escape lol. But, the beautiful contrast of those two neon-turquoise lakes against a massive ancient reef wall (350 to 375 million years ago when it was under the ocean) is something you just have to see in person.

You also get some wide views looking back over Canmore, the Rundle Forebay reservoir, and a decent sized waterfall. It’s a go-to for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a quick dose of easy but spectacular Rockies scenery.

Winter Open-Water Bonus: Oh, and the bonus? Because of its spring-fed nature, these lakes dont freeze over in winter. Or maybe I should say they 'rarely' would freeze over... Sure, its technically possible - but like I said, due to its spring-fed nature, it would take an incredibly intense, and well sustained deep freeze to truly ice over, making it a very rare occurrence.

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🏔️ TRAIL STATS & DETAILS

• Best Seasons: Summer & Winter

• Distance: 3.5 km

• Trail Type: Out & Back

• Elevation Gain: 146 m

• Max Elevation (altitude): 1597 m

• Bike Friendly?: No

• Dog Friendly?: Yes (on leash)

• Trailhead Toilets?: Yes

• Parking: Free

• Parks Pass: Kananaskis Conservation Pass Required

• Technical Notes: Though an easy trail, it's a steep start. So if you are coming in winter, dont forget your microspikes. Unless you feel like falling over 10 times of course...

🚗Directions to trailhead: Google Maps

🗺️AllTrails route: Grassi Lakes (suggestion only)

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✨ TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS - Why you should go

• The Lawrence Grassi Waterfall

• Ha Ling Peak (2408 m) towering high above you

• Two crystal-clear turquoise and emerald lakes, fed by underground springs

• Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Rundle Forebay reservoir and the town of Canmore

• Ancient reef walls (350 to 375 million years ago when it was under the ocean). Which is also a popular rock climbing spot

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🏕️ CAMPING OPTIONS

• Campsite On Trail?: No

• Close Camp Recommendation: Wapiti Campground

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✅ TIPS FROM DEV, LINKS & SAFETY

• The cliffs at the end are a highly active rock climbing zone. Keep a safe distance from the cliff faces to avoid any stray rockfall from climbers above.

• The lakes are an incredibly delicate ecosystem. Swimming is strictly prohibited, and you need to ensure your dogs stay out of the water as well, to protect its pristine clarity.

• Because it's so close to town, the parking lot packs out incredibly fast on summer weekends. At the same time though, it is quite a large parking lot, so the ratio of coming vs leaving is quite quick. If you just wait a few minutes a spot should become free.

• See Alberta Parks for the latest Kananaskis Park trail conditions.