If there's one hike that captures everything we love about living in Canmore, it's Grassi Lakes. Accessible year-round and sitting practically in our backyard, this short but rewarding trail delivers alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, Indigenous pictographs, and sweeping views over the Bow Valley — all within an hour's walk from the trailhead off Spray Lakes Road.

Two route options present themselves from the parking lot: the easier, well-groomed lower trail or the steeper, rockier upper trail that rewards the effort with better views on the way up. Both arrive at the same destination — a pair of impossibly blue-green lakes tucked beneath the towering limestone walls of Ha Ling Peak, fed by a cascading waterfall that pours between them. It's a genuinely magical spot, and one of the most photographed places in the Canadian Rockies for good reason.

The cliff faces above the upper lake are also home to one of Canmore's most popular sport climbing areas, with dozens of bolted routes ranging from beginner to advanced. It's a fantastic place to climb, but an important safety note for hikers: rockfall from the climbing walls is a real hazard. Stay well clear of the base of the cliffs unless you're there to climb, and never approach the climbing areas without a helmet. The spot is so popular that most professional guides take guests there for their first rock and ice climbs.

Weekends in summer get busy — arrive early or go on a weekday if you can. In winter, microspikes are strongly recommended on the upper trail.

Distance: 3.5–4.5 km return, depending on route.

Difficulty: Easy–Moderate.

Tip: Alberta Parks requires a day-use permit for the Grassi Lakes area, which can be booked in advance online.