Golden Escapes: Five Spectacular and Less-Traveled Larch Hikes in Alberta

While the show typically peaks from late September to early October, the most popular trails buzz with hikers. By venturing just beyond the main tourist routes, you can discover serene paths, incredible scenery, and a golden light so pure you can almost hear it crackle.

1) Little Arethusa – Highwood Pass, Kananaskis

This steep yet immensely rewarding trail above Arethusa Cirque offers panoramic vistas of Storm Mountain and the Pocaterra Ridge, dotted with brilliant pockets of larches. The trailhead begins at a small pullout just south of Highwood Pass, climbing steadily through forest before opening into pristine alpine meadows.

• Stay Nearby: Mount Engadine Lodge is an idyllic mountain hideaway in Kananaskis, offering cozy rooms, afternoon tea, and frequent wildlife sightings.

2) Pocaterra Cirque – Highwood Pass, Kananaskis

Discover an inviting valley encircled by a stunning natural amphitheatre of golden larches. This moderate day trip begins at the Highwood Pass parking area and follows a gentle trail into the cirque. For those with energy to spare, continuing to the ridge reveals sweeping views across the vast expanse of Kananaskis Country.

• Stay Nearby: River Retreat Kananaskis provides peaceful, riverside lodging with quick and convenient access to the Highwood Pass area. If you prefer Canmore’s side of the Valley, Georgetown Inn offers elegant Victorian-style hospitality and has the best pub in town!

3) Chester Lake and Three Lakes Valley – Spray Valley, Kananaskis

While the iconic Chester Lake is beloved for its turquoise waters framed by golden larches, the true magic awaits those who venture onward to the Three Lakes Valley. Here, you will find quiet shores, dramatic rock formations, and a profound sense of alpine solitude. Access is via the Smith-Dorrien Trail, a well-maintained gravel road with spectacular mountain views.

• Stay Nearby: With its downtown location, Paintbox Lodge is an amazing central retreat. Hike all day, return to your quiet sanctuary just steps from downtown. A Bear and Bison Inn, is perfect for a romantic escape just up the hill on Cougar Creek.

4) Packers Pass and Zigadenus Lake – Skoki Region, Lake Louise

This challenging route rewards the determined hiker with pristine alpine lakes, abundant larches, and far fewer visitors than the world-famous Larch Valley. Starting from the Fish Creek parking area, the trail follows an access road toward Boulder Pass before climbing to Packers Pass and descending to the emerald waters of Zigadenus Lake.

• Stay Nearby: Baker Creek by Basecamp is a charming alpine resort near Lake Louise, featuring classic log cabins and riverside firepits.

5) Sunshine Meadows to Simpson Pass – Banff National Park

Let the Sunshine gondola and Standish Chairlift grant you immediate access to the high alpine. Instead of following the main Rock Isle Lake loop with the crowds, take the trail branching toward Simpson Pass. Here, the crowds thin dramatically, revealing quiet ponds and panoramic mountain views framed by magnificent larch groves.

• Stay Nearby: The Juniper Hotel in Banff offers striking views of Mount Rundle and the Vermilion Lakes, along with a celebrated bistro. Storm Mountain Lodge offers historic log cabins and some of the best dining in the Valley. Or, Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows is a fantastic family friendly location with two-bedroom cabins that include a full kitchen!

Planning Your Trip

When to Go: For the best chance of experiencing peak golden colour, plan your visit between September 20 and October 5. An early morning start not only offers soft, beautiful light for photography but also a greater sense of stillness on the trail.

Getting Around & Parking

• Kananaskis: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for all vehicles parking in the area. Purchase your pass online and register your license plate in advance. Be aware of the seasonal closure of Highway 40 at Highwood Pass, which typically runs from December 1 to June 15.
• Lake Louise: Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles. You must book a spot on the Parks Canada shuttle or use a certified private tour operator to access trailheads in that area.
• Banff: During its fall operating season, Sunshine Village often provides a free shuttle service from the town of Banff to the gondola base.