
Grassi Lakes Canmore
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Grassi Lakes in Canmore, with its vibrant turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. A must-visit Alberta ge...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & get parking

Grassi Lakes Canmore
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Grassi Lakes in Canmore, with its vibrant turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. A must-visit Alberta gem.
"Well worth the walk for the views across the two small lakes and waterfalls."

🚗 Arrive Before 9 AM
Parking fills up fast! Get there early to snag a spot, especially on weekends.
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Easy trail is stroller-friendly; harder trail offers better views but is more challenging.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Emerald and Turquoise Lakes
Grassi Lakes
Two stunning, vibrant lakes with crystal-clear water, reflecting the surrounding mountains. A truly breathtaking sight.

Cascading Waterfalls
Near the lakes
Small, picturesque waterfalls add to the charm, creating a serene and beautiful natural setting.

Panoramic Mountain Views
Along the harder trail
The more challenging route offers spectacular vistas of the Canmore landscape and surrounding peaks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Choice Matters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Grassi Lakes evening hike
🚗 Arrive Before 9 AM
Parking fills up fast! Get there early to snag a spot, especially on weekends.
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Easy trail is stroller-friendly; harder trail offers better views but is more challenging.
Grassi Lake, Canmore
Grassi Lakes, Canmore Alberta. A great beginner hike for all ages and dog friendly.
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
The harder trail can be wet and rocky; hiking boots are recommended for grip and comfort.
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant turquoise and emerald hues of the lakes are best seen in good light.
Grassi Lakes Parking?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Before 9 AM
Parking fills up fast! Get there early to snag a spot, especially on weekends.
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Easy trail is stroller-friendly; harder trail offers better views but is more challenging.
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
The harder trail can be wet and rocky; hiking boots are recommended for grip and comfort.
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant turquoise and emerald hues of the lakes are best seen in good light.
🗺️ Check Trail Status
Trails can close due to wildlife or conditions. Always check local advisories before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Grassi Lakes is celebrated for its stunningly vibrant turquoise and emerald lakes, offering breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors appreciate the choice between an easy, family-friendly trail and a more challenging, scenic route with rewarding mountain vistas. While parking and crowds can be an issue, the visual splendor of the lakes and waterfalls makes it a highly recommended destination.
"A really nice walk up to the Grassi Lakes with the normal route that we took up and then the interpretation trail on the way back down although plenty of people took that route up! Well worth the walk for the views across the two small lakes and waterfalls. Got very busy as we were on our way back and the car park by 10am was packed so glad we got there just after 8am!"
Piotr B
"Beautiful place for paddling, kayaking, sight-seeing, hiking & rock climbing. There are two ways (easy vs medium dificulties) to discover the trail which can suit to all ages and all hiking levels. The parking is convenient, spacious, just in front the entrance to the trail."
Quynh Le
"The map takes you elsewhere. Not helpful signages. Parking is really tight! You'll probably have to park further away than the real hike. If you take left path of the hike from the fork, it's really really hard, not recommending for families or elderly. walking on water too for quite a while so you need proper hiking boots. But that way is really pretty and a good hike! Go up this way and come down the easy way.
Takes the right way if you want it easy, stroller friendly up to almost to the lakes. There are two green ponds closer to each other. They are breathtaking!"
Ishara Waduge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grassi Lakes is located just outside Canmore, Alberta. From Canmore, head south on Highway 742 (Spray Lakes Road) and turn right onto Ken Richie Way. The parking lot is at the end of this road.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead. However, it is quite small and fills up very quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Public transport options directly to the Grassi Lakes trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or consider a taxi/rideshare service from Canmore.
From Canmore, take Highway 742 (Spray Lakes Road) south for about 4 km. Turn right onto Ken Richie Way, and the parking lot will be at the end.
Grassi Lakes can be visited in winter, but the trails can be icy and challenging. Proper winter hiking gear, including microspikes or crampons, is essential. Check trail conditions before you go.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Grassi Lakes. It is a public access area.
Grassi Lakes is open year-round during daylight hours. However, access may be restricted due to wildlife activity or trail conditions.
Parking at the Grassi Lakes trailhead is currently free. However, policies can change, so it's always good to check for any updates.
No, there is no reservation system or time slot booking required for Grassi Lakes. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
Occasionally, trails may be temporarily closed for wildlife management (e.g., bear activity) or maintenance. It's advisable to check the Alberta Parks website or local Canmore resources for any advisories.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Grassi Lakes offers two main trails. The 'easy' trail is relatively flat and suitable for strollers and beginners. The 'harder' trail is steeper, rockier, and offers more scenic viewpoints, making it a moderate challenge.
The loop trail is approximately 4.2 km (2.6 miles) round trip. The easy trail is shorter and less strenuous than the harder, more scenic route.
Swimming is generally not recommended due to the cold water and the lakes' role as a water source. Kayaking or paddleboarding might be possible, but check local regulations and be mindful of the fragile environment.
Dogs are allowed on the Grassi Lakes trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be respectful of other hikers and the natural environment.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. If hiking the harder trail, sturdy footwear is essential. Layers of clothing are also recommended as mountain weather can change quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is generally in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and creates beautiful reflections on the water. Midday sun can be harsh.
The vibrant colors of the lakes themselves are the main attraction. Look for viewpoints along the harder trail that offer panoramic shots of the lakes and surrounding mountains. The waterfalls are also picturesque.
Drone usage is often restricted in natural parks and sensitive areas. It's crucial to check current regulations with Alberta Parks or local authorities before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery and the lakes. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Keep an eye out for the reflections of the mountains in the calm lake waters. The contrast between the vibrant lake colors and the rugged mountain landscape is a photographer's dream.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with slightly older or more adventurous children, the harder trail offers a bit more of a challenge and some truly spectacular viewpoints. It's a great way to introduce kids to hiking with rewarding scenery. Just be mindful of the steeper sections and rocky terrain.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Couples
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the lakes, or stop at one of the scenic overlooks for a romantic break. The accessibility of the easy trail also means you can combine a leisurely stroll with a more challenging section, tailoring the experience to your energy levels and desired pace.
👟 Fitness Enthusiasts
Combine the Grassi Lakes hike with other activities in Canmore, such as trail running or mountain biking in the surrounding areas, to create a comprehensive fitness-focused day trip. The stunning scenery serves as excellent motivation throughout your activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Path: The Two Grassi Lakes Trails
In contrast, the harder trail presents a more adventurous and rewarding journey. This path is steeper, rockier, and involves more elevation gain, but it compensates with stunning panoramic viewpoints overlooking the lakes and the Canmore valley. Hikers often describe this route as more scenic, with opportunities to see small waterfalls and enjoy a more immersive natural experience. Many visitors recommend taking the harder trail up for the views and descending via the easier path for a balanced experience.
It's important to assess your group's fitness level and choose accordingly. The 'harder' trail is not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues, while the 'easy' trail ensures everyone can enjoy the beauty of Grassi Lakes.
Navigating Parking and Crowds at Grassi Lakes
This high demand means that if you arrive later in the day, you may have to park further away and walk an additional distance to reach the trailhead. Some reviews mention parking along the road or in overflow areas, which can add to the overall time and effort of your visit. To mitigate this, consider visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons. If a weekend visit is unavoidable, an early start is your best bet for a smooth arrival and a more relaxed experience.
The crowds at the lakes themselves can also be significant, particularly during the busiest times. While the two trail options help disperse visitors somewhat, the viewing areas around the lakes can become quite populated. Patience and a willingness to share the space are key, or again, an early morning visit will offer a more serene atmosphere.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit