Just a few minutes from downtown Canmore, the Grassi Lakes Trail offers the perfect mix of accessibility and awe. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a short afternoon adventure or a family seeking an approachable outing with rewarding views, this hike ticks all the right boxes. Crystal-clear turquoise lakes, towering limestone cliffs, and sweeping valley vistas – Grassi Lakes delivers the kind of scenery that makes you stop in your tracks, take a deep breath, and simply appreciate where you are.
I’ve hiked this trail more times than I can count, in every season, and it never fails to charm. It’s the kind of place that feels familiar and fresh all at once, whether you’re crunching through fall leaves, feeling the cool mist of spring waterfalls, or watching the lakes freeze over into shimmering mirrors of ice. Let me walk you through what to expect, a few tips to make the most of your visit, and why Grassi Lakes should absolutely be on your Canmore itinerary.
Where is Grassi Lakes?
Grassi Lakes is tucked into the heart of Kananaskis Country, just a 5-minute drive from downtown Canmore. The trailhead starts near the Canmore Nordic Centre, a hub of activity year-round and a legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Getting there is easy: take Spray Lakes Road (Highway 742) out of town, and you’ll spot signage for the parking lot. It’s well-marked and popular, so expect a few other adventure seekers, especially on sunny weekends.
One thing to note – the road up to the trailhead can get dusty or icy depending on the season. In summer, it’s often busy with bikers, hikers, and cars heading toward Spray Lakes. In winter, it can be a little slippery, so take it slow and give yourself extra time.
Two Trails, One Destination
One of the best things about Grassi Lakes is that you have two options to reach the same stunning viewpoint – a gentle forest path or a slightly steeper, more scenic route. Both are under 4 km return, making the round-trip hike about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace and how long you linger by the lakes.
The “Easy” Route
If you’re hiking with kids, pushing a stroller, or simply want an easygoing walk, the easier route is a wide gravel road with a mild incline. It winds through the forest and approaches the lakes from behind. You’ll miss some of the dramatic valley views, but it’s still a lovely, peaceful walk. The shade of the trees makes it especially nice on hot summer days, and little ones love spotting birds and squirrels darting through the underbrush.
The “More Difficult” Route
This is where the magic happens. The tougher trail hugs a canyon edge, climbing past waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and lush forest. The sound of rushing water follows you most of the way, and depending on the time of year, you might even feel the spray from the falls. There are railings in a few spots and some uneven stone steps, but it’s manageable for most hikers. About halfway up, a clearing opens up to reveal an absolutely breathtaking view over Canmore, the Bow Valley, and beyond – bring your camera.
In summer, I love going up the more difficult trail and looping back down the easy route. It’s the perfect way to see a little bit of everything without retracing your steps. In winter, the tougher trail is often closed due to ice, so always check the trail conditions first.
Arriving at the Lakes
When you reach the top, the reward is immediate. The two Grassi Lakes – Upper and Lower – sit quietly beneath a towering limestone wall, their waters shimmering in vivid turquoise-green. On a clear day, you can see right to the rocky bottom, with sunken logs and ancient stones resting undisturbed in the crystal-clear depths.
The lakes are named after Lawrence Grassi, a Canmore legend. An Italian immigrant and passionate mountain guide, Grassi helped shape many of the region’s trails in the early 1900s. His spirit of exploration and love for these mountains live on in this beautiful place.
There are benches and big flat rocks around the lakes, perfect for a picnic or just a quiet moment. Kids will love exploring the rocks around the lakeshore, while adults can sit back and soak up the views. Keep your eyes on the cliffs too – it’s a popular spot for climbers, and it’s pretty mesmerizing to watch them move up the sheer rock faces with such ease.
If you have a few extra minutes, you can follow a small trail around the lakes to get different perspectives. Every angle feels like a new discovery – the changing light, the reflections, the backdrop of pine trees and rocky peaks.
When to Go
Grassi Lakes is beautiful year-round, but every season brings something special.
- Spring: Melting snow feeds the waterfalls, and wildflowers start to pop up along the trail. It’s a lively, fresh time to visit.
- Summer: Expect vibrant colours, warm sunshine, and lively trail traffic. Mornings and weekdays are your best bet for a quieter hike.
- Fall: One of my favourite times. Golden larches and aspens light up the valley, and the crisp air makes the hike even more refreshing. Plus, it’s much quieter than summer.
- Winter: A peaceful, snowy wonderland. If you visit in winter, bring microspikes for your boots, take the easy route, and soak up the calm. There’s something magical about seeing the lakes partially frozen, the colours even more vivid against the snow.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
- Go early or late in the day for fewer crowds and softer light. Sunrise at the lakes is absolutely stunning and worth the early wake-up.
- Always dress in layers. Even in summer, the shaded trail can be cool and the weather can change fast.
- Pack out what you pack in. Let’s keep this place beautiful for everyone.
- Parking fills up fast on weekends. If the lot is full, you can park at the Canmore Nordic Centre and add a short walk to your hike.
- Bring a picnic. There’s something extra special about having lunch with a view like this.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife. Bald eagles, osprey, marmots, and even bears can make appearances (remember your bear spray!). Respect their space and enjoy seeing them in their natural environment.
A Hike That Stays With You
There’s something about Grassi Lakes that just sticks with you. Maybe it’s the way the effort is so little, but the reward is so big. Or maybe it’s the sense of connection – to the landscape, to history, to something timeless.
It’s not the longest hike or the hardest climb, but it’s a reminder of why we head into the mountains in the first place. For the quiet. For the colours. For that feeling of being somewhere that makes you feel both small and infinite at the same time.
If you’re visiting Canmore for the first time, I always recommend putting Grassi Lakes near the top of your list. It’s the kind of place that sets the tone for the rest of your adventures here – wild, beautiful, and welcoming.
So lace up your boots, grab a snack, and don’t rush. Take it all in. Sit by the water, breathe in the mountain air, and maybe dip your fingers into that impossibly clear lake. The journey might be short, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Happy hiking. And if you need more ideas for trails, hidden lakes, or cozy spots to explore after your hike, just let me know. I’m always happy to share a few local secrets.