Grassi Lakes Easy Hike - Canmore
Note parking at the Grassi Lakes trailhead requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass ($15 for a day pass $90 for an annual pass).
Note even though the trail is close to Canmore and the trail can be quite busy you are still in bear country. When I hiked the busy trail on a week day in August there was a bear in the area and had crossed the trail. From what I observed many people had bear spray with them. I think you can rent bear spray in Canmore or Banff if you are just a short term visitor.
Caveat on hiking this trail in summer. This is probably the most popular trail in the Canmore area. Summer months and especially weekends will be packed. Weekdays might be slightly less busy. It is around 550 ft of elevation on a real gradual trail for 1.9 km, about 30 minutes plus at a gradual pace. There are two small lakes and a climbing area. Lots of benches around the lake to enjoy a snack.
Main parking lot with washrooms and trail head entrance. Overflow parking back upon the main road
After .2 km the trail splits. To the right is the main gradual trail, to the left is the less gradual trail to the waterfall viewpoint, then a steep climb on switchbacks up to the two Grassi Lakes.
Main trail sign, 1.7 km from here, 1.9 km total from the trailhead
Typical trail, one needs microspikes in winter
Typical trail, one needs microspikes in winter.
Almost there
Ha Ling above
Last bit slightly downhill to the Lakes
The first lake and the climbing area
The second lake
Nice lake view with benches
Viewpoint near the lakes
Viewpoint looking back at Canmore
Back down to the trailhead
My little Wrangler, such fun to drive!
Ha Ling from the main parking lot
AA still getting out there!
Grassi Lakes Easy Hike
- Easy Hike: Class 1 – Nice gradual trail. Good family hike.
- Elevation Gain: ~168 m (550 ft)
- Ascent Time: Easy hiking pace about 30 minutes plus. Slightly longer for small kids of course.
- Best Season to Hike: May to late October - might need microspikes late October to April due to snow and ice.
Highlights
This an easy hike for families with a nice scenic reward at the end with the two lakes.
Getting There
Head west out of Calgary on the TransCanada highway # 1 to Canmore 106km (66.2 miles). From the bridge that crosses the Bow River follow the Spray Lakes Road. You will shortly pass the Canmore Nordic Centre and a few minutes later you will see the Grassi Lakes overflow parking to your right and on you left the left hand turn down the road to the Grassi Lakes main parking and trailhead.
There is a summer early fall only bus that operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to the Grassi Lakes trailhead.So if you are based in Banff you could take Roam bus # 3 to Canmore then if the service is available take Roam bus # 12 to Grassi Lakes. Check the Roam Transit web site for up to date information.