Grassi Lakes — Attraction in Alberta

I drove to Grassi Lakes on Sunday of May long weekend and the parking lot and trail were packed with people. You can either park up on the main road and walk down the service road or you can drive down the service road and park at the trail head if there is space in the parking lot. There is an outhouse and a trail map at the trail head. There were about thirty people lined up to use the outhouse when I arrived at about 2pm. I headed up the trail which was dusty and rocky (not paved). It is uphill almost the whole way for about 30 minutes at a steady pace. I saw lots of families, some with small children and dogs. It looked hard for the kids, some of whom were crying. One girl had sprained her ankle on the way down and was sitting in the middle of the path. There was even someone riding his mountain bike up the trail. Even though this trail is on the shorter side it is rugged and quite steep. Be prepared with appropriate footwear and a water bottle. At the top there is a small, shallow lake and stream. There are a few benches and a view of Canmore and surrounding mountains. There is also a giant pipeline nearby which is an eyesore. If you don’t want to hike up the main trail, there are some smaller trails below by the water (a river or lake?) with gorgeous views of surrounding mountains. I found it to be much more peaceful down below once I got away from the parking lot. There was not a quiet moment on the main trail, which is to be expected on a long weekend I suppose. I much prefer the trails I’ve hiked in Banff to this one. I would most...

Parking: Definitely try to go earlier than later. The summer days on the weekends can be especially busy and there is not tons of parking. There is parking at both the top and bottom of the lakes, so check both! I have never had issues but I almost always get there early morning on week days (around 9-10:30 am).

Bathrooms: There are a couple outhouses at the parking lots, but with any hike or mountain experience... Just go before hand. They are usually not disgusting... But outhouses are never super clean. I always recommend bringing TP and sanitizer in case there is none.

Hike: Beautiful hike. Going up is easier but maybe 20-30 Minutes longer to get up. Going from the top down is steeper but there are stairs most of the way with a chain railing (a necessity in the winter). For families I highly recommend. Any hike will be hard for kids, but this is definitely the easiest hike I have come across with the best view that isn't just a walk in the park. make sure you bring spikes if you come in the winter... It can be very slippery and dangerous.

Climbing: The climbing in this area is beautiful and great for all levels. You will want to check your clime grade before climbing with a climbing guide, but for a beginner there are definitely doable climbs. There are also many higher level climbs so many climbers do come and it can get busy in the summer.

Also note- you are not supposed to swim, so don't come here if that is...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Nature Lover’s Paradise – A Must-Visit in Canmore!

I recently visited Grassi Lakes, and it was hands-down one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done in the Canadian Rockies! The experience was absolutely magical from start to finish.

There are two trails to choose from — an easy gravel road and a more challenging, scenic trail with stairs, waterfalls, and rocky terrain. We chose the more difficult route, and it was totally worth it! Along the way, we were treated to stunning forest views, a sparkling waterfall, and incredible lookout points overlooking Canmore.

Once we reached the top, we were greeted by the mesmerizing turquoise-blue waters of Grassi Lakes. Pictures honestly don’t do it justice — the color is unreal, and the reflections of the trees and sky on the water made for perfect photo ops. We sat for a while on the rocks, just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, relaxing, or even rock climbing if you’re up for it.

The trail is well-maintained, family-friendly, and not too long — about 3.5 km round trip — making it perfect for casual hikers or those just looking for a scenic adventure. We went in the morning, and it wasn’t too crowded, which made the experience even better.

If you're visiting Canmore or Banff, don’t skip this hidden gem. Grassi Lakes is a perfect blend of nature, serenity, and adventure. Bring water, good shoes, and your camera — you’ll thank yourself...