Banff is the starting point for viewing larches in Alberta, and the aptly named Larch Valley is Banff's most important larch viewing spot. The trail to the top of Larch Valley reaches an elevation of nearly 2000 feet. From here, you can walk 2.5 kilometers to Sentinel Pass, where you can take in the breathtaking view of the golden larches stretching across the entire valley. During the peak larch viewing season, this trail can be quite crowded, so it's best to start early or explore other routes. Healy Pass, Boulder Pass, and Arnica Lake all offer stunning larch scenery with fewer visitors (and other attractions as well). Alternatively, if you really want to have an unforgettable autumn, why not choose a horseback tour with Banff Trail Riders and stay overnight at Sundance Lodge? Not only will you have an unforgettable experience, but you'll also have the chance to see the larches up close.
Kananaskis
If you want to see larches closer to Calgary, you can head to Kananaskis. Here, you can choose from various hiking trails of different difficulty levels and enjoy the beautiful larch scenery. From the Highwood Pass parking lot, you can reach Pocaterra Ridge and hike along the ridge for 11 kilometers to enjoy the most beautiful scenery in the area. This is one of the locals' favorite spots, and between Peaks 2 and 3, you will see dense larch forests. From here, hike down to the Highwood Pass parking lot to meet up with friends and celebrate together. If you don't want to exert too much effort but still want to see stunning views, be sure to visit Chester Lake. Each season offers different scenery, making it suitable for everyone. Chester Lake is located within Spray Valley Provincial Park, and you can reach it by driving 43 kilometers along Spray Lake Road from Canmore. It is one of the easier hiking areas in the region, with an elevation gain of only 400 meters, making it one of the best places to see larches. The cliffs of Mount Chester surround Chester Lake, and larches encircle the lake, turning it into a golden frame in the fall.
There are many places to see larch trees in Jasper, but the best experience might be to pack your small travel bag and head to the Shovel Pass Lodge located high on the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park. The lodge welcomes visitors until the Labor Day weekend in September, and if conditions are right, you might be lucky enough to see the colorful early autumn scenery. If you prefer a slower pace, you can try taking the Jasper Sky Tram during the most spectacular larch season to enjoy the beautiful views from above.
