Grassi Lake Trail – Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park

This family-friendly hike takes you to two crystal-clear, turquoise-coloured mountain lakes, while also passing a waterfall and Alberta's only visible prehistoric reef.

The area was colonised 8,000 years ago by the Stoney Nakoda, Siksika, Blood and Kootenai tribes. The mountains of the Bow Valley are sacred to them. According to their tradition, it’s the place where they were created and the place they will return to at the end of their time. The former coal mining community of Canmore was founded in 1884. However, the town only really became famous after the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. En route to the trailhead, you’ll drive past the Nordic Centre, where the cross-country skiing and biathlon competitions took place.

From the car park, take the upper path for the outward journey. It follows an old track, is easier to walk than the alternative and is open all year round. There are numerous beautiful perspectives of the lakes, which are named after Lawrence Grassi, an Italian who travelled to Canada to work in the coal mines. He was a gifted path builder and we have him to partly thank for the hiking trails here.

Above the lakes, you’ll pass a steep cliff that’s popular with rock climbers. The rock is around 400 million years old, formed during the Devonian period, making it the oldest rock face in Alberta. The route becomes a little more challenging here. The top of the dam is the turn back point. From here, you can see Mount Rundle and the first high peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

The lower Grassi Lakes Trail is a good option for the hike back. You’ll discover a beautiful waterfall in the heart of the forest and enjoy a glorious viewpoint, ideal for a stop to enjoy a brew or a picnic.