Fall Colours in Canmore: What to See & Where to Go for Spectacular Views
Visting Canmore any time of the year means experiencing some of Canada's most beautiful scenery. But if it’s fall during your stay in Canmore, what to see and where to go will certainly be at the top of your itinerary.
Fall is one of the most spectacular times of the year to visit Canmore, so when looking for things to do. Whether solo, with your family or your pet, we recommend prioritizing enjoying the area’s most beautiful views.
When staying at Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre, you’ll be nestled between the Rocky Mountains, which means simply stepping outside is enough to make your jaw drop. However, if you want to elevate that experience further, we recommend checking out these 10 scenic spots in Canmore this fall.
Top 10 Scenic Spots in Canmore: What to See & Where to Go this Fall
1. Grassi Lakes Trail
Grassi Lake Trail is beautiful in any season but particularly special in the fall. It leads up to two turquoise lakes, where you’ll enjoy seeing the fall foliage reflected in these serene pools of water. This trail is family-friendly but does have uneven, rocky terrain with some elevation gain. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Where to find it:
Grassi Lakes Upper Trailhead, Spray Lakes Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 2W4.
Where to park:
Park off Spray Lakes Road at the Grassi Lakes Trailhead parking lot. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Canmore, so be sure to arrive early.
2. Policeman's Creek Boardwalk
This scenic spot in Canmore includes an accessible walking trail with a boardwalk. It follows Policeman’s Creek through town and is quite peaceful. It’s a great photo spot, and you may even see some wildlife. The trail is flat and smooth, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Where to find it:
609 8 St, Canmore, AB T1W 2B1.
Where to park:
The boardwalk is easily accessible from several points around town. You can park at Elevation Place or along 8th Street in Canmore.
3. Quarry Lake Park
Quarry Lake Park is the perfect place for a picnic. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket, and take in the panoramic mountain views—incredible in the fall with so many golden aspen trees. There are plenty of accessible areas here, though some will require walking on grass gravel. Bring your pup and enjoy the off-leash dog park.
Where to find it:
101 Spray Lakes Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 2V5.
Where to park:
The Quarry Lake parking lot is located just off Spray Lakes Road.
4. Three Sisters Pathway
Running along the Bow River, this highly accessible pathway is paved and mostly flat. This means it’s suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. Enjoy a carefree stroll while gazing at the stunning Three Sisters Mountains, surrounded by fall foliage. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Not your first visit? Consider biking the path!
Where to find it:
Along the Bow River, Canmore, AB T1W 2X2.
Where to park:
Park at the Canmore Recreation Centre or Riverside Park. The path is accessible from several points along the way.
5. Ha Ling Peak
Ha Ling Peak is a challenging hike in Canmore. If you’re up for a steep climb, you’ll enjoy some of the best views in Canmore, including a 360-degree view of the area, Bow Valley, and the rugged Rocky Mountains once you reach the summit. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by a spectacular array of yellow, orange and red trees. Dogs are allowed on a leash but be prepared for uneven terrain, significant elevation gain and steep inclines.
Where to find it:
Ha Ling Trailhead, Spray Lakes Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 2X2.
Where to park:
Park at the Goat Creek Day Use Area or the Ha Ling Trailhead parking lot, located just off Spray Lakes Road.
6. Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
Bring your four-legged friend along for these pet-friendly walking trails in Canmore. Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park has multiple trails and viewpoints of the area that allow you to see fall in its full glory. Great for hiking or biking in the fall, if you happen to visit when there’s snow on the ground, you may be able to try out cross-country skiing—the park is renowned for this activity. The park is moderately accessible. Some areas, like the day-use areas and certain trails, are paved or flat. However, the majority of trails are designed for cross-country skiing or mountain biking, which are not accessible.
Where to find it:
1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB T1W 2T6.
Where to park:
Many different parking lots are available within the park, including the main day-use area and trailheads.
7. Grotto Canyon
People love walking through this narrow canyon, which offers a unique combination of towering limestone walls, a scenic creek, and ancient rock art. If you’re looking for adventurous activities in Canmore, head to Grotto Canyon. However, because this natural path along a creek bed has uneven, rocky terrain, it isn’t very accessible, though it is dog-friendly (on a leash).
Where to find it:
Grotto Canyon Trailhead, Bow Valley Trail, AB-1A, Exshaw, AB T1W 2T8 (just outside Canmore).
Where to park:
Park at the Grotto Mountain Day Use Area.
8. Three Sisters Viewpoint
Different from Three Sisters Parkway, this extra special viewpoint provides one of the most iconic views of Canmore. To experience this wonder, park your car, walk to the viewpoint, and take in the breathtaking mountains amid the fall scenery.
Dogs are welcome on a leash, and while some areas may have uneven ground, this is still a relatively accessible option.
Where to find it:
Three Sisters Boulevard, Canmore, AB T1W 0G6.
Where to park:
You can access the viewpoint by car via Three Sisters Boulevard, but there’s a small parking area nearby or street parking available along the road. From there, it’s a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint.
9. Benchlands Trail
This paved pathway reveals stunning panoramic views of the Bow Valley and surrounding mountains. It’s perfect for a quick stroll or part of a longer scenic bike ride. Though shorter than other walking trails in Canmore, it’s pet-friendly and highly accessible.
Where to find it:
Along Benchlands Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 1V3.
Where to park:
Street parking is located along Benchlands Trail.
10. Larch Island Trail
This short and easy loop near the Bow River is ideal for a leisurely walk to enjoy fall colours. What makes Larch Island Trail a must-see in Canmore? Walking on this winding trail will lead you through a grove of golden larch trees in the fall. The trail is relatively flat and short, but you should bring the right footwear because it’s a natural dirt path. Pets are welcome.
Where to find it:
Near the Canmore Nordic Centre (access from Three Sisters Drive or Bow Valley Trail).
Where to park:
Limited parking is available near the trailhead. Arrive early for easy access to the trail.
Need a Place to Stay in Canmore? Visit Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre!
There are plenty of things to do in Canmore in the fall during the day, but if you need a place to stay at night between adventures, contact Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre. Our pet-friendly hotel is conveniently located at 511 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB T1W 1N7, Canada, close to some of the best views and dog-friendly trails in the area. Book your stay with us today, plan your next meeting or call us at (403) 678-3625 for more information.