Grassi Lakes in Banff & Jasper National Parks 2025
Beautiful emerald-colored lakes in the Canadian Rockies
Best time: May–November
Grassi Lakes is a hidden gem located at an elevation of 1,525 m (5,003 ft) near the town of Canmore, Alberta. The area belongs to the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. Named after a local climbing guide Lawrence Grassi who arrived in Canada from Italy in 1912.
Stunning lakes can be reached by a 4.3-km (2.7-mi) Upper Grassi Lakes Trail Loop, that is best used from May through November. The trail features scenic forest lake views, waterfalls, and wildflowers in the summer. The trail starts not far the Canmore Nordic Centre. A wide dirt road goes into the forest and is quite easy for walking. In about 1.7 km (1.1 mi), hikers can see the Lawrence Grassi Waterfall.
Upper Grassi Lakes may have icy conditions, so hikers have to wear appropriate shoes. Lower Grassi Lake is located at the foot of cliffs belonging to Cairn Formation. They are frequented by rock climbers and have paintings that are more than 1,000 years old near the top of the canyon.
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