Make the most of the autumn scenery on one of these memorable treks.
In southern Alberta, every season is a good season to get out and enjoy the natural beauty and dramatic scenery of our mountains, foothills, grasslands, and forests. But if we had to pick the very best season for hiking, it would probably be the fall. Not only is the autumn air crisp and refreshing, but the changing colours of the landscape are truly spectacular. From mid September to early October, the larch trees in the Rockies turn an exquisite, golden hue that draws crowds of admirers to the mountains. And, while those sparkling larches shouldn’t be missed, they certainly aren’t the only autumn sights to see—no matter where you turn this time of year, there are nearby trails and pathways that showcase marvelous shades of yellow, orange and green.
Here, we’ve compiled a short list of some of our favourite hikes and walks to do once autumn has arrived.
Douglas Fir Trail, Edworthy Park (Calgary)
Difficulty: Easy (but steep in places)
Length: Approximately 5 km
Trial Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Begins near the Edworthy Park South parking lot
Named for the towering, 500-year-old Douglas fir trees that grow in this part of Edworthy Park, the Douglas Fir Trail is a lovely, secluded route that makes you feel like you’re deep in the wilderness, far removed from the city—until, of course, you catch glimpses of Calgary’s skyline through the trees. If you’re looking for an easy escape into nature without the long car ride, this trail is a terrific option. The changing colours of the foliage along the route make this trail especially lovely in September and October, and various lookout points throughout the trek reveal great views of the Bow River Valley.
Tiger Lily Loop, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.4 km
Trial Type: Loop
Trailhead: Begins just west of the Glenbow Ranch parking lot
Located a 35-minute drive west of Calgary and Airdrie, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park contains nearly 30 km of trails that meander through scenic grasslands and along the beautiful Bow River. No matter which trail you choose to explore this time of year, you’re sure to see some local wildlife (from deer and elk to badgers, weasels, and coyotes), as well as plenty of autumn-hued foliage. For families with preschool-aged kids, Tiger Lily Loop is a nice option. This short trek takes you down into a peaceful aspen forest before revealing gorgeous views of the foothills and Rockies to the west. If you and the fam are eager to keep walking after completing this loop, consider venturing on to nearby Yodel Loop, where you’ll find plenty of interpretive signs that provide great insight into the park’s history.
Arethusa Cirque, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Difficulty: Moderate (the hike includes a steep section with scree)
Length: 4.6 km
Trail Type: Loop
Trailhead: Starts at an unmarked gravel parking lot off Highway 40, 1.4 km south of the Highwood Meadows Day Use Area
Considered an unofficial trail (i.e. it’s not maintained by Alberta Parks), Arethusa Cirque has long been a favourite for hikers-in-the-know, and its popularity has been growing steadily—likely because of its array of wildflowers in the summer and golden larches in the fall. The trail begins with a brief and gentle ascent through a forest before reaching an open meadow filled with sparkling larch trees. Toward the end of the meadow, you have the choice to go clockwise or counter-clockwise along the looping trail, which features a creek on one side and a talus field on the other. As you climb up and around the cirque (if you’re wondering, a cirque is a bowl-shaped depression caused by glacial erosion), you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks, including Highwood Ridge, before heading back through the meadow.
South Pocaterra Ridge, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Length: 9 km
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Begins from Highwood Meadows Day Use Area in Kananaskis Country
A very popular hike in the autumn, Pocaterra Ridge is a little more challenging (and usually a lot more crowded) than some of the others on our list, but it really is a stunner. Not only does the trail pass through one of the most extensive larch forests in the Kananaskis, it also takes you up the ridge and well above the treeline so that you can look out and admire the sea of yellow and gold from overhead. Once you reach the top of the ridge (note: the last leg of the climb is quite steep), you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Healy Pass, Banff National Park
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 18 km
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Starts at Sunshine Village parking lot
If you want stunning views of the golden larch trees with fewer crowds, Healy Pass is a great option. But, be warned: this hike is on the longer side, and you won’t start seeing those remarkable bursts of gold until about 8 km into the trek. Consisting of a steady yet gentle climb through a lush, shaded forest, the trail eventually gives way to a beautiful alpine meadow that, in the fall, is absolutely covered in the stunning, sparkling gold of the turning larches. Past the meadow, you’ll reach the apex of Healy Pass, which provides memorable views of Mount Assiniboine, Egypt Lake and more.
