The 6 Best Larch Hikes in Banff, Alberta


Golden larches in Banff national park with rocky mountains landscape

With its stunning display of golden larch trees set against the backdrop of towering mountains and serene lakes, it's no wonder that this Larch Valley hike inspires awe and admiration in all who behold its beauty. Larch Valley Location Situated in Banff National Park, the Larch Valley is easily accessible from Lake Louise Village.


Golden larch trees partially lit up by the sunlight. Valley of the Ten

Description: Rising steadily above Lake Louise up to the Saddleback, you will be captivated by views of Mount Temple and Paradise Valley. Lake Agnes 3.4 km one way, 385 m elevation gain 2.5 to 3 hour round trip Level of Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: Start at the Upper Lake Louise parking area, 4 km from the village of Lake Louise.


Golden larch trees along Eiffel Lake trail in Banff National Park

Banff's larches are unique because they're deciduous pines, not evergreens. This means that when cooler weather settles in the Canadian Rockies, the larch's needles change from green to gold, just like the region's beautiful aspen, birch and poplar leaves. Soon after, the tree sheds its needles, leaving all of its branches bare over winter.


Golden Larches In Paradise Valley Above Lake Louise Banff Photograph by

Discover new corners of Banff National Park and enjoy some of the most stunning backcountry scenery around, including waterfalls, towering mountain peaks, glaciers, and blankets of golden larches. Rockies Heli Tours Canada , Alpine Helicopters , and CMH all offer tours in a variety of times and distances.


The 6 Best Larch Hikes in Banff, Alberta

Banff is a hiker's paradise, featuring stunning lakes, rocky mountains, and everything in between. Here are the 16 best hikes in Banff National Park.. and less predictable when it comes to weather. It is, however, usually the time when the golden larches line the mountainsides in Banff, which is a lovely time to visit for that burst of fall.


M223 Golden Larch and the Ten Peaks, Banff, Canada Randall J Hodges

The Larch Valley hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in Banff National Park. Especially during the fall, Larch Valley becomes a magical destination to hike. The breathtaking golden autumn colors of the larch trees are such a beautiful contrast with the white snow-capped mountains. It feels as if you're walking in a real-life fairytale!


10 Best Larch Hikes to Enjoy Banff in the Fall The Banff Blog

Healy Pass is an amazing hike to see golden larches in Banff because it is not as busy during larch season as some of the other trails, and it offers amazing mountain views as well as beautiful golden larches.


Larches showing off their golden fall colors, Canadian Rockies Banff

larch valley elevation: Gain of 535 metres / 1755 feet. average time of larch hike: 1-2 hours one way. I'd allow 4 hours to hike, stop, and photograph and appreciate the views. best time to visit: You absolutely must visit in the Autumn when the Larch Trees have turned a golden colour.


Golden larches in Banff national park with rocky mountains landscape

On a clear day, the sight of a glowing turquoise Banff lake surrounded by craggy mountain peaks and golden larch trees is a breathtaking sight. In the Banff larch tree season, you can extend the Taylor Lake hike to a nearby meadow, which has a massive stand of larch trees.


6 Legendary Larch Hikes in Banff, Alberta

Located by Moraine Lake in Banff National Park (don't forget that you will need a Park Pass to enjoy this hike), hikers who would like to experience the golden larches this fall should plan to start at a decently early time as the trail can be busy as the day wears on. This is probably the most popular fall hike in the area.


Golden larches at Rockbound Lake, Castle Mountain, Banff AB Canada [OC

Build a Trip Embrace autumn and admire the fall colours in Banff and Lake Louise with these beautiful fall hikes in the Canadian Rockies.


Golden Larches In Paradise Valley Lake Louise Banff National Park

Larches abound in this area, so soak up the golden views in every direction. Trailhead location here. 3.


Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies Our Favourite Autumn Hikes

This is one of the simpler trails for viewing larches in Banff. The hike to Consolation Lakes takes about 2-hours total, and will include time at the isolated, peaceful lakes. The golden larches around the lakes are a bit smaller than some others in Banff, but the additional fall foliage only adds to the picturesque qualities of the area.


Golden Larches in Sunshine Meadows During Autumn in Banff Stock Photo

Rocky Mountains tower above golden alpine meadow. Location: Banff National Park Distance: 19.5 km out and back Difficulty: Easy to moderate (due to length) Elevation: 700-metre elevation gain Time: 5 - 6 hours Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but should remain on leash. Features: Healy Pass makes most lists as one of the best larch hikes around.


Best Hikes to see Golden Larches in the Fall Zen Travellers

Unlike typical evergreens, larches shed their needles, painting the landscape in breathtaking shades of gold, orange, and yellow. Banff National Park is blessed with a spectacular larch season, typically running from late September to early October. Don't miss this magical show of nature's artistry and come walk through golden forests.


Golden Larch Trees Larch tree, Travel around the world, Tree

In the fall larch seasonin Banff, the Larch Valley hike treats you to a magical walk through an expansive forest of golden larch trees. It's one of the biggest stands of larch trees anywhere in Banff, making the Larch Valley one of the best larch hikes you'll find in Alberta.