The emerald waters lay silent. Like treasures waiting for discovery, Grassi Lakes Canmore, presents a natural gem to visitors. Ask any Albertan for suggestions on a Canmore hiking list and these aquamarine lakes above the town, are sure to make the top of the recommendations.
The Grassi Lakes hike is the first mountain adventure the two of us shared, now over 40 years ago. Raised on the Canadian prairies, I had not seen the wonders of Rocky Mountains of Western Canada until my new beau took me home to meet his parents in Calgary.
The aquamarine beauty of Grassi Lakes Canmore, Alberta
It would be on this trail, considered one of the best hikes in Canmore, that I would fall in love with the mountains. By that point I was completely head over heels with the boyfriend. Neither Grassi or my partner have lost their charm over the decades.
History of hiking Grassi Lakes Canmore
The trail to Grassi Lakes, Alberta, built by Lawrence Grassi, is now an icon of the Canmore trails. Grassi immigrated to Canada from Italy in 1912, initially working for the Canadian Pacific Railway. By 1916 he calls Canmore home and begins working in the Canmore coal mines.
Never married, Grassi found his love in the mountains. Building the original stairs to Grassi Lakes, he also spent time trail building near Lake Louise and Lake O’Hara. His name and legacy are forever woven into Canmore history.
Modern day bridge on the Grassi Lakes hike Canmore, Canada
“There are stories about him carrying a whole stove up to a camp that a couple of strapping young men hadn’t been able to bring,” said Elio Costa. Costa, along with Gabriele Scardellato, wrote Lawrence Grassi: From Piedmont to the Rocky Mountains.
According to Costa, Lawrence Grassi lived alone, never returned to Italy and took pleasure in helping others enjoy the mountains as he did.
Is it Grassi Lake, Grassy Lake or Grassi Lakes?
Until you know the lakes are named for Lawrence Grassi, it seems reasonable that the glacial fed lakes would be called grassy lakes. After all their emerald-like colour could be compared to a mountain meadow.
However, it is Grassi Lakes Canmore that you are looking for to enjoy this spectacular mountain hike.
One note of caution. There is a challenging scramble called Mount Lawrence Grassi hike. This is not the Grassi Lakes hike. Mount Lawrence Grassi is the tallest peak of the Ehagy Nakoda massif. The peak is south of the town of Canmore and east of the Spray Lakes Road. This hike is difficult.
Canmore Hiking – Two trails to the aquamarine lakes
Without question, the Grassi Lakes hike is one of the most popular near Canmore, Alberta. Family friendly, these trails can be congested on summer weekends. Arrive early to enjoy the aquamarine pools of water, without throngs of other hikers.
A deer gazes at hikers beside the easier fire road trail to Grassi Lakes
The Grassi Lakes trail begins directly behind the outdoor restrooms. Approximately 100 metres down the path, a sign indicates a choice of two options for these hikes near Canmore. The lakes are approximately 2 km. (1.2 mi.) ahead with an elevation gain of 125 m. (410 ft.)
To the right is the easier trail, which his an old fire access road. It is wide and has a more gradual incline. To the left is the more scenic, and moderately difficult, path.
Waterfall on the Grassi Lakes hike with Ha Ling Peak in the background
On this Grassi Lakes hiking trail, expect spectacular waterfall views. The trail is closed in winter due to snow and ice on the trail. However with the arrival of frigid temperatures, the waterfall freezes and local ice climbers refer to the base of the waterfall as the Junkyard.
The town of Canmore, nestling in the valley below, causes swiveling of hikers necks to take in the vertigo inducing scene.
View of the town of Canmore from the Grassi Lakes interpretive trail
As the trail steepens, wooden railings and rock steps guide hikers by babbling streams.
In addition, on this gem of Canmore hikes, signs along the interpretative trail explain the history of Lawrence Grassi and his trail building in the area.
Grassi Lakes Climbing
Rock climber above Grassi Lakes
In 1995, when we began climbing at an indoor gym in Calgary, little did we know Grassi Lakes would become one of our favourite destinations.
The cliffs surrounding the green-blue lakes were once covered by the sea. Uplifted 75 million years ago, the rock is Devonian coral reef filled with fossils. As a result, the pocketed limestone makes superb hand and foot holds, for those keen on rock climbing.
Once you reach the second of the Grassi Lakes, a rock wall on the far side of the lake is visible. Graceland, an area of rock climbs, is aptly named for all the Elvis-like shaking climbers experience on these long, routes.
Following the path around the lake, hikers who wish more of a challenge, can proceed upward on the stair lined trail. After that, more cliff faces with climbing routes will be visible.
Please note there is a rockfall hazard on the northside cliffs, above the lakes, due to curious tourists at the top gazing down as well as mountain sheep.
Continuing on the stair path to the top , another lake is visible. Whiteman’s Pond is less spectacular than the smaller Grassi Lakes, but a beautiful reward for the steep climb.
Whiteman’s Pond
Grassi Lakes Pictographs
Following the stair path for approximately 5 minutes from the blue green lakes, a sign indicating pictographs is beside the trail on the right. If you miss the sign, ask a climber where they are. The pictographs on the Grassi Lakes Canmore hike are over 1000 years old.
These centuries old paintings are a mix of ochre and grease. Gradually fading over time, due to weather and visitors touching them, please use only your eyes and camera, not your hands.
Pictographs on the Grassi Lakes trail
How to get to Grassi Lakes
Head west from Calgary on the #1 Highway toward Banff. Prior to reaching Canmore, exit on the Three Sisters Parkway ( Highway 742). Drive past the Canmore Nordic Centre approximately 2 km.
Watch for the sign for the Grassi Lakes parking. Turn left at the junction where paved road turns to gravel. If you hit gravel you have gone too far.
Hiking Grassi Lakes begins behind the outdoor restroom in the parking lot.
Other articles you may enjoy reading
Rock Flour – Why Are Glacial Lakes Blue?
Caving in Canmore – Adventure Goes Underground
Do you have a favourite hike to suggest?
OMG! What a gorgeous landscape!
Pit it has been one of our favourites since the beginning of our time together. Those aquamarine pools never cease to amaze me. Hoping this finds you well.
Beautiful!
I can’t argue with that. One of the gems of the Alberta Rockies.
More beautiful views in your amazing province, amazing!! ❤️
John as we spend more time close to home and write more about these spots, even we are seeing what a treasure trove of beauty is at our doorstep. It’s not that we didn’t know it before but no perhaps we see it more clearly. hoping all is well and cooling off a bit for you. Stay well.
Hi, Sue – You have definitely increased my appetite to revisit mountain hiking in Alberta. Time for me to go out and see family there (my husband’s sister lives in Edmonton).
Donna I am delighted we are creating enthusiasm for a visit here when the time is right. Lovely that you have family in Alberta. I’m sure they have some great suggestions for the Jasper area too. Hoping you are staying well. How is the smoke these days?
Is there any place in that area that isn’t beautiful!!!
You are so fortunate to live there. And I imagine the pandemic is limiting the normal crowds.
Ray we are very lucky to live so near to these Canadian Rockies. We know many people see this as their ‘trip of a lifetime’ destination. Perhaps we have never valued it as much as during these times. Certainly we have had lots of time to explore locally.
Although the international visitor numbers are down dramatically, and this affecting hotels and airlines immensely, the numbers of visitors to Banff National Park as an example were similar to summers past. As Albertans stayed home they explored close to home.
The one thing we really notice is the lack of tour buses and that has made popular areas much more manageable.
Thanks for asking, Sue: I am doing fine. 🙂
As to those aquamarine pools: I’m preparing a post about our recent day trip to the Pedernales Falls State Parks. There we enjoyed some small but ever so lovely emerald green ones.
Have a wonderfu weekend,
Pit
Glad to hear all is well Pit. The pools you describe sound fascinating. So much beauty to be found on this planet.
Those lakes are gorgeous. Are you getting any of the smoke from the fires in the states?
We are indeed Darlene. Just in the last couple of days. Now pretty much a constant haze and for the first time today a real smell of smoke in the air.
Thanks for the kind feedback and sharing the article in Twitter.
Also I must tell you I started reading your book Amanda in Arabia to our 4 year old granddaughter. She was so excited when I read your inscription in the book which was addressed to her.
That is so wonderful to hear. The younger ones seem to really like Ali Baba, the camel. One grandmother had to buy a camel toy for her granddaughter after reading her the story. (Christmas present idea!)
Oh that sounds fun. We brought our granddaughter a toy camel back from Jordan last fall. Perhaps he is about to get a new name. 🙂
Gorgeous….the entire ambience.
It is a wondrous place. No matter how often we have been always magical.
So beautiful! I love the photo of Whiteman’s Pond.
Thank you Sylvia. A hike to the top is worth the view.
Absolutely beautiful! I can see why Grassi remained in the area.
Ingrid imagine seeing these wonders when all were in their raw beauty. Yes Grassi found his paradise.
Just gorgeous! My sister, who lives in Canmore, introduced me to it. I love your line “Neither Grassi nor my partner have lost their charm through the decades.”
How wonderful that your sister lives in Canmore. I’m sure she has shown you many gems in the area.
Thank you for the kind words Caroline. I chuckled myself when that line came to mind.
Sue, those lakes are downright gorgeous, as are your photos! And I love your personal love story that goes with them. The climbing looks like a challenge, but I know that you two are up to it. Do they know who might have created the pictographs? ~Terri
Terri the pictographs are thought you be about 1000 years old and made by First Nations people in the area. There are similar pictographs in Rat’s Near Cave and Grotto Canyon, not far from Canmore.
Thanks for the kind feedback on the post. We climbed frequently at Grassi Lakes from the mid 90’s to 2010. I’d hate to admit that my exit from climbing was due to age but I found my joints complaining more and more. We still love hiking at Grassi and gaze at those climbs with happy memories of those days.
What a beautiful place, Sue! And, this hike has so much more to offer than views over the lakes and valley. Your Rockies are stunning and I hope to visit (again) one day. Enjoy your weekend!
Liesbet we hope to see you here in the future. The possibilities for hiking and natural beauty are endless.
Wow, we would really enjoy walking in this area. The scenery is wonderful.
Hoping one day you will find yourselves on the Grassi Lakes trail. The natural beauty rarely disappoints.
Such a spectacular part of our country – a visit, as you say, “when the time is right “ is a must. Such a lovely experience to share in your early days with Dave and to have continued these adventures and interests throughout your marriage is special. Great story about Grassi and his devotion to the outdoors but also wondered where Ha Ling Peak got its name – future blog story?
.
Carol that would be a brilliant blog post. The story goes that Ha Ling was a cook for the Canadian Pacific Railway. He took on a bet that he couldn’t summit the mountain on under 10 hours. He did make the summit, although not believed until he did it twice, the mountain was named. Unfortunately for decades it was known as Chinaman’s Peak. In 1997, after much debate about the derogatory nature of the name, the mountain was changed to Ha Ling.
Wow. The lakes, the waterfall, the ponds, the pictographs, the climbing rocks. Is there anything this beautiful place doesn’t have? Looks like a must see.
Wendy on a future visit we would be happy to take you to see these aquamarine beauties. As you point out it has most everything a nature lover could want.
I love how this place means a lot to you and Dave. It is just stunning, I would love to hike there, maybe one day. Thank you for this great guide 😄
Let’s plan to add it to the list on your Western Canada itinerary! One day hopefully.
Grassi Lakes are one of my favourite “quick and easy” hikes in the Rockies! Even though I’ve been there dozens of times, each time I visit I still slowly circle each lake marvelling at the colour and clarity… and the depth. When you see the angle of the fallen trees sticking out of the water and then calculate how far down they go… wow!
I’m with you Dianne. I’m sure I have been up there a hundred times and those pools mesmerize me every time. Good point about how deep they must be. I’ll have to take a closer look at that next time.
beautiful lake! 🙂
It is one of our favourites to be sure. Thank you.
Hi Sue, I have some memories of that area. It’s been decades since I was in Canmore. We would stay at Lake Louise, gawk in wonder at Banff and enjoy the Stampede. Back then you’d drive down from Canmore and there was a sort of swamp to the right of the road into Calgary. I wish I could find the photo my Dad took, of the largest moose we had ever seen or heard of. His beard was hanging in the water, not far above his ankles, and the antler spread was huge. Evidently it was a bit of a legend in those parts.
Oh my goodness Ted what an incredible memory! There are moose still in the area but I have never had the joy of such an encounter. I think you would notice quite a difference in all the spots you mention. A lot of growth over the years. However nothing can change the natural beauty. Thanks kindly for sharing that special experience with us.