6 Best Places to See Larch Trees in Alberta
Have you ever walked through a forest where the trees are glowing gold? That's what larch season is like in Alberta. For a few weeks each fall, the larch trees put on a show that turns the mountains into a sea of yellow.
Larches are a bit of a surprise when it comes to trees. They're conifers, which usually means they keep their needles year-round, but larches are also deciduous.
This means that every fall, their larch needles turn a stunning golden-yellow before dropping off. So, you get the look of an evergreen tree but with the added bonus of those vibrant fall colours.
But here's the thing—everyone wants to see it. Most hikes are packed with people, which can be a problem if you're not into crowds.
So, in this blog, we'll talk about some spots where you can enjoy the larches in the Rocky Mountains without the hustle and bustle.
Where to See Larch Trees in Alberta?
The Lake Louise Gondola is your best bet to see Larch trees in Alberta. Here's why.
During the larch season, most trails that lead to these golden trees are packed. Access can be tough, with crowded parking lots and long, uphill hikes. The larches grow at higher elevations, so you have to work for those incredible views.
But not at the Lake Louise Gondola. Here, you’ll find easy parking and fewer crowds. The lift does most of the work for you.
If you prefer to enjoy the larches without hiking, you can simply ride the gondola and take in the stunning golden scenery across the valley. However, if you’re up for a short hike, the Kicking Horse Viewpoint Trail or the Ptarmigan Valley Viewpoint Trail will bring you up close to these beautiful trees.
Just a short 10-minute drive from the Lake Louise lakeshore, and you can catch a chair or gondola up the mountain for stunning golden scenery. It's minimal effort for maximum reward.
You can spot plenty of larches across the valley right from the viewing platform, and the sight of Saddleback Pass covered in beautiful trees is unreal.
The gondola runs until October, so there's plenty of time to check it out. And while you're there, why not grab a bite at Whitehorn Bistro? It's the perfect spot to enjoy the fall vibes on the mountain.
What Are the Top Trails for Spotting Larches?
Some trails can get crowded, while others are easily accessible through the gondola, giving you a chance to skip the crowds altogether.
If you want the best of both worlds—stunning larch views without too many people—there are a few trails you should check out.
Kicking Horse Trail
Kicking Horse Trail is one of the best hikes in Lake Louise, especially if you're looking for a shorter and easier option. Starting just after you step off the sightseeing lift, this trail offers easy access to the stunning larches, with a gentle incline that makes it an enjoyable walk.
But as you climb, the trail levels out, and you get to enjoy the incredible scenery of Banff National Park. Wildflowers and wildlife, like mule deer and ground squirrels, are common sights along the way.
The highlight? Reaching the viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to an unforgettable panoramic view of the Bow Valley and the Kicking Horse Valley.
Pika Trail
It's just a 2.5 km round trip, but don't let that fool you—it's a bit of a workout and steep climb, starting right from the top of the gondola.
The hike begins with a steep gravel path that gets your legs working, but the views are worth it. You'll pass through fields of wildflowers, spot some adorable little pika critters, and wander by a couple of serene ponds.
Ptarmigan Valley Viewpoint
If you're up for a bit more adventure, you can continue to the Ptarmigan Valley Viewpoint after completing the Pika trail.
This adds a bit to your hike, making it a 3.4 km round trip, but the walk through the golden larch forest is spectacular.
Larch Valley
Now, if you're looking for the classic larch experience, Larch Valley is the place to be. But here's the catch: it's also one of the most popular hikes and the most crowded. Starting at Lake Moraine, this 4.3 km hike takes you through some of the most beautiful larch forests in Alberta. The trail can get busy, so it's best to go early.
If you're up for more of a challenge, continue to Sentinel Pass. It's a tougher hike with more elevation gain, but the views are next-level. Just be prepared for the crowds—this spot is no secret.
And if you want to make your trip even easier, remember that there’s no car access to Moraine Lake, so you'll need to book Moraine Lake Shuttle tickets in advance.
Lake Louise Gondola offers guided larch hikes through the stunning Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass, perfectly tailored to match your pace and interests (Gondola & Moraine Lake Shuttle Combo Ticket needed).
Paradise Valley
The Paradise Valley Trail is an extension of Sentinel Pass. The larches here are something else, making the 10.3 km trek (about 7-8 hours roundtrip) worth every step.
But heads up, it's a long hike, so be prepared for a full-day adventure.
Saddleback Pass
Saddleback Pass is another awesome spot to catch those golden larches. The trailhead can be at Lake Louise, Lake Annette, or Moraine Lake, but the best route is from Lake Louise.
About halfway through the hike, you'll start seeing the first golden larch trees. At first, they're scattered here and there, but as you keep going, you'll find yourself in a whole forest of them on the northern slopes of Saddle Mountain.
And from the top of Saddleback Pass, the views of Mount Temple and Haddo Peak are just incredible.
However, be prepared for parking challenges and crowds, especially during peak season. To make your trip easier, consider taking the shuttle from the Lake Louise Gondola.
When Is the Best Time to See Larches in Alberta?
The best time to catch the larches in all their golden glory is from mid-September to early October. The exact timing can vary each year depending on the weather, so it's good to keep an eye on local reports as the season approaches.
For the best experience, try to go early in the morning or mid-week. This helps you avoid the busiest times when everyone else is out there trying to snap the perfect photo.
One important thing to remember: fall is also the season when bears are really active. They're in a "last chance to eat a lot" mode before winter, so encounters can happen.
To stay safe, consider joining our Bear Awareness Program. You'll learn the behaviours and techniques to reduce the chances of a negative encounter. Learn more details here.
Conclusion
Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass are iconic for a reason, but they're also popular, crowded, and require both a shuttle to access and a serious hike.
If you're looking for a more relaxed experience without missing out on those stunning golden larch views, gondola-accessible trails like Pika and Kicking Horse are your best bet. You'll get all the beauty with a lot less effort and fewer crowds.
So, to enjoy the larches without the hassle, take the Lake Louise Summer Gondola and make the most of your time in Alberta's beautiful mountains.