Kananaskis Country

Alberta Parks

Grassi Lakes Interpretive

A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.
Bear Warning - Grassi Lakes Day Use, Trails, & Surrounding AreaBear Warning - Grassi Lakes Day Use, Trails, & Surrounding Area

This trail is one of two distinctly different routes to the shallow, aquamarine Grassi Lakes. Approximately 100 m from the trailhead, there is a fork with signage indicating an easier route and a more difficult one. The easier trail to the right is called Grassi Lake Upper and follows an old road through dense forest. The more difficult route to the left is the Grassi Lake Interpretive and climbs gradually through forested terrain before reaching a very steep section with excellent views of a waterfall and the town of Canmore. Signage along this route tells the history of Lawrence Grassi who built the original Grassi Lakes Trail. The cliffs around the lakes are regularly visited by climbers and trails which access the climbing routes lead to some unique pictographs. The more difficult Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail is closed in the winter due to icy conditions which develop from water flowing over the trail. The Grassi Lakes Trail is located in a Wildlife Corridor. Travel in this area is restricted to designated trails only.

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Open
Length 1.9 km
Elevation: 125 m/410 ft
Type: Interpretive Trail
Out-and-Back
Group Size Limit: 35 (Permit information)
Difficulty
Summer hiking,hiking (winter) Hiking
Winter Hiking (Winter)
Trail Map Canmore Nordic Centre PP & Bow Valley - Summer Trails Pamphlet with Map
Canmore Nordic Centre PP - Grassi Lakes Area Map (With Trails)
Trail Report: Canmore and Area
Trails: Kananaskis Country / All Parks
Updated: May 20, 2023