Larch Valley, Banff National Park
Experience the Magic of Larch Season: Fall Hiking in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake area
As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in Banff National Park, a magical transformation takes
place. Larch trees are unique for their golden needles, turning the landscapes around Lake
Louise and Moraine Lake into a breathtaking spectacle.
This short period, known as Larch Season, is a must-see for hiking enthusiasts and nature
lovers alike. Here’s your guide to making the most of this stunning season.
Why Larch Season is Special
Larch trees are deciduous conifers, meaning they shed their needles in the fall. Unlike other evergreen trees native to the rockies, their needles turn a brilliant gold before falling, creating a vibrant contrast against the rugged mountain backdrop. This natural phenomenon is relatively short-lived, typically peaking from mid-September to early October.
Larch trees are deciduous conifers, meaning they shed their needles in the fall. Unlike other evergreen trees native to the rockies, their needles turn a brilliant gold before falling, creating a vibrant contrast against the rugged mountain backdrop. This natural phenomenon is relatively short-lived, typically peaking from mid-September to early October.
Top Hikes to Experience Larch Season
Larch trees are found at high elevation in alpine areas, making Lake Louise & Moraine Lake perfect areas to view these golden wonders. It can be hard to pick from the large number of Larch Season hikes in Banff National Park, so here’s our top choices for enjoying this natural spectacle:
Larch trees are found at high elevation in alpine areas, making Lake Louise & Moraine Lake perfect areas to view these golden wonders. It can be hard to pick from the large number of Larch Season hikes in Banff National Park, so here’s our top choices for enjoying this natural spectacle:
Larch Valley
• Distance: 8.6km round trip
• Elevation Gain: 535 meters
• Trailhead: Moraine Lake
• Recommended Shuttle: Sunrise
The most-well known larch season hike in Banff National Park and for good reason! Leading upwards from the shores of Moraine Lake, this trail takes you through dense forests and up a series of switchbacks. As you ascend, the views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks become increasingly spectacular. The trail opens up into Larch Valley, where you’ll have the opportunity to bask within the golden larches. Larch Valley is very popular amongst hikers so we recommend getting ahead of the crowds
Sentinel Pass
• Distance: 11.6km round trip
• Elevation Gain: 725 meters
• Trailhead: Moraine Lake
• Recommended Shuttle: Sunrise or 9am
For those looking for a more
challenging hike, continue through Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass. The additional effort rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of Paradise Valley and the surrounding peaks.
Plain of Six Glaciers
• Distance: 11.6km round trip
• Elevation Gain: 725 meters
• Trailhead: Lake Louise
• Recommended Shuttle: 9am
Starting at the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise, follow the shores to the back of the lake towards the magnificent Victoria Glacier. The trail winds through forests and meadows, offering glimpses of glaciers and, of course, golden larches. Upon reaching your destination, be sure to treat yourself to a well-earned cup of tea and a slice of cake at the famed Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse. This trail can be linked with Lake Agnes via the Highline Trail to visit both teahouses in one trip and enjoy stunning views over Lake Louise (14.6km Round Trip).
Saddleback
• Distance: 7.4km round trip (To the pass)
• Elevation Gain: 595 meters
• Trailhead: Lake Louise
• Recommended Shuttle: 9am
Beginning behind the boathouse on the shores of Lake Louise, this hike climbs steadily up to Saddleback Pass where hikers can bask in a stunning alpine forest of golden larch trees. For those with some extra energy can continue upwards to summit Saddle Mountain and enjoy a reward of breathtaking views of Mount Temple and Paradise Valley below.
Using ViaVia Shuttle Service
Navigating busy trailheads and limited parking throughout Banff National Park during Larch Season is notoriously challenging. ViaVia Moraine Lake Shuttle offers a convenient and stress- free way to spend more time enjoying the larches at their very best!
• Convenience: ViaVia provides multiple daily departures from Canmore and Banff, ensuring you can find a time that fits your schedule.
• Flexibility: With multiple return options, you can customize your journey to spend as much time as you would like amongst the golden larch trees.
• Comfort: Enjoy comfortable shuttles and hotel/airbnb pickups, to make your trip as pleasant as possible.
• Hassle-Free: Skip the hassle of finding parking at trailheads and dealing with road construction. ViaVia takes care of all the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery.
• Easy Access: With Moraine Lake road closed to personal vehicles, the only way to access Banff National Park’s most popular larch hikes, Larch Valley & Sentinel pass, is to go by shuttle.
• Distance: 8.6km round trip
• Elevation Gain: 535 meters
• Trailhead: Moraine Lake
• Recommended Shuttle: Sunrise
The most-well known larch season hike in Banff National Park and for good reason! Leading upwards from the shores of Moraine Lake, this trail takes you through dense forests and up a series of switchbacks. As you ascend, the views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks become increasingly spectacular. The trail opens up into Larch Valley, where you’ll have the opportunity to bask within the golden larches. Larch Valley is very popular amongst hikers so we recommend getting ahead of the crowds
Sentinel Pass
• Distance: 11.6km round trip
• Elevation Gain: 725 meters
• Trailhead: Moraine Lake
• Recommended Shuttle: Sunrise or 9am
For those looking for a more
challenging hike, continue through Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass. The additional effort rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of Paradise Valley and the surrounding peaks.
Plain of Six Glaciers
• Distance: 11.6km round trip
• Elevation Gain: 725 meters
• Trailhead: Lake Louise
• Recommended Shuttle: 9am
Starting at the iconic Fairmont Château Lake Louise, follow the shores to the back of the lake towards the magnificent Victoria Glacier. The trail winds through forests and meadows, offering glimpses of glaciers and, of course, golden larches. Upon reaching your destination, be sure to treat yourself to a well-earned cup of tea and a slice of cake at the famed Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse. This trail can be linked with Lake Agnes via the Highline Trail to visit both teahouses in one trip and enjoy stunning views over Lake Louise (14.6km Round Trip).
Saddleback
• Distance: 7.4km round trip (To the pass)
• Elevation Gain: 595 meters
• Trailhead: Lake Louise
• Recommended Shuttle: 9am
Beginning behind the boathouse on the shores of Lake Louise, this hike climbs steadily up to Saddleback Pass where hikers can bask in a stunning alpine forest of golden larch trees. For those with some extra energy can continue upwards to summit Saddle Mountain and enjoy a reward of breathtaking views of Mount Temple and Paradise Valley below.
Using ViaVia Shuttle Service
Navigating busy trailheads and limited parking throughout Banff National Park during Larch Season is notoriously challenging. ViaVia Moraine Lake Shuttle offers a convenient and stress- free way to spend more time enjoying the larches at their very best!
• Convenience: ViaVia provides multiple daily departures from Canmore and Banff, ensuring you can find a time that fits your schedule.
• Flexibility: With multiple return options, you can customize your journey to spend as much time as you would like amongst the golden larch trees.
• Comfort: Enjoy comfortable shuttles and hotel/airbnb pickups, to make your trip as pleasant as possible.
• Hassle-Free: Skip the hassle of finding parking at trailheads and dealing with road construction. ViaVia takes care of all the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery.
• Easy Access: With Moraine Lake road closed to personal vehicles, the only way to access Banff National Park’s most popular larch hikes, Larch Valley & Sentinel pass, is to go by shuttle.
Larch Season in the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake area is a truly magical time. The golden
hues of the larch trees against the stunning mountain scenery create an unforgettable
experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to enjoy a scenic walk, these trails
offer something for everyone. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and immerse
yourself in the beauty of Larch Season.
Happy hiking!🍂🏞️