Grassi LakesThe Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes sit at about 1,525 m in the southern Canadian Rockies overlooking Canmore, Alberta. The lakes receive much of their water from the Spray River via the Spray Lakes Reservoir and lie within Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, which is part of the wider Kananaskis Country park system. The two small basins are strikingly clear and emerald-coloured, set at the base of steep grey cliffs.
The lakes are named after Lawrence Grassi, an Italian-born miner and respected mountain guide who emigrated to Canada in 1912 and built many local trails, including the route that now bears his name. The site has been used by people for generations and there are rock paintings more than 1,000 years old near the top of the canyon beyond the lakes, thought to be the work of Kutenai ancestors.
Geologically the cliffs above the lakes are part of the Cairn Formation, a Late Devonian fossil reef where bulbous stromatoporoids left pocket-like features that climbers now use as holds. The cliffs reach roughly 75 m in places, making the canyon a popular spot for sport climbing as well as for photographers and casual visitors. Visiting typically involves a short walk on maintained trails, with viewpoints overlooking the lakes and the Bow Valley.
- Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes: Two neighbouring emerald-coloured basins set against a cliff backdrop, each with clear water and rocky shorelines.
- Cairn Formation cliffs: Grey limestone cliffs with pocketed rock faces formed from an ancient fossil reef, popular with sport climbers.
- Views over the Bow Valley: Lookouts above the lakes provide panoramic views across Canmore and the Bow Valley to the surrounding ranges.
- Ancient rock paintings: Pictographs more than a thousand years old are found above the canyon beyond the lakes and should be observed respectfully from a distance.
- Short canyon and trails: A short canyon leads up from the lakes and there are well-used footpaths linking the lakes with nearby trail networks.
Nearby Attractions to Grassi Lakes#
Best Time to Visit Grassi Lakes#
The area has long, cold winters and short, mild summers; trails are most reliably snow-free in summer. Shoulder seasons offer crisp weather and fewer visitors but can still have snow at elevation.
Weather & Climate near Grassi Lakes#
Grassi Lakes's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (576 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -16° - -5° | -17° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 96% | 3.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| February | Poor | -13° - -1° | -13° | 29 mm | partly cloudy | 97% | 3.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.8h |
| March | Poor | -10° - 2° | -9° | 36 mm | overcast | 96% | 3.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -5° - 6° | -3° | 46 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.7h |
| May | Acceptable | -1° - 12° | 3° | 65 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.4h |
| June | Good | 3° - 16° | 8° | 79 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 16.3h |
| July | Very Good | 5° - 20° | 12° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.9h |
| August | Very Good | 5° - 20° | 12° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 1° - 15° | 6° | 50 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | -4° - 9° | -1° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| November | Poor | -10° - -1° | -11° | 39 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
| December | Poor | -15° - -5° | -16° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 96% | 3.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
How to Get to Grassi Lakes#
The nearest town is Canmore, Alberta, which sits immediately below the lakes; the town is the usual base for visiting Grassi Lakes. The nearest major airport is Calgary International Airport, from which visitors travel west by road to Canmore.
The lakes are reached from trailheads in the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park area; the last stretch is on foot along marked trails and through a short canyon. Parking and local shuttles operate from Canmore at times of year, and taxis or private car are common options for the short drive to the trailheads; check local transport and parking information before you go.
Tips for Visiting Grassi Lakes#
- Wear sturdy shoes - trail surfaces include rock, loose scree and some short stair sections.
- Respect the rock art sites - do not touch or climb the pictographs and stay on marked paths to protect cultural heritage.
- Cliffs can be loose; keep a safe distance from cliff bases and be cautious if climbing or belaying.
- Sun and insects can be an issue in summer - bring sun protection and insect repellent.
- In winter the trails are often snowy or icy; winter boots and traction devices may be needed and conditions change quickly.