Kananaskis Country

Alberta Parks
A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.
Road Closure - Section of Highway 742 (Spray Lakes Trail/Smith Dorrien) Road Closure - Section of Highway 742 (Spray Lakes Trail/Smith Dorrien)

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
Group Size Limit: 35 (Permit information)
Difficulty
Summer
Winter
Trailheads
Trail Map
Trail Report: Canmore and Area
Trails: Canmore and Area | Kananaskis Country | All Parks

Updated: May 1, 2025