Fall Adventures in the Mountains: Your Ultimate Guide to Golden Trails & Cozy Stays

Fall in the mountains is pure magic; golden larches, crisp mountain air, and landscapes that look like they’ve been pulled from a painting. Whether you’re chasing iconic views, tasting local flavours, or settling into a cozy mountain stay, here’s everything you need to make your autumn getaway unforgettable.

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Banff & Lake Louise

Where Larches Reign and Views Go Wide

Larch Valley

4.3 km one-way | 535 m gain | 3–4 hrs | Out-and-back | Moderate
This is the trail that makes fall famous in Banff. Starting from Moraine Lake (shuttle required), Larch Valley delivers a golden spectacle like no other — with sweeping views of the Ten Peaks rising behind you as you hike higher. Come early to beat the rush and bring layers: the air up here turns frosty fast.

Saddle Mountain

3.7 km one-way | 700 m gain | 3–4 hrs | Out-and-back | Moderate
Quieter than Larch Valley but just as impressive, Saddle Mountain Trail starts from Lake Louise and climbs steadily through golden forest to an alpine saddle between peaks. It’s a perfect spot for a trailside lunch and a moment of stillness in the Rockies.

Parker Ridge (Icefields Parkway)

5.4 km | 250 m gain | 2 hrs | Out-and-back | Moderate
A must-do for road trippers. This short but mighty trail rewards every step with glacier views and sweeping valleys that blaze orange and gold in late September.

Where to Stay

Baker Creek by Basecamp — Rustic-chic cabins tucked along the Bow Valley Parkway, minutes from the trailheads and surrounded by forest. This place was made for fall.

Not Into Hiking? Try This:

• Ride the Banff Gondola at golden hour. (Discounts for Basecamp guests)
• Take a quiet drive down Bow Valley Parkway for wildlife and foliage.
• Cruise across Lake Minnewanka on a peaceful afternoon tour.
• Start your day with a coffee & pastry from Mountain Folk Coffee Co., or settle down with a farm-fresh meal from Farm & Fire. 

Canmore & Kananaskis

Wild Trails, Helicopter Views & Hot Tubs After

Fall in Canmore means wide-open spaces and fewer crowds. The trails here feel raw — rugged ridgelines, alpine cirques, and views that go on for miles. It’s also home to some of the most rewarding shoulder-season adventures (no hiking boots required).

Ptarmigan Cirque

3.4 km | 249 m gain | 1 hr 30 min | Loop | Moderate

This short loop hike at Highwood Pass is one of the best ways to catch golden larches without a full-day commitment. The trail starts above the treeline, meaning you’re surrounded by alpine views from the first few steps. It's a fall favourite — crisp air, quiet valleys, and that golden glow everywhere you look.

Tent Ridge Horseshoe

10.1 km | 843 m gain | 4–6 hrs | Loop | Difficult

Not for the faint of heart — but absolutely worth the effort. Tent Ridge is a dramatic horseshoe-shaped route with steep ascents, ridge-line exposure, and non-stop panoramic views. In fall, you’ll hike alongside golden larches with jaw-dropping vistas of Spray Lakes below. Expect scrambling, wind, and wide-open alpine.

Grassi Lakes

3.8 km | 230 m gain | 1.5 hrs | Loop | Easy/Moderate
A classic for a reason. Especially beautiful in the fall when the sun hits the turquoise lakes and the trees above shift from green to gold. Great for families, first-timers, or anyone craving beauty without the burn.

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Canmore & Kananaskis Getaways

MTN House by Basecamp — A refined mountain retreat with boutique comfort and mountain views. Or try Basecamp Suites Canmore for apartment-style space with a rooftop hot tub.

Skip the Hike, Keep the Views:

• Soar above the Rockies on a scenic helicopter tour with Alpine Helicopters (Basecamp discount)
• Go underground with a Canmore Cave Tour — fall’s the perfect temp for it (Basecamp discount)
• Book a trail ride with Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis (Basecamp discount)
• Warm up with a wood-fired pizza or local brew at Rhythm & Howl in Canmore.

Revelstoke & Yoho

Alpine Lakes, Canyon Tours, and Cozy Downtown Vibes

Come fall, Revelstoke’s alpine trails thin out and the larch trees light up. Meanwhile, Yoho National Park offers larch-adjacent adventures without the crowds. Whether you're here for big hikes or backroad exploring, this corner of the mountains feels like it was made for slow, scenic travel.

Eva Lake (Mount Revelstoke)

12 km | 200 m gain | 3–5 hrs | Out-and-back | Moderate
A local favourite for a reason. Hike through alpine meadows and past fall-kissed lakes to reach Eva Lake’s perfectly still water. This one’s worth the climb — and yes, the reflections really do look like a painting.

Emerald Lake Loop (Yoho)

5.2 km | Minimal gain | 1.5–2 hrs | Loop | Easy
Ideal for the chill, scenic stroll. The colours here are especially stunning in September when the shoreline trees shift and the surrounding peaks glow in warm light.

Begbie Falls Trail

5 km | 130 m gain | 1.5–2 hrs | Out-and-back | Easy
A tucked-away forest trail that leads to a thunderous fall — surrounded by moss, mushrooms, and mist. Perfect for a quiet fall morning.

For Laid Back Stays in Revy

Basecamp Suites Revelstoke — Stylish downtown suites with kitchenettes and hot tubs.
Or go full cozy with Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke, ideal for families or groups.

Fall Fun Beyond the Trail:

• Hit the alpine trails by ATV or side-by-side with Great Canadian Tours (Basecamp discount)
• Book a floatplane tour with Silvertip Aviation for a fall perspective from above (Basecamp discount)
• Take on a canyon adventure with Western Canyoning (Basecamp discount)
• Sip something cold at Mt. Begbie Brewing Co. or brunch at Dose Coffee

Ready for Fall?

Whether you’re chasing colour on a trail, soaking in the views from a gondola, or warming up in a wood-fired cabin, fall in the Canadian mountains is a season worth stretching. Book your Basecamp Resorts stay and unlock guest-exclusive discounts across activities, and scenic tours. Wherever you go, we’ll be your home base for it all.