麻豆APP

Top 10 Facts about Larch Valley, Alberta

Sentinel Pass – Larch Valley. Photo by: Wilson Hui.

Larch Valley is a hiking trail located up above Moraine Lake in the hamlet of Lake Louise, located in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The trailhead of this hike begins at the very busy, very popular Moraine Lake parking lot, just a short wander up the path from the lodge.

Larches thrive in high altitudes and turn a bright golden yellow colour for a few weeks each year, usually in mid-September to early October. Lets take a look at the top facts about it;

1. Larch Valley can be Described as a Moderate Hike

Larch Valley, Alberta
Golden Pines.
Photo by: Steve Jurvetson.

The Larch Valley Trail is rated as a 鈥渕oderate鈥� hike by Parks Canada. Once one finishes the switchbacks, the valley provides one with amazing views of the larch trees almost immediately, and the hard work of climbing is done.

The rest of the trail is full of views and mostly flat, or with soft ups and downs. The larch valley is one of the best hiking places in the world and anybody can take a hike there.

2. The Larch Valley has some of the Most Famous and Amazing Trees 

Mount Bowlen saw from Larch Valley, Banff National Park, Alberta.
Photo by:Steve Jurvetson.

The Larch valley has some of the most amazing trees Larch (Larix spp.) trees which are members of the pine family (Pinaceae) that have soft, green needles most of the year.

However, in autumn, the needles turn a vibrant golden yellow before they eventually fall. A conifer that is not evergreen is a novel concept, as there are not many other trees (besides the dawn redwood or bald cypress) that can say the same.

In North America, several different types of larch trees are native, including the alpine larch (Larix lyalli), which are the larches here in Banff鈥檚 Larch Valley.

These trees are very well suited for their snowy and cold environment, and they are usually found at high elevations where they can help to control slope erosion.

3. It Takes One 3.5 hrs  to 4 hrs to Hike the Larch Valley

Delta forms Mountain in Banff National Park, Larch Valley. Photo by: Nancymcmillan.

The Larch Valley takes approximately 3.5 hrs to 4hrs to take a hike through, however, it can take long for tourists to hike through depending on their pace and interests.

Most people take longer because they do a lot of stopping plenty of times to capture photos of the amazing larches. They also sometimes have their lunch or dinner in the Larch Valley.

The Larch Valley Trail is 4.3 km (2.67 mi) one-way, with a total of 535 m (1,755 ft) of elevation gain.

4. The Best Time to Hike the Larch Valley is during the Summer

Larch Valley. Courtesy; Nancy McMillan.

The best time to hike the Larch Valley is during the Larch season between mid-September and early October (depending on the year.) However, you can hike the Larch Valley anytime during the summer months when the road to Moraine Lake is open. 

Some people prefer going there when there are fewer people taking hikes at different times and during early mornings or the evening hours. 

5. The Valley is Inhabited by Bears

Bears a common in the Larch Valley, especially during wildflower season and fall. During times of grizzly bear activity, it is required to hike in groups of four or more. This will be signposted at the trailhead

Bears are some of the wild animals which are inhabitants of the Larch Valley. Most times there are warnings, of sightings of a mother Grizzly and her cub in the area. Strongly recommend hiking in groups of four or more people. 

Bear spray is the recommended tool for self-defence against a bear. Bear spray is easy to use without much experience, and it’s a highly effective tool for stopping or deterring attacks. 

6.From the valley sounds of a rushing stream nearby can be heard

Towards the end of the Larch valley one can hear the rushing stream nearby though one can not get to see it from the Valley.

The meadow ends at 3.2 km and the Larch Valley trail renters a larch and coniferous forest. Just 200 m later you鈥檒l arrive at the trail junction for the Eiffel Tower trail on the left.

7.The Larch valley gives you the best views 

The larch valley provides some of the most amazing views in the whole of Canada. One can be able to see the jagged peaks of the mountains which line the shores of Moraine Lake, including the glacier on the peak of Mt. Fay.

In season, wildflowers grow along the side of the hiking trail.Mount Temple and Mount Eiffel also comes into clear view, with plenty of flat boulders along the hiking trail to sit down on to soak in the views. 

8.There are safety precautions one should follow while in the larch valley

The Larch valley has some of the strictest safety precaution one should follow while hiking it.This include no Mountain biking allowed on the Larch Valley trail,A lot of water is required while hiking it. 

Bear spray is a must in the valley in case of bear attack one can use it for self protection. Walking in groups of more than four people is recommended for safety purposes. 

There is also no phone network in the area and one won鈥檛 get cell service for the entirety of the hike, so don鈥檛 count on it for your safety. 

9.The Larch valley has trees which changes colors during different seasons

The Larch valley is home to different trees which changes colors during different season of the year. This happens at around the 3rd week of September when the needles will change color and the collection of golden larch trees is an amazing sight. 

In the Fall larch season, the Larch Valley hike treats you to a magical walk through an expansive forest of golden larch trees. 

10.The use of shortcuts is prohibited in the Larch valley

To keep the Larch valley beautiful the use of shortcuts is prohibited. Parks Canada is trying hard to repair the damage done by hikers cutting corners through the switchbacks. 

The Larch valley is currently one of the most visited sites in Canada and North America because of its views of surrounding Mountains and the Moraine lake.