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Experience Fall Colours in the Southern Rockies

Escape to Waterton and the South Canadian Rockies for Spectacular Fall Foliage and Seasonal Outdoor Adventures

Every year, locals and visitors alike take in the fall colours throughout Alberta. From the (mostly) temperate weather conditions to the stunning array of hues adorning the prairies, valleys and mountains, Alberta is a top fall travel destination. Waterton Lakes National Park and the South Canadian Rockies offer the same stunning fall views as the better-known destinations, minus the overwhelming crowds. Escape for a well-deserved fall getaway and explore the region by foot, bike, boat or guided tours and enjoy unbeatable experiences and unparalleled views of the fall colours in Waterton Lakes and the South Canadian Rockies.

A sunny fall day in the Castle Region.
Turtle Mountain in the fall. Located in Crowsnest River Valley.

There is an abundance of stunning fall hikes in the region, offering exceptional views of the seasonal golden larches. For the best views of the rich fall foliage in Waterton Lakes National Park, explore Rowe Valley via the Upper Rowe Lake trail. This moderate 12.8km hike leads past the beautiful Lower Rowe Lake before ascending to Upper Rowe Lake. Surrounded by larch trees, Upper Rowe Lake offers incredible golden views throughout the fall season.

For golden views throughout the South Canadian Rockies, try the Chinook Lake Loop via Rainbow Run or Crowsnest Ridge via Phillips Pass Road. Open until mid-October, the Chinook Lake Loop via Rainbow Run follows a wide and well-maintained 5km trail, offering visitors an easy and enjoyable hike with spectacular views of Chinook Lake and Mount Tecumseh in the fall. For a longer hike, explore Crowsnest Ridge via Phillips Pass Road. This 11.9km out-and-back moderate trail is a hidden gem. Open all year round for hikers to enjoy, this trail showcases views of the valley, including Crowsnest Lake, Island Lake, Sentry Mountain, Phillipps Peak and Mount Tecumseh, giving hikers sensational views of the changing fall landscape. 

While hiking is a popular way to witness the fall beauty of Waterton and the South Canadian Rockies, there are many other ways to soak in the colours. For those who enjoy biking, the South Canadian Rockies offer an exhilarating way to experience the changing autumn landscapes. Located in Castle Provincial Park, the Syncline Trail Network has a variety of biking trails at all levels of difficulty. Home to thousands of larches, exploring Castle Provincial Park via bike is an ideal way to experience the seasonal larch transformation and enjoy the region. 

Castle Mountain Provincial Park is home to beautiful fall colours.
Explore the South Canadian Rockies on horseback at Thanksgiving Ranch.

Enjoy a fall getaway in Waterton Lakes National Park and the South Canadian Rockies. With breathtaking views, outdoor adventures and the golden spread of larches, these often-overlooked destinations provide an unforgettable escape amidst Alberta’s stunning fall landscape.

Featured Listings

Charmed Resorts

Charmed Resorts is a passion project that stems from a family business. The Leavitts spent five years designing custom luxury playhouses before launching Charmed Resorts. The original location in the Crowsnest Pass features themed cottages that put guests into fairytale surroundings. Let your hair down in Rapunzel’s Cottage or celebrate Shakespeare in the Midsummer Cottage. The Gingerbread Cottage is perfect if you enjoy the darker side of fairytales or Belle’s Cottage if you prefer happily-ever-after. The Lost Boys’ Treehouse lets…
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Kilmorey Lodge

Rebuilt, renewed and returned once more to Waterton Lakes National Park is the historic Kilmorey Lodge. This Southern Alberta icon has been generating lifelong memories since Ida Kemmis built the original Lodge in 1926. At first a simple rooming house, then expanded into the historic hotel in 1940. Rebuilt after a fire in 2009, the new Kilmorey Lodge “adds a modern touch to a historical classic” while still aspiring to the same hospitality excellence and fine dining experience that guests…
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Glamping Resorts at Castle Provincial Park

Be awed by nature — and impressed by premium stays surrounded by the splendour of the Canadian Rockies. Bring family or reconnect with friends in ultra-comfortable domes, tents, RVs, bunkies and cabins. Nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain, Glamping Resorts is 40 km (25 mi) from Pincher Creek on the shores of Beaver Mines Lake within Castle Provincial Park. Gain immediate access to outdoor life in a camping resort setting. Find a private BBQ, fire pit and expansive views…
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Dark Sky Guides Ltd.

When the sun goes down, Dark Sky Guides Ltd. swings into action. The outfit offers interpretive nighttime tours and stargazing opportunities in Waterton Lakes National Park. If you’re not a night owl, consider a midday snowshoe tour or a visit to the Waterton Planetarium. Dark Sky Guides Ltd. offers private tours, group tours and townsite strolls. The tours let guests stargaze using quality telescopes, binoculars or the naked eye. The guides are storytellers, and they deliver memorable interpretive tours that…
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The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch

A Custom Rocky Mountain Adventure. Enjoy traditional guest ranch adventures like horseback riding, or connect with nature through simple pleasures like exploring, hiking, nature photography, dark skies, mountain biking, outdoor skating, or snowshoeing depending on the season. The Lodge at Thanksgiving Ranch is set at the doorstep of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. As you approach the ranch’s private, five-kilometer-long, driveway, the views amaze. Leaving you awestruck at every bend in the road, until you finally arrive at The Lodge where the…
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Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre Pincher Creek

Conveniently located only 30 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park, the Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Pincher Creek features contemporary décor combined with excellent full-service amenities. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or a special event, they have everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay. While staying at their hotel, you can enjoy amenities including complimentary WiFi access, 24-hour front desk assistance, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, on-site restaurant and lounge, meeting and wedding facilities, catering…
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Waterton Glacier Suites

At this family-owned and operated Lodge, guests of the Waterton Glacier Suites enjoy a mountain lodge feel and comfort in every room. Each room/suite has its own private balcony, fireplace, and Jacuzzi tub. Tastefully decorated with locally handcrafted furniture and Canadian artwork, their suites are great for family vacations, romantic getaways or simply to relax and enjoy all that Waterton has to offer all year round. Each of the 26 suites has been completely renovated, including flooring, wall coverings, furniture,…
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Tamarack Adventures

Join Tamarack Adventures for an Interpretive Guided Adventure in Waterton Lakes National Park. Local Certified Hiking and Adventure Guides and local knowledge go hand in hand at the Tamarack. They work with you to build an adventure full of memories. There is something for all activity levels, from Interpretive Tours on their shuttle bus, to Day Treks to the peak of some of the area’s famous mountains. They also offer Hiker Shuttle services to get you to the trailhead in…
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Country Encounters

Country Encounters invites you to their beautiful corner of Alberta in the Southern Alberta Rockies. In the national historic site of Downtown Coleman, Country Encounters is surrounded by history and the majestic mountains, where they provide a wide range of services for your convenience. A delicious breakfast is included and groups can book the chef’s table for dinner.
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