Fall Adventures: Ride Lake Louise Gondola For Golden Larch Hikes and Grizzly Bear Sightings

Winter is around the corner and if you are waiting for Lake Louise Ski Resort to reopen for skiing, why not head there early for an autumn adventure complete with a ride on the ski lift and hikes amid the famous golden larches before the landscape transforms into a winter wonderland.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Hop on the Lake Louise Summer Gondola for an experience like no other.

You can enjoy panoramic views at a height of 2101 meters in an open chair or enclosed gondola. This is a sightseeing adventure for all ages. Take in stunning views of mighty peaks, glistening glaciers, pretty wildflowers and springs. The gondola ride will be available till Thanksgiving weekend. The resort closes on October 9th to prepare for winter operations.

Lake Louise is one of the best places in the Rockies to observe magnificent grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Other wildlife can also be seen here, such as black bears, lynxes, moose, mountain goats, and elk. Most of the wildlife is more likely to be seen early in the morning or late in the afternoon or evening.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Take a guided hike to discover the beauty of these mountains. You will be accompanied by professional interpretive guides.

Guided hikes include the Trail of Great Bear and the Trail of Discovery.

The 45-minute Trail of Great Bear takes you into the protected Whitehorn Wildlife Corridor, where you may sight bears, while the 2-hour Trail of Discovery takes you through meadows and forests to discover the beauty of the mountains. Both hikes (and areas) are only available with a certified guide.

If you want to hike on your own, explore:

1.7 km roundtrip Kicking Horse Pass View Point trail, which passes through wildflower meadows (best to see in summer) before entering a Larch forest.
2.5 km round trip Pika Trail traverses wildflower meadows, Larch forests and ponds. You will also get to see pika colonies.
Pika trail connects to the Ptarmigan Viewpoint trail, and the entire trail is a 3.4 km roundtrip that offers a fantastic view of the Ptarmigan Valley.

If you are visiting with kids, drop by the Wildlife Interpretive Centre, where you can learn about the mountains and wildlife, which is called this place their home. Here, you will find life-sized displays of animals, information boards on these animals and videos. The staff gives free 15-minute talks about the animals. You can also see and touch animal pelts, skulls, claws and fake droppings and purchase books and guides.

If all the hikes and climbs make you hungry, dine on outdoor patios or at the base area lodges, or dining rooms at the Whitehorn Bistro and enjoy scenic views of the Rockies.