🍁 When to See Larches in Alberta

• Best window: Late September to early October

• Peak colour: Around the third week of September, depending on weather and elevation

• By mid-October, most needles have dropped — so don’t wait too long!

🌲 10 Alberta Larch Hikes Worth Exploring

Here are ten trails that balance scenery and breathing room:

1. Pocaterra Ridge (Kananaskis)

• Distance: ~12 km

• Elevation Gain: ~1,000 m

• Why go: Wide ridgeline hike with endless larches and epic views.

2. Chester Lake (Kananaskis)

• Distance: ~9 km

• Elevation Gain: ~424 m

• Why go: Family-friendly trail to a beautiful alpine lake framed by larches.

3. Rowe Lakes (Waterton Lakes National Park)

• Distance: 8 km to first lake; 13 km to both

• Why go: Quieter than Banff, with golden reflections in turquoise lakes.

4. Buller Pass (Kananaskis)

• Distance: ~14.6 km return

• Elevation Gain: ~670 m

• Why go: Moderate climb with larches starting early in the hike and alpine panoramas at the pass.

5. Tryst Lake (Kananaskis)

• Distance: ~7 km

• Elevation Gain: ~400 m

• Why go: A hidden gem — tranquil alpine lake with a ring of glowing larches.

6. Arethusa Cirque Route (Kananaskis)

• Distance: ~4.5 km loop

• Elevation Gain: ~378 m

• Why go: Short but dramatic, with alpine meadows, peaks, and dense groves of golden larches.

7. Tent Ridge Horseshoe (Kananaskis)

• Distance: ~10 km

• Elevation Gain: ~800 m

• Why go: Incredible ridge loop with panoramic views of Spray Valley and clusters of larches along the route.

8. Ptarmigan Cirque (Kananaskis)

• Distance: ~4.5 km loop

• Elevation Gain: ~230 m

• Why go: Short, family-friendly trail near Highwood Pass with stunning cirque views and golden larch forests.

9. Healy Pass (Banff National Park)

• Distance: ~18 km return

• Elevation Gain: ~655 m

• Why go: One of Banff’s premier larch hikes — meadows filled with larches and sweeping mountain vistas.

10. Burstall Pass (Kananaskis)

• Distance: ~15 km return

• Elevation Gain: ~470 m

• Why go: Starts in a wide valley before climbing to a larch-filled pass with incredible fall colours.

🛡 Tips for Larch Season Hiking

• 🗓 Go mid-week: Even lesser-known hikes get busy on weekends.

• 🚗 Arrive early or late: Parking fills fast; consider afternoon hikes.

• 🥾 Gear up: Wear layers and sturdy boots — snow and mud are common.

• 🐻 Stay safe: Carry bear spray; fall is active wildlife season.

• ♻️ Leave no trace: Protect these fragile alpine ecosystems.

✨ Final Thoughts

Alberta’s larch season is short but spectacular. From short family loops like Ptarmigan Cirque to full-day adventures like Healy Pass, there’s a hike for every level. By skipping the busiest spots, you’ll get the same golden payoff with a little more space to breathe.

So pack your layers, grab your camera, and hit the trail — because the larches won’t wait!

The Bank of Canada just announced a new interest rate cut — and this move has the potential to shake up the real estate market across the country, including right here in Calgary. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or simply keep an eye on your home’s value, this is news worth paying attention to.

🏡 What It Means for Buyers

Lower interest rates usually translate into lower borrowing costs. That can mean:

• More affordability: Your monthly mortgage payments may go down, making more homes fall within reach.

• Stronger buying power: You may qualify for a larger mortgage than before, giving you more flexibility in your search.

• Renewed opportunities: Homes that seemed “just out of budget” last month may now be realistic options.

But here’s the key: affordability isn’t just about interest rates. Inventory levels, competition from other buyers, and neighborhood trends all play a role. That’s where working with a local REALTOR® can give you an edge.

🏠 What It Means for Sellers

Sellers, this could be your moment. Lower interest rates often encourage buyers to re-enter the market, and that can mean:

• Increased demand: More active buyers = more showings and stronger offers.

• Faster sales: A shift in affordability can speed up timelines as buyers move quickly to secure a home.

• Greater confidence: Buyers who were previously hesitant may now feel ready to make a move.

If you’ve been considering listing your home, now may be the right time to take advantage of growing demand. With the right pricing and marketing strategy, you can maximize your selling power.

🌆 What It Means for Homeowners

Even if you’re not planning a move right now, it’s still smart to stay informed. Lower rates can influence property values in your community, and keeping track of these changes helps you understand your home’s position in the market.

✨ The Bottom Line

Interest rate changes don’t just make headlines — they influence real estate decisions every day. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on your home’s value, local expertise is key to making confident choices.

📩 Let’s Chat

Thinking about making a move this year? Or just curious how this interest rate cut might affect your plans? I’d love to walk you through what this shift means here in Calgary’s market.

👉 Contact me today for a personalized consultation.

Sharon Shepherd – Calgary REALTOR® with eXp Realty