“You have left these mountains to hike new trails on a higher plane. We treasured your short time with us and we valued your love and friendship. Be at peace.” — A tribute on a memorial bench at Grassi Lakes
A view of the 1.9 km Grassi Lake Upper Trail, looking downward; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
As much as I wished to take the more difficult “Interpretive Trail” to Grassi Lakes — which would have provided me with a fantastic scenery of a waterfall as well as beautiful views of Canmore and Bow Valley — I decided to settle for the easier “Grassi Lake Upper Trail”. Although designated as an easy trail in a number of articles I read, the steady incline through a dense forest slowed me down considerably, and I had to take multiple breaks along the 1.9 km walk. I saw people of all ages on the trail with many parents pushing their children on strollers and also carrying them in baby carriers.
When I excitedly arrived at the Lower of the two adjacent Grassi Lakes, I was not overwhelmingly impressed by the sight of the Lower Lake, and I began to wonder about all the hype that was associated with the Grassi Lakes. I even dared to suggest to an elderly couple who were slighly in front of me on the trail, when I met them at the Lower Grassi Lake, that Mount Lorrette Ponds on Hwy 40 in Kananaskis Country were much prettier if not just as pretty.
Story continues below
A view of the Lower Grassi Lake; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
How wrong I was in suggesting that when I had not seen both the Grassi Lakes! My impression changed dramatically when I got to the top of a stairwell leading to the Upper Lake. I took my words back and the WOW factor was for the taking with each breath that I took throughout the remainder of my stay at Grassi Lakes. The Upper Grassi Lake is astonishing and breathaking.
At times, the lake appeared to be a wonderful work of art containing amazing watercolour paintings inside a deep mirror. Apart from the beauty of Grassi Lakes, there was excitement all around with other thrilling activities such as rock climbing, chipmunks offering photo ops, very young children aiming to become rock climbers themselves, and a swimmer gracefully entering into the Upper Grassi Lake for a quick swim. Deeply inspiring were the memorial benches containing insightful tributes by family members and friends to loved ones they had lost, many of them quite young.
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A view of the Upper Grassi Lake, the more stunning of the two Lakes; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Watercolour artwork? Nature creates its own amazing art work in the waters of the Upper Grassi Lake; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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USA visitors escape the extreme heat in their home state of Texas and travel with their Golden Retriever to enjoy Alberta’s nature. This photo was taken soon after they had finished reading a panel behind them that describes the dazzling colours of the Grassi Lakes (see next photo); August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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An educational display explains the colours of Grassi Lakes; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A plaque at Grassi Lakes honouring Lawrence Grassi. It reads: “In appreciation of Lawrence Grassi 1890-1980 Master Trailmaker. He sought new paths, made rough places smooth, pointed the way to higher levels and loftier achievements”; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A view of the Upper Grassi Lake, the more stunning of the two Grassi Lakes; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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One of a number of memorial benches honouring deceased individuals. This tribute In Loving Memory of Heather McKinlay (1972-1994) reads: “You have left these mountains to hike new trails on a higher plane. We treasured your short time with us and we valued your love and friendship. Be at peace.” Your family and friends; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Adventurous children climb a rock overlooking the Upper Grassi Lake; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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“Somewhere and everywhere in these mountains the essence of my soul is contained. It beckons me to go and reveal itself.” — A dedication on a memorial bench at Grassi Lakes
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A view of the Upper Grassi Lake and the cliff behind it used by beginner to intermediate level rock climbers; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
Behind the Upper Grassi Lake (see previous photo), is this cliff that offers sport rock climbing to interested visitors; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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One of a numer of memorial benches with In Memoriams to deceased individuals from friends and family members. This dedication is to Niccy Code (December 23, 1960 – October 27, 1991) and reads: “Somewhere and everywhere in these mountains the essence of my soul is contained. It beckons me to go and reveal itself.” August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Chipmunk at Grassi Lakes; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Lookout point at Grassi Lakes with views of the valley below and the Rocky Mountains around; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A visitor takes comfort from a hot day as she swims in the cold and colourful waters of the Upper Grassi Lake; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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Artwork? Nature creates its own amazing art work in the waters of the Upper Grassi Lake. With the exception of the long branch at left which is above the water, the branches and trunks from trees are resting at the bottom of the lake; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
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A view of the Upper Grassi Lake; August 16, 2023. Photograph: Malik Merchant/Simergphotos.
Date posted: August 19, 2023.
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Impressive photos!!!