Larch Loop: a 5.6 Km Easy Walking Loop from Downtown Canmore 

Larch Loop is the longest of the six Easy Walking Loops from Main Street Canmore at 5.6 km long. The majority of the walk is through naturally forested areas with regular openings exposing Bow Valley mountain views in all directions.

Homes in the Larch District back onto the the north half of the Larch Loop Trail. Larch District is mainly single family homes built in the middle 1970s and 1980s where a few homes have been redeveloped into modern and alpine style housing.

Although this walk is called the Larch Loop, and it will take you by Larch Island, don't expect to see a large area of Larch trees here. While there are some beauties spotted throughout the yards of houses, the name Larch Loop refers more to the neighborhood name than tree viewings.

From the Big Head, walk upstream (or north) with Policeman’s Creek on your left for 1.0 km until you arrive at the intersection of 17 Street and 8 Avenue. Cross 17 Street at the crosswalk and continue past the Canmore High School, Rec Centre and Golf Course on the right side.

A TRAIL MAP sign marks the start of the short out and back (50 m) trail leading to a side stream of the Bow River. The short trail ends with two riverside benches where you can stop and enjoy the wonder of clear cold mountain water rushing by and a view of the spectacular Rundle Mountain Range.

When ready, continue back on the path. Shortly, you will see another trail sign that directs to the environmentally sensitive, optional side trail known as the Larch Island Trail, where hikers are required to keep to the trail and where cycling is prohibited.

Larch Island can feel remote, wild, and peaceful. Walk along the side banks of the water ways and take a moment for yourself on one of the benches or chairs found along the way.

A tiny wooden control dam marks the end of the Larch Island trail, and the start of another Bow River side stream.

Follow the side stream downstream all the way to the Bow River main channel where the Old Engine Bridge comes into view. The Old Engine Bridge offers the opportunity for spectacular photos of the Bow River, surrounding Rocky Mountains and the occasional fly fisherman in the river. You might see visitors re-enacting scenes from The Last of Us TV mini-series, on the Old Engine Bridge!

Continue downstream to the small power line that crosses the trail and the location of a TRAILMAP sign. Descend the short flight of stairs and pass between houses to reach the cul-de-sac,then 8 Street which turns into Main Street.

Discover Main Street Canmore and its' unique mix of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Spend some time people watching on one of Main Street's many street-side patios. Enjoy a beverage and soak in the view. To celebrate successful completion of the Larch Loop, treat yourself to ice cream or a beverage, then continue east along Main Street, back to the Big Head.