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Alberta's Most Awe-Inspiring Hikes To Do This Fall

5 Awe-Inspiring Hikes To Do In Alberta This Fall

There is nothing like autumn in Alberta.

It might seem like the shortest season, but it's also the most vibrant, as the province's forests explode into a dazzling display of orange and yellow.

Squeeze in a bit more sun before the first snowfall hits and enjoy some of these stunning treks around the province.

5. Salt River Trail System

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You won't see a view like this near Banff. (Photo: Getty)

This trail system in Wood Buffalo National Park is like a choose-your-own-adventure for exploring northern Alberta's topography.

Take the south loop for a gentle meandering trail around Grosbeak Lake to the salt flats or the winding Lane Lake trail for aspen forests and lots of opportunities to spot wildlife.

4. Pocaterra Ridge

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There's nothing prettier than golden larches in the fall. (Photo: Getty)

This one is for slightly more experienced hikers, but it is absolutely worth it.

Once you get up on the ridge, you have a 360-degree view of Kananaskis Country.

3. Lake Agnes Tea House

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Lake Agnes Tea House is just a few kilometres from Lake Louise. (Photo: Getty)

This is the perfect hike if you've worked up an appetite.

This tea house was built over 100 years ago and still features the original tables and chairs. Supplies are flown in by helicopter and the staff boil lake water to cook food and make tea.

2. Chester Lake

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It's beautiful, but a bit chilly for an autumn swim. (Photo: Getty)

Walking through the forest to Chester Lake feels like coming across an emerald oasis.

The trail is an easy one to do year round. On your way up, you'll pass the elephant rocks — a formation left behind from the Ice Age.

1. Larch Valley

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That view! (Photo: Getty)

This is one of the most spectacular hikes every Albertan should do at least once. It starts at Moraine Lake — a picturesque spot that was once featured on the $20 bill — before winding up through the forest for a view of the valley's larch trees.

It's a pretty moderate hike, but those looking for a longer trek can continue on to Sentinel Pass or Eiffel Lake.

Also on HuffPost

Best Camping Sites In Alberta
(01 of15)
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Banff National Park
Location: Banff
Why you should go: Explore the Canadian Rockies, go whitewater rafting and take in Canada's beauty with an extended hike.
Sites available: 2,468 caming sites on 13 grounds, back-country and shelters.
And while you're there, make sure you check out Lake Louise...
(credit:Design Pics/Philippe Widling via Getty Images)
(02 of15)
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Lake Louise Campground
Location: Banff (one km from the village of Lake Louise) Note, the lake is about 10 mins away by car
Why you should go: Ride through the lake's beautiful blue waters, hit the trails or go bird watching.
Sites available: 189 sites for trailers, 206 sites for tents
(credit:Pgiam via Getty Images)
(03 of15)
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Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper
Why you should go: 1,000 square kms of protected wilderness, stunning mountain views and wildlife watching — including bears.
Sites available: Year-round family-friendly camping, back-packing and RV camping.
(credit:Richard Price via Getty Images)
(04 of15)
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Elk Island National Park
Location: Edmonton (nearest city)
Why you should go: Look out for some bison, go for a hike and hit the water with your canoe or kayak.
Sites available: Several camp sites offering car, back-country and RV camping grounds.
(credit:Diana Duzbayeva via Getty Images)
(05 of15)
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Kananaskis Country
Location: West of Calgary
Why you should go: Guided hiking tours, whitewater rafting and horseback riding.
Sites available: Kananaskis Country camping grounds (with various camping styles, lodges and fancier hotels if you're looking for a mini getaway).
(credit:BobWC via Getty Images)
(06 of15)
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Dinosaur Provincial Park
Location: Southeast of Calgary
Why you should go: Walk deep into the Badlands, check out the five walking trails, and paddle the Red Deer River.
Sites available: 94 camp sites with power and 30 for back-country.
(credit:David Bukach via Getty Images)
(07 of15)
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Wood Buffalo National Park
Location: Fort Smith
Why you should go: It's Canada's largest national park, swim at the beach and explore the Peace-Athabasca Delta — a habitat with thousands of birds.
Sites available: Sites at Pine Lake Campground and back-country camping.
(credit:Radius Images via Getty Images)
(08 of15)
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Crimson Lake Provincial Park
Location: Rocky Mountain House (nearest city)
Why you should go: Power boating, birding (like owls!) and front country hiking.
Sites available: 172 campsites and room for those RVs.
Photo: Instagram/tarynstrong
(09 of15)
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Willmore Wilderness Park
Location: Grande Cache (nearby town)
Why you should go: Ancient mountain tops, wildlife watching, and quiet walks in the forest.
Sites available: Back-country camping with 750 km of trails.
(credit:Darwin Wiggett via Getty Images)
(10 of15)
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Bow Valley Provincial Park
Location: Bighorn No. 8
Why you should go: Wind surfing, rock climbing and daytime picnics by the lake.
Sites available: Five camping grounds, back-country camping.
(credit:J.P.Andersen Images via Getty Images)
(11 of15)
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Kinbrook Island Provincial Park
Location: Rainier
Why you should go: Go sailing at sunset, watch out for the American white pelican, and go for a dip.
Sites available: One main site on Kinbrook Island.
(credit:Danita Delimont via Getty Images)
(12 of15)
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Sheep River Provincial Park
Location: Millarville
Why you should go: Mountain biking, fishing and hiking.
Sites available: Four major sites and spaces for group camping.
Photo: Instagram/kmatieshin
(13 of15)
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Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Location: Kananaskis
Why you should go: Evergreen valleys, beautiful mountains, and picturesque lakes.
Sites available: Car camping as well as back-country camping offered at 10 sites.
(credit:Darwin Wiggett via Getty Images)
(14 of15)
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Waterton Lakes National Park
Location: Waterton Park
Why you should go: Trails for advanced hikers, pristine mountain lakes for fishing and boating, and stunning views.
Sites available: 135 serviced sites and 24 spots for back-country at Belly River Campground.
(credit:Pierdelune via Getty Images)
(15 of15)
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Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
Location: Widewater
Why you should go: Sandy beaches, bird watching (including swans) and Lesser Slave Lake — the province's largest auto-accessible lake.Sites available:112 camping sites with spaces for RVs as well.
(credit:Mike Grandmaison via Getty Images)

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