From Canmore to Banff to Lake Louise, these mini-hiking getaways in the Canadian Rockies have romance written all over them.

Canmore is Catching Hearts
Short, but sweet – that’s Grassi Lakes. This gentle, 4.5 kilometre hike meanders through lodgepole pine forests (carpeted with calypso orchids in early summer), climbs up past several cascading waterfalls along a limestone stairway, and tops out at two surreal, greenish-blue lakes. A little extra effort past the upper lake rewards hikers with a glimpse of several prehistoric rock paintings. Benches provide sweethearts with reflective views of the lakes, or chances to watch climbers scale the limestone cliffs overhead. Pour on the romance by packing a romantic picnic or plan a late afternoon stroll up to the lakes followed by dinner at The Trough for a truly special day.

Directions: Drive up towards the Canmore Nordic Centre from downtown and continue up the road, turning at the next left (just before road turns to gravel). Park in the lot at bottom of the hill and follow the road up past the locked gate and keep left onto the forest trail. Coming back down, stay to the left and follow the easy road down for a loop trip.

Banff is Always Beautifully Romantic
Simply saunter counter-clockwise around Johnson Lake (3.5 kilometres), soaking up seemingly endless views of Cascade Mountain, before pulling over to relax trailside in the grassy montane environment. This easy wildland walk is guaranteed to please – especially if you top it off with a wood-fired pizza and glass of wine on the patio of The Bison.

Directions: Follow the Lake Minnewanka Road from town, turning right onto the Johnson Lake road and following to parking lot.

Lake Louise Loves Lovers
Scenic from start to finish – the Plain of the Six Glaciers hike along the shores of Lake Louise and up to an historic teahouse can't help but be romantic. Stroll hand in hand along the wide lakeshore path, gaze in awe at the mountain goats that occasionally come into view on the cliffs as you start to climb in earnest through the subalpine forest, and catch your breath as one of the oldest backcountry teahouses in the Rockies comes into view (with a superlative backdrop Mount Lefroy, Mount Victoria and the Victoria glacier). Enjoy tea and sweets before tackling the 5.5 kilometre hike back to your car.

Directions: Drive through the town of Lake Louise towards Chateau Lake Louise and park in one of the parking lots. Follow the lakeshore trail in front of the Chateau as it heads towards the west end of the lake.