Kootenay National Park | Kristi Nicholson By: Shawn Conner
Kootenay National Park | Kristi Nicholson Birthplace of Adventure
Finding golden larch in British Columbia
There’s so much to do and see in the Birthplace of Adventure of British Columbia that even something as brief, rare, and colourful as the fall larch can get overlooked. But each year, those in the know travel to southeastern BC and venture into the alpine to see a truly remarkable sight: these deciduous conifers turning a delicious, buttery golden yellow. It’s a thrill that keeps nature lovers coming back year after year.
When to go: Late September/early October to early November
Types of larch: Western and alpine larch
Guided tours: Yes
Highest elevation: 2,438 m (8,000 ft)
Tallest trees: 80m (262 ft)
Oldest trees: 2,000 years
Yoho National Park | @dantracker What makes the larch so special?
From towering Douglas fir to grand western redcedar to lush arbutus, BC is surrounded by trees. But there are only a few places to see the larch, and a short period of time in which these deciduous conifers’ needles (technically leaves) turn their signature golden hue.
This weeks-long window begins in mid- to late September and ends with the first snowfall in the mountains sometime between mid-October and early November. Seeing them requires investment and commitment, but the rewards are worth the trouble. While you have to hike into the alpine in the fall when the weather is chilly, the alpine is at the height of its beauty at this time of year once the bugs have fled the scene and so have the summer crowds. Make the effort and you, too, may find yourself catching “larch fever.”
Golden larch in the Bugaboos | @reganjohnston 
Kimberley | Kari Medig Where to see larch in BC
If you’re thinking that the time has come to see the larch, you’re in luck; fall is coming, and the trees are a road-trip and a hike away. With two major mountain ranges and an abundance of parks, the Birthplace of Adventure is a larch-viewing hotspot. Here are a few of the best places in southeast BC to witness this phenomenon.
Kimberley | Kari Medig Kimberley Nature Park
Kimberley is a spectacle come fall, with mountains of larch easily accessible to the casual hiker. Visit Kimberley Nature Park, which offers guided larch-viewing hikes led by the Kimberley Nature Park Society. The park is located in Kimberley itself, so nearby accommodations are plentiful.
Cranbrook | @janicehikephoto Cranbrook
In Cranbrook, the Cranbrook Community Forest has larch-viewing hikes for all skill levels. South of Cranbrook, in the Gold Creek area, South Star Recreation Trail will take you through stands of larch and lodgepole pine. These easy trails cover more than 30 km (18.5 mi) of forest and are used year-round for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also find larch in nearby Moyie Lake Park.
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park | @boyd_cameron Kokanee Glacier Park
Kokanee Glacier Park is a rugged wilderness park north of Nelson and a prime fall hiking destination for those with high-clearance vehicles. The lower, more protected slopes are forested with Engelmann spruce, hemlock, western red cedar, fir, and lodgepole pine with a few pure stands of alpine larch adding a flash of brilliant yellow in October. Note that Kokanee Glacier is a true wilderness area and visitors must be self-sufficient.
Kootenay National Park's Floe Lake | @dee_izzle 
Toby Creek Adventures | Kim Sanderson 
Bighorn sheep | Kari Medig Kootenay National Park
Fall is one of the best times to visit Kootenay National Park—one of the lesser-known but no less spectacular national parks in the Canadian Rockies. Explore one of the many short day hikes and interpretive walks, and during fall you may witness bighorn sheep putting on a memorable show during rutting season. After your hike, spend a few days at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and sooth your muscles in the springs surrounded by nature.
When you’re ready for more adventure, take a short drive to Panorama where you can partake in a scenic ATV & SXS tour through the Paradise Basin larch forest with Toby Creek Adventures. Enjoy a guided tour of the alpine trail network—ride up the mountain and through the golden forest, followed by a snack at the historic Silver Mine site.
Playwest Mountain Experience The Columbia Valley
Take a guided hike with Playwest Mountain Experiences to Brewer Lakes in the Purcell Mountains. The Brewer Lakes hike has a bit of everything—old growth Douglas fir and larch, incredible meadows filled with wildflowers, and several sub-alpine lakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask about the Mt. Brewer option. A great peak to ascend with stunning views of the Rockies, the Fairmont range, and the local favorite, Mt. Nelson.
Make sure you’re familiar with safety precautions while hiking. Remember that you are travelling in bear country and be prepared for variable temperatures and rapidly changing weather conditions. But don’t let that stop you. One of the province’s most splendid natural wonders awaits.
Tip: Always check trail conditions before you head out, and no matter what outdoor activity you are planning, be prepared. Wildsafe BC is a great resource for making any bear experiences you may have in BC positive and conflict-free. AdventureSmart and Leave No Trace are great resources to help you get informed before heading outdoors. Always follow the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials.
How to get to the Birthplace of Adventure
The Birthplace of Adventure is easily accessible by plane and by car. The region is a day’s drive from Vancouver along a connecting network of highways. Or you can fly into Cranbrook (YXC), Kelowna (YLW), or Calgary (YYC) and rent a car.
Last updated: July 16, 2026.
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