This Beautiful Canadian City Offers Glorious Nature Views With Spectacular Fall Foliage

Canada has so much spectacular natural scenery that it's hard to know where to begin. From the iceberg-lined Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland to Vancouver's Wild West Coast, the U.S.' northern neighbor is a treasure trove of outdoor attractions, and perhaps nowhere is this more concentrated than in the Canadian Rockies. Famous for towering peaks, deep powder snow, and unspoiled national parks, the region is also home to some cool little towns. And while iconic Banff may get all of the glory (and the crowds), just down the road is Canmore, a terrific alternative that acts as a perfect home base for exploring the Canadian Rockies, especially come autumn, when the leaves come alive in vivid colors.

Home to just over 17,000 residents, the city of Canmore sits in Alberta's Bow Valley and has long been a destination for winter sports aficionados. That said, the town's idyllic scenery — plus the fact that it's situated just minutes from the eastern entrance to Banff National Park — draws visitors year-round for its hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and other outdoor pursuits. It also becomes a magnet for photographers and leaf peepers in the fall, as the valley it calls home boasts a tapestry of deciduous trees whose leaves turn fiery shades of crimson, amber, and marigold once the temperature begins to dip.

If Canmore is known for one thing, it's its wealth of jaw-dropping views. Just a stroll down its tree-lined downtown may have you reaching for your camera to shoot the settlement and craggy peaks that tower above, though the best way to take it all in is by lacing up your boots and hitting the trail. The Canmore Engine Bridge is a historic railway bridge that spans the glacial flow of the Bow River and features unimpeded views of much of the valley. Accessible via the Spur Line Trail, this pedestrian river crossing offers a glimpse into the town's past while delivering a dose of pure natural bliss. For a view from above, head up to the Benchlands Ridge Trail and gaze out over the town below. Alternatively, the Three Sisters Viewpoint is accessed by a short but steep path that is surely worth the sweat once you take in that trio of majestic peaks, and nothing beats bagging 7,900-foot Ha Ling Peak, a challenging, 5-mile out-and-back trek which affords one of the best views in the valley.

One of Canmore's most popular hiking paths is the Grassi Lakes Trail. This gentle, 2.5-mile route heads up to the two turquoise lakes it's named for, where you can sit on benches and gaze out over the glassy, tranquil waters. This trail is popular with families and gets very busy in the summer, so if you're seeking quiet, it's best to tackle the trail early in the morning or late in the evening. Bring bear spray, however, as these mammals are known to frequent the area.

Come late September, Canmore is one of the best places in Western Canada to witness the fall foliage, when the area's larches and aspens turn electric yellow and red. While there are myriad ways of taking in these multichromatic leaves, one of the easiest (and cheapest) is by simply walking along the Bow River, whose banks are lined with trees and thick shrubs.

Experiencing the turning leaves from the back of a horse is also an experience you won't soon forget, and Cowley's Rafter Six Ranch offers equestrian tours that do just that. You can also float the Bow River on a birdwatching trip, where you'll be able to cross some species off your list while soaking up the glow of the leaves. Jump on a bike and pedal along the Legacy Trail — a 13.6-mile paved path connecting Canmore with Banff — while surrounded by fall foliage glory, or — if you feel like splurging — take in the golden blanket of trees below from the window of a helicopter on a sky tour with Alpine Helicopters.

Canmore is just an hour and 15 minutes from Calgary International Airport in Alberta. While many choose to drive, there is also a shuttle bus that will take you there and back. To see more of the Canadian Rockies, take a journey on this award-winning train.