Visitors to the popular Grassi Lakes area in Canmore should be prepared for construction activity beginning today, May 19, 2026. Alberta Parks has issued a construction advisory for both the Grassi Lakes Interpretive and Grassi Lakes Upper trails as crews begin work on trail improvements.
While the trails will remain open to the public, hikers should expect to see workers and construction equipment in the area. This work is the latest in a series of improvements to the destination, which previously underwent major infrastructure upgrades in 2022 and additional work in 2024. These ongoing efforts are part of a larger provincial initiative, with Alberta Budget 2026 allocating $275 million over three years for park infrastructure and expanded trail networks.
In addition to the current construction, visitors should be aware of other access changes in the area. The left side of the Graceland climbing site remains closed to protect an owl nesting location, and Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of snow for the upcoming May long weekend that may impact local conditions. Furthermore, other trails within Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park continue to face partial closures as part of a multi-year project to reduce wildfire risk in the region.
