Region preparing for golden season as larches will soon change colour
Golden season has nearly arrived in southern Alberta as larches will soon paint landscapes throughout the Calgary region in a short-lived bright yellow coat.
The alpine larch is a deciduous coniferous pine tree that grows throughout southern Alberta, particularly along the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. David Bird, a biologist at Mount Royal University, said the tree is unique in that it sheds its foliage. However, before doing so, they turn a bright golden colour, drawing in thousands of visitors.
Farther north in the province the Tamarack undergoes a similar process, Bird said.
“I think it's the only deciduous conifer in Alberta and, by that, it drops its leaves in the winter,” said Bird. “As far as a tree is concerned, with the exception of evergreens, leaves are just solar panels that are disposable.”
Cailynn Klingbeil, an outdoor enthusiast and co-author of the Go Outside newsletter, said the pines will turn from green to gold in mid to late September. She said the pines create a vibrant landscape, but that it won't last long.
“It makes for a very striking scene. Just seeing all of these trees that are a very bright, vibrant golden colour,” said Klingbeil. “I think that combination of the bright colours and the fact you only have a few weeks to see them in their glory makes it a very special time of year.”
Klingbeil said there are several areas where people can view the trees but recommended Banff National Park, saying the drive is well worth the sights. She said the mountains will soon be snowcapped, adding to the views. However, she warned that larch-viewing has grown in popularity, leading to large crowds heading west.
“They have become quite popular in recent years, so do be prepared, have a backup plan, maybe even just a couple of alternate trails you want to check out. Because there's a good chance, if you're making the drive up to the mountains and you go to one of the more popular trails and you're going on a weekend, it's probably going to be pretty busy,” said Klingbeil.
The Banff and Lake Louise tourism website lists Healy Pass, Rock Isle and Bourgeau Lake as top areas to view the yellow pines.
Klingbeil suggested people go during the work week if possible and to arrive early or go out later in the day to avoid peak hours. She also noted that there are larches in many green spaces in Calgary, saying residents may not be aware of their presence until later this month or early October when their colour begins to change.
Devon Earl, a conservation specialist with the Alberta Wilderness Association, said that while Larch Valley near Lake Louise is one of the most well-known and popular viewing areas, there are more off-the-beaten paths visitors can explore.
“A couple of really good larch hikes in Kananaskis are Rummel Lake and Chester Lake. So, if you don't want to go to the very crowded larch valley in Banff, Kananaskis is a really great option,” said Earl.
Earl also warned that as more people make their way to the mountains to view the trees, there is beginning to be damage from foot traffic. However, she said there are many other areas outside the national parks that are just as beautiful.
Bird warned that climate change is also having an effect on larch season in southern Alberta.
“The distribution of these trees is changing as a result of climate change … it's moving north as the climate gets warmer. It's getting a little drier in a lot of places and these trees are expanding their northward domain but shrinking in their southern regions,” said Bird.