Nestled within the stunning Canadian Rockies, Lake O’Hara is a hiker’s paradise, offering pristine wilderness, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and breathtaking views.
During my road trip to Canada, I was lucky to snag a last-minute permit to spend 4 days exploring the trails at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. It’s right on the border of British Columbia and Alberta, and hiking there was the highlight of my trip to the Canadian Rockies! The trail system is one of the coolest I’ve ever experienced.
If you’re planning a visit to the Canadian Rockies, I highly recommend trying to get a camping reservation and spending a few days at Lake O’Hara. Even though I got lucky with my permit, it’s important to plan ahead because of the strict quota system.
Check out all the info you’ll need for planning a trip to Lake O’Hara, including permit details, camping tips, and the best trails to hike!
Lake O’Hara Hike: A Journey Into Untouched Wilderness
The Lake O’Hara region is home to a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, from short walks to challenging, multi-day hikes. The most famous hike in the area is the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, often touted as one of the best hikes in North America. Spanning roughly 12 km (7.5 miles), this circuit takes you through alpine meadows, across rugged ridges, and past crystal-clear lakes, offering stunning panoramic views along the way.
Other popular hikes include the Opabin Plateau Loop, which leads you to some of the most beautiful and easily accessible viewpoints, and the Yukness Ledges, offering a more challenging route with steep ascents and rewarding scenery.
Why is Lake O’Hara So Popular?
Lake O’Hara’s popularity stems from its unparalleled beauty and the limited access that keeps it pristine and less crowded than other tourist hotspots. From towering mountains to tranquil alpine lakes, Lake O’Hara provides a truly immersive wilderness experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about hiking and camping.
Whether you’re drawn by the challenge of the Alpine Circuit or simply want to take in the stunning views, Lake O’Hara is worth every effort it takes to visit.
Lake O’Hara Hiking
Where is Lake O’Hara?
Lake O’Hara is in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. The parking lot is 15 minutes west of Lake Louise (in Banff National Park) and 15 minutes east of the town of Field. From the parking lot, it’s an 11-kilometer hike or shuttle bus ride up a road to reach the lake. Check out the section below for more on how to get there.
How Long Should You Stay at Lake O’Hara?
Plan to stay for 1-4 days.
When is the Best Time to Go?
The best time to visit is from July to early September.
What Should You Bring?
- Cloths
- Campaign gear if you are planing to camp.
- Foods & Water
- Cooking & Food Supplies
- Lighting & Navigation
- Safety & First Aid
- Personal Items
What’s Lake O’Hara Like?
Lake O’Hara is a stunning sub-alpine lake, surrounded by the tall mountains of the Canadian Rockies. There are many hiking trails that take you around the lake, into beautiful alpine meadows, and up to high mountain ledges with breathtaking views. Since visiting Lake O’Hara requires a reservation, it never feels too crowded.
Indigenous Land:
Lake O’Hara is located on the traditional land of several Indigenous Nations, especially the Stoney Nakoda. The lake and surrounding features were named by a white mountaineer, Samuel Allen, who used the Stoney language he learned from his guide.
Lake O’Hara Camping Guide
Camping at Lake O’Hara is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies up close. Here’s everything you need to know about camping at this special spot:
Fees:
- Round Trip Bus: $17.14 per person
- Camping Fees: $12.50 per night per person
- Reservation Fee: $11.50 per booking
Campground Rules:
- Maximum stay: 3 nights
- You can reserve up to 2 campsites in one booking
- Each campsite allows 1 tent (up to 4 people per tent)
- Baggage limit: One large bag or two small bags per person (maximum weight: 25 kg/55 lbs; max length: 97 cm/38 in). A soft cooler counts as one bag.
- No hockey bags, hard coolers, or plastic bins are allowed.
- No musical instruments, electronics, chairs, or hammocks are allowed.
- All food and scented items must be stored in food lockers.
- Bring a backpacking stove for cooking.
Campground Setup:
The Lake O’Hara campground feels like a backcountry site. There’s a central area for eating, cooking, and storing food, while campsites are arranged in a loop behind this common area.
Campsite Choices:
- Sites 1-13: These are close together on the right-hand trail.
- Sites 14-29: These are further apart and located up the stairs behind the fire pit, offering more privacy. We stayed at sites 27 and 28, which were quiet but a bit of a longer walk to the cooking area and bathrooms.
Cooking Area:
- Cooking and eating must be done in the central common area for bear safety.
- There are two small kitchen shelters with picnic tables and wood stoves. Outside, there are additional picnic tables for use when the weather is nice.
Food Lockers:
Each campsite has a designated food locker in the common area, about 60cmDx50cmHx60cm in size. Store all food, dishes, and scented items here.
Storage Hut:
After checking out (by 10:30 a.m.), you can store your gear in the hut if you plan to hike before heading home.
Amenities:
- Water: The campground has potable water, so you don’t need to filter or treat it. Two large sinks are provided for filling water bottles and doing dishes.
- Bathrooms: Pit toilets are available, and Parks Canada supplies toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
- Campfires: There’s a large fire ring for everyone to share, or you can use the wood stoves in the kitchen shelters. Firewood is free, but you’ll need to split it yourself with the provided axe.
- Garbage and Recycling: Bearproof garbage cans are available, as well as a bin for refundable beverage recycling. Other types of recycling must be packed out.
Helpful Extras:
- Information Boards: There are notice boards with updated trail conditions, weather forecasts, and a map of the campground.
Camping at Lake O’Hara is an incredible experience, but make sure to plan ahead, pack light, and follow the rules to keep this area safe and beautiful!
Transportation: How to Get to Lake O’Hara
Even though there is a road that leads right to the shores of Lake O’Hara, you can’t drive there. The gravel road is 11 kilometers (7 miles) long and has a gate. To reach Lake O’Hara, you either have to walk or take the Parks Canada shuttle bus. (There’s also a private bus for guests staying at Lake O’Hara Lodge. Check the accommodations section below for more details.)
The parking lot for Lake O’Hara is 15 minutes west of Lake Louise in Banff National Park and 15 minutes east of the town of Field in Yoho National Park. If you’re driving, make sure to purchase a National Parks pass and leave it on your dashboard when you park.
There’s no public transportation to the Lake O’Hara parking lot, so you’ll need to drive yourself. If you fly into Calgary, renting a car is the easiest option. You can also rent a car in Banff. I recommend using Discover Cars because it lets you compare prices from different companies to make sure you get the best deal.
If you’re booked on an early morning shuttle bus to Lake O’Hara, it’s a good idea to stay nearby the night before. Yoho National Park has several campgrounds, and I stayed at the Takakkaw Falls walk-in campground before my Lake O’Hara trip. The views of the waterfall were amazing!
If you’d rather not camp, the closest towns with hotels or B&Bs are Field, BC, and Lake Louise, Alberta. Here’s a helpful guide to Lake Louise if you plan to spend time there. Plus, don’t miss out on these great Lake Louise restaurants!
Lake O’Hara Bus Booking
Parks Canada operates a shuttle bus service for day hikers, campers, and people staying in the ACC huts. The shuttle is a school bus, so it’s not super comfortable, but it gets you there!
The bus departs from the parking lot near Highway 1 and makes stops at the campground and the Le Relais day-use shelter at Lake O’Hara. (Check the map at the top of the post for the exact locations.)
The shuttle runs several times a day from mid-June to early October. You MUST have a reservation to take the bus, and they are very difficult to get. In 2024, the bus will run daily from June 21 to October 6.
If you are camping at Lake O’Hara, your reservation automatically includes a spot on the shuttle bus.
Permits and Reservations:
Due to the limited number of visitors allowed each day, permits and reservations are required to camp or hike at Lake O’Hara. If you plan to camp overnight, you’ll need to secure a backcountry camping permit. These permits are in high demand and can be booked online through the Parks Canada reservation system. Day hikers must also book their shuttle bus ride, as walk-ins are not allowed.
Camping at Lake O’Hara is a unique experience, offering the chance to immerse yourself fully in the serene beauty of the area. The Lake O’Hara campground is well-maintained, with a communal cooking shelter and pit toilets. Due to the high demand, visitors often wonder, “How many nights should you spend at Lake O’Hara?”—many recommend two to three nights to explore the area’s best hikes and savor the tranquil surroundings.
Best Time to Visit Lake O’Hara: When to Plan Your Trip
The best time to visit Lake O’Hara is from mid-June to early October, during the shuttle bus season. The area is covered in snow for much of the year, and trails only become fully accessible during the summer months. Late July through September offers the best conditions for hiking, with warm days, clear skies, and wildflowers in full bloom.
Visiting in the early summer offers the advantage of fewer crowds, while late September brings the stunning golden larches, making it one of the most picturesque times to hike in the Canadian Rockies.
What to Bring: Essential Gear for Camping and Hiking
Packing the right gear is crucial for a successful camping and hiking trip at Lake O’Hara. Here’s a quick checklist of essential items to bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots: Trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Layered clothing: The weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for both warm and cool conditions.
- Rain gear: Sudden rain showers are common in the mountains.
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect from the intense alpine sun.
- Backpack with hydration system: Ensure you carry enough water and snacks for long hikes.
- Bear spray: Lake O’Hara is located in Bear County, so carrying bear spray is a must.
If you’re camping, don’t forget your tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, and food, as there are no facilities to purchase supplies at Lake O’Hara.
Lake O’Hara Weather and Climate
Lake O’Hara is located high in the Canadian Rockies, at an elevation of 2,020 meters (6,627 feet). Because it’s on the west side of the continental divide, it tends to be a bit wetter than nearby places like Banff. Even in the summer, it can feel pretty chilly, and it rains quite a bit.
However, don’t worry too much if the forecast says rain during your visit. Rainstorms often pass by quickly. When I visited in July, we had rain, hail, and beautiful sunshine all in the same day! The evenings were quite cold too, so I was really glad I packed a warm puffy jacket.
4 Best Hikes at Lake O’Hara: Trails You Can’t-Miss
Lake O’Hara boasts several hikes that cater to various skill levels. Here are some of the best hikes at Lake O’Hara:
Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit:
This challenging loop takes you to some of the highest points in the region, offering unbeatable views of Lake O’Hara and the surrounding peaks.
Opabin Plateau:
A moderate hike that rewards you with jaw-dropping views of the lake and nearby waterfalls.
Lake Oesa Trail:
A relatively easy trail that leads you to the serene Lake Oesa, with scenic stops along the way.
Linda Lake:
For those seeking a quieter trail, Linda Lake offers solitude and spectacular vistas without the crowds.
