Lake O'Hara - All You Need to Know!
Situated in Yoho National park Lake O'Hara offers some of the best hiking in the region. Only 1% of people who try to book a night in Lake O'Hara are successful. The visitor numbers are restricted which means getting in is hard but the trails are made even more rewarding by the limited number of people. The effort is well worth it, the trails in this area offer some of the best, unspoiled views in the Canadian Rockies.
Sunrise at the shorefront of Lake O’Hara
How to get to Lake O’Hara
The trailhead and car park to the Lake O’Hara area is situated around a 50 minute drive from the Town of Banff just off of Highway 1. Once here there is then an 11 km fire road that leads up to Lake O’Hara campground and the lake itself. This road isn’t open to personal vehicles.
Can I walk in to Lake O’Hara?
There is nothing stopping you from hiking in to Lake O’Hara however it will be a very long day. The fire road is 11 km in each way along a dusty and uneventful road which is frequented by the Lake O’Hara bus traffic.
Hiking the road in only gets you to the campsite. If your plan is to see the incredible scenery the area has to offer and get to some of the main view points you’re also going to be adding an extra 8 - 15 km on top of the 22 km return on the fire road.
Now I won’t go as far as to say that it isn’t worth it, and this may be some people’s only option, but be prepared for a very long day with the majority of your hiking being done on a relatively unpleasant road as buses zoom by kicking up dust.
What I would say is if you’re happy to do a big day of 30 to 40 km of hiking then the world truly is your oyster! You could hike to almost any backcountry area in Banff, Jasper or Yoho national park and get it all to yourself if you’re willing to cover that much ground.
Hikers can sometimes jump on one of the return buses back down but this isn’t guaranteed. If you want to try and get a bus back down after hiking in be sure to get to the bus stop at Le Relais in advanced to be ready to queue up, bring cash and be prepared to walk out if you don’t get a seat!
Can I cycle In to Lake O’Hara?
Unfortunately that’s a big no! Cycling up the fire road is strictly prohibited and wardens can issue fines if you’re caught!
Can I Bus in to Lake O’Hara For the Day?
Yes you can! In fact this is really the main way of getting in to Lake O’Hara. Parks Canada run shuttle busses that run from the car park near the highway up to the campground and lake area. If you’re camping or staying in the hut or lodge a seat on the bus is guaranteed however booking a bus for a day trip isn’t as straight forward as you might think!
Jumping on the bus to Lake O’Hara
Day trip - How to book a bus - Things to Know
Bus reservations for day trips are done on a lottery system. To be in with a chance of winning you will need to apply for the random draw in advance.
Applications are open between 8:00 am March 2nd until 11:59 pm March 23rd 2026. ENTER HERE
You can select 6 different inbound dates and times in order of preference and your party size.
A non-refundable $10 fee will apply for each application
The draw will begin shortly after the application date ends and you will be notified you hold a ‘Temporary Reservation’ via email.
You will have 14 days to accept and pay for your reservation before it expires.
Any leftover inventory will be put back in to circulation and become available as real time bookings.
Luggage limited to one large bag of 25 kg/55 lb or two smaller bags
Tip: Although unlikely it is possible for bus reservations to become available throughout the year as people cancel so keep checking back!
Bus Schedule
Inbound: 8:30 am and 10:30 am
Outbound: 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 14:30 pm, 16:30 pm and 18:30 pm
Overnight Accommodation Options - How To Book
An overnight stay in Lake O’Hara will really give you some time to appreciate and explore the area to it’s fullest. Each option below will include a seat on the bus with an overnight reservation. This means you’ll be able to do some luxury backcountry no matter what accommodation type you choose as you don’t have to hike in all those backcountry goodies!
Baggage on the bus is limited to either one large bag of 25 kg/55 lbs per person or two small bags equalling the same weight. And if you can’t fit in a bottle of wine or two and some treats in that weight limit I don’t know what to tell you!
Lake O’Hara Campground
The Lake O’Hara campground is a bit of a dream of a backcountry site! The facilities are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the Parks system, it’s located at the start of pretty much every trailhead in the Lake O’Hara area and on top of that you didn’t even have to hike in!
Facilities:
Two cooking shelters to keep you dry!
A fire pit (perfect for the evenings)
Bear lockers (one per pitch)
Grey water disposal
Potable water
Some of the nicest backcountry outhouses you’ve seen!
Fire wood
There are 30 pitches at this campground and each tent pad is approximately 2.5 m by 2.5 m so they are designed for small backcountry tents. So even though you don’t have to hike it in you should still bring that small, lightweight tent and cooking supplies.
How To Book Lake O’Hara Campground
Reservations can be made for the dates between the 19th of June to 5th of October 2026 for a maximum of 3 nights, 2 pitches at 4 people per pitch.
Reservations open January 22nd at 8am MT UPDATE: Reservations now open February 10th at 8am MT and will sell out VERY quickly. RESERVE HERE
Lake O’Hara Camground
Elizabeth Parker ACC Hut
If you prefer a comfortable bed, cooking facilities and a log fire but don't mind sharing all those spaces then this hut is for you! Set 500 metres from the shores of Lake O'Hara the Elizabeth Parker Hut is a fantastic over night option. Originally built in 1919 by the Canadian Pacific railway this quaint log cabin has been operated by the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) since 1931.
In fact I’ve had one of my best experiences in Lake O’Hara staying at this hut in early October and taken one of my favourite images of fresh snow over the landscape.
Beds in the Elizabeth Parker Hut
Facilities:
Propane Heating
Propane Lighting
Propane stove and oven
Mattress
Outhouse
Drinking water - Creek
How To Book Elizabeth Parker
Like everything in Lake O'Hara it isn't easy to book! This hut is booked by lottery, information can be found on the Alpine Club of Canada Website HERE
If you’re an ACC member you can enter twice, non-members are allowed one entry. Either way you’ll need an account to enter so get that set up in advance! There’s a $16 fee to enter the lottery.
Cost: $50-$70 per person, per night.
The Elizabeth Parker Hut Summer 2026 Lottery is now open! Enter before January 30th HERE
The Elizabeth Parker Hut
Lake O’Hara Lodge
If you want a bit of mountain luxury Lake O'Hara Lodge offers lakeside accommodation as well as lodge rooms. The huts on the lake are stunning but come at a price, as of 2026 huts start at $1495 per night for 2 people with a minimum of 2 nights per stay. Whilst a room in the lodge will set you back $1055 for 2 people.
A stay comes with all your meals, gratuaties and taxes included and they even through in an afternoon tea.
How to Book Lake O’Hara Lodge
Unfortunately these huts are well out of my price range and I've heard are even harder to book than the campsites. They can only be booked by phone and more information can be found HERE.
Lake front Cabins, part of Lake O’Hara Lodge
How Many Nights Should I Stay?
For camping you are limited to a maximum of 3 nights and 5 nights if staying at the Elizabeth Parker hut. I think 3 nights would be an ample amount of time. In all honesty I’ve always stayed for just 3 Days and 2 Nights and this will give you enough time to get in the most popular and scenic trails.
Ideally you want at least one full day to tackle at least a portion of the Alpine Circuit and other half days to complete other smaller hikes. 1 Night would be tight but you could make it work if you needed too as long as you got the early bus in and later bus out.
Prepare for launch day
Hot Tip: Prepare in Advance and Get a Parks Canada Account set up before hand! PREPARE HERE
When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit?
Lake O’Hara is open for summer operations from the 19th of June to 5th of October 2026. However in amongst this time frame you could definitely get a taste of all seasons!
July and August: In these months you’re more likely to come across a variety of wild flowers by the lakes, the days will be longer and the weather warmer.
September and October: Towards mid to late September you’ll find many a larch tree scattered across the valley and colder temperatures at night. This is probably my favourite time of year to visit Lake O’Hara, especially for photography.
At the end of the month and the start of October you may also be lucky enough to see the lakes with a fresh dusting of snow. This can limit your experience a little as hiking can become challenging and camping can be chilly but the views from Opabin Plateau are just out of this world during winter conditions! If you can grab a spot late season at the Elizabeth Parker Hut and keep those fingers crossed for snow you’ll end up with once in a life time images!
Winter: Although summer operations finish up at Lake O’Hara on the 5th of October it doesn’t mean you can’t visit the area. Most accommodation options will be closed up for the winter but the Elizabeth Parker hut is still an option and popular with cross country skiers. Although this time of year isn’t the best for hiking and photography skiing the 12 km trail into the hut can be make for an idyllic winter stay.
Lake O’Hara at the start of winter is pretty hard to beat!
Le Relais Day Shelter
Now we can’t get away without mentioning Le Relais when talking about Lake O’Hara. Operated by Lake O’Hara Trail Club this day shelter is just down the road from the campground and gives tired hikers the opportunity to grab a snack, drink or get some expert trail advice and info on wildlife sightings.
The lodge is a short 650 m walk from the campsite towards the lodge.
Le Relais is open from 8:30 am to 6:30pm throughout summer. Bring cash!
Trails in Lake O’Hara
There are endless trails in the Lake O'Hara region, the majority of which intertwine and cross. You can easily add several shorter ones in to one long circuit or pick and choose shorter sections to do as out and backs. The great thing about O’Hara is that you can really customise how you much and how far you hike and still come away having seen some of the best views along the way.
Lake McArthur
Sitting in the sun at Lake McArthur
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 8 Km
Elevation Gain: 310 metres
Access: This trail starts at Le Relais Day Shelter, here you can buy maps, ask for trail advice as well as buy carrot cake after a hard days hiking.
Lake McArthur trail is a perfect warm up hike for the day you arrive at Lake O'Hara, the short distance and low elevation gain makes it an achievable hike for most and a more leisurely stroll for the experienced hiker.
The hike starts on a well maintained trail that will wind through alpine meadows until you reach Schaffer Lake. Keep an eye on the signs throughout as there are multiple other trails that cross with the McArthur Lake trail and you could end up doing a much longer hike than expected! Once past the lake you'll find yourself skipping across a boulder field either treated to colourful wild flowers or yellow larch trees depending on the time of year you visit.
When you reach the pass before the lake the route forks, both end up at the lake and join together in a circuit, take the easier looking route to save yourself unnecessary elevation gain.
Find the trail on All Trails download trails offline using a free trial HERE
Lake Oesa
Lake Oesa
Time: 2 - 2.5 Hours
Distance: 6 km out and back
Elevation Gain: 300 metres
Lake Oesa is probably the most famous lake in the area after Lake O’Hara itself. The trail starts just opposite Le Relais day use shelter which is approximately 650 ms from the campground towards the lodge.
At first you’ll cross over a small bridge to get to the far side of Lake O’Hara and follow the edge of the lake for about 1 km. From here the trail switch backs up some elevation gain before traversing towards Lake Oesa. Just before the lake you’ll be met with another steeper section but nothing most hikers can’t handle!
Once at Lake Oesa you can relax and enjoy the views before heading back or continue on towards the Yukness ledges and ending up at Opabin Plateau (the iconic view point you’ve probably seen before) before hiking back down from there. Combining Lake Oesa and Opabin Plateau in to one hike is a great way to see some of the best O’Hara has to offer without doing anything too strenuous. See Hike the Highlights below!
Find the trail on All Trails download trails offline using a free trial HERE
Opabin Plateau
Time: 2 Hours
Distance: 5.5 km out and back
Elevation Gain: 305 metres
Opabin Plateau has to be the most iconic look out in Lake O'Hara for minimal elevation gain you get the most ridiculous views over Lake O'Hara and Mary Lake surrounded by mountains. This is THE BEST photography spot in the area! The hike itself is short and can be done in under an hour each way for experienced hikers.
The trail again starts at Le Relais day use shelter about 650 m up the road from the campground. This time though you’ll need to follow along on the road side of the lake towards the lodge. Then follow the signs for Opabin Plateau/Opabin Prospect.
The majority of the elevation gain comes all in one hit just as you come to the end of Mary Lake. Poles are definitely useful and you’ll want to take your time as. the terrain is a little technical in the last section and you don’t want to slip.
If you do one thing with your time in Lake O'Hara get to this view point and spend some time taking it all in.
The infamous Opabin Plateau.
Find the trail on All Trails download trails offline using a free trial HERE
The Alpine Circuit
Time: Leave anywhere between 4 and 8 hours depending on how much you want to complete.
Distance: Again hugely varied but 11.5 km if you don’t cut it short.
Elevation Gain: 900 Metres if you do the whole thing!
The intimidatingly steep ascent to Wiwaxy gap
The Alpine Circuit is the big one, this route combines the Wiwaxy Gap, Yukness Ledges, Huber Ledges, Opabin Plateau, and the All Souls Alpine Route all created by Lawrence Grassi! The views from start to finish are incredible and expansive.
The route can be challenging and steep but there are multiple places where you can cut it short and head back to the shorelines of Lake O'Hara.
To start this route you'll need to cross the wooden bridge opposite the Le Relais day use shelter, the first ascent is Wiwaxy Gap, here the switch backs are short and the trail steep, the climb is over 500 metres before you hit the saddle and things flatten out. This is by far the hardest part of the circuit!
Stopping for a quick break at the top of Wiwaxy gap
From here the route can be a little intimidating as you cross narrow trails that hug the mountain side but keep going and eventually you reach Lake Oesa a stunning, deep blue lake. There's plenty of places to rest here after that huge climb. The lake is popular due to an easy alternative route of just over 3 km from Lake O'Hara in the valley, you can use the alternative trail to avoid some of the steep sections of Wiwaxy Gap and still complete the rest of the Alpine Circuit.
The ascent to Abbot Pass also starts here, a staggering 600 metres of elevation gain from the lake to the pass, this short but steep route often takes people over 2 hours and helmets are recommended. Unfortunately the hut that once sat proudly atop the pass is now no more having been removed due to erosion on the pass causing instability issues.
From Lake Oesa you remain high following the Yukness ledges from here, if you choose to, you can descend back to the central hub of Lake O'Hara, we chose to hike on to the Opabin Plateau and descended there. That way you can kill two birds with one stone completing part of the Alpine Circuit and getting to witness one of the most iconic views in Canada.
Hiking towards Opabin Plateau
The full circuit also joins the All Souls Alpine Route, this will complete the Alpine Circuit taking in more elevation gain and, again, more jaw dropping views then eventually descending to Lake McArthur. We chose to by pass this last section and instead head back to camp for a glass of wine!
The view from Opabin Plateau. The All Soles trail continues out of short to lookers left.
Find the trail on All Trails download trails offline using a free trial HERE
Hike The Highlights! - Opabin Plateau and Lake Oesa
This trail takes in the best of it without having to do the full Alpine Circuit.
Time: Around 3 hours - probably more as you’ll want to enjoy the view.
Distance: 9 km
Elevation Gain: 450 m
Now as I’ve mentioned a lot of these trails intertwine and cross paths. Some are much steeper and more challenging than others. So if you’re short on time or a more entry level hiker this circuit would be a great option. You really see the best of Lake O’Hara, including the iconic view point at Opabin Plateau and Lake Oesa, whilst taking in a lot less elevation gain and cutting off a few kms.
This trail starts at Le Relais day use shelter and as per the Lake Oesa trail you take the little bridge across to the far side of the lake. Rather than heading up the steep section to Wiwaxy gap simply go straight on until you get to Lake Oesa.
Heading up the final steep section before Lake Oesa
From Lake Oesa you’ll head out over the Yukness ledges until you get to Hungabee Lake. Keep an eye out for yellow and blue markers that lead you through the Alpine circuit.
These markers will let you know you’re on the right route!
Once you’ve walked past Hungabee Lake you’ll want to follow signs to Opabin Plateau/Opabin Prospect.
Hiking back towards Opabin Plateau
After you’ve spent a good bit of time taking in the view from up high (highly recommend a sunset here) it’s time to head back down towards camp.
Off of the view point you need to follow the West Opabin Trail back down some steep decline and back along past Mary Lake and the shores of Lake O’Hara.
Lake O’Hara and Canoes
Find the trail on All Trails download trails offline using a free trial HERE
What Gear Should I Take?
Through years of hiking and camping in the Rockies as well as working in outdoor retail and producing gear reviews I’ve dialled in my backcountry kit!
Remember at Lake O’Hara there is a bag weight limit on the bus so you still want to keep your bags a decent size. But having the right gear can make your camping trips much more comfortable and enjoyable. A good sleep, a good feed and a lightweight pack is key to a great day on the trail.
Lightweight Backcountry Tent
I’ve owned the Big Agnes Copper Spur tent for years, in fact I own 2 and it’s never let me down! It’s lightweight, always waterproof and fits perfectly on those backcountry tent pads.
One of the world’s best sellers for good reason
Get it on Backcountry.com
High Quality Sleeping Bag
Getting a high quality down sleeping bag is the best investment I’ve ever made! The Sea to Summit Spark 3 weighs in at 600 grams and packs down to just a few litres whilst keeping me warm down to -8ºC .
Doesn’t take up a lot of room in my bag and keeps be warm!
Get it on Backcountry.com
4 season Sleeping Pad
The Rockies can be cold! Even in the summer the temperature will drop in the mountains. An insulated sleeping pad will help keep the cold off the ground. Both me and my partner use the Nemo Tensor.
Get it on Backcountry.com
Cooking System
The Jetboil Flash cooking system has become my favourite. It’s incredibly efficient, light and packs down well. You can fire up a hot chocolate on the windiest of ridge lines in just a minute or two!
Get in on Backcountry.com
Water Filter
A Katadyn BeFree has to be the easiest filtration system to use. When out on the backcountry you want to be able to filter and refill your water along the way.
This filter packs down small and filters fast. It’s in my bag on every hike!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Capture Clip
Another item that comes on every hike with me and a must own for every photographer.
Keeps your camera close at hand making capturing moments much faster!
Get it on Peakdesign.com
Things to know before you go
Reflections in Lake O’Hara
Bring Cash! Snacks and drinks at Le Relais can be a great way to boost morale after a long hike so be sure to bring some cash with you. You’ll also need some if you’ve hiked in for the day and hope to get the bus back down at the end.
Wildlife even though Lake O’Hara is a well serviced backcountry area it is still the Canadian Rockies backcountry meaning there are often bear sightings and other wildlife sightings in the area. So as always be bear aware, hike in groups, make noise and always carry bear spray.
Save those dates! You’ll need to be on the ball so again prepare for launch day! For camping reservations open on the 10th of February at 8am MT and will no doubt sell out within minutes of opening so be ready and waiting!
Backcountry etiquette: Even though camping at Lake O’Hara can seem a little luxurious it is still a backcountry campground. That means all the usual etiquette still applies. You’ll need to be prepared to hike out what you hike in, prepare food only in designated zones and abide by any fire bans or restrictions.
Offline maps knowing where you’re going is super important as to not get lost on your way home. I recommend All Trails Plus for finding routes and offline mapping allowing you to safely find your way home.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If purchases are made through these links I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support!
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