Lake O’Hara is within Yoho National Park but I’ve separated it out for the purposes of this blog due to the level of planning required. 

“This sensitive alpine environment is home to exquisite hanging valleys, jewel-blue lakes and breathtaking vistas. An excellent trail network for the region is maintained by the Lake O’Hara Trails Club and Parks Canada. Access to this area is limited to provide high-quality and meaningful experiences for visitors and maintain Lake O’Hara’s unique alpine environment.”

Source: Parks Canada Website

Access and Where to Stay:

There are four ways to visit Lake O’Hara:

• Visit for the day. From June 21 - October 6, 2024, the Lake O’Hara shuttle takes visitors 11 km up to Lake O’Hara. Advanced reservations are required.

  • UPDATE: In 2024, reservations for the Lake O'Hara day-use shuttle will once again be available by way of random draw. Applications for the random draw will be accepted from 8:00 am March 11 until 11:59 pm March 31 MDT, on Parks Canada’s Reservation Service website. For detailed information on the application and selection process, as well as random draw policies, please visit our Random Draw Policies Random Draw Policies page.

• Camp for up to three nights. For those who wish to stay overnight, the popular Lake O'Hara Campground is open June 21 to October 5, 2024. The campground has only 30 sites and is reserved for overnight guests only.

  • All campsites must be booked in advance. The campground is open from June 21 to October 5, 2024. All overnight camping reservations at Lake O’Hara will be offered on Thursday, January 25 2024 at 8:00 am MT online on the Parks Canada Reservation Service. or by telephone 1-877-737-3783. 

  • Maximum of 3 consecutive nights for camping. Maximum of 2 reservations per transaction. Maximum 4 people per tent pad. Children from 1-16 years old must be included within the reservation. Maximum 1 small 4-person tent per site.

• Stay at the Elizabeth Parker Hut, book with the Alpine Club of Canada. 

• Stay at Lake O’Hara Lodge, book with Lake O'Hara Lodge.

I recommend setting up a Parks Canada account in advance (if you don’t already have one) and being logged in ready to go on opening morning as reservations book up within minutes. 

If you are unable to secure a reservation through all of the above four options the last alternative is to hike the access road out and back as a day trip. If you plan to hike the road, be prepared for a 30+km day if you plan to hike to the lookout above Lake O’Hara. 

Note: Bicycles are not permitted on the Lake O’Hara access road.

Trails:

Opabin Plateau Circuit::

Opabin Plateau is a beautiful hanging valley atop a rocky headband cliff above Lake O'Hara. West Opabin Trail and East Opabin Trail climb to the head of the valley from both sides of the cliff. By starting up either of these arms of the circuit and returning via the other, a tour of the valley can be made.

We chose to ascend the East Opabin trail, head out to Opabin Lake and rejoin the circuit descending down the West Opabin trail.

Via West Opabin: A sign on the southwest end of Lake O'Hara marks the beginning of the west arm of Opabin Plateau Circuit. The trails climbs quickly to Mary Lake, follows the shore and then climbs steeply up an open talus slope for approximately 120 vertical metres until it mounts a grassy cleft onto the rolling terrain of Opabin Plateau.

The Opabin Plateau Circuit continues into the little valley of Opabin Creek. It crosses a bridge over the creek and travels upstream, passing southwest of Hungabee Lake. Climbing over a knoll through more talus, the circuit arrives at Opabin Lake.

Opabin Plateau Highline connects East Opabin and West Opabin trails on the plateau.

The return arm of the circuit begins on the east shore of Opabin Lake. The trail descends back along the plateau past Hungabee Lake and follows the foot of the slope of Yukness Mountain, where the Yukness Ledge Alpine Route to Lake Oesa begins. Continue through grassy meadows back to the brink of the valley and a 0.8 km series of switchbacks that drop to the shores of Lake O'Hara.

• Distance: 5.9km roundtrip

• Elevation Gain: 250m 

• Type: Loop

• Difficulty: Moderate 

Insider Tip: There are a number of different spots from the Plateau to get a view of Lake O’Hara below, spend some time checking out the various look outs for different perspectives. 

Gear:

I’ve put together a Day Hiking Checklist with a complete list of gear recommendations.

And as always, here’s a few reminders for recreating responsibly from the Parks Canada team and Leave No Trace Canada:

Rules for exploring our beautiful backyard:

Plan and prepare:

• Plan your travel route

• Get your Parks Canada pass

• Know the terrain and conditions - you can find detailed information about trail conditions, warnings and closures, fire updates and wildlife on the Parks Canada Website

• Check the weather

• Fill out a trip plan (check out AdventureSmart for more information)

Be considerate of other visitors:

• On narrow trails, give way to uphill hikers.

• Take breaks on durable surfaces off the trail.

• Give freedom for the sounds of nature. Avoid excessive noise. 

• Pack out what you pack in, and help clean up the trails on your adventures.

And most importantly, have fun! 

Parks Website: 

• Yoho National Park

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