The mountain peaks, valleys, and lakes surrounding Lake O’Hara are among the most beautiful alpine regions in the world. popular for hiking, backcountry camping and the rustic lodge and cabins that sit on the shore, Lake O’Hara is one of the most spectacular places we have been anywhere in the world. If you haven’t visited yet, you need to add it to your bucket list, asap!
This is without a doubt our favourite place in all of Canada. The scenery, the number of hikes surrounding Lake O’Hara, and the best backcountry campground ever are all huge wins in our books.
The crystal clear water is surrounded by massive mountains, dozens of hiking trails and several other alpine lakes. One of the best things about Lake O’Hara is that you CAN NOT drive right up to it. You either have to book the bus (and be sure to book eeearly) or hike in and out on the 11-kilometre service road.
When you get to the top, you won’t find this place buzzing with tourists. The amount of people is always limited allowing you to truly enjoy the serene beauty of the area.
This little slice of paradise holds an extra special place in our hearts because it is where we got engaged. Two years later, we came back to take photos in our wedding attire.
We would recommend staying for at least 2 nights, 3 if possible. Trust us, there is enough hiking here to keep you busy for weeks! Speaking of which, let’s get into the good stuff.
Here are all of our favourite hikes that you can access from Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park!
The Alpine Circuit
11.1 km & 887 m elevation gain
The Alpine Circuit is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes at Lake O’Hara. It begins at the Wiwaxy trailhead which is located on the north end of the lake. The steep switchbacks bring you all the way to the top of the ridge at Wiwaxy Peaks.
Next, you follow a narrow ridge along Mont Huber leading across to Lake Oesa. This is a great spot to jump in the water and stop for some lunch. Lake Oesa is about halfway through the Alpine Circuit and there is a trail leading down to Lake O’Hara from here. If you don’t feel up to hiking the entire thing, you can take this trail back to the lodge or campground.
Follow the Yukness Ledges Trail with the yellow and blue markers to continue. This will take you around Yukness Mountain showcasing beautiful views over Lake O’Hara.
Eventually, you will come to a fork in the road at the Opabin Plateau. The left trail is an optional out-and-back to see Opabin Lake. If you continue right, it takes you to the Opabin Prospect Lookout. This is one of the most picturesque lookouts we have ever seen!
After passing across Opabin Plateau, the trail descends back to Lake O’Hara. If you are looking for an additional challenge, you can add on All Souls Alpine Route. This is a difficult route that is often closed at the beginning and end of the season. This trail takes you from Opabin Plateau via a scenic ridge to Schaffer Lake before returning you to Lake O’Hara.
Opabin Prospect
5.9 km & 250 m elevation gain
The famous photo of Lake O’Hara that you’ve probably seen over and over again is taken from this viewpoint. You can choose to hike here straight from the lake or combine it as part of the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit.
If you only have time for one of the Lake O’Hara hikes, this is it! Hiking directly to Opabin Prospect from Lake O’Hara combines the shortest distance with the best views. You can choose to do the entire Opabin Plateau Circuit or an out-and-back to the viewpoint.
Oesa Lake Trail
6.6 km & 240 m elevation gain
Another component of the Alpine Circuit, Oesa Lake Trail is one of our favourites in this area. It’s shorter and less challenging than the full circuit but leads you past several waterfalls and small lakes flowing from Oesa down into O’Hara. This trailhead starts at the northeast end of Lake O’Hara near the waterfall.
TIP: You can either go back the way you came OR continue on the Yukness Ledges over to Opabin Prospect.
Odaray Grandview
7.6 km & 528 m elevation gain
It took us 3 visits to Lake O’Hara to finally hike up to Odaray Grandview and it left us completely speechless. This trail offers a panoramic view of all three valleys, Lake O’Hara, and Lake McArthur.
The hike begins along the same path that leads to Lake McArthur but branches off to the right. You will gain elevation quickly off the bat but your hard work pays off once you’ve made it to the viewpoint.
Because this trail crosses an important wildlife corridor, there is a program in place to limit the number of hikers. Only 4 groups are allowed to enter this area per day. Between Aug 15- Sept 15, this number goes down to 2 groups per day. It is first-come-first-served based on an honour system.
There is a book at the beginning of the trail where you can see how many groups have already entered. If there have been less than 4 when you arrive, you can sign yourself in.
TIP: If you arrive and the maximum number of groups have already entered, continue on to Lake McArthur instead.
Lake McArthur Trail
6.3 km & 310 m elevation gain
This is a popular arrival day hike as it isn’t too long and Lake McArthur is breathtaking. The trail has a steady elevation gain until you reach the McArthur Cut Off Trail. After winding through a beautiful alpine meadow, the final push is a steep climb over a ridge before arriving at the lake.
TIP: Make sure to pack bug spray, the mosquitos can be terrible here!
Linda Lake
9 km & 250 m elevation gain
The trail to Linda Lake, Glory Lakes, and Cathedral Lake begins at the campground. Elevation gain is fairly minimal and it can often be quieter than the other trails. In my opinion, Linda Lake is one of the most gorgeous lakes in the area and is highly underrated!
If you’re looking for a longer hike, continue on to the west end of the lake. Here, the trail quickly steepens until you can see Lake O’Hara to the east. From there, you can hike to Cathedral Lakes, Cathedral Basin or Duchesnay Basin.
The Lake O’Hara Shoreline Trail
2.8 km & minimal elevation gain
The Shoreline Trail around Lake O’Hara is a leisurely hike to do in the morning or evening. This walk offers wonderful views of the bright blue water and the surrounding mountain peaks. There are several benches along the trail and a ton of great places to relax and enjoy the views.
We hope you have a fantastic time exploring this alpine paradise. Please feel free to contact us or comment below with your favorite Lake O`Hara hikes. We would love to hear from you.
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