How to Visit the Breathtaking Lake O'Hara; Things You Need to Know
I have always heard about the beauty of Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park, and a few years ago, I finally got the opportunity to visit it. I was traveling with my dog between Alberta and British Columbia then and learned about the shuttle that takes visitors to the bottom of the trail leading to Lake O'Hara, where pets are not allowed. However, It didn't stop me and I decided to take the longer route on foot with my dog.
We started at the parking lot and walked to the top of the lake, covering a distance of 11 km. The trail gains an elevation of 400 meters (1300 feet), and it took us about 2 hours to reach the lake. I would have taken the bus if I had not been traveling with my dog. The view of the road leading to the lake was not the most beautiful view of the day.
However, I was amazed by the beauty of Lake O'Hara when we finally arrived. There is a small shop where you can buy some delicious carrot cakes, coffee, and other drinks. It was a well-deserved treat to enjoy while admiring the glorious lake in front of us.
After taking a well-needed break, I hiked to several beautiful lakes, including Lake O'Hara, Moor Lakes, Hungabee Lake, and Lake Oesa. Check out this link to find the trail I followed.
Trail length: 31.2 km | Elevation gain: 1,058 m | Average time: 9 hours 12 minutes | Out and back
It's difficult to put into words the beauty of this place. There's a stunning blue-green alpine lake surrounded by towering mountains that are reflected in its calm waters. However, what makes this place truly special is the feeling of being alone in the wilderness and encountering wild animals. It's as if nothing else exists outside of this serene environment. Standing in front of such colossal natural wonders, you can't help but feel small.
Camping at Lake O'Hara
Additionally, I would like to mention that there is an option for camping, which I personally haven't tried yet. However, it would be an amazing experience to split the hiking trips by days. You can reserve your spot at Lake O'Hara through the tightly controlled reservation system of Parks Canada. Please visit Parks Canada's website for further details.
The Best Time to Visit Lake O'Hara
The best time to visit Lake O'Hara is between mid-June and early October, as during this time, the shuttle buses run. However, for optimal weather conditions and snow-free trails, it is recommended to visit between mid-July and early September.
If you plan to visit in June or early July, some of the lakes may still have ice on them, and there are more bugs during this time of the year. Additionally, the weather can be cooler and rainier.
How to Get to Lake O'Hara
To reach Lake O'Hara, you cannot drive directly to the lake as the gravel road is gated and extends for 11 km or 7 miles. Instead, take the Parks Canada shuttle bus or walk the distance. A private bus is also available for visitors to the Lake O'Hara Lodge.
The Lake O'Hara parking lot is located 15 minutes west of Lake Louise in Banff National Park and 15 minutes east of the town of Field in Yoho National Park. You can park your car here, but you must purchase a National Parks pass and display it on your dashboard.
Unfortunately, no public transportation service is available to the Lake O'Hara parking lot, so you will need to drive there yourself. You can rent a car in Calgary or Banff.
