Canada is home to some hikes you’ll never forget – bright meadows covered in wildflowers and snow-capped peaks that tower over green and blue lakes. Hiking Lake Ohara and its surroundings is a beautiful insight into the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Lake Ohara is located inside Yoho National Park, which is Canada’s tied-second oldest national park (behind Banff National Park). There are a number of trails winding around the rocky mountains and ancient glaciers feeding pristine lakes – it’s one of my personal favorite spots in all of British Columbia.

But with such beauty brings popularity and getting to Lake Ohara isn’t a walk in the park. From booking well ahead of time to catching the shuttle bus throughout the day – everything you need to know about visiting Lake Ohara (whether a day trip or overnight) is below.

So, let’s get into visiting Lake Ohara!

 

Why visit Lake Ohara in British Columbia, Canada

Whether you’re looking to hike Lake Ohara and surrounding trails, or just take in the easily reached sights, you don’t have to travel too far to see unforgettable views.

While the Lake Ohara Lakeshore Trail is a flat and easy loop, the sights are incredible – glacial-fed blues and greens reflect a glossy image of ancient giants towering around the lake.

If you’re after more of a challenge, hiking Lake Ohara can also be much more exhausting. From steep trails, scrambles, and cliff-edge switchbacks, visiting areas around the pristine Lake Ohara are well worth the effort.

 

How to get to Lake Ohara in Yoho National Park

As I mentioned above, actually getting to Lake Ohara isn’t easy. You’re not allowed to simply drive to Lake Ohara, and while there are a couple of ways to view this beautiful lake, you might want to plan ahead.

Lake Ohara is in Yoho National Park, just inside British Columbia along the Alberta border. The closest you can drive to Lake Ohara is 14km east of the town Field, along Highway 1, or the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s around an hour drive from the small town of Golden and should leave yourself plenty of time as roadworks in the warmer months are common.

You’ll turn right off the highway on Ohara Park and Lake Ohara Fire Road. There are a few car parking lots, as this is the further you’re allowed to drive to Lake Ohara.

From here, you have two options.

• Catch the Parks Canada bus to the campground or Lake Ohara itself, or
• Walk 11km of gravel road without much to see along the way

The walk isn’t difficult and rather flat most of the way, but it takes around 2 hours to get to the lake and the majority of trails in the Lake Ohara area.

The bus to Lake Ohara takes passengers from the car parks near the highway to Lake Ohara (11km away) with a stop off at the Lake Ohara Campground along the way.

If you have a seat booked ahead of time (if you want to catch the bus, I highly suggest you book ahead), you’ll talk to a Canada Parks staff member who will tell you what bus to load on to. From there you’ll get a small green token for your return trip (don’t lose this, or you will have to pay the bus trip again if there is even space available).

You’ll also get a small rundown on the procedure and guidelines of Lake Ohara, even if you have traveled through many National Parks of Canada, you should pay attention as things often change.

If you’re camping at the Lake Ohara Campground, you’ll catch a specific bus that stops there, get off and get set up with a tent pad and all the facilities at Lake Ohara.

From there, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to Lake Ohara along the gravel road.  You will soon see Lake Ohara on your left, passed a wooden building known as the Wardens Cabin. Opposite is the La Relais Day Shelter where you can get coffee, maps of the area, information and some amazing carrot cake (it really is amazing).

It’s worth noting, if you do walk the 11km from the carpark to Lake Ohara, you might be able to catch a shuttle bus back, but without that green token, you’re relying on there being empty seats on the bus – if not, you’ll need to walk out the 11km.

There are 4 bus departures from the carpark area to Lake Ohara – 8:30am, 10:30am, 3:30pm and 5:30pm every day.

To return from Lake Ohara there are 5 bus departures – 9:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of people that hike the road to Lake Ohara.

The bus runs roughly from mid-June to early October every year.

Alternatively, you can visit Lake Ohara in the wintertime by cross-country skiing.

 

What facilities are at Lake Ohara

Lake Ohara facilities are located throughout the park and offer a range of services depending on what you’re after.

 

Lake Ohara Campground

Lake Ohara Campground is a stop every visitor will pass by, whether staying overnight or day-tripping through Lake Ohara. With tent pads at the campground, there is limited space and often books out quickly.

You can also find potable water (drinking water), toilets, wood stoves for cooking, firewood and a communal fire pit within Lake Ohara Campground. There is also food storage lockers which helps with any scents attacking wildlife. Weather and animal sightings are also listed on the information board inside the campground.

The bus, outgoing and ongoing, stops right out front of Lake Ohara Campground, so there’s no walking to and from the bus.

 

La Relais Day Shelter

This small wooden cabin is right across the road from Lake Ohara. Plenty of information, from trails and sights in the area, to weather conditions and wildlife sightings in the area.

You can learn a lot about the wildlife you may encounter at Lake Ohara as well as what to do if you run into animals.

There is also a small selection of hot drinks, tea and coffee, and a delicious carrot cake.

La Relais is also a great place for a warm-up break on those chilly days at Lake Ohara.

 

Hiking around Lake Ohara

There are plenty of options for hikes around Lake Ohara. Depending on what you’re after, your time schedule and fitness level, there’s much to see around Lake Ohara.

From the flat Lakeshore Trail around Lake Ohara to the steep incline of Wiwaxy – Lake Ohara hiking has something for everyone.

Below is a quick rundown of what to expect from each track around Lake Ohara and beyond. Most of the trails are chucked together in groups to provide a good route through the trails to see a wide range of viewpoints.

 

Hiking Lake Ohara Lakeshore Trail

1-1.5 Hours – 3km loop – Very little elevation gain

The Lake Ohara Lakeshore trail, also known as the Lake Ohara Circuit, is a short and flat trail. It’s one of the easiest trails around Lake Ohara as it has next to no elevation gain and is easily accessible it begins by the Warden Cabin (across from La Relais Day Shelter).

It’s also a great trail to have a wander along as you wait for your bus depart times. There are a couple of little streams and a waterfall at the far end of the lake.

On calm days, you can get a beautiful reflection from the surrounding mountains.

 

Hiking to Lake Oesa

1.5-2 hours – 3.2km one-way – 245m elevation gain

One of the highlights of hiking around Lake Ohara. Towering peaks and alpine meadows – it’s one of the best spots to visit if you’re short on time.

The easiest way to get to Lake Oesa is by beginning on the Lake Ohara Shoreline Trail to the left of the Wardens Cabin, and then heads up switchbacks and through grassy meadows before reaching the beautiful Oesa Lake.

 

Lake Ohara Alpine Circuit

Wiwaxy Gap

1.5-2 hours – 1.5km – 495m elevation gain

One of the most challenging hikes in all of Lake Ohara. My legs ache just from the mention of this short yet steep trail. But the views are totally worth it!

From the Wardens Cabin, turn left and head around the Lakeshore Trail and after you cross a small wooden bridge, in 200 meters you’ll turn left and begin your ascent.

Make sure you take the time to turn around at Lake Ohara below and the vistas Wiwaxy Trail offers. It’s highly suggested to hike up, rather than down, Wiwaxy Trail – your knees will thank you!

 

Huber Ledges

50 minutes – 1.7km – 290m elevation loss

This alternative route to Lake Oesa via Wiwaxy offers some unforgettable elevated views of Lake Ohara and the surrounding peaks and lakes.

You’ll gradually lose elevation as you head towards Oesa Lake. Follow the trail marked (the blue square with two thick, yellow lines) and turn left(south) once you hit a ‘T’ junction just before the lake.

Huber Ledges is a great opportunity to see mountain goats clinging to the sides of the rocky mountain.

 

Yukness Ledges

1.5hours – 2.2km – 50m elevation gain

This relatively flat, but gorgeous walk from Lake Oesa to Hungabee Lake. Mount Odaray will be in clear view for much of the trail and the sweeping green valley below covers most of the basin.

Head south from Lake Oesa and follow the trail markers and signs posted. Lake Ohara and its trails are well signposted and easy to follow.

 

All Souls Prospect

1 hour – 2km – 245m elevation gain

Junction off from West Opabin Trail and eventually splits with Big Larches Trail to the right and the trail to Schaffer Lake and McArthur Lake to the left.

Depending on your route, you can ascend or descend All Souls Prospect Trail. A more challenging trail but worth the steady and steep track.

 

Odaray Highline to Grandview Prospect

1 hour –-2.5km – 315m elevation gain (from McArthur Pass)

Grandview Prospect is one of my personal favorite viewpoints in all of the Lake Ohara area. It’s not just the end view that is amazing, once out of the tree line, you’ll be treated to amazing views of Lake Ohara and Lake McArthur.

Odaray Highline is noted as a wildlife corridor and has frequent grizzly bear activity. Parks Canada notes this trail as important to the bears and restricts the trail to 4 groups per day. Get there early if you’re set on the views from Grandview Prospect.

 

Opabin Plateau Trails

West Obabin Trail

 Opabin Plateau – 1 hour – 1.8km – 190m elevation gain

Opabin Lake (from Opabin Plateau) 1 hour – 1.4km – 250m elevation gain

Another Lake Ohara Trail that begins from the lakeshore. From the Wardens Cabin, head right along the shoreline of Lake Ohara and in roughly 600 meters, you’ll turn right onto West Opabin Trail.

West Opabin Trail is where a number of trails branch off from, including Opabin Lake Trail and Opabin Prospect Circuit.

 

East Opabin Trail to Opabin Lake

1 hour 45 minutes – 3.2km – 375m elevation gain

East Opabin Trail also leads from Lake Ohar Shoreline Trail. Walking from the Wardens Cabin, you’ll continue along the shoreline of Lake Ohara for another 800 meters before turning right.

East and West Opabin Lake Trails eventually link up to form a full circuit that leads back to Lake Ohara along the West Opabin Lake Trail talked about above.

 

Schaffer Lake

1 hour – 1.5km – 135m elevation gain

There are a couple of ways to walk to Schaffer Lake.

• Alpine Meadow Trail
• Big Larches Trail

Both these trails begin behind the Day Shelter and you will have to choose between the two shortly after beginning the hike.

The Alpine Meadow route takes you past Elizabeth Parker Hut, which dates back to 1911 and is the oldest building around Lake Ohara. You’ll cross a small stream spanned by a wooden bridge before forest ridden switchbacks lead you up the track to Schaffer Lake.

Big Larches Trail is named after the huge number of Lyall Larch Trees along the route. In fall (autumn), these trees turn a bright yellow, giving a beautiful contrast to the blue lakes and green meadows along the trails. Walk past the Alpine Meadow turn off around 300 meters to another junction and turn right onto Big Larches Trail.

 

Lake McArthur

1 hour from Shaffer Lake – 1.5km – 290m elevation gain

From Schaffer Lake, a common route is to next visit Lake McArthur. This stunning blue lake is nicknamed “Gatorade Blue”, as when the sun hits the glacial lake surface, it’s one of the brightest blues you’ll ever see.

From Schaffer Lake, there are a couple of options on how to get to Lake McArthur, the High-Level Circuit or Low-Level Circuit. Both trails have some steep sections, with the High-Level Trail giving stunning views of Mt Briddle, while the Low-Level Circuit takes you through more alpine forest.

 

Linda Lake (by Morning Glory Lakes Trail)

1-1.5 hours – 3.2km – 165m elevation gain

Linda Lake can be accessed from either Lake Ohara Campground or via Morning Glory Lakes.

From the campground, continue passed the cooking shelter 1.9km and turn left at the fork, and straight at the 4-way junction ahead. There is a small elevation gain but is a fairly easy hike.

To visit Linda Lake via Morning Glory Lakes, you want to take the trail from the back of the day shelter, and take a right at Elizabeth Parker Hut and follow the Morning Glory Trail. You’ll soon enter a forest and begin your descent to Morning Glory Lakes.

 

Cathedral Prospect

Linda Lake to Cathedral Lakes – 20 minutes – 1.3km – 45m elevation gain

Cathedral Lakes to Cathedral Prospect- 1 hour – 1.5km – 230m elevation gain

Cathedral Lakes Trail weaves through grassy meadows and when in bloom, wildflowers are everywhere. This short trail brings you out at Cathedral Lake where the trail begins to get a little steeper.

Cathedral Prospect is a little further on and Monica Lake is part of the beautiful scenic views from the summit.

 

Day trip vs Overnight at Lake Ohara

Overnight at Lake Ohara

If you have the time, spending the night at Lake Ohara is well worth the effort. You can plan out a number of hikes listed above in your days at Lake Ohara.

There are plenty of hikes to take up multiple days around Lake Ohara, depending on your fitness level. In fact, I’ve been to Lake Ohara three times now (2 overnight and one-day trip) and I still haven’t completed every trail out there!

Staying overnight at Lake Ohara means you have one of two options of accommodation.

• Lake Ohara Campground
• Lake Ohara Lodge

If you’re not really that keen to spend a night or two in a tent, you can always book a Lake Ohara cabin. While the cost is considerably higher than pitching a tent, Lake Ohara Lodge provides comfortable facilities to guests.

 

Day trip to Lake Ohara

If you’re more into a day trip to Lake O’hara, then you should plan out the hiking route you wish to take. Many of the trails take multiple hours to complete, and at the end of the day, exhaustion can extend those expected hiking times quite a lot. Make sure you plan ahead to at least make the last bus out from Lake Ohara.

 

What else to know about visiting Lake Ohara

There are a number of other things to cover when thinking of visiting Lake Ohara. If there something I’ve missed below, let me know in the comments at the end of this post.

 

Animal safety

Lake O’hara is home a number of animals, some of them can pose a threat to humans. Below a few things to keep in mind when encountering some of the animals around Lake Ohara.

While chipmunks are incredibly cute, feeding them can cause these creatures to become dependent on human interaction to survive. When winter hits and the number of hikers drops, this poses a very real threat to the survival of many animals that roam the Canadian wilderness.

Bears are another animal that if they associate humans with easy food, this causes them to come closer to humans. This can lead to dangerous encounters when bears don’t get the food they expect. This has led to a number of bears being killed as they posed a threat to humans.

Bear encounters aren’t that uncommon. Knowing what to do when encountering a bear is important – different breeds of bears and the mood of the bear all determine how you should act. Make sure you make your presence aware when hiking in bear country, as a spooked bear is a dangers bear.

Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.

 

 

Weather conditions around Lake Ohara

As with much of the Canadian mountains, the weather is unpredictable. Even if the forecast calls for sunshine all day long, it’s not uncommon to be caught in a downpour or snowfall at higher elevations.

Dressing for the weather is so important. I have done hikes unprepared, and have been caught out in rain and snow and regretted it. It’s no fun hiking when your all wet and cold, and being exposed to the elements for too long can have serious health concerns.

 

Respect the restrictions of Lake Ohara

Restrictions in Lake Ohara are in place for a reason. Below are just a couple of common limitations from visiting Lake Ohara, but they are not set in stone and do change from time to time. Always pay attention and follow any instructions given by Parks Canada staff – it is their job to know the area, plus keep you and the wildlife safe.

The number of buses is a common restriction Lake Ohara hikers face. There are only a certain number of buses every day and they do book out.

Keeping to trail around Lake Ohara is so important. Trees, grass, and flowers have short seasons in which to grow, by stepping off-trail on these fragile organisms, you can be causing damage that will take decades to repair.

You may encounter closed trail signs during your hike around Lake Ohara and another trail, do not ignore these and continue past any signs. They are closed for a reason and could pose a danger you’re not aware of.

There are trails around Lake Ohara that have a limited number of hikers per day. Odaray Highline is one of those trails, where only 4 groups of hikers are allowed each day and these trails are monitored by Park staff – this is due to the high traffic of grizzly bears in the area and allows them enough time to forage in this wildlife corridor. Always respect the signs and listen to information Park staff have to say.

 

Pack out what you pack in

This is something that always annoys me. Rubbish.

People visit beautiful areas such as Lake Ohara to hike and experience beautiful, untouched nature. Yet some decide it is okay to leave trash behind.

If you take it into Lake Ohara, make sure you dispose of it properly or pack it out with you. After all, we want Lake Ohara to stay pristine and enjoyable to explore.

 

A short video on what to expect when hiking Lake O’Hara

https://youtu.be/DW7TtVR4gLM

 

Day and an overnight trip to Lake Ohara summary

Getting to Lake Ohara, whether overnight or just for a day, is worth the effort. Not only are the crystal blue glacial lakes ringed by majestic peaks and ancient glaciers, exploring the trails Lake Ohara has to offer gives a sense of accomplishment, even if you’re short of breath from hiking.

Honestly, it’s one of my personal favorite places in Canada to visit and I hope you love exploring Lake Ohara as much as I do!

I’d love to hear your experiences from Lake Ohara. What did you think and where did you venture? Let me know, along with any questions/suggestions you have in the comments below.

You can download this post to PDF by clicking the orange button below and give it a share to social media using the buttons down the bottom!

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown