Lake O’Hara Hiking Trails – A Complete Guide

Lake O’Hara isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in the Canadian Rockies, it’s also home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in all of Canada. Surrounded by towering mountains, tranquil alpine meadows, and emerald lakes, Lake O’Hara hiking trails never disappoint.

Located in Yoho National Park, just minutes from Lake Louise & Banff National Park, Lake O’Hara is also one of the most exclusive places to hike in the Canadian Rockies. The number of daily visitors to Lake O’Hara is limited by Parks Canada to protect the fragile alpine environment. This means you’ll need to learn how to get to Lake O’Hara, which is usually with a coveted shuttle reservation, or the determination to hike the boring old 11 km access road.

For the lucky few who make it to Lake O’Hara, the reward is immense. The trail network at Lake O’Hara is world-class, offering everything from easy lakeside strolls to dramatic high alpine routes. In larch season, this area becomes a golden wonderland, home to some of the best larch hikes in the Rockies.

In this post, you’ll find an overview of the best hikes at Lake O’Hara, what to expect and how to access them, and why they’re worth the effort to get here.

This post contains compensated links.

Lake O’Hara Hiking Season

Each year is different, but the typical hiking season in Lake O’Hara runs from July until late-September. Any time before July, you may discover the higher altitude routes are unsafe due to snowpack and avalanche hazards.

Lake O’Hara Hiking Trails

There are a wide variety of inter-connected hiking trails around the Lake O’Hara area. The good news is that hikers can string together a collection of these hiking trails to create a longer trail perfect for their skill level.

As a result, there’s a near infinite number of hiking trail combinations at Lake O’Hara. You can enjoy anything from leisurely strolls around the lakeshore, to challenging alpine circuits, and everything in-between.

To help you plan your day of hiking at Lake O’Hara, I will discuss your options in two main sections:

• I will list the five most popular non-Alpine Circuit trails at Lake O’Hara.
• The four main sections of the famous Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit (a difficult trail – not for everyone!)

5 Excellent Lake O’Hara Hiking Trails (non-Alpine Circuit)

1. Lakeshore Trail

The Lakeshore trail is the easiest hike in the Lake O’Hara area. This 2.9 km loop around Lake O’Hara is a perfect hike for those who are not interested in some of the more challenging alpine hikes. At the far end of the lake, there’s an option for a short spur trail to see the Seven Veils Falls.

The upper part of the Lake Oesa trail is especially beautiful. The hiking trail is along rock steps, through a forest of larch trees with streams and lakes.

We saw a noble marmot sunning on a rock overlooking Victoria Lake and could hear pikas in the surrounding rocks. In fall, the sight of golden larch trees reflecting on the glasslike, turquoise water of Victoria Lake is breathtaking.

3A: Alpine Meadow Trail

The hike to Lake McArthur begins at the Le Relais Day Shelter (bring cash for carrot cake!). Before long you’ll be on the Alpine Meadow trail, which (surprise!) is through a beautiful alpine meadow.

The Alpine Meadows trail runs from the Elizabeth Parker Hut to Schaffer Lake. This trail can be steep at times and runs through a mixed forest of evergreens and larch trees, often with a stream running alongside. Due to less tree cover, you’ll enjoy excellent views of the surrounding mountains from the meadow.

3B: McArthur Pass Loop

The middle loop of the triple figure-8 begins once you reach the shores of Schaffer Lake. Going clockwise through the loop, this short section of trail is a gradual ascent through forest and meadow to the beginning of the Lake McArthur Loop Trail.

(You’ll take the other side of this loop trail on the way back to Lake O’Hara).

3C: Lake McArthur High Level Trail

AllTrails suggests taking the Low Level Trail first, but I find it more enjoyable to do it counter-clockwise. Either way is amazing! (Are you starting to see why you need AllTrails+ and a paper map for hiking Lake O’Hara?? This is confusing!)

I love hiking the High Level Trail to Lake McArthur. As you gain altitude, you emerge from the trees, allowing amazing 360° views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. There’s a section which involves a small scramble where you need to climb up and over a tall rock face. It’s a little challenging, but if you are capable of hiking this far, you should be able to do it.

3D: Lake McArthur

There are few lakes in the world with a more stunning location than Lake McArthur. From the moment you see the peacock-blue waters of Lake McArthur, your breath will be taken away.

Lake McArthur rests at the foot of the majestic Mt. Biddle (3,319 m), with Park Mountain (2,941 m) and Mount Schaffer along the sides. With stunning mountains towering overhead on three sides, this is an incredible spot to stop and soak in the majesty of the Lake O’Hara area. Reflect on how difficult it is to even be here and appreciate the moment.

3E: Lake McArthur Low Level Trail

As opposed to the High Level Trail, the Lake McArthur Low Level Trail is more gradual and has more trees (i.e.: less scenic and less fun). It’s still worth taking it back to McArthur Pass for a variety of scenery, but if you are able, take the High Level Trail to the lake and the Low Level trail back.

3F. Big Larches Trail

After taking the other side of the McArthur Pass loop, you’ll reach the final leg of Lake McArthur hike. The aptly named Big Larches trail is a beautiful hiking trail connects Schaffer Lake to Le Relais Day Shelter (via the end of the West Opabin trail – near Mary Lake).

The Big Larches hiking trail runs through the remnants of a rockslide from Mount Schaffer (2,692 m).

It seems at one time, this would have been a large forest of larch trees, but the rockslide engulfed many of these iconic fall trees. There are still plenty of large larch trees remaining along the outskirts of the rockslide, and the Big Larches trail leads you right through them.

4B. East Opabin Trail

The East Opabin trail connects Lake O’Hara to Opabin Lake. From the lakeshore, you’ll hike up a series of switchbacks until you reach the meadow with the lakes. This route is the preferred route to Opabin Lake as the uphill section is not as steep as on the West Opabin route.

As the trail gains elevation, it opens up to reveal expansive views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. You’ll pass by the Moore Lakes, and Hungabee Lake before arriving at the stunning Opabin Lake. As with all the lakes in the region, it’s a stunning setting beneath towering peaks, which are often reflected in its calm waters.

4C. Opabin Plateau Trail

If you can pull yourself away from the scenery at Opabin Lake, follow the Opabin Plateau Trail along the far side of Hungabee Lake and the Moore Lakes to get the to the Opabin Plateau.

4D. Opabin Prospect Trail

On our first ever visit to Lake O’Hara, we kept eyeing a plateau covered with golden larch trees. We figured we’d hike through it as we completed our hiking circuit of the area, but we were disappointed to find out we missed it! We made sure to come back on a subsequent visit, and the views were totally worth it!

The Opabin Prospect trail takes you to the edge of the Opabin Plateau overlooking the Lake O’Hara valley. This is a great spot to stop for lunch, or at a minimum, a great picture. It’s one of the most iconic photos you can take of Lake O’Hara and is not to be missed!

4E. West Opabin Trail

You’ll get back to the start of your hike the West Opabin Trail. The final leg of the Opabin Plateau Circuit is very steep downhill, with excellent views of Mary Lake below. As you descend, the larch forest gives way to a traditional evergreen forest, often with a towering rock wall soaring overhead.

The AllTrails Map for the Opabin Plateau Circuit shows a clockwise direction. The route I describe above is counter-clockwise to take advantage of the less steep ascent on the East Opabin Trail.

5. Linda Lake

Thanks to the daily visitor limitations for Lake O’Hara, it’s rare to see another hiker on the trails. If you really want to enjoy some solitude, try the hike to Linda Lake. Often overlooked for the more popular hikes described above, Linda Lake is a very enjoyable, moderately easy 13 km hike which can be done in a half-day.

If you are lucky enough to have gotten a camping reservation at Lake O’Hara, this is a great hike for the morning of your departure.

5A. Linda Lake Route

The hike to Linda Lake starts from the Lake O’Hara Campground. The relatively flat trail leads you through lush, tranquil forests and occasional meadows. Due to the forest, there are not many mountain views on the way, but the scenery around Linda Lake is worth it.

Linda Lake is known for its emerald waters and on a calm morning, offers stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks.

5B. Cathedral Falls Route

Follow the trail around the far side of Linda Lake to the junction for the Cathedral Falls Route. To return to the campground, go west.

Traditionally, the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit is done in a clockwise direction starting with the Wiwaxy Gap trail, followed by the Huber Ledges and Yukness Ledges, finishing off with the All Souls Prospect.

Some may also add the Odaray Highline to Odaray Grandview Prospect, but there are strict daily visitation limits imposed by Yoho National Park, so you are not guaranteed access.

Wiwaxy Gap Alpine Trail

Traditionally the first leg of the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, the Wiwaxy Gap Alpine trail is a very steep trail from the shores of Lake O’Hara to Wiwaxy Gap – a spot in-between the Wiwaxy Peaks and Mount Huber. The Wiwaxy Gap is an outstanding vantage point to enjoy views of the Lake O’Hara amphitheater as well as the mountains beyond.

To get to Wiwaxy Gap, you’ll hike up some short, tight switchbacks with a very steep incline. Along the way you’ll enjoy exceptional views of the alpine lakes and glaciers, walk along rocky ledges, and pass many larch trees.

There are some tight rocky ledges with significant drop-offs on the Wiwaxy Gap Alpine Route, which may affect anyone with a fear of heights.

Once at Wiwaxy Gap, you’ll enjoy a nice vista of the Canadian Rockies looking north, including Cathedral Mountain (3,189 m) and Mount Balfour (3,272 m). Looking back towards the Lake O’Hara amphitheater you can see two glaciers, at least 5 lakes and many distant mountains.

Huber Ledges Alpine Route

The Huber Ledges Alpine Route is a genuinely fun hiking trail. The Huber Ledges trail connects the Wiwaxy Gap with Lake Oesa. After a steep slog to Wiwaxy Gap, the mostly downhill Huber Ledges trail feels like a nice reward.

The Huber Ledges trail cuts across a very steep downhill slope along the south face of Mount Huber. Watch your step carefully here as a misstep could lead to serious trouble.

There are occasional tiny evergreen trees and/or larches, but you’ll be mostly above the tree line, allowing for outstanding views. At some points on the Huber Ledges trail can see as many as seven alpine lakes below you, including Lake Oesa at the far end of this alpine circuit trail.

Along the Huber Ledges trail, we enjoyed two excellent wildlife encounters – a cute little pika and a group of three mountain goats.

Yukness Ledges Alpine Route

An elevated trail running along the lower alpine slopes of Yukness Mountain (2,847 m), the Yukness Ledges trail is an elevated route connecting Lake Oesa to Lake Hungabee. Along the way, it provides some of the best views of Lake O’Hara you can get anywhere.

The Yukness Ledges trail begins through a grassy meadow with large boulders and larch trees scattered about. The views of Odaray Mountain (3,159 m) reflecting in the calm waters of Lake O’Hara below are amazing.

The first half of the trail is very rocky which will slow your pace. The rocks are so covered with lichen that you’ll think they are green.

As you pass the halfway point of the Yukness Ledges trail, you’ll reach the far eastern end of the lake. You’ll get some truly outstanding pictures of Lake O’Hara here.

As you finish the Yukness Ledges trail, the trail surface is much better and you’ll enjoy views of a large larch forest below along with a great sight line to the Opabin Glacier resting below Mount Biddle.

All Souls Prospect

By the time we had completed the first three sections of the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, our legs needed a break, so we chose to visit Schaffer Lake via the West Opabin Trail and Big Larches, rather than via the All Souls Prospect trail.

What to Bring Hiking at Lake O’Hara

Given the remote location of Lake O’Hara, you’ll need to give some careful thought as to what to bring with you. Parks Canada recommends you dress in layers and bring sunscreen, hat, gloves, and rain gear and wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots.

Le Relais Day Shelter

There is a building adjacent to the bus stop with a few picnic tables out front. This is the Le Relais day shelter run by the Lake O’Hara Trails Club, who inspire Preservation Through Appreciation.

The Lake O’Hara Trails Club supports trail maintenance, visitor education and advocacy to protect this special area. The money they raise by selling snacks, drinks, books and t-shirts helps support their important work. The LOTC is famous for its carrot cake – buy yours early as it often sells out. Bring cash as they do not accept credit cards.

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