This precious gem is located at an elevation of 2115 meters up in the alpine area of Yoho National Park. Due to the sensitive area in wich the Lake is situated, the number of visitiors is restricted. Lake O’Hara is accessible through a busservice run by Parks Canada, or by hiking an 11km trail. You can make reservations up to 3 months in advance and it is suggested to do it that early as it fills up pretty quickly. Based on reading reviews it supposedly is quite hard to get through to reservations, people have called numerous times before being able to get tickets. Feels like the Rolling Stones are in town with only 10 available seats. The busservice operates only in the summer season from mid june til end of september.

At the Lake O’Hara lodge there are 8 guestrooms, 11 luxury cabins and some duplex cabins. Here you can live the good life with hot tubs or showers after your outdoor adventures and a fresh morning coffee at your picture perfect window after a good night sleep in the outback. Nearby is the famous Elizabeth Parker Hut, built in 1902 and is maintained by the Alpine Club of Canada. It is located at 2040 meters at 500 meters west of Lake O’Hara. From the bus drop-off point at Le Relais it’s less than another kilometer to the hut. The hut and the next door Wiwaxy cabin facilitate another maximum of 24 people. Last but not least there is the 30 sites counting campground with limited common facilities, prepare for self-suffiency.

There are beautiful trails to hike at Lake O’Hara, from entry level to expert mountaineering. The scenery provides mighty mountainpeaks, active glaciers and serene alpine lakes. Next to excellent hiking, rock and ice climbing opportunities it is also a favorite spot for photographers and painters to capute this landscapes beauty. Some trail are requested to be avoided if possible due to the fragile ecosystem in this high alpine area. Inform yourself at the lodge for the best trails at your time of arrival to be sure you are up to date with actual local circumstances.