Yoho national park

Yoho National Park, located just 28 kilometers (17 miles) from Lake Louise is a paradise for any hiker. One of the many beauties that is a must to visit in Yoho National Park is Lake O’Hara and Opabin Plateau. A visit to Lake O’Hara and the Opabin Plateau is more than just a hike—it’s a journey into the heart of the Canadian wilderness. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable memories of one of Yoho National Park’s most cherished destinations.

Yoho National Park is one of the smallest national parks in the Canadian Rockies. However, spanning over 1,310 square kilometers (814 square miles), this iconic wilderness area is double as big as the danish island ‘Bornholm’. This park is not as popular as Banff, though equally beautiful, and is therefore a great alternative during peak season in the summer. It offers less crowded hiking trails in the summer for those looking to escape the busy trails.

How to get there:

From Calgary:

  • Drive Distance: Approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) west of Calgary.
  • Driving Time: About 2.5 hours.

From Banff:

  • Drive Distance: Approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles).
  • Driving Time: Around 1 hour.

Starting point:

The trail to Lake O’Hara and the Opabin Plateau begins at the Lake O’Hara parking lot, located along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). The parking area is spacious but can fill up quickly, especially during peak hiking seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Getting to Lake O’Hara:
There is an 11 km long road leading from lake O’hara parking lot to Lake O’hara. However, access to Lake O’Hara is restricted to protect its delicate ecosystem, so this road is closed to public (both cars & bikes). Hence, the only way to get to Lake O’hara is to:

  1. Hike: Hike the 11-kom long road all the way to the lake
    Note: It is 11km one way. So in total you need to hike 22 km.

     

  2. Shuttle Bus: Reserve a spot on the parks Canada shuttle bus. Reservations are by the draw of random, and applications are typically accepted during a 2-3 week period in March. For more information click HERE.

     

  3. Overnight stay: Book a stay at one of the 3 options below, and a spot on the shuttle bus is included in your stay.
    1. Lake O’hara Lodge
    2. Elisabeth Parker Hut – Due to high demand, summer bookings for the Elizabeth Parker Hut are made by lottery the previous fall.
    3. Lake O’hara Backcountry Camping – Parks Canada usually opens up for bookings for the year in January. There are only 30 camp spots, so be fast as they can sell out on the minute.

HIKing trail

Lake O’hara

Lake O’hara is one of the most scenic lakes you’ll ever experience! Yoho National Park truly managed to keep this gem hidden deep inside the Rocky Mountains.

While the fire road is not as scenic as the trails around Lake O’Hara, it offers glimpses of the surrounding forest and mountains, and it’s a great warm-up for the spectacular landscapes awaiting you at the lake.

  • Where: Yoho National Park
  • When: July to late September.
  • Elevation Gain: 500 m (1,640 ft)
  • Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles) round trip from Lake O’hara Parking Lot
  • Approximate Time: 5 – 7 hours in total depending on your pace and fitness level
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Cellular Service: Limited or nonexistent. Be prepared to hike without cell service and consider bringing a GPS or satellite communication device.
  • Washrooms: Yes, available at Lake O’hara Parking Lot & Lake O’hara Backcountry Camping
  • Water sources: No, not along the trail.

Opabin Plateau & Lake O’hara 

Opabin Plateau is amongst one of the many hikes that you have the option to continue on once you have reached Lake O’hara. This one is a circular hiking trail offering stunning views of glacier lakes snuggled up amidst the dense spruce forests. 

The starting point of the hike is from Lake O’hara, so if you want to do this as a day hike (like I did), then be aware that the total number of kilometres to hike will add up to approx. 30.7 km (19.1 miles). A long hike like this in mountain terrain should not be underestimated. It is therefore super important to bring sufficient food, snacks and water. Furthermore, you will venture deep into the backcountry, and a bear spray is a must to carry with you on the hike as well as a first aid kit and a head lamp in case you do not get back to your car before dark.

  • Where: Yoho National Park
  • When: July to late September.
  • Elevation Gain: 407 m (1,335 ft)
  • Distance: 8.7 km (5.4 miles) circuit
  • Approximate Time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Cellular Service: Limited or nonexistent. Be prepared to hike without cell service and consider bringing a GPS or satellite communication device.
  • Washrooms: Yes, available at Lake O’hara Backcountry Camping
  • What to bring: Bear spray, First aid kit, Head lamp, Food, Snacks & Water or a water filtration system.
  • Water sources: Yes, there is water sources from rivers along this trail. Always make sure to filter or treat your water before drinking it.
Trail to Opabin Plateau
West Opabin Trail

ENJOY YOUR HIKE!