Lake O’Hara Yoho
A pristine alpine paradise in Yoho National Park, renowned for its stunning lakes and challenging access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene solitude & golden light
Lake O’Hara Yoho
Best Time
Serene solitude & golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine alpine paradise in Yoho National Park, renowned for its stunning lakes and challenging access.
"By far one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been."
🎯 Book Shuttle Way in Advance
Lottery for bus reservations opens March 1-30. Over 20,000 people vie for spots!
👟 Be Ready for the 11km Hike
If no shuttle, the 11km hike is your ticket in. Allocate 2-3 hours each way.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit
Lake O'Hara
A stunning network of trails offering panoramic views of turquoise lakes and rugged peaks.
Lake O'Hara Views
Various viewpoints around the lake
Experience the serene beauty of crystal-clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains.
Obapin Plateau and Prospect Trails
Lake O'Hara area
These trails offer iconic photo opportunities overlooking Lake O'Hara and Mary Lakes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Shuttle Reservation Early
Prepare for the Hike or Shuttle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Shuttle Way in Advance
Lottery for bus reservations opens March 1-30. Over 20,000 people vie for spots!
👟 Be Ready for the 11km Hike
If no shuttle, the 11km hike is your ticket in. Allocate 2-3 hours each way.
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Wildlife is present; hike in groups and be bear-aware.
📸 Capture the Iconic Views
The Obapin Plateau and Prospect trails offer the most famous photo ops.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Shuttle Way in Advance
Lottery for bus reservations opens March 1-30. Over 20,000 people vie for spots!
👟 Be Ready for the 11km Hike
If no shuttle, the 11km hike is your ticket in. Allocate 2-3 hours each way.
🐻 Carry Bear Spray
Wildlife is present; hike in groups and be bear-aware.
📸 Capture the Iconic Views
The Obapin Plateau and Prospect trails offer the most famous photo ops.
💧 Consider a Cold Plunge
Brave souls can take a dip in the refreshing alpine lakes!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake O'Hara is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking, pristine beauty and serene atmosphere, largely due to strict visitor limits. The main drawbacks are the extreme difficulty in securing access via shuttle reservations and the challenging 11km hike required for those without them.
"Be prepared for another 4-5 km to do some hike while in there after 11km one way hike. It’s gorgeous. It takes 2-4 hours to reach the lake based on your fitness & speed.
There is bus service from the parking lot to lake, but reservations are done via lottery process in March month. So if you want to go via bus try your luck for bus reservations. Other way is to hike 11 km(one-way) long way to the lake. There are Canada parks guides at the starting of hike, they’ll tell you some basic info about the trek. There is a campground just 500 meters behind the lake (although guide told us that its at 8.5 km point, but that’s not true. If you reach camp ground you’re almost at lake)
If you want to see the famous view point, you need to hike 4-5km (round trip) more to get there. But this trek is really beautiful and you’ll get nice views.
Please carry bear spray as well and walk along in groups as you might see bears also. We didn’t encounter any although.
Here a map of the trails in the area. You can take a bus down without any reservation $15 if there is some space available.
I recommend the Obapin Plateau and Prospect trails, it has the famous photo over the O’Hara and Mary lakes."
vivek kumar
"Ongoing shuttles not accepting walk in at the departure time
They are not doing it anymore
You have to walk the 11 km toward the lake if you don’t have any shuttles booking prior
However on your way out if there are vacancies in the shuttles they’d charge you 15$ to get a ride back to the parking lot
No vacancies you’ll have to walk back the 11 km to the parking lot
Great walk it’s worth the 11 km"
M B
"By far one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Will never get tired of these lakes, wildflowers, mountain views and hikes"
Onyx Jorgensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is primarily via a Parks Canada shuttle bus, which requires advance reservations through a lottery system held in March. Alternatively, you can hike 11 km (one-way) from the parking lot to reach the lake.
No, private vehicle access to Lake O'Hara is restricted. All visitors must use the Parks Canada shuttle bus or hike in. Bicycles are also banned on the road.
The shuttle lottery is how most visitors secure a seat on the bus to Lake O'Hara. It typically runs from March 1st to March 30th each year.
The hike from the parking lot to Lake O'Hara is approximately 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) one way. It can take 2-3 hours depending on your fitness level.
Yes, there is a fee for the shuttle bus. While the exact price can vary, it's generally around $15 per person one-way for the return trip if you hike in and there are available seats.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need a reservation for the Parks Canada shuttle bus to access Lake O'Hara. These are secured through a lottery system. Without a shuttle reservation, you must hike in.
Shuttle reservations for Lake O'Hara are made through a lottery system that typically runs from March 1st to March 30th each year.
If you don't secure a shuttle reservation, your primary option is to hike the 11 km (one-way) road to the lake. You may be able to get a ride back on the shuttle if there are empty seats.
Yes, Yoho National Park requires a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass for entry. This pass covers all national parks in Canada.
Yes, there is a campground located near Lake O'Hara. Campground reservations are also part of the lottery system and are highly sought after.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit is highly recommended for its stunning views. Other popular trails include the Obapin Plateau and Prospect trails, offering iconic vistas.
A leisurely walk around the main Lake O'Hara takes about 40 minutes. However, to reach viewpoints like the Obapin Plateau, you'll need to allocate more time for longer hikes.
Due to visitor limitations, Lake O'Hara is generally less crowded than other popular Rockies lakes, offering a more peaceful experience.
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, bear spray, water, snacks, and rain gear. Bug spray is also recommended, especially during certain times of the year.
Yes, bears are present in Yoho National Park, including the Lake O'Hara area. It's important to be bear-aware, hike in groups, and carry bear spray.
📸 📸 Photography
The Obapin Plateau and Prospect trails offer the most iconic and breathtaking views of Lake O'Hara and Mary Lakes, perfect for photography.
Early mornings offer serene light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the tranquil beauty of the lake. Sunrise can provide stunning golden hour shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Canadian National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check Parks Canada regulations for specific rules.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
While specific photography tours might be limited, guided hikes can offer insights into the best viewpoints and times for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks, water, and bug spray, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Look for shorter, well-maintained trails that offer beautiful views without extreme difficulty. The sheer beauty of the alpine scenery is often captivating for children, sparking their sense of wonder.
🚶 Budget Travelers
If you manage to secure a shuttle reservation, the cost is significantly less than the lodge. Camping at the Lake O'Hara campground is also a more affordable option, but campground spots are also highly sought after and part of the lottery system.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a hike to reach these prime viewpoints if you don't have shuttle reservations. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife shots. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely be taking a lot of photos!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Accessing Lake O'Hara: The Reservation Challenge
For those who don't secure a shuttle reservation, the alternative is to hike the 11-kilometer (approximately 7-mile) road from the parking lot to the lake. This is a substantial undertaking, often taking 2-3 hours one-way and requiring a good level of fitness. While challenging, many visitors find the hike rewarding, especially if they join a group of fellow hikers.
Beyond the shuttle and hiking, the only other way to guarantee access is by staying at the exclusive Lake O'Hara Lodge, which offers private transport but comes at a very high price point. This tiered access system has led to discussions about inclusivity, with some feeling that the limited access excludes those without the means or physical ability to hike.
Exploring the Trails: Beyond the Main Lake
Two particularly renowned trails are the Obapin Plateau Trail and the Prospect Trail. These routes are famous for providing the iconic, postcard-perfect views overlooking Lake O'Hara and Mary Lakes.
Other trails, like the one leading to Wi-I-Us Falls, offer different perspectives and a chance to explore more secluded parts of the landscape. The variety of trails means there's something for different fitness levels, from gentle strolls around the lake to more strenuous climbs offering panoramic rewards. Always check trail conditions before you go, especially early or late in the season.
Wildlife Encounters and Safety
The most important safety measure is to carry bear spray and know how to use it. Parks Canada recommends hiking in groups, making noise to avoid surprising wildlife, and keeping a safe distance if you do see an animal. Never feed wildlife, as this can lead to dangerous situations for both animals and humans.
Beyond bears, you might also spot smaller mammals and a variety of bird species. Respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance ensures a positive experience for both you and the animals. Always follow the guidance of park staff and posted signs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit