Hiking Tour at Lake O’Hara

Included:

• • An experienced, certified guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A full day of hiking at Lake O’Hara
  • Round trip Park Canada bus ticket for the Lake O’Hara tour

Not included:

• • Transportation to and from Lake O’Hara Parking lot
  • Accommodations
  • Food and drinks
  • Parking
  • Guide gratuities — optional

The best thing about hiking at Lake O’Hara is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full-day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. 

On the Lake O’Hara hiking tour, you can expect to hike to Lake Oesa, then potentially on to Opabin lake. 

• Lake Oesa is a straight forward 6.6 km/ 4 mi round trip hike with only 240 m/ 788 ft of elevation gain. 
• Opabin Plateau Circuit is a 5.9 km/ 3.6 mi circuit with 250 m/ 820 ft of elevation gain. 
• The Alpine Circuit may be hiked if it is a strong group and the trails are snow free. This is a 11 km/ 7 mi loop with 887 m/ 2910 ft of elevation gain.

Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.

Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.

Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Lunch, snacks, and drinks
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

• • Due to seating limits, the max client-to-guide ratio for this tour is 5:1.
  • Please refrain from booking any tickets until the exact date is confirmed. Parks Canada issue permits which are currently still pending. You can book the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know as soon as permits are issued and for when.

Hiking at Lake O’Hara can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Parks Canada strictly limits the number of visitors to Lake O’Hara to prevent the area from overcrowding. This means you can enjoy the scenery without crowds. Dates for this year are not yet confirmed—the guides are still waiting for the permits to be issued. You can still pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know about the permits and availability as soon as Parks Canada issue them.

The bus to the lake has limited capacity and reservations fill up quickly. Your guide will reserve your seats beforehand, meaning you don’t have to go through any extra hassle to reach the trailhead.

Lake O’Hara is in Yoho National Park which is close to the BC-Alberta Border as well as Lake Louise and Banff National Park. It’s about an hour’s drive outside of Golden too. 

Most people fly into Calgary International Airport 3 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus or shuttle service. No matter which direction you’re coming from, be sure to check road closures on the highway.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be the Lake O’Hara Parking Area. The guide will then choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!