Odaray Grandview, Yoho National Park Photo: Paul Zizka

Lake O’Hara Day Use Access

FOR INFORMATION ON SUMMER 2021 RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CHECK THE  YOHO NATIONAL PARK WEBSITE.

FOR CURRENT TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS AND CONDITIONS/CLOSURES PLEASE REFER TO THE YOHO NATIONAL PARK TRAILS WEBSITE.

Questions and Answers

Why is there a limit on the number of summer day users who access Lake O’Hara area on the bus?

“Spectacular scenery, accessible solitude and incredible hiking combine to make Lake O’Hara one of the best-loved backcountry destinations in the Canadian Rockies.  The area is strictly controlled to help preserve Lake O’Hara’s renowned landscape, peace and tranquility.” (Yoho National Park Management Plan 2010)

During the summer months a shuttle bus operates with a quota and reservation system transporting up to 42 day users plus overnight guests staying at the campground and huts.  A separate bus provides access for guests of the Lake O’Hara Lodge.  This day use limit is a key component of “protecting the sensitive alpine area, providing a high quality visitor experience and maintaining Lake O’Hara’s unique alpine environment.”  (Parks Canada website)

Why did Parks Canada change its reservation system for the Lake O’Hara day-use shuttle bus and what are the changes? 

In past years reservations were made via a phone call.  This proved very frustrating as the phone lines were constantly busy and basically served people on a ‘first come first served basis.’  More recently reservations were done online, however the daily quota for the entire summer ended up being sold out in a matter of minutes. Beginning in 2020, all day use reservations for the shuttle bus will be booked through random draw.  Visitors have a one-month period to submit an application online.  This system is intended to improve the reservation service for visitors, reduce stress on the current reservation system, and help to ensure all users have a fair chance at securing a reservation for a seat on the Lake O’Hara bus.  For further information, see the Yoho National Park website.

Lotteries are used to allocate a limited number of spaces for highly popular activities in many locations around the world.  Close to home, the Alpine Club of Canada uses a lottery to allocate reservations for overnight stay in summer months at the Elizabeth Parker Hut at Lake O’Hara.

What about campground reservations?

New in 2020, all overnight camping reservations at Lake O’Hara will be offered on the Parks Canada Reservation Service.  For full information, see the Yoho National Park website.

If I can’t reserve a seat on the bus, can I hike in to Lake O’Hara?

Hiking on the access road is permitted.  However, hikers should consider the following before making a decision to hike in:

  • It is 11 km from the parking lot to Lake O’Hara (22 km return) with an elevation gain of 400 m; hiking time to walk in is 3-4 hours.

  • Once at Lake O’Hara, hiking options will be limited due to time constraints. The most likely are (each option below represents additional distance, elevation gain and time to the hike up the road):

    • Lake O’Hara Shore Loop Trail (2.8 km with minimal elevation gain, and 1 – 1.5 hours);

    • Opabin Plateau (up to 5.9 km and 250 m and 2-3 hours round trip); or

    • Lake Oesa (6.4 km, 245 m and 2-3 hours round trip)

  • Buses will not stop to pick up hikers going up the road even if there are empty seats as the bus system is based on a maximum of 42 users per day and those staying in the campground. The system will be fully booked for the summer. Catching a ride out on the bus is NOT GUARANTEED. Thus hikers must plan and expectto walk out and be able to do so with adequate gear and supplies.

  • There are no walk-in accommodation opportunities. The campground, huts and lodge are fully booked through reservations. Camping outside of the designated campground is not permitted.

  • In summary, those considering walking in need to be physically able and equipped for a day hike of 22 – 29 km with 400-650 m elevation gain.

  • The hiking context is a gravel road with buses periodically passing by raising dust.

What are other hiking options in the area if I am not able to secure a reservation for the bus, campground or hut?

Parks Canada recommends the following hiking alternatives:

  • Emerald Lake area trails

  • Yoho Valley trails

  • Sherbrooke Lake

  • Bow Valley Lake area on the Icefields Parkway