Scenes from Victoria Lake, Lake O'Hara Photo: Paul Zizka
TRAIL WORK HIGHLIGHTS
In the 1979 newsletter, Tim Wake wrote to members suggesting that “A history of the trail building at O’Hara, focusing on the work of Dr. Link, would make an interesting and informative booklet for visitors to the O’Hara region”. He went on to solicit members’ ideas on a “qualified individual” who might be willing to write such a booklet. The following year he announced that Jon Whyte, of Banff, had indicated an interest and his first edition of Tommy and Lawrence was published in 1983.
Trail crew working on the Seven Veils trail, 2016
While Tommy and Lawrence was a “charming volume”, to repeat Chic Scott’s description, with stories providing many insights into the lives and work of the two primary trail builders Lake O’Hara, it wasn’t exactly a concise history of trail construction. The book is nevertheless recommended to anyone interested in the early days of development of this unique trail system.
An excellent narrative of trail work done from 1980 was prepared by Patty Cucman and appears as an addendum to the second edition of Tommy and Lawrence, which was issued in 2010.
Most newsletters include an update on trail work and the following summarizes some of the major projects and events of the period.
1977
A new trail linking the campground to the Linda Lake – O’Hara Fire Road Trail was completed.
Due to serious deterioration of the trail beside Seven Veils Falls a new access route to Lake Oesa was also constructed (The highly visible switchbacks on the lower section of the new trail have been much criticized – see an article by Board member Minuetta Kessler in the 1989 newsletter).
1979
A new trail was constructed from the Alpine Meadow to the Odaray Plateau.
1983
Implementation of the first volunteer trail improvement program using canvas bags for transport of gravel to designated locations along the lakeshore trail.
Hardening of the Lake Oesa trail using large slabs of rock transported from the Yukness Ledges via helicopter.
1984
Approaches (Opabin and Oesa) to Yukness Ledge were improved.
A new route on East Opabin was put in to bypass two bridges.
Re-routes were constructed around the Big Larch and Morning Glory Trails.
A new bridge was put in near the cabins.
Tread hardening was started on the trails leading through the Alpine Meadows.
1986
Completion of a new suspension bridge on the East Opabin Trail just above Lake O’Hara, replacing two old bridges.
Extensive use of wooden stringers and gravel to harden certain trails on the Opabin Plateau (This technique, termed turnpiking, was controversial and subsequently resulted in some modification of Parks Canada techniques – see an article in the 1987 and 1988 newsletters).
1987
Opabin prospect and Moor Lakes trail upgrading.
The Adeline Link Circuit, otherwise known as the lakeshore trail, was re-dedicated in a ceremony on September 21. A plaque recognizing the name of the trail and its builders was erected by the Trails Club. In 1944 Mrs. Link was the first person to walk the completed trail.
1989
West Opabin trail upgrading, involving definition and crowning of the trail and installation of rock water bars and rock slab inlay. All rock was flown in from adjacent talus slopes.
Trail Guidelines document written for Parks Canada by Don Gardner identifies different landscape units and trail construction techniques appropriate to each one.
1990
McArthur Lake Trail upgrading.
1991
Upgrading near Schaffer Lake and McArthur Pass using helicopter-transported gravel.
1993
Completion of upgrades to the trail from Shaffer Lake to Lake McArthur, a multi-year project.
1994
Reconstruction of steps and water bars on the Lake Oesa trail switchbacks.
Upgrading of 2 km of trail between Morning Glory Lakes and the Duchesnay Basin, including widening to improve sight lines.
1997
Application of gravel to trails from Elizabeth Parker Hut to both Morning Glory Lakes and the Big Larch trail.
Gravelling of the lower McArthur Lake trail. 1999
Cathedral Basin trail upgrade with rock steps and drainage ditches.
2000
Don Gardner conducted an assessment of the majority of trails in the area and wrote a report making recommendations for preventative maintenance.
2001
Repairs to the most heavily used trails – the lakeshore trail and the Lake Oesa trail.
2003
The East Opabin suspension bridge was destroyed by a spring avalanche. Ironically, repairs to the bridge were planned for that summer.
2004
Construction of a new East Opabin trail which stays to the east of Opabin Creek in its entirety, requiring no bridge.
2005
Establishment of a stable source of funding for trail work, thanks to a memorandum of understanding between the Trails Club and Parks Canada. This initial agreement was for a 5-year period. The Trails Club provided $15,000 per year, allowing Parks Canada to dedicate a 2-person trail crew assigned to agreed upon maintenance priorities.
Repair to the railing of the bridge crossing below Seven Veils Falls on the lakeshore trail.
2006
Removal and replacement of the bridge over the Lake O’Hara outlet on the lakeshore trail.
2006 – 2012
A separate Trail Report summarized each year’s accomplishments, hence the newsletters themselves do not contain this information.
2013
Improvement of the Big Larches trail with the addition of significant stone steps
Major repairs to the lakeshore trail following flooding.
2014
Re-alignment of the trail to All Souls Prospect below Schaffer Ridge, establishing a more gradual rising traverse which avoids late-lying snow patches, steep grade and erosion issues that plagued that section of the former route.
2015
Water bar replacement on the East Opabin trail.
Mapping of Opabin Plateau trails and closure of some informal paths.
2016
The lower section of the original Lake Oesa trail was re-established, terminating at Seven Veils Falls viewpoint.
Re-alignment and installation of rock steps to address erosion concerns near the top of the trail to Wiwaxy Gap.
2017
Completed and opened the Seven Veils Falls lookout and its newly designed access trail.
Continued the volunteer sandbag project on the Lakeshore trail.
Added more than a dozen new rock steps on the Wiwaxy alpine route.
Improved definition of alpine routes and junctions by repainting faded route markers and adding new signs as needed.
Installed of waterbars and other drainage improvements on Linda Lake trail.
Addressed drainage issues and braiding on Opabin Plateau trails.
2018
Installed new stone steps on a steep corner on West Opabin trail
Installed a stone culvert to solve a drainage problem on the McArthur Lake trail.
Trail crew took part in a “Best Practices” workshop led by trail expert Don Gardner; topics included root removal and drainage solutions.
LOTC board members researched and ordered high quality trail mix for future use.
2019
A cliffy section on the Huber ledges alpine route was rebuilt to better clarify and define the route.
Low retaining walls were built on rooty sections of the Lakeshore Trail in anticipation of the fall Volunteer Workbee.
Oesa trail: Rebuilt a section of poorly defined trail below Victoria Lake by adding rock steps and rock handrails.
Linda Lake Trail: Filled in eroded/rutted section of trail with 3500 lbs of new trail mix.
Opabin plateau: Re-aligned a section of stepping stones that hikers were walking around and causing erosion.
All Souls Prospect:
Built 7 new steps and improved trail definition on steeper section of west approach.
Rebuilt a section of the 2014 re-route on the east approach, including a new stairway of 5 large rock steps.
Volunteer Workbee: 10 LOTC volunteers and 4 trail crew shoveled and spread 10 tonnes of trail to fill in rooty sections of the Lakeshore Trail.
2020
Repaired and rerouted Oesa Trail near Victoria Lake after a portion of the trail was wiped out due to a major rockslide. New stone steps built through rockslide area.
Huber Ledges Alpine Route: improvements to the steep section near Wiwaxy Gap, including improved trail definition, some new steps and waterbars installed for erosion control.
Opabin Plateau Trails: improved trail definition on braided sections, with step-building and other measures to keep hikers on the Opabin East trail heading toward Opabin Lake.
Schaeffer Lake Trail: 5000 lbs of trail mix flown by helicopter to re-surface a severely eroded section of this trail.
Lakeshore Trail gully washout repair: new stepping stones and rock culverts installed over gullies that were washed out between the Wiwaxy and Oesa junctions.
Lakeshore Trail general repair: spring runoff caused some drainage and erosion issues on the sections of trail that were improved during the 2019 Volunteer Workbee. The retaining walls were rebuilt, and new rock culverts to move water under the trail were installed.
2021
Lakeshore Trail: Repaired damage to waterbars and steps in avalanche gully sections.
Lake Oesa Trail: Total rebuild of approximately 70 meter upper section that was braided and eroded, including installing 28 new steps and removing awkward rocks.
Victoria Lake: Rebuilt a confusing uphill section of trail near Victoria Lake. Installed 10 new steps.
Huber Ledges: Installed 13 rock steps and waterbars on steep erosion-prone section. Installed “speedbumps” which entailed adding rock steps at 10 – 15 foot intervals on the long steep section. These speedbumps offer a short but welcome “rest stop” for tired descending legs.
All Souls: Rebuilt two sections of trail on the east side with the addition of rock steps. Redefined confusing sections on west side by adding rock “handrails” and “uglifying” non-trail sections.
Yukness: Rehabbed an eroded section and installed four new steps.
2022
Huber Ledges: Our trail crew was very disturbed to find bright blue painted graffiti on a rock wall along the Huber Ledge alpine route. A combination of grinding, scraping, and chipping removed the offending writing. Along this route our crew also installed rock steps at two different eroding sections and added handrails at confusing spots.
West Opabin: 29 new steps on West Opabin trail between All Souls and Opabin Prospect junctions were installed to make this steep section easier to navigate and to prevent erosion caused by rainfall.
Schaffer Lake: A new bridge was installed over the outlet creek, and a rough section of the adjacent trail saw new trail mix applied.
Opabin Plateau: Our crew blocked new informal trails and installed ‘handrails’ to keep hikers on route at the ‘split rock’ section on Opabin Prospect east side.
All Souls, west end: Installed 11 steps/speedbumps on a steep section between the high point on the shoulder of Mt. Shaffer and the Big Larches trail.
Lakeshore trail: Where the trail crosses both avalanche gullies, rebuilding was required, with retaining walls and more stepping stones.
TRAIL WORK HIGHLIGHTS
In the 1979 newsletter, Tim Wake wrote to members suggesting that “A history of the trail building at O’Hara, focusing on the work of Dr. Link, would make an interesting and informative booklet for visitors to the O’Hara region”. He went on to solicit members’ ideas on a “qualified individual” who might be willing to write such a booklet. The following year he announced that Jon Whyte, of Banff, had indicated an interest and his first edition of Tommy and Lawrence was published in 1983.
Trail crew working on the Seven Veils trail, 2016
While Tommy and Lawrence was a “charming volume”, to repeat Chic Scott’s description, with stories providing many insights into the lives and work of the two primary trail builders Lake O’Hara, it wasn’t exactly a concise history of trail construction. The book is nevertheless recommended to anyone interested in the early days of development of this unique trail system.
An excellent narrative of trail work done from 1980 was prepared by Patty Cucman and appears as an addendum to the second edition of Tommy and Lawrence, which was issued in 2010.
Most newsletters include an update on trail work and the following summarizes some of the major projects and events of the period.
1977
A new trail linking the campground to the Linda Lake – O’Hara Fire Road Trail was completed.
Due to serious deterioration of the trail beside Seven Veils Falls a new access route to Lake Oesa was also constructed (The highly visible switchbacks on the lower section of the new trail have been much criticized – see an article by Board member Minuetta Kessler in the 1989 newsletter).
1979
A new trail was constructed from the Alpine Meadow to the Odaray Plateau.
1983
Implementation of the first volunteer trail improvement program using canvas bags for transport of gravel to designated locations along the lakeshore trail.
Hardening of the Lake Oesa trail using large slabs of rock transported from the Yukness Ledges via helicopter.
1984
Approaches (Opabin and Oesa) to Yukness Ledge were improved.
A new route on East Opabin was put in to bypass two bridges.
Re-routes were constructed around the Big Larch and Morning Glory Trails.
A new bridge was put in near the cabins.
Tread hardening was started on the trails leading through the Alpine Meadows.
1986
Completion of a new suspension bridge on the East Opabin Trail just above Lake O’Hara, replacing two old bridges.
Extensive use of wooden stringers and gravel to harden certain trails on the Opabin Plateau (This technique, termed turnpiking, was controversial and subsequently resulted in some modification of Parks Canada techniques – see an article in the 1987 and 1988 newsletters).
1987
Opabin prospect and Moor Lakes trail upgrading.
The Adeline Link Circuit, otherwise known as the lakeshore trail, was re-dedicated in a ceremony on September 21. A plaque recognizing the name of the trail and its builders was erected by the Trails Club. In 1944 Mrs. Link was the first person to walk the completed trail.
1989
West Opabin trail upgrading, involving definition and crowning of the trail and installation of rock water bars and rock slab inlay. All rock was flown in from adjacent talus slopes.
Trail Guidelines document written for Parks Canada by Don Gardner identifies different landscape units and trail construction techniques appropriate to each one.
1990
McArthur Lake Trail upgrading.
1991
Upgrading near Schaffer Lake and McArthur Pass using helicopter-transported gravel.
1993
Completion of upgrades to the trail from Shaffer Lake to Lake McArthur, a multi-year project.
1994
Reconstruction of steps and water bars on the Lake Oesa trail switchbacks.
Upgrading of 2 km of trail between Morning Glory Lakes and the Duchesnay Basin, including widening to improve sight lines.
1997
Application of gravel to trails from Elizabeth Parker Hut to both Morning Glory Lakes and the Big Larch trail.
Gravelling of the lower McArthur Lake trail. 1999
Cathedral Basin trail upgrade with rock steps and drainage ditches.
2000
Don Gardner conducted an assessment of the majority of trails in the area and wrote a report making recommendations for preventative maintenance.
2001
Repairs to the most heavily used trails – the lakeshore trail and the Lake Oesa trail.
2003
The East Opabin suspension bridge was destroyed by a spring avalanche. Ironically, repairs to the bridge were planned for that summer.
2004
Construction of a new East Opabin trail which stays to the east of Opabin Creek in its entirety, requiring no bridge.
2005
Establishment of a stable source of funding for trail work, thanks to a memorandum of understanding between the Trails Club and Parks Canada. This initial agreement was for a 5-year period. The Trails Club provided $15,000 per year, allowing Parks Canada to dedicate a 2-person trail crew assigned to agreed upon maintenance priorities.
Repair to the railing of the bridge crossing below Seven Veils Falls on the lakeshore trail.
2006
Removal and replacement of the bridge over the Lake O’Hara outlet on the lakeshore trail.
2006 – 2012
A separate Trail Report summarized each year’s accomplishments, hence the newsletters themselves do not contain this information.
2013
Improvement of the Big Larches trail with the addition of significant stone steps
Major repairs to the lakeshore trail following flooding.
2014
Re-alignment of the trail to All Souls Prospect below Schaffer Ridge, establishing a more gradual rising traverse which avoids late-lying snow patches, steep grade and erosion issues that plagued that section of the former route.
2015
Water bar replacement on the East Opabin trail.
Mapping of Opabin Plateau trails and closure of some informal paths.
2016
The lower section of the original Lake Oesa trail was re-established, terminating at Seven Veils Falls viewpoint.
Re-alignment and installation of rock steps to address erosion concerns near the top of the trail to Wiwaxy Gap.
2017
Completed and opened the Seven Veils Falls lookout and its newly designed access trail.
Continued the volunteer sandbag project on the Lakeshore trail.
Added more than a dozen new rock steps on the Wiwaxy alpine route.
Improved definition of alpine routes and junctions by repainting faded route markers and adding new signs as needed.
Installed of waterbars and other drainage improvements on Linda Lake trail.
Addressed drainage issues and braiding on Opabin Plateau trails.
2018
Installed new stone steps on a steep corner on West Opabin trail
Installed a stone culvert to solve a drainage problem on the McArthur Lake trail.
Trail crew took part in a “Best Practices” workshop led by trail expert Don Gardner; topics included root removal and drainage solutions.
LOTC board members researched and ordered high quality trail mix for future use.
2019
A cliffy section on the Huber ledges alpine route was rebuilt to better clarify and define the route.
Low retaining walls were built on rooty sections of the Lakeshore Trail in anticipation of the fall Volunteer Workbee.
Oesa trail: Rebuilt a section of poorly defined trail below Victoria Lake by adding rock steps and rock handrails.
Linda Lake Trail: Filled in eroded/rutted section of trail with 3500 lbs of new trail mix.
Opabin plateau: Re-aligned a section of stepping stones that hikers were walking around and causing erosion.
All Souls Prospect:
Built 7 new steps and improved trail definition on steeper section of west approach.
Rebuilt a section of the 2014 re-route on the east approach, including a new stairway of 5 large rock steps.
Volunteer Workbee: 10 LOTC volunteers and 4 trail crew shoveled and spread 10 tonnes of trail to fill in rooty sections of the Lakeshore Trail.
2020
Repaired and rerouted Oesa Trail near Victoria Lake after a portion of the trail was wiped out due to a major rockslide. New stone steps built through rockslide area.
Huber Ledges Alpine Route: improvements to the steep section near Wiwaxy Gap, including improved trail definition, some new steps and waterbars installed for erosion control.
Opabin Plateau Trails: improved trail definition on braided sections, with step-building and other measures to keep hikers on the Opabin East trail heading toward Opabin Lake.
Schaeffer Lake Trail: 5000 lbs of trail mix flown by helicopter to re-surface a severely eroded section of this trail.
Lakeshore Trail gully washout repair: new stepping stones and rock culverts installed over gullies that were washed out between the Wiwaxy and Oesa junctions.
Lakeshore Trail general repair: spring runoff caused some drainage and erosion issues on the sections of trail that were improved during the 2019 Volunteer Workbee. The retaining walls were rebuilt, and new rock culverts to move water under the trail were installed.
2021
Lakeshore Trail: Repaired damage to waterbars and steps in avalanche gully sections.
Lake Oesa Trail: Total rebuild of approximately 70 meter upper section that was braided and eroded, including installing 28 new steps and removing awkward rocks.
Victoria Lake: Rebuilt a confusing uphill section of trail near Victoria Lake. Installed 10 new steps.
Huber Ledges: Installed 13 rock steps and waterbars on steep erosion-prone section. Installed “speedbumps” which entailed adding rock steps at 10 – 15 foot intervals on the long steep section. These speedbumps offer a short but welcome “rest stop” for tired descending legs.
All Souls: Rebuilt two sections of trail on the east side with the addition of rock steps. Redefined confusing sections on west side by adding rock “handrails” and “uglifying” non-trail sections.
Yukness: Rehabbed an eroded section and installed four new steps.
2022
Huber Ledges: Our trail crew was very disturbed to find bright blue painted graffiti on a rock wall along the Huber Ledge alpine route. A combination of grinding, scraping, and chipping removed the offending writing. Along this route our crew also installed rock steps at two different eroding sections and added handrails at confusing spots.
West Opabin: 29 new steps on West Opabin trail between All Souls and Opabin Prospect junctions were installed to make this steep section easier to navigate and to prevent erosion caused by rainfall.
Schaffer Lake: A new bridge was installed over the outlet creek, and a rough section of the adjacent trail saw new trail mix applied.
Opabin Plateau: Our crew blocked new informal trails and installed ‘handrails’ to keep hikers on route at the ‘split rock’ section on Opabin Prospect east side.
All Souls, west end: Installed 11 steps/speedbumps on a steep section between the high point on the shoulder of Mt. Shaffer and the Big Larches trail.
Lakeshore trail: Where the trail crosses both avalanche gullies, rebuilding was required, with retaining walls and more stepping stones.
2023
Linda Lake Trail: Installed two new log bridges to replace rotten ones.
West Opabin: Installed steps in two different sections and repaired braiding.
Morning Glory Trail at Elizabeth Parker Hut: Installed a new bridge over the creek from which hut guests retrieve water.
McArthur Lake: LOTC Board members met on-site with Steve, Megan, and Parks asset manager Kurt Devlin to develop a long-term plan to attempt to reduce trail braiding along the McArthur lakeshore. Some unofficial trails were blocked while we attempt to encourage use of “main” trails with signage.
Schaffer/Mary Lake junction near ACC hut: improved the trail here by increasing the grade, adding trail mix, and correcting drainage to prevent annual flood damage.
Repair extensive damage to south end of Lakeshore Trail after major rockslide in September. Work will continue into 2024.
Other 2023 trail work included: rock steps installed on Huber Ledges and All Souls (west side), steps and rock water bars added to Huber Ledge Trail below Abbot Pass junction, gully #1 on Lakeshore Trail cleared of avalanche debris, new steps added, and continued attempts to limit unofficial trails and braiding on Opabin Plateau by covering with brush, dead trees, etc.
2024
complete the work begun in late 2023 to move large rocks and complete a new route through the area at the south end of the Lakeshore Trail where a rockslide occurred following two days of heavy rain in September 2023
repair rockslide on the west side of the Yukness Trail with new steps
discourage informal trails at McArthur by repairing damaged areas, and installing temporary signage
correct drainage issue on the McArthur access trail by applying 3600 lbs of trail mix and some trail edging
Opabin: address braiding and widening issues. On the East Opabin Trail, replace a failed bridge and install new rock steps
Other 2024 trail work included: Huber Ledges: install rock steps and “speed bumps” on steep section; Linda Lake Trail: replace a failing log bridge with new trail; Oesa Trail: rebuild failing section of rock steps; All Souls: install rock steps on west approach and remove rockfall debris on east approach; remove failing bridge at lower Cataract Creek