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There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from completing a goal, but as I stood on a ridge gazing at the snow-dusted craggy mountains surrounding the turquoise blue waters of Lake O’Hara, I felt more than just satisfaction. I felt wonder. Lake O’Hara is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet — a place so stunning that pictures don’t do it justice.
I had been trying to win the Lake O’Hara day-use shuttle lottery or snag a campground reservation for years and last summer I finally gave up and found another way to get there. This picture-perfect lake is about a three-hour drive northwest of Calgary in British Columbia’s Yoho National Park and its dramatic scenery and epic hiking trails have made it one of the most sought-after destinations in Canada. To protect the sensitive high alpine environment from over tourism, Parks Canada has long limited the number of visitors to the area.
Every year, over 8,000 people enter the lottery for the day-use shuttle and only about 1,100 are successful. Booking a camping spot is equally challenging and I have tried unsuccessfully several times. Last year, I tried a new way to get to this beautiful spot — I hired a private guide. Our guide not only directed my family and me along the trails, but she also shared information about the plants, animals and the park itself.
There’s more than one way to get to Lake O’Hara and planning is the key to success in most cases. Here’s what you need to know if you’d like to visit this beautiful destination in the Canadian Rockies.
Can you go to Lake O’Hara without a reservation?
Reservations for the Lake O’Hara day-use shuttle are mandatory and available through a random draw lottery that takes place March 3 through March 24, 2025 on Parks Canada’s Reservation Service website. There is a $10 (taxes included) non-refundable fee to enter the lottery. You can choose your party size and select up to six different inbound dates and times for each application. If you’re successful, you’ll still have to pay the $15 return fee to ride the shuttle.
Camping reservations and cancellations
Lake O’Hara campground has 30 camping sites that are open June 20 to Oct. 5, 2025. Campers can stay a maximum of three consecutive nights and have a maximum of four people in one tent per site. Campground reservations opened on Jan. 23, 2025, and the entire season typically fills up within a few hours. You can visit the Parks Canada Reservation Service website at any time to look for cancellations.
Elizabeth Parker Hut lottery
The Elizabeth Parker Hut offers rustic accommodation for overnight guests year-round with reservations. Due to high demand, summer bookings for the Elizabeth Parker Hut are made by lottery the previous fall for a non-refundable $16 fee. More information about the lottery is available from the Alpine Club of Canada.
Lake O’Hara Lodge
A stay at the Lake O’Hara Lodge is ideal if you want to enjoy a little comfort with your hiking adventure. Lodge room rates start at $990 per night for two people and cabins start at $1,400 per night for two people. Rates include overnight accommodation, meals for the duration of the stay, afternoon tea, round-trip bus transportation and all taxes and gratuities. The family-owned historic lodge is open mid-June until early October for summer and autumn escapes, and late January through early-April for winter adventures. Some people book a year in advance to get a reservation, but cancellations can happen.
Hike to Lake O’Hara
Parks Canada does not restrict people from hiking into Lake O’Hara on the 11-kilometre gravel access road. It’s not a difficult hike, but it adds 22 kilometres to your hiking day. If there is open space on a return shuttle, you might be able to catch the shuttle back by paying $10 cash. You can’t count on that though.
Hire a guide
There are a limited number of day-use shuttle spaces set aside for certified hiking guides and their clients. Guides can take a maximum of five people per guided trip. We booked a guided hiking trip with Ronna Schneberger of Forest Fix. Her current rate for a guided trip for up to five people is $619, not including the shuttle bus fees. There are several companies that offer guided hiking day trips at Lake O’Hara and it’s a good idea to contact them with two to three date options before April 1, 2025 when the guide quota reservations open.
“A guide can help you choose the right hiking trail for your skill level, navigate wildlife issues and teach you hiking techniques that make the journey more enjoyable,” explained Schneberger. “Last summer I had a few groups of active people over 70. Because they were fit, once I taught them how to hike, we did the alpine routes, and they were over the moon. O’Hara is famous for its alpine routes which are challenging in a fun way. Experienced hikers love these trails. The key is to be prepared.”
At the end of any hike at Lake O’Hara, you must stop to buy a slice of the famous carrot cake from Le Relais, a day use shelter run by the Lake O’Hara Trails Club. But keep a close eye on it, the grey jays will steal it right out of your hands.
Lake O’Hara is worth it
However you get there, Lake O’Hara is worth the effort. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
Debbie Olsen is an award-winning Métis writer and a national bestselling author. Follow her adventures at www.wanderwoman.ca.