Key Takeaways
- Prime hiking season in the Lake O’Hara area runs from July to late September
- Advanced reservations are required for all visits, including day trips and overnight stays
- There are four ways to visit Lake O’Hara: day trips, camping, staying at the Elizabeth Parker Hut, or staying at Lake O’Hara Lodge
- The Lake O’Hara shuttle operates from June 19 to October 5, 2026, and reservations are required
- Camping reservations can be made online or by phone, and there are restrictions on tent size, baggage, and campsite occupancy
Introduction to Lake O’Hara
The Lake O’Hara area is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with prime hiking season running from July to late September. However, until late June, many higher routes are still snow-bound and may be subject to avalanche hazard. To manage the number of visitors and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, advanced reservations are required for all visits, including day trips and overnight stays. There are four ways to visit Lake O’Hara: visit for the day, camp up to three nights, stay at the Elizabeth Parker Hut, or stay at Lake O’Hara Lodge.
Visiting Lake O’Hara for the Day
For those who want to visit Lake O’Hara for the day, the Lake O’Hara shuttle operates from June 19 to October 5, 2026, and reservations are required. The bus departs from the Lake O’Hara parking lot, 12 km west of Lake Louise, Alberta or 13 km east of Field, B.C. The day-use bus schedule is as follows: 8:30 and 10:30 am (ingoing) and 9:30, 11:30, 14:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (outgoing). It’s worth noting that pets are prohibited on the bus and at the campground, but are permitted on the road when leashed. Additionally, cycling is prohibited on the road. Visitors who choose to hike the 11 km access road should be prepared with food, water, bear spray, and appropriate clothing and footwear. Camping is not permitted outside of the designated campground, and campground reservations are required in advance.
Camping at Lake O’Hara
For those who wish to stay overnight, the popular Lake O’Hara Campground is open from June 19 to October 4, 2026. The campground has only 30 sites and is reserved for overnight guests only. All campsites must be booked in advance, and reservations can be made online or by phone. There are restrictions on tent size, baggage, and campsite occupancy, including a maximum of 3 consecutive nights for camping, a maximum of 2 reservations per transaction, and a maximum of 4 people per tent pad. Children from 1-16 years old must be included within the reservation, and only one small 4-person tent is permitted per site. Tent pads are designed for smaller backpacking tents, and baggage is restricted to one large bag per person or two small bags per person. Visitors are also required to follow bear-aware procedures for cooking and storing food and garbage.
Campground Facilities and Regulations
The Lake O’Hara Campground has several facilities, including two cooking shelters, one fire pit, food and garbage storage, grey water disposal, outhouses, firewood, and a splitting maul. Treated well water is also available, although it may not always be available early and late in the season. Visitors are required to bring a backpacking stove for cooking, as the wood stoves and fire pits are best used for heat. Hard-sided food coolers, storage bins, plastic bags, and loose items are not permitted on the bus, and visitors are asked to leave musical instruments, electronics, chairs, and hammocks behind. Only visitors with a camping reservation will be permitted to overnight in the campground, and Parks Canada cannot accept reservations for day trips through the campground reservation service.
Alternative Accommodations
For those who prefer not to camp, there are alternative accommodations available. The Elizabeth Parker Hut offers rustic accommodation for overnight guests year-round, although reservations are required and summer bookings are made by lottery the previous fall. Lake O’Hara Lodge offers magical meals and accommodation to guests on the shores of Lake O’Hara, and is open mid-June until early October for summer and autumn escapes, and late January through early April for winter adventures. Le Relais, a day-use shelter operated by the Lake O’Hara Trails Club, is also available during the hiking season, where visitors can warm up, receive trail information, buy a hot drink or snack, and enjoy the scenery.
Conclusion
The Lake O’Hara area is a unique and special place, with its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. By planning ahead and making reservations in advance, visitors can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you choose to visit for the day, camp overnight, or stay at one of the alternative accommodations, Lake O’Hara has something to offer for everyone. The Lake O’Hara Trails Club, Lake O’Hara Lodge, the Alpine Club of Canada, and Parks Canada look forward to welcoming you to this very special place.