How to get to B.C.’s beautiful and exclusive Lake O'Hara

You have to win the lottery for day-use shuttle access, but there are other ways of getting there

An image of Lake O'Hara in the Canadian Rockies on a sunny day in Yoho National Park in British Columbia, Canada. — There isn’t a bad view of Lake O’Hara — especially on a sunny day. Photo by Greg Olsen

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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.

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?

An image of Debbie and Greg Olsen hiking at Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park in B.C., Canada. — The great thing about visiting Lake O’Hara with a guide is they can also take pictures of you along the trail.Photo by Ronna Schneberger

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

Lake O’Hara Lodge

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.

Hiking at Lake O'Hara can be intense — especially in the high alpine areas. This makes it more challenging to add a 22-kilometre additional hike up the access road. — Hiking at Lake O’Hara can be intense — especially in the high alpine areas. This makes it more challenging to add a 22-kilometre additional hike up the access road.Photo by Debbie Olsen

Hire a guide

An image of Ronna Schneberger from Forest Fix leading a guided hiking trip at Lake O'Hara in the Canadian Rockies at Yoho National Park in British Columbia, Canada. — This is a picture of our guide, Ronna Schneberger from Forest Fix, leading us along a trail in Yoho National Park near Lake O’Hara.Photo by Greg Olsen

“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.”

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.