The most spectacular trips are often ones that are in popular or fragile places, so they often have reservation systems in place. And nothing sucks more than finding out a trip you want to do is booked up! Put these dates in your calendar! (Or if you’re like me, agonize over which trip to pick since they all sound amazing!)

I’ve got reservation dates for trips in British Columbia including Vancouver Island, the Vancouver Area, the BC Interior, and the Canadian Rockies (including some places that are technically in Alberta). Plus I’ve also got details on how to reserve and my top tips for getting those hard-to-get reservations.

Not sure how to make a reservation? I got you! Read my guide to Making Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC.

Didn’t get a reservation? No worries! Read my guide to Backpacking in BC Without Reservations. Or use an app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

This post includes details on reservations for:

Vancouver Island backcountry reservations:

• West Coast Trail (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
• Keeha Beach (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
• Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)

Sea to Sky backcountry reservations:

• Watersprite Lake (near Squamish)
• Garibaldi Provincial Park (Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, Cheakamus Lake, Wedgemount Lake, and Russet Lake
• Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (near Pemberton)
• Tenquille Lake (near Pemberton)

BC Interior backcountry reservations:

• E.C. Manning Provincial Park (Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek Campgrounds)
• Eva and Jade Lakes (Mount Revelstoke National Park)
• Hermit Meadows (Glacier National Park)
• Bowron Lake Circuit (Bowron Lakes Provincial Park)

Rocky Mountains backcountry reservations:

• Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park)
• Yoho National Park (Iceline, Whaleback, Little Yoho, etc.)
• Rockwall Trail (Kootenay National Park)
• Banff National Park (Egypt Lake, Skoki Loop, etc.)
• Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
• Jasper National Park
• Berg Lake (Mount Robson Provincial Park)

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Quick Calendar

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West Coast Trail Reservations for 2026

What: This 75km (46.5 mi) trail is full of beaches, coastal rainforest, ladders, and boardwalks. It is probably the most popular multi-day hike in Canada, which is why it is at the top of my list for 2026 BC backpacking reservation dates.

Want more info? I wrote a whole series of posts about the West Coast Trail. Start with my West Coast Trail Guide, then check out my section-by-section overview, itineraries, campground guide, packing list, transportation, and coastal hiking tips posts. The WCT is also featured in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 19, 2026 at 8 am PT Postponed to February 5 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $25.75. There is a $166.75 fee to hike the trail, plus two mandatory $28 ferry crossings and a National Parks entry fee ($11/person /day).

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

Keeha Beach Reservations for 2026

What: This beautiful remote sandy beach is near the northern trailhead for the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park, but isn’t nearly as busy. The trail to get there is only 3.5 km long, but it’s really muddy so expect it to take longer than you think. You can also day hike to the Cape Beale Lighthouse. Find details in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park entry fees ($10.50/person/day).

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. The trail is open from May to September and you must reserve.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. This is probably one of the easiest trips to get a reservation for.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

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Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island) Reservations for 2026

What: It’s a short 2 km hike to the waterfront backcountry campground at Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. There are several short day hikes from the campground. Find details in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Gulf Islands National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from May to September. The rest of the year all camping is first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Watersprite Lake Reservations for 2026

What: A gorgeous ice-blue lake nestled against rocky spires in the remote mountains east of Squamish. The lake became very popular thanks to social media, so starting in 2022 the campground requires reservations. For more info, check out the BCMC website or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip. The campground requires reservations between July 1 and Thanksgiving weekend each year.

Where to Reserve: Online on the BCMC’s Watersprite Lake campground page.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Sites are $20/night and must be paid in full at the time of booking to reserve a site. There is no extra reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.

Garibaldi Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

What: South West BC’s premiere alpine backpacking destination with several trailheads and campgrounds to choose from. Reservations are required for all the campgrounds as well as the Elfin Lakes Shelter. For more info on trails and destinations, check out my guide to the Elfin Lakes trail, my guide to Russet Lake, or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites and $15 for the Elfin Lakes Shelter. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. Consider booking the slightly less popular Taylor Meadows or Helm Creek campgrounds, and then hiking over to Garibaldi Lake for the day. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

What: This super-popular lake near Whistler has a backcountry campground next to a glacier lake. It’s a short 5.5km hike from the trailhead, so it’s one of the best easy backpacking destinations close to Vancouver. For more info on the trail, check out my Joffre Lakes hiking guide or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7 am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $5/person/night. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Get my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia – it has all the info you need to backpack to Joffre Lakes

Tenquille Lake Reservations for 2026

What: A beautiful sub-alpine lake near Pemberton BC, surrounded by mountains. It’s a popular location for fishing as well as scrambling the nearby peaks, which are mostly non-technical. The lake has both a cabin and campsites that can be reserved.

When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online on the Pemberton Wildlife Association’s Tenquille Lake booking page.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Camping reservations are $25/tent/night. You can fit up to two tents on each site. There is no extra reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes from July 1 to October 31. Tenting outside of those dates is first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.

E.C. Manning Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

What: There are three campgrounds in Manning Park that require reservations: Buckhorn and Kicking Horse on the Heather Trail and Frosty Creek on the Frosty Mountain Trail. All other backcountry campgrounds in the park are first-come, first-serve.

The Heather Trail is a gorgeous alpine hike along a ridge through wildflower meadows high in the mountains of E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The hike to Buckhorn Camp is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. The hike to Frosty Mountain (the highest peak in the park) heads through a stand of gorgeous larch trees.

For more info on these two trails, check out my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and my Frosty Mountain hiking guide.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7 am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $5/person/night. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available for Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek Campgrounds. (But all other backcountry campground in the park are first-come, first-served.)

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners

Eva and Jade Lakes Reservations for 2026

What: This hike starts high on the slopes of Mount Revelstoke in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Walk through wildflower meadows and forest to the shores of Eva Lake, one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. Jade Lake is a few extra kilometres away over a pass. Both lakes have backcountry campgrounds.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Mount Revelstoke National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from June 30 to July 27 and September 18 to October 9 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: The Best Hikes in Revelstoke, BC

Hermit Meadows Reservations for 2026

What: This steep hike in Glacier National Park is fairly short but has incredible views and alpine meadows. The backcountry campground has an incredible setting.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Glacier National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from July 1 to July 27 and September 18 to October 1 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Lake O’Hara Reservations for 2026

What: Lake O’Hara is a truly spectacular spot set among alpine lakes and hanging valleys in the Rocky Mountains inside Yoho National Park. You can base yourself at the campground or hut and hike the spectacular Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. You can take a shuttle bus on a private road right to your campsite! If you can’t get a camping reservation, you can also just take the shuttle bus up for the day. For more info and some drool-worthy photos, check out my Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide.

When to Reserve Camping: January 22, 2026 at 7 am PT Postponed to Feb 10, 2026 at 8 am MT

When to Reserve Day-Use Shuttle Bus: Reservations by lottery. In 2026 the lottery is open for applications between March 2 and 23.

When to Reserve the Hut: Summer hut reservations are by lottery. The summer 2026 lottery is open for applications between December 15, 2025 and January 30, 2026.

Where to Reserve: Reserve camping or enter the day-use shuttle bus lottery on the Parks Canada Reservation site. Submit a lottery application on the Alpine Club of Canada website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost:  Camping Reservations cost $11.50. You’ll also need to pay $12.50/person/night for camping and $17.14/person for the shuttle bus. Bus reservations cost $11.50/reservation for up to 6 people plus $17.14/person. Hut lottery entries cost $15.50 each. Nightly hut fees are $60 per person.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred dates and a few alternates. For better odds, avoid August which is the busiest. If you want to stay in the hut, avoid popular weekends and consider submitting multiple lottery applications.

If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you. (It works for ACC huts too!)

READ NEXT: Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park Backcountry Reservations for 2026

What: Yoho National Park has a network of trails in the Yoho Valley that lead to four backcountry campgrounds. The most popular option is the Yoho Valley Loop that includes the Iceline and Whaleback Trails. The loop includes great views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Yoho National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no first-come, first-served sites.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

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Rockwall Trail Reservations for 2026

What: The premier backpacking destination in Kootenay National Park is the Rockwall Trail.  It’s a 55km multi-day high alpine backpacking route through the Rocky Mountains. It passes by alpine lakes, incredible wildflower meadwos and the famous rockwall with cliffs up to 900m tall. For more information, read my Rockwall Trail Guide.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Banff National Park Reservations for 2026

What: Several dozen backcountry campgrounds on hundreds of kilometres throughout the Banff National Park backcountry. I recommend Egypt Lake and the Skoki Loop.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Mount Assiniboine Reservations for 2026

What: Nestled at the base of Mount Assiniboine in the Canadian Rockies is a cluster of small lakes, plus tons of hiking trails to gorgeous views. The core area of the park at Lake Magog has a popular BC Parks backcountry campground and rustic backcountry huts. To get there, choose from several different hiking trails or charter a helicopter. I’ve got tons of info in my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide. Note: The info below applies only to the BC Parks campground.

When to Reserve Camping: Up to three months before your trip starting at 7 am PT. (Reservations are required for trips between June 26 and September 30.)

When to Reserve Huts: January 13th, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. MST.

Where to Reserve: For camping, online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850. For huts, via Mount Assiniboine Lodge by phone: 403-678-2883.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: For camping, reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites. For the huts, rates range from $150-$240 per night depending on the size of the cabin (they sleep 5-8 people)

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Jasper National Park Reservations for 2026

What: Several dozen backcountry campgrounds on hundreds of kilometres throughout the Jasper National Park backcountry. One of the most popular options is the Skyline Trail.

When to Reserve: January 27, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Berg Lake Reservations for 2026

NOTE: The Berg Lake Trail suffered severe flooding damage in July, 2021. The full trail reopened in 2025 and will be open for summer 2026.

What: The Berg Lake Trail is a 23km backcountry trail into a gorgeous glacier lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park on the BC side of the Rocky Mountains. It’s called Berg Lake since the glacier calves icebergs right into the lake. For more info check out my super detailed guide to hiking the Berg Lake Trail and the BC Parks website.

When to Reserve: December 2, 2025 at 7 a.m.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10/person/night. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers. There are 7 campgrounds on the trail and you need to book your whole itinerary in advance, so be sure to have a few options for first choice, second choice, etc.

Since this trail books up so far in advance, there are often cancellations as people change their minds. Keep checking back to see if spots open up or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail

Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit Reservations for 2026

What: The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit connects numerous lakes and rivers through portages to make a roughly square-shaped 116km (72 mi) route. It takes about 6 to 10 days to complete. (Yes I know this is a canoe trip, but it’s a similar wilderness experience and the only canoe trip in BC that requires reservations, so it made the list of BC backpacking reservation dates.) To plan your trip, see my complete Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit paddling guide.

When to Reserve: December 2, 2025 at 7 a.m.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: The reservation fee is $18.00 per vessel (plus tax) and there is also a $60 per person canoe circuit user fee. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: Book online as it is faster and you won’t have to wait on hold. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers.

Know how many canoes and people will be in your party before you make your reservation as only a set number of canoes and people may depart per day.

July and August are the busiest and if you opt for June or September you’ll have much better chances. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.

READ NEXT: Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: Paddling in British Columbia

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 2026 BC backpacking reservation dates for lots of different trips. How many of these hikes have you done already? Tell me in the comments. I’ve done almost all of them.

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BACKPACKING TIPS AND ADVICE:

• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
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The post 2026 BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been to Lake O’Hara twice: On one trip I spent 4 days camping and hiking in early July. We had some chilly nights, sunny days and crazy rainstorms. On another trip in late August, I took the bus in for the day hiked the Alpine Circuit in variable weather. I’ve also done countless other trips to nearby destinations in the Canadian Rockies.

I’ve put together two packing lists for you. There’s a Lake O’Hara packing list for hikers that has everything you need for a day on the trails, no matter what the weather. And there’s a Lake O’Hara packing list for campers staying at the Lake O’Hara campground. Enjoy!

READ NEXT: Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

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Lake O’Hara Essentials for Every Visitor

National Parks Pass

You need a National Parks Pass to park at the Lake O’Hara parking lot. You can buy day passes and multi-day passes at Yoho National Park visitor centre in Field, BC. If they aren’t open, there’s a park pass vending machine in the parking lot.

You can also buy a pass when you enter nearby Banff, Jasper, or Kootenay National Parks – the same pass covers all of the Rocky Mountain Parks.

If you plan to spend more than seven days in any Canadian National Park in a 12 month period, it makes more financial sense to buy an annual Discovery Pass. You can buy one online or at any visitor centre. I get one every year!

Leave your Parks Pass on the dash of your vehicle in the Lake O’Hara parking lot. If you don’t have a pass displayed, you could get a fine.

Bus and Campsite Reservations

You need to make advance reservations for the Lake O’Hara Bus and Lake O’Hara campground. (Read more about how to make reservations in my Lake O’Hara guide.)

Bring a print out of your confirmation email or save it as a PDF on your phone. The Park Ranger will ask to see it when you check-in at the bus stop and the campground. They may also ask to see a piece of photo ID to crosscheck against the name on the reservation.

Cash

If you want to buy any snacks or souvenirs at Le Relais, the day-use shelter/coffee shop, you will need to bring cash to Lake O’Hara. The carrot cake is especially popular.

You can also buy lunch or afternoon tea at the Lake O’Hara Lodge… but they only take cash.

And if you lose your return bus token or you walk up and are hoping to get on the return bus on stand-by you can only pay for the bus in… you guessed it… cash.

I recommend bringing at least $25.50 per person – that’s the cost of the bus back down.

Map and Guidebook (Optional)

The Lake O’Hara area has excellent signage so it’s pretty easy to find your way. However, with so many trails to choose from, it can be hard to plan your route without a map.

Gem Trek makes a Lake O’Hara specific map. (This is the only map they sell at Le Relais.) However, for some perplexing reason, this map doesn’t have trail distances on it. I brought the more general Lake Louise and Yoho National Park map, which has a Lake O’Hara inset. That one DOES have trail distances and I found it waaay more helpful.

While it’s not essential, I like having a guidebook to choose which trail to hike. I recommend the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson. It has a good overview of each of the hikes at Lake O’Hara.

You should also check out my guide to the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. It’s the best hike at Lake O’Hara, but it isn’t for everyone due to narrow ledges. My guide has lots of photos and details so you can decide if this hike is right for you.

READ NEXT: Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Guide

GPS App (Optional)

I use Gaia GPS on all of my hikes since I like to be able to tell how far we have walked (and therefore how much further we have to go).

Another good option is All Trails. It is more of a trails database than a GPS, but it does have good maps. Make sure you get an All Trails+ subscription since that is the only way to access maps when you don’t have cell service (which you won’t at Lake O’Hara).

I didn’t need the GPS for navigation at all at Lake O’Hara since the trails were so well marked. But it was handy to see our elevation and the names of the mountains. We also used it to get a good overview of the trail system.

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Lake O’Hara Hiking Gear Packing List

If you’re planning to do any of the day hikes at Lake O’Hara, here’s a few essentials you should pack.

Psst: Looking for an overview of which hikes are available? Read my Lake O’Hara Hiking and Camping Guide.

Day Pack

If you’re going hiking, you’ll need a backpack to carry your gear. If you’ve already got a backpack, go ahead and bring it – as long as it’s not too little, you’ll be fine.

But if you’re shopping for a day pack, I recommend one that has about 20-25 litres of capacity. Great features to look for are a spot to hold a hydration reservoir and hip belt pockets so you can easily grab snacks, lip balm or your phone without taking the pack off.

I also likes backpacks with a rain cover so I don’t have to worry about my stuff getting wet. If your backpack didn’t come with a raincover, you can always buy a rain cover separately.

I brought my Gregory Jade 28 to Lake O’Hara. It was big enough to carry my rain gear, snacks, camera, and water. Plus it comes with a rain cover that was REALLY helpful on wet days. The men’s version is the Gregory Zulu 30.

Hiking Boots

The trails in Lake O’Hara are meticulously maintained, but there are some really steep sections and lots of rocks. Wearing hiking boots gives you ankle support. And the tread on hiking boots also gives you better traction on steep slopes so you won’t skid out.

On my first trip to Lake O’Hara, I brought my trusty Salomon Quest hiking boots. They’re pretty lightweight and breathable for high cut boots with ankle support, so they don’t get too hot.

The second time I went to Lake O’Hara the weather was hot and I didn’t feel like wearing boots, so I wore my Salomon XA Pro trail runners. They are pretty burly for trail running shoes, so they provide a fair amount of stability but are still so much lighter than boots.

Hiking Socks

One of the biggest mistakes new hikers make is wearing their regular cotton socks on a hike. Cotton socks hold in your sweat. That’s a surefire way to get blisters! Wearing proper hiking socks made of wool or synthetics will help keep your feet dry.

My favourite hiking socks are actually the Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Mid socks. They are designed for trail running so they have cushion under the forefoot and at the heel, but otherwise they are lightweight and breathable.

If you want a slightly thicker traditional hiking sock, I love the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks. They’re comfortable and seem to last forever.

READ NEXT: How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

Quick-Drying Hiking Clothing

You can definitely hike in your regular clothes, but they won’t be as comfortable. Bring some hiking pants or shorts and a hiking shirt made of quick-drying synthetic material. They’ll keep you cool and dry when you get sweaty! And don’t forget quick-drying hiking underwear.

Lately I’ve been loving hiking in a long sleeved sun hoodie since it keeps me cool and I don’t have to wear as much sunscreen. I have lots (and I reviewed them all in my guide to the best sun hoodies) but fave is the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoody.

READ NEXT: Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking

On most summer days you’ll find me hiking in my Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Shorts. I have two pairs. They aren’t too short or too long and they fit my curvy body. They also have big side pockets that hold my phone.

If it is chilly enough to want pants, I reach for my Mountain Hardwear Dynama pants. I actually have three of these! They are so good: soft and stretchy waist, durable yet lightweight material, and good pockets.

READ NEXT: 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)

Fleece or Lightweight Puffy Jacket

Even if you visit in the middle of summer, Lake O’Hara can be chilly since it’s high in the Rocky Mountains. Pack a cozy fleece jacket or a lightweight puffy to wear for chilly mornings and evenings.

On my visit in mid-July, I ended up wearing my MEC Rockwall fleece at some point every day. My husband brought his Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. For a synthetic puffy it’s really light and warm.

Rain Gear

It can rain at any time at Lake O’Hara since it has unpredictable mountain weather. On my first trip, we had a few light showers. And then one afternoon the heavens opened up for an hour into a torrential downpour. I kept my rain jacket in my day pack on every hike and was glad to have it.

These days, my go-to rain jacket is the Outdoor Research Aspire. (The men’s version is called the Outdoor Research Foray.) It’s lightweight, breathable, and fairly packable. It also has incredibly long pit zips that let me open it up for tons of ventilation. Plus, it’s not crazy expensive.

If rain is in the forecast, waterproof rain pants that you can layer over your hiking pants are a great idea. I brought mine and wore them around camp in the downpour on my Lake O’Hara camping trip. Rain pants with side zippers for venting that are easier to put on and take off without removing your shoes.

I have the MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Rain Pants. They have a little bit of stretch, so they don’t feel as constricting as other rain pants. They also are often on sale so it’s easy to get a deal.

Bear Spray

The core Lake O’Hara area doesn’t usually have very many bears, but they are around. However, the McArthur Valley and Linda Lake area nearby are home to lots of grizzly bears and black bears. 

Carry bear spray and make lots of noise when hiking. Make sure you get a bear spray holster so you can attach it to your backpack or belt.

READ NEXT: Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers

Sun Protection

The sun can be really harsh at Lake O’Hara since it’s at such a high elevation. Protect yourself from sun burns.

Bring a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap for protection. My fave sun protection combo is my lightweight Ciele GoCap along with a sun hoodie like the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoody. The cap shades my face and when the sun gets harsh, I put the hood up on my sun hoodie to cover my neck and the sides of my face. Ciele makes my fave caps because they are lightweight and don’t seem to absorb sweat.

You’ll also want to bring high SPF water resistant sunscreen. I like Sun Bum’s Sunscreen Face Stick for on-the-go sunscreen application. It goes on like deodorant so I can reapply to high risk areas like my nose and cheeks without getting my hands messy. It’s also pretty sweat proof.

Don’t forget lip balm to avoid sun burned lips. You can’t beat basic Blistex. The SPF is low (only 15) so you have to reapply often. But I find it feels normal and doesn’t taste gross, unlike the thicker, bitter tasting formulas in SPF 30 lip balms.

Pack some sunglasses too. By far my favourite sunglasses are from Goodr. I have a few pairs. They are polarized, which makes the colours of the glacier lakes really pop. Since they are designed for running, they stay in place. They also really reasonably priced for polarized sunglasses.

Bug Spray

In early summer, the mosquitos at Lake O’Hara can be bad. If you’re sensitive to bites, bring some insect repellent. I like bug sprays that use picaridin instead of DEET since it is just effective against insects but doesn’t melt synthetic clothing the way DEET can.

First-Aid Kit

Pack a basic first-aid kit. Make sure it includes bandages, gauze, and medical tape.  You’ll also want to have lots of foot care supplies like blister bandages.

READ NEXT: How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

Bring anti-inflammatory painkillers like Advil, and anti-diarrhea pills like Immodium just in case. And don’t forget your usual prescription medications.

I like the Adventure Medical Ultralight first aid kits since they come in a water-resistant pouch. I always add more stuff to them, like more blister care and bandaids.

Camera or Phone and Charger

Lake O’Hara is STUNNING! You’ll want to take all the photos (and videos!) I brought my Sony A6400 camera. It’s a mirrorless camera which is more compact than a full DSLR but still produces high-quality images. I find it easy to use, plus it’s not that expensive.

I also brought my iPhone for quick on-the-go shots. There is no cell service at Lake O’Hara, so I kept it on airplane mode.

Taking so many photos and videos, plus cold nighttime temperatures meant that my battery died pretty quickly. I was glad I brought a portable power bank to stay charged. I use a tiny Anker power bank that charges my phone a couple of times.

Water Bottle or Hydration Reservoir

You need to stay hydrated at high elevations. Bring a water bottle or hydration reservoir. If you run out, you can fill up at the campground taps.

I use the Platypus Big Zip hydration reservoir. It’s pretty lightweight and the closure is really bomb-proof so it doesn’t leak.

Water Filter (Optional)

If you’re doing a long hike (like the Alpine Circuit) in hot weather, it can be tough to carry enough water to last the whole day. On my last trip to Lake O’Hara, I brought my Katadyn BeFree filter. It’s a simple to use squeeze filter that means I can filter water anywhere. It’s also really light and compact so I don’t mind carrying it.

Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer

There are a few outhouse-style toilets in the Lake O’Hara area. You can find them at the parking lot, in the campground, at the Elizabeth Parker hut, and next to Le Relais. Parks Canada supplies toilet paper and hand sanitizer, but they do run out. Keep some with you just in case. 

And if you really need to go and can’t make it to a toilet, go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way: Dig a small hole 70 big steps away from trails, roads, campsites, and water. Then bury your waste, and pack out your toilet paper in a plastic bag. I carry a super lightweight titanium trowel for backcountry poo-mergencies. Hilariously, it’s called the Deuce of Spades.

Snacks

You can buy snacks and drinks and Le Relais (get the carrot cake!!), or eat lunch at the Lake O’Hara Lodge, but plan to bring a few snacks on the trail.

Trekking Poles (Optional)

Besides the Lakeshore Trail, all the trails at Lake O’Hara have some super steep sections. Trekking poles can be really helpful for saving your joints on the downhills or keeping your balance. I also found them really helpful on the steep and slippery snow patches we encountered on the Alpine Circuit.

I’ve been hiking with poles for the last two decades and can’t imagine going without them. So of course, I brought my Black Diamond Distance FLZ trekking poles to Lake O’Hara. These poles fold up instead of telescoping, which means they pack down super small so I can stash them in my pack when I’m not using them.

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Lake O’Hara Camping Gear Packing List

One of the best ways to experience Lake O’Hara is to camp. After the day hikers leave on the last bus of the day, it really quiets down.

When planning to camp at Lake O’Hara keep in mind that it is at 2,020m elevation, which means it can be chilly at night, even in the summer. The average low temperature in June, July, and August is between 2 and 5C (36-41F). Brrrr!

As well, afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common, so you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for rain.

There’s also the bus baggage limit to contend with. All your gear must fit in one large bag per person. (Read more about the bus baggage limit in my Lake O’Hara guide.) In practice, that means camping like you are going on a backpacking trip.

If you are camping at Lake O’Hara, bring all the things on my hiking gear list above, plus these items:

Backpacking Pack or Duffle Bag

The checked baggage limit for the bus is one large bag or two small bags per person. (You can also bring a day pack as a carry on.) Parks Canada specifies that checked bags must weigh no more than 25 kg/55 lbs. and cannot be longer than 97 cm/38″ on the longest side.

Many people choose to bring their backpacking pack as their checked bag, but a large duffle bag is also a better option.

You can get a huge duffle bag that holds up to 100 litres (way more than the 60L that most backpacking packs carry) and still fits within the maximum baggage dimensions for the Lake O’Hara bus.

My husband and I brought one backpacking pack and a giant waterproof MEC duffle bag. It was helpful to have it as we could store extra gear in it outside our tent without worrying about rain.

If you’re looking for a budget option, I like MEC’s Classic Recycled Duffle Bags in the 90L size.

Don’t bring rolling suitcases. They will get stuck in the gravel and will be tough to carry over roots in the campground.

Tent

The tent pads fit 4-person tents or smaller. If you bring a bigger tent, it will hang off the end of the tent pad and park rangers make ask you to take it down and leave.

Bring a waterproof tent that can stand up to rain. If possible, choose one with a full-length rain fly that reaches all the way to the ground and covers the door. That offers MUCH more protection than the ones with a little fly on the top that you find at Canadian Tire.

We lent our MEC Volt 4 LT 4-person tent to our friends for our Lake O’Hara trip since they were camping as a family of 4. It’s a big tent, and it just fit on the tent pad. It has a full-length fly so it’s totally waterproof.

Warm Sleeping Bag and Insulated Sleeping Pad

The Lake O’Hara campground is at 2,020m elevation (6627 feet). It can be cold at night up there!

Pack a sleeping bag rated at least 0C (32F), but preferably -5C (23F). Choose one with a hood for extra warmth. If you’re looking for a backpacking sleeping bag on a budget, I can’t say enough good things about the MEC Draco/Delphinus bags. They are lightweight, compressible, warm, and won’t break the bank.

Even the warmest sleeping bag can’t protect you from the cold ground. Sleeping pads don’t just provide comfort – they also provide insulation since you lose heat to the ground. Choose a sleeping pad that has an R-value of at least 2.5. (R-value measures insulation and warmth). If you expect really cold weather or know you feel the cold at night, pick a pad with an even higher R-value.  

I use a Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xtherm which has an R-value of 7.3 since I sleep really cold. My husband loves his Sea to Summit Ether Light which isn’t as warm (R-value 4.1), but is long and wide for a more comfortable sleep.

READ NEXT: How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

Pillow (Optional)

You can use a bunched up jacket as a pillow, but I recommend bringing a compact camping pillow to save your neck.

I love my Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium. It is lightweight and compact but still really comfortable once you blow it up thanks to the plush fabric. For a budget option, the basic Air Pillow is good – just layer an extra shirt over it to use as a pillowcase.

Thermal Base Layer Top and Bottoms

When it’s chilly, I sleep in thermal base layers while camping. They keep me way warmer than regular PJs. They are also nice to wear around the campsite under my clothes on cold evenings and mornings.

Choose mid-weight thermals made of polyester or merino wool and be sure to pack both bottoms and a long-sleeved top. I sleep cold so I wear a Smartwool merino wool top with a hood and matching bottoms. MEC makes great polyester mid-weight base layers at a budget price.

Warm Hat and Gloves

You lose a lot of heat through your head and hands. Pack a cozy toque and some lightweight fleece gloves to wear in the mornings and evenings.

Headlamp or Flashlight

Pack a headlamp or flashlight to find your way around at night. I like using a headlamp since it keeps my hands free. I use the basic Fenix HM23 Headlamp. It’s super bright and easy to use. Plus the batteries last a long time on low power.

Camp Shoes (Optional)

Pack a lightweight pair of slip-on sandals, flats or Crocs for around camp. You’ll want a break from your boots at the end of each day. If you choose to bring camp shoes, pick ones that are light and don’t take up too much room in your pack. I like to bring shoes that I can wear with socks for extra warmth. (Flip flops don’t work so well for that!)

Stove, Fuel, Pots and Cooking Utensils

There is a fire pit at the Lake O’Hara campground, but you aren’t supposed to cook on it. We brought our lightweight Primus OmniFuel backpacking stove and pot. If you’re looking for a simple stove, I recommend the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe.

Plates, Mugs, Forks, Cutting Board, and Knife

We brought our collapsible Sea to Summit bowls and our trusty Snow Peak camping sporks.

But we totally forgot to bring a cutting board. We have this fancy (and amazing) Snow Peak cutting board and knife set. It’s a bit too heavy for backpacking, but it’s perfect for car camping. It folds down so it doesn’t take up much space – I don’t know why we didn’t bring it!

We also brought our Snow Peak double-wall insulated mugs to keep our drinks warm for longer.

Dishwashing Supplies

We brought a small pot scraper, a tiny microfibre cloth, and some Dr. Bronner’s biodegradable soap.

There are sinks for doing the dishes at the campground, but they ask you not to put food into them as it clogs the drains. Parks Canada provides a few plastic washbasins. Heat up a bit of water on your stove, then do dishes in the washbasin. Strain out the food particles, then pour the soapy water down the sink and put the food particles in the garbage.

Small Soft-Sided Cooler

You aren’t allowed to bring hard-sided coolers to Lake O’Hara. But you can bring a small soft-sided cooler either as one of your two small bags, or tucked inside a larger bag.

Your cooler has to fit inside the 24″ cube-shaped bear lockers at the campground so pick a small one. Use ice packs or pack your ice inside ziploc bags to avoid a wet mess inside.

We have a little Hydro Flask Insulated tote bag cooler that we bring on trips like this. It’s big enough to fit a few small perishable items like cheese or half a dozen eggs.

Food

Unlike most backcountry trips, food weight and bulk aren’t a problem at Lake O’Hara since you get to take the bus in. We brought fresh food we wouldn’t normally bring hiking including veggies and frozen steaks!  And don’t forget the snacks! 

Tarp (Optional)

There are shared cooking shelters, but in rainy weather they get full and not everyone can fit inside. If rain is in the forecast, bring a tarp to string up over the outdoor picnic tables to create a cooking area.

I use an ultralight MEC Scout Silicone Tarp since it packs down small enough to bring on backpacking trips. But if you’re on a budget, a good old giant blue tarp will work just fine.

Bring some rope or paracord to string up the tarp. I swear by these Nite Ize Figure 9 Caribiner Rope Tighteners – they make it so much easier to pitch a tarp without having to tie all kinds of crazy complicated knots.

Toiletries

Bring all your usual camping toiletries including a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes, hairbrush, and contact solution.

Entertainment for Camp (Optional)

You’ll have a few hours each night in camp when you’ll need to entertain yourself. Consider bringing a book or some headphones to listen to music or podcasts.

The shelters can be really social so a deck of cards or a compact game can be a good way to meet new friends.

I always travel with my Kindle eReader so I have hundreds of books to choose from. We’ve brought the card game Exploding Kittens on a few trips and it’s always a hit.

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Stuff You Don’t Need to Pack for Lake O’Hara

Even though you can bring tons of stuff to Lake O’Hara, you don’t want to over pack. Here’s what you shouldn’t bring.

• Climbing gear: The trails are non-technical and you won’t need harnesses, ropes, helmets, crampons, etc. However, if you do plan to climb some of the peaks nearby or head to the former Abbot Pass Hut site, you will need climbing gear, plus the knowledge of how to use it.
• Hammocks: They aren’t allowed in the campground since they can damage trees.
• Camping Chairs: It’s against park rules. There are lots of picnic tables and benches in the campground you can use.
• Portable speakers or other electronics: Most people come to Lake O’Hara to appreciate the sounds of nature and prefer not to hear your music. The campsites can also be really close together, so you’ll want to keep the noise down. Plus they are against the rules
• Musical instruments: Parks Canada doesn’t allow them.
• Hard-sided coolers or plastic bins. They aren’t allowed.
• Drones: They aren’t allowed in any national park unless you have a special use permit.
• Your dog: Dogs are permitted on leash on day hikes in the park, but they aren’t allowed on the bus or in the campground.

READ NEXT: Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park

Final Thoughts

With these two Lake O’Hara packing lists, you should have everything you need to have an awesome trip, whether you are hiking or camping. If you have questions about what to bring to Lake O’Hara, please leave me a comment. I’m always happy to help!

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• reservation date reminders
  
• tips and tricks for getting a booking
• park advisories and conditions updates
  
• and lots more!

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MORE LAKE O’HARA INFO:

• Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide (Yoho National Park)
• Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Guide
• Lake O’Hara Facebook Group

MORE HIKING TIPS:

• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear

The post Lake O’Hara Packing Lists for Hikers and Campers appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit is an 11-kilometre-long loop hike that circles Lake O’Hara on a series of airy ledges high above the lake. The route is actually made up of three trails: Wiwaxy Gap/Huber Ledges, Yukness Ledges, and All Soul’s Route.

Since this trail has some steep drops, it can seem a bit intimidating. I’ve hiked the ledge routes above Lake O’Hara twice (and I’m a hiking guidebook author) so I’ve got all the info you need to know to decide if this hike is right for you. (Spoiler: Most hikers agree that it isn’t as scary as it looks and the views are worth it.)

This guide to the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit includes:

• Quick info and trail stats for the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit hike including distance, duration, difficulty, best time to go, and lots more
• A Lake O’Hara map and elevation profile that shows key points
• How to get to Lake O’Hara: Info on driving directions to the parking lot, the shuttle bus, and walking up the access road.
• Key distances on the Alpine Circuit with kilometre markers and elevation
• Alpine Circuit Hiking Directions: Step-by-step directions for the Wiwaxy Gap/Huber Ledges, Yukness Ledges, and All Soul’s Route sections plus my recommended detour to Opabin Prospect
• Variations for the Alpine Circuit Hike: Side trails to add on or ways to make it shorter but still get great views.
• Lake O’Hara Hiking Tips: My advice for what to bring, how to prepare, and what you need to know

PS: If you want more info about Lake O’Hara including how to make reservations, where to stay, and other trails in the area, check out my full Lake O’Hara guide.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Quick Info and Trail Stats:

Here are the basic stats that you need to know about hiking the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit:

Duration: 4.5-8.5 hours

Distance: 11 km/6.8 mi (but my recommended route below adds an extra 0.7 km to visit an incredible viewpoint)

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 1,056 m/3,494 ft

Best Time to Go: July to late September

Permits and Fees: You must pay National Park entry fees ($11/person/day or $22/car/day). Reservations and fees ($25.50/person) required for the optional shuttle bus. (See the Getting There section below.)

Toilets: Outhouses near the trailhead (beside Le Relais). There are no other toilets on the Alpine Circuit.

Dogs: Allowed on leash on the Lake O’Hara trails and access road but prohibited on the shuttle bus and in the campground. Keep in mind that the steep terrain may not be appropriate for most dogs.

Caution: Many sections of the Alpine Circuit have sheer cliff edges and steep drop-offs where a slip could easily lead to injury or death. Use extra caution if the trail is wet, icy, or snowy. This is not a good trail for people who are afraid of heights.

Indigenous Context: Lake O’Hara is on the traditional territories of several Indigenous Nations, in particular, the Stoney Nakoda (Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce). Samuel Allen, a white American mountaineer, named these features using the Stoney language after hearing them from his Stoney guide.

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• reservation date reminders
  
• tips and tricks for getting a booking
• park advisories and conditions updates
  
• and lots more!

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Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Map and Elevation Profile

The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit trails are easy to follow with signs at every junction. There are also painted yellow and blue markers on rocks to keep you on track.

But to help you find your way, I made you a trail map using Gaia GPS, my favourite GPS mapping app. Click through to zoom in and explore. All Trails+ is also great. If you prefer a paper map, the Lake O’Hara Map by Gem Trek is the best one out there.

How to Get to Lake O’Hara

To get to Lake O’Hara you will first need to drive yourself to the parking lot. There is no public transportation available. From there, you will need to catch the shuttle bus or walk up the road.

Driving Directions

The Lake O’Hara parking lot is located in Yoho National Park in between the towns of Field, BC and Lake Louise, AB. It’s a 15-minute drive from Field and a 10-minute drive from Lake Louise. The turn-off from Highway 1 is well-signed. Click here for Google Maps driving directions.

You do have to cross train tracks to get into the parking lot, so allow yourself an extra 15 minutes in case you have to wait for a train.

Lake O’Hara Shuttle Bus

Lake O’Hara is 11 km up a gated gravel access road from the Lake O’Hara Parking Area. You can’t drive up the access road.

You can book a ride on the Lake O’Hara Shuttle Bus. Reservations for the entire season are assigned by lottery. In 2026, the lottery will be open for applications between March 2 and March 23.

However, you can keep checking back for cancellations or use a service like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

You can also get a ride on the Lake O’Hara shuttle if you book the Lake O’Hara Campground, the Elizabeth Parker Hut, or the Lake O’Hara Lodge. I’ve got lots more details on camping, the hut, the lodge, and the shuttle in my full guide to Lake O’Hara.

Walking the Lake O’Hara Road

If you can’t get a seat on the shuttle bus, you can also walk up the Lake O’Hara Road. It is 11 km each way with 425 m of elevation gain. Walking the road takes 3-4 hours. If there is space on the shuttle bus and you bring cash, you may be able to get a ride back down, but you shouldn’t count on it. It’s also worth noting that bikes aren’t allowed on the road.

Key Distances on the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit

Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Directions

The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit hike is a loop hike that starts and finishes at Le Relais, the cafe and info centre. There are three main sections to the hike: Wiwaxy Gap/Huber Ledges, Yukness Ledges, and the All Soul’s Route. I’ve also included an optional (but highly recommended) detour to Opabin Prospect that adds just 0.7 km to your hike.

I’ve broken up the trail description below into those three ledge sections as well as the Opabin Prospect detour. If you aren’t up to doing the whole Alpine Circuit, you can use the Lake O’Hara Lakeshore Trail and other connecting trails to do one or two sections. I’ve also got some suggestions for variations on the Alpine Circuit below.

The circuit is most often hiked in a clockwise direction starting with Wiwaxy Gap, so that’s the way I have described it here. That way you get the biggest climb out of the way first. You can hike it in the other direction, but it’s less optimal since the sun won’t be in the best place for photos. As well, the trail builders intended the route to be hiked clockwise, so there are more markers in that direction.

A quick note on hiking times: My estimated times might seem long. But keep in mind that the terrain requires slow and careful steps and that you will want to take a million photos.

Wiwaxy Gap/Huber Ledges

Distance: 3.8 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: 500 m

Elevation Loss: 260 m

Route: From the shore of Lake O’Hara up to Wiwaxy Gap, then down the Huber Ledges to finish at Lake Oesa.

Most people begin their hike of the Alpine Circuit with the steep ascent to Wiwaxy Gap and then on to the Huber Ledges. This means that you do the toughest climb and reach the trail’s high point first thing.

The trail starts opposite Le Relais and the bus stop. Follow the path to the lakeshore past a small historic Warden’s cabin. Stop for a few photos at the lake – the views of the cabins at Lake O’Hara Lodge are great. Then turn left to follow the Lake O’Hara trail around the lake and across a bridge over Cataract Brook. Ignore the trail going left before the bridge – it goes to the campground.

On the other side of the bridge, continue along the Lake O’Hara Trail as it winds along the shoreline for a few hundred meters. There are great views here too.

Watch for a signed junction going left to Wiwaxy Gap. Follow this trail steeply uphill through the trees. In a few minutes, the path enters a brushy avalanche chute and you begin to get some views of the slope above you as well as Lake O’Hara below you.

The climb is steep and steady, with lots of small switchbacks to help you upwards. About 0.8 km from the start, the grade eases for a moment as you traverse right under the base of a cliff. The climb begins again as you work your way upwards first through a few trees, then into the open gravel slopes. The views just keep getting better and better.

There are a few spots where you have to use some rock steps that may feel a tiny bit exposed, but nothing is too intimidating. Eventually, you will top out at Wixwaxy Gap 1.8 km from the start. You can look north through the gap to the slopes of Mount Victoria.

When you are ready, start your gradual descent down the Huber Ledges to Lake Oesa 2 km away. The Huber Ledges are named after Mount Huber since they follow cliff bands along its southern slope. The mountain is named after Emil Huber, a Swiss mountaineer who made several first ascents in the Rockies and Selkirks.

The views are incredible as you look down to Lake O’Hara, Lake Oesa and the smaller lakes in between. I was also lucky enough to spot mountain goats in this section.

Take your time on the ledges. There are a few narrow sections, but it isn’t as steep and precipitous as it looks from the valley floor. For most of the walk, you’ll be on a narrow trail between steep gravel slopes. There are very few places where it feels like a cliff.

Eventually, you will reach a junction with the Lake Oesa Trail coming in from your right. Go straight towards the lakeshore. This is a good spot to take a break (and maybe top up your water) before starting the next section. Lake Oesa gets its name from the word for “corner” in the Stoney language.

Yukness Ledges

Distance: 2.5 km

Time: 1-2 hours

Elevation Gain: 70 m

Elevation Loss: 90 m

Route: From Lake Oesa, along the Yukness Ledges to finish at Hungabee Lake on the Opabin Plateau.

The Yukness Ledges are often considered the easiest of the three ledges since they have the least elevation gain and loss. As well, they appear to be the least precipitous when viewed from the lake. However, those with a fear of heights may not like some of the terrain here as it is narrow and drops away sharply in a few spots.

These ledges are named after Yukness Mountain, since they skirt around its flank. Yukness means “sharpened” in the Sioux language. Samuel E. S. Allen, one of the early mountaineers in the area, chose the name to describe the mountain. However, the Sioux do not have traditional territory at Lake O’Hara – they are plains people.

Leaving Lake Oesa, follow the trail uphill across the rock slabs. It can be a bit indistinct in a few places and there are multiple options. But look for the paint on the rocks and head for the lake outlet stream to find the right way. Follow the trail markers to cross the stream and begin ascending a rocky slope.

After the trail begins to descend slightly, watch carefully for markers as the trail weaves through boulders. It is easy to get off-track here. (Ask me how I know!) Make sure you are following the markers as the trail descends and curls slightly right (northwest).

Reach the junction with the trail to Victoria Lake 4.5 km from the start (0.7 km from Lake Oesa). This is the official start of the Yukness Ledges. Follow the trail left as it travels across rock slabs. There are incredible views of Lake O’Hara, Odaray Mountain, and Cathedral Mountain. You can also look back to your route along the Huber Ledges.

Continue along the trail as it traverses more rock slabs, ledges, and scree slopes. There are a few places that look intimidating as you approach, but are not as scary once you are actually there. The trail reaches its high point and then turns to head south.

The final kilometre is along the base of a cliff. At first, your route is along a grassy ledge. But then it descends into a talus slope. Watch for curious marmots and pikas in the rocks here. There is some tricky footing and the last part of the descent is steeper, but some carefully placed rocks make the hiking easier.

Arrive at the shores of Hungabee Lake and the junction with the East Opabin Trail to finish the Yukness Ledges. Samuel Allen named the lake after the Stoney word for “chieftan” since it is higher than its neighbouring peaks.

Opabin Prospect Detour

Distance: 2 km

Time: 30-45 min

Elevation Gain: 30 m

Elevation Loss: 20 m

Route: Across the Opabin Plateau, detour to Opabin Prospect, and finish at the start of All Soul’s Route.

The traditional Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit makes a bee-line across Opabin Plateau from Hungabee Lake to the start of the All Soul’s Route. The bee-line option is 1.3 km long goes downhill on the East Opabin Trail, then goes left along Hungabee Lake to connect with the West Opabin Trail to the All Soul’s Route.

However, I think it’s worthwhile to take a 0.7 km detour along the Opabin Prospect Trail. This option takes you to one of the best views in the Lake O’Hara area. Find it by turning right just after the junction with the Opabin Highline Trail.

Follow the Opabin Prospect Trail as it winds past small lakes and through beautiful stands of larch trees, which are gorgeous when they turn yellow in late September.

The Trail emerges from the trees at a clifftop viewpoint. Lake O’Hara and Mary Lake are spread out below you. The rock slabs by the cliff are large so it doesn’t feel too scary. This is probably the most famous viewpoint and photo location at Lake O’Hara, so you don’t want to miss it.

When you are finished admiring the view, continue following the Opabin Prospect Trail as it loops back south and heads briefly downhill to a junction with the West Opabin Trail. Turn right and go downhill through a gully a few minutes to another junction. This is the official start of the All Soul’s Route.

All Soul’s Route

Distance: 3.4 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Elevation Gain: 225 m

Elevation Loss: 410 m

Route: Starts at the western side of the Opabin Plateau, climbs up to All Soul’s Prospect, then descends to pass Schaffer Lake and the Elizabeth Parker Hut on the Way back to Le Relais.

The final section of the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit is the All Soul’s Route. While this section doesn’t have any ledges, it does have a lot of steep gravel slopes that can feel quite exposed.

The All Soul’s Route starts at a junction on the West Opabin Plateau Trail. It climbs up through a rocky section and then along the top of a cliff (although well back from the edge so it isn’t scary).

Next, the route swings around to the northwest and starts the long climb up a gravel and scree slope. Since the slope is in the shade most of the day, snow can linger here. Microspikes and trekking poles can be helpful here early in the summer.

The final push to the top of All Soul’s Prospect is steep, but the view from the top is incredible. Lake O’Hara is directly below you and Wiwaxy Gap is just across the lake. The banded rock of Mount Huber is stunning. You can also look north to Elizabeth Parker Hut in the meadows far below you.

After you’ve taken a break at the viewpoint, you will need to tackle the descent to Schaffer Lake. This section is incredibly steep with many small switchbacks and rock steps. You will need to watch your step carefully in some areas.

Once you reach the trees, the steepest part is over. Ignore the Big Larches Trail going right and continue another few minutes to the junction with the Alpine Meadows Trail near the end of Schaffer Lake. Turn right and follow the Alpine Meadows Trail is heads downhill through thick forest.

Emerge from the forest into a meadow as you walk past the Elizabeth Parker Hut. More info about staying at this Alpine Club of Canada Hut is in my Lake O’Hara hiking and camping guide.

On the other side of the meadow, head back into the trees. Go left at a junction, following signs for Le Relais. Arrive at Le Relais and end your hike a few minutes later.

Be sure to grab a snack at Le Relais. The carrot cake is incredible, although it does sell out so you will need to hike fast. But their other baked goods are also tasty. And they have pop and ice cream too. All proceeds go to the non-profit Lake O’Hara Trails Club for trail maintenance and interpretive programs.

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Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Variations

There are lots of trail options at Lake O’Hara. Here are my recommendations for add-ons if you want to make the Alpine Circuit longer and some shorter hikes that just use part of the Alpine Circuit.

Alpine Circuit Add-Ons

If you have extra time and energy, here are a few options you could add on to the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit:

• Opabin Lake: A pretty little lake in an alpine basin. From Hungabee Lake, go left on the East Opabin Trail to Opabin Lake, then circle back on the West Opabin Trail. This adds 1 km and 50 m of elevation gain
• Lake McArthur: A huge deep blue lake in a glacial cirque. From Shaffer Lake turn left and follow the trail to Lake McArthur. You can make a loop by using the lower trail in one direction and the upper trail in another. Adds 4 km and 150 m of elevation gain to the Alpine Circuit.
• Odaray Grandview: A spectacular viewpoint above all of the lakes in the Lake O’Hara area. Turn left from Schaffer Lake, then right onto the McArthur Pass Trail to reach the trailhead for Odaray Grandview. Due to wildlife protection, only a few groups can use this trail per day so go early and do the Alpine Circuit in the reverse direction. Check the visitor log at the trailhead to see if it is full. The trail climbs up the slope to the viewpoint. This adds 3.6 km and 355 m to your trip.
• Big Larches/Lake O’Hara Lodge: Adds a brief walk along the shore of Lake O’Hara and a close-up view of the lodge cabins but skips Elizabeth Parker Hut. On the descent from All Soul’s Prospect, turn right onto the Big Larches Trail and follow it to the lake. Turn left, following the lake around the lodge buildings to return to Le Relais. Adds 0.8 km to your trip.

Partial Alpine Circuit

If there is snow on some of the ledges or you don’t want to do all of them, you can do each of the three ledge sections separately. You can also combine each ledge section with nearby scenery to make a beautiful loop. Look at the Lake O’Hara map to plan your trip. Or use some of these suggestions:

• Wiwaxy Gap/Huber Ledges/Lake Oesa: Head up to Wiwaxy Gap and along the Huber Ledges to Lake Oesa. Then follow the Lake Oesa Trail down to Lake O’Hara. Once at the lakeshore, you can choose which way to return along the lake. Distance: 6.5-7.5 km. Elevation Gain: 500 m. Time: 3.5-4.5 hours.
• Lake Oesa/Yukness Ledges/Opabin Prospect: Follow the trail along the north shore of Lake O’Hara to the Lake Oesa Trail. From Lake Oesa, take the Yukness Ledges to Hungabee Lake, then walk the Opabin Prospect Route. Head back to Lake O’Hara via the West Opabin Trail and use the lakeshore trail to get back to Le Relais. Distance: 9 km. Elevation Gain: 305 m. Time: 3-5 hours.
• Lake McArthur/All Soul’s Prospect: Combine a trip to Lake McArthur with a trip to All Soul’s Prospect. From this direction, it’s a stiff ascent and gentler descent. From Le Relais, take the Alpine Meadows Trail past Elizabeth Parker Hut to Schaffer Lake. Follow the Upper and Lower Lake McArthur trails to make a loop and return back to Schaffer Lake. Then go up and over All Soul’s Prospect. Use the West Opabin Trail and the lakeshore trail to return to Le Relais. Distance: 9.4 km. Elevation Gain: 560 m. Time: 4-5.5 hours.

Lake O’Hara Hiking Tips

After several trips, here are my top tips for hiking at Lake O’Hara:

• Join the Lake O’Hara Facebook group to get advice, ask questions, and get trail conditions updates.
• Make reservations as early as possible for the shuttle bus (or to stay at the campground, Elizabeth Parker Hut, or Lake O’Hara Lodge). See my full Lake O’Hara guide for more info.
• Check the weather so you know what to expect. Spotwx is my top picks for weather prediction, but I’ve got more choices in my guide to the best weather apps for hikers.
• Pack a rain jacket and warm layers, no matter what time of year you visit. The weather can change quickly. My Lake O’Hara packing list has more details.
• Bring microspikes if you plan to hike in June, early July, late September, or October. The trails will have snow and ice. (Read my guide to microspikes vs. crampons to find out what kind you need for hiking.
• Pack hiking poles – they can be helpful on the steep ascents and descents. They might also help you feel a bit more surefooted and balanced on the precarious ledge sections. They are also essential if there is now.
• Bring a water filter in hot weather. That way you won’t have to carry as much water. I like the tiny Katadyn BeFree since it is easy to fill and filter.
• Bring bear spray and keep it strapped to the outside of your pack. Lake O’Hara is grizzly bear country. Bear spray is especially important if you hike to Lake McArthur and the Odaray Highline. Read my guide to bear safety for more tips.
• Pack cash so you can buy snacks and souvenirs at Le Relais. Try to time your visit for early afternoon to get a slice of the famous carrot cake.
• Bring a map or GPS so you can plan your route. There are lots of signs at junctions so you won’t get lost, but a map (like the GemTrek Lake O’Hara Map) or a GPS app (like Gaia GPS or AllTrails+) lets you plan a route that hits the highlights.
• Hang on to your bus token. When you get on the bus to the lake, you will get a token (that looks like a poker chip). This is your ticket for the bus out. Keep it in a safe place! If you don’t have a token, you have to pay cash and aren’t guaranteed a ride out.
• Keep an eye on the time as you hike – you don’t want to miss the last shuttle bus!

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That’s everything you need to know to hike the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit in Yoho National Park. If you have questions, ask them in the comments as I would love to help.

READ NEXT:

• Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide (Yoho National Park)
• Lake O’Hara Packing Lists for Hikers and Campers
• Join the Lake O’Hara Facebook group
• Things to Do in Yoho National Park
• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• Backpacking the Yoho Valley Loop/Iceline Trail

The post 2026 Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

A few years ago, I FINALLY made it to Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. It’s such a gorgeous area that I actually struggle to describe it. Of course, there’s a brilliant blue-green alpine lake, with towering mountains reflected in its still waters. But there is also a truly fantastic trail system that leads away from the lake, up into the surrounding mountains.

But all of this gorgeous-ness is ridiculously hard to access. Parks Canada has a tightly controlled reservation system that ensures only a few people per day can hike and camp at Lake O’Hara. I did a ton of research before my trip (and spent a ton of time securing reservations for my group) and now I’m passing that info along to you.

In this guide, I’ve got everything you need to plan a hiking or camping trip to Lake O’Hara including:

• When is the best time to go to Lake O’Hara? Which months are best?
• How to book the bus and campground (Including updated information for the 2026 season!)
• What it’s like to camp at Lake O’Hara – What to expect and what to bring.
• Weather at Lake O’Hara – How cold does it get?
• Which Lake O’Hara hikes you should do – What is the best hike?

Join the Lake O’Hara Facebook group

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Lake O’Hara Basics

Lake O’Hara Map: I’ve made a custom google map for you (below). It’s got the locations of the campground, lodge, huts, parking lot, day-use shelter and each of the day hikes.

Location: Yoho National Park in British Columbia. The Lake O’Hara parking lot is 15 minutes west of Lake Louise. Lake O’Hara is 11km up a gated road from the parking lot. You can walk the road or book a shuttle bus. See the How to Get to Lake O’Hara section below for more info.

Permits and Reservations: You need a National Park pass to visit Lake O’Hara. As well, you need to make an advance reservation to take the shuttle bus or camp. See details below.

How Long to Spend at Lake O’Hara: 1-4 days.

Best Time to Go: July to early September. (More info on this in the when to go section)

What to Bring: Check out my Lake O’Hara packing list for hikers and campers.

Description: Lake O’Hara is a beautiful sub-alpine glacial lake surrounded by the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. There is an extensive network of trails that lead you around the lake, into nearby alpine basins, and up onto mountainside ledges with amazing views. Access to Lake O’Hara is strictly controlled with a reservation system, which means that it is never crowded.

Indigenous Land: Lake O’Hara is on the traditional territories of several Indigenous Nations, in particular, the Stoney Nakoda (Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce). Samuel Allen, a white American mountaineer, named these features using the Stoney language after hearing them from his Stoney guide.

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• tips and tricks for getting a booking
• park advisories and conditions updates
  
• and lots more!

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Best Time to Go to Lake O’Hara

Most people go to Lake O’Hara between mid-June and early October since that is when the shuttle buses run. For the best weather and snow-free trails, I think you should aim for mid-July to early September.

If you go in June and early July, the Alpine Circuit and other higher elevation trails will still have snow patches, which can be dangerously slippery. Some of the lakes may still have a bit of ice on them. There are also more bugs at that time of year and the weather can be a bit cooler and rainier.

I’ve been to Lake O’Hara both in early July and in late August. In July, the mosquitos were out at the campsite and there were still a few snow patches on parts of the Alpine Circuit. Lake Oesa was still partially ice-covered. In late August, there was no snow but we did have some wildfire smoke.

In late July and early August, the wildflowers peak and all the trails are snow-free. On average, the weather is also a bit warmer and there is less rain. 

Starting in mid-September, the weather gets colder and wetter. By the end of the month, Lake O’Hara will likely see its first snow. However, in late September the larch trees turn golden, which is pretty spectacular.

You can visit Lake O’Hara in the winter months by skiing or snowshoeing up the road. The Lake O’Hara Lodge is open in the winter or you can stay at the ACC Huts. The campground is closed.

Lake O’Hara Weather and Climate

Lake O’Hara sits high in the Canadian Rockies at an elevation of 2,020m (6,627 feet). It’s on the west side of the continental divide, which means it can be a bit wetter than nearby Banff. In general, it can be pretty chilly, even in the summer. It also rains a fair amount.

However, rainstorms often blow through quickly so don’t get upset if the forecast is for rain on your visit. We had rain, hail and beautiful sunshine all in the same day during our July visit. The evenings were also quite cold and I was glad I brought a puffy jacket.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

(Not sure what to bring to Lake O’Hara? Check out my Lake O’Hara packing list for hikers and campers.)

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How Long to Spend at Lake O’Hara

The length of your visit to Lake O’Hara will probably depend on which reservations you can get. If you can only get a reservation for the shuttle bus and don’t have overnight accommodation, obviously you’ll only be staying for one day. However, you can still see lots of this beautiful area!

If you do get overnight accommodation, plan to spend at least two nights in the area. Try to book the first bus in and the last bus out so that you get the most hiking time possible.

I spent three nights camping at Lake O’Hara (the maximum allowed) and that seemed like the perfect amount. We hiked almost all the trails and still had a little bit of flexibility to plan our hikes to match the weather. Plus if you stay overnight, you get to see the sunset and alpenglow at the lake. Sublime!

How to Get to Lake O’Hara

Although there is a road right to the shores of Lake O’Hara, you can’t drive there. The gravel road is 11 km (7 mi) long and is gated. To get to Lake O’Hara you have to walk the road or take the Parks Canada shuttle bus. (There’s also a private bus for guests of the Lake O’Hara Lodge. See the accommodation section below for more info.)

The Lake O’Hara parking lot is 15 minutes west of Lake Louise in Banff National Park and 15 minutes east of the town of Field in Yoho National Park. Click here for Google maps directions. If you leave your car in the Lake O’Hara parking lot, you need to purchase a National Parks pass and leave it on your dash.

There is no public transportation to the Lake O’Hara parking lot – you will need to drive yourself. If you flew into Calgary, it’s easiest to rent a car there. You can also rent a car in Banff. I use Discover Cars because it lets you compare prices from lots of different companies. That way you know you are getting the best deal.

If you are booked on an early morning bus to Lake O’Hara, you should stay nearby the night before. Yoho National Park has several campgrounds. I stayed at the Takakkaw Falls walk-in campground the night before my Lake O’Hara trip. It has great views of the waterfall.

If you don’t want to camp, the closest places to book a hotel or B&B are Field, BC or Lake Louise, Alberta. Here’s a great guide to Lake Louise if you’re planning to spend some time in the area. And don’t miss these great Lake Louise restaurants.

Lake O’Hara Bus Booking

Parks Canada runs a shuttle bus service for day hikers, campers and people staying at the ACC huts. They use a school bus, so it’s not that comfortable.

The bus leaves from the parking lot near highway 1 and stops both at the campground and the Le Relais day-use shelter at Lake O’Hara. (See the map at the top of the post for exact locations.)

The bus runs several times a day from mid-June until early October. You MUST have a reservation to take the bus and they are VERY hard to get. In 2025, the bus ran daily between June 20 and October 5. I expect the 2026 dates to be similar.

If you are camping, your booking includes a shuttle bus reservation. (See the camping section below.)

Lake O’Hara Day-Use Bus Reservation Lottery

All day-use bus reservations for Lake O’Hara are via a random draw. (It is essentially a lottery but Parks Canada doesn’t call it that because they are the federal government and they can’t look like they are running a gambling operation.)

Note: The reservation opening dates for campers are different. See the camping section below.

Here’s everything you need to know to get a reservation:

• Applications for the 2026 day-use shuttle bus lottery will be open between March 2 and March 23, 2026 on the Parks Canada reservations website.
• Each application to the lottery costs $10. The application fee is non-refundable so if you don’t win, you lose that money.
• In your application you can choose the number of people in your group and up to 6 different in-bound bus dates and times, listed in order of preference.
• Parks Canada will randomly draw applications in April. If your application is drawn, they will try to give you your first through sixth choices in order of preference as long as there are enough seats available on the day you chose.
• If your application is successful, Parks Canada will email you. You then have 14 days to sign in to your Parks Canada account and finalize your reservation by paying the day-use bus fees for each person in your group and a reservation fee.

My Tips for Getting a Reservation 

• Keep your group small. Your chances of getting a reservation are lower if you apply for a big group.
• Apply for less popular days. Avoid weekends and holidays. Consider applying for spots in June, late-September, and October.
• Have everyone in your group submit an application to maximize your chances.

What to Do If You Don’t Get a Reservation

Don’t freak out in early April. It will take them some time to contact everyone who “wins” the lottery and then those people have to log-in to confirm within 14 days. Some of those people won’t end up claiming their reservations. Those reservations go back into the pool, so Parks Canada will continue drawing names all month.

When the entire random-draw lottery process is over, Parks Canada will email you to tell you your application was not successful. Parks Canada will also release all unclaimed reservations onto the reservation website for anyone to book. As well, people’s plans change and there are often a fair amount of cancellations.

So, If you didn’t win the lottery, don’t give up. Keep checking the website to see if any spots become available as people cancel. Or use a camping cancellation notification app like Campnab or Schnerp to get notified as soon as a cancellation becomes available.

In previous years you used to be able to try to go stand-by by showing up at the parking lot in the morning and and hoping there was a no-show. However, as of 2024, Parks Canada is no longer allowing stand-bys so this strategy no longer works.

READ NEXT: BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

Lake O’Hara Bus Fees

Round Trip Bus: $25.50/person

Reservation Fee (non-refundable): $12.75/booking

Lake O’Hara 2026 Bus Schedule

Operation dates for the 2026 season have not been announced yet. In 2025, the bus operated daily between October 20 and October 5. I expect the 2026 dates to be similar.

All times are in the Mountain Time zone.

When you make your Lake O’Hara booking for the shuttle bus, you will need to choose a departure time. Be at the bus stop at least 20 minutes before departure. If you aren’t there 10 minutes before departure, they might give your seat away to walk-ups!

To get to the Lake O’Hara parking lot you will need to cross a set of train tracks. Sometimes trains can block the road for a few minutes. Plan to arrive extra early just in case you get held up by a train.

You don’t need to reserve a bus on the way back out. But if you miss the last bus at 6:30 pm, you have to walk all the way back down the road! In order to get on out-going bus you need a token.

The bus driver will give you your token on the in-going bus. Don’t lose it! If you do you will have to take the out-going bus on stand-by so there might not be room for you. You’ll also have to pay again.

Hiking to Lake O’Hara

If you can’t get a reservation for the shuttle bus, you can hike into Lake O’Hara. You will need to walk up the 11 km (7 mile) long road from the parking lot to the lake. The road gains about 400 meters of elevation (1300 feet), but it is never very steep.

Most hikers will be able to walk up in about 2.5 to 3 hours. In the winter you can also ski or snowshoe up the road. The Lake O’Hara Lodge sets ski tracks.

If you hiked the road up to Lake O’Hara, you may be able to take the bus back down if there is room. Bring cash for the bus fee. However, people who paid for a round-trip get priority so it may be full. Be prepared to hike all the way back down again.

Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend hiking the road to Lake O’Hara. By the time you get up to the lake, you won’t have enough time to do any of the wonderful day hikes. If you can’t get a bus reservation, I would just save visiting Lake O’Hara for another trip when you can get reservations.

Accommodation at Lake O’Hara

There are three places to stay overnight at Lake O’Hara: the basic Parks Canada campground, shared accommodation at the Alpine Club of Canada huts, and the luxurious Lake O’Hara Lodge. You will need to book FAR in advance for all of them.

Alpine Club of Canada Elizabeth Parker Huts

The Elizabeth Parker huts are two small log cabins located in an alpine meadow about 500m from Le Relais day-use shelter. The Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) owns the huts and handles bookings. The huts can accommodate 24 people total on basic shared bunks.

The huts are VERY popular so the ACC actually runs a lottery to allocate spaces. The Elizabeth Parker Hut lottery runs each winter and costs $16 to enter. The lottery for the 2026 summer season is open between December 15, 2025 and January 30, 2026.

If you win a spot in the lottery, it’s $60/night for ACC members and $70/night for non-members. When you book a spot in the hut you also get a seat on the Parks Canada shuttle bus.

READ NEXT: Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

Lake O’Hara Lodge

If roughing it isn’t your style, splurge on a stay at the luxurious Lake O’Hara Lodge. They have amazing lakeside cabins, plus lodge rooms. All meals are included, you get to use their canoes, and they’ll even shuttle you up there on their private bus.

But you’ll need to save your pennies if you want to stay here… rooms start at $990 a night! As well, you need to book far in advance – typically at least a year ahead if not longer.

If you’re not staying at the lodge, you can still enjoy a bit of luxury. The lodge serves afternoon tea each day from 3-4pm and lunch at noon. Hikers are welcome if there is space but must pay cash and make reservations at the front desk that morning.

Lake O’Hara Campground

The campground at Lake O’Hara is pretty unique. I would describe it as a backcountry campground with front country amenities. It is located about 500 meters from Lake O’Hara, making it a great place to base yourself for day hikes. The campground has just 30 sites and is VERY popular.

Lake O’Hara Campground Reservations

Campground bookings for Lake O’Hara are some of the most sought-after camping reservations you can make.

In 2026, Lake O’Hara camping reservations open on Feburary 10, 2026 at 8am MT. (Note: Reservations were originally scheduled to open on January 22, but were postponed due to a Parks Canada IT problem.) You need to book on the Parks Canada Reservation website.

When you make your reservation, you will need to choose your bus departure time. You don’t need to reserve a bus on the way back out.

The system will make you pick a campsite when you make your reservation. But it doesn’t matter which one you pick because when you check in on the first day, a park staffer will assign you a site.

My Tips for Getting a Reservation 

• If you don’t have one already, set up an account on the Parks Canada reservation site ahead of time.
• Have a few different sets of dates in mind and be prepared to pick a back-up date. 
• Get on the reservation website half an hour early and log in. Everyone who logs in before 8am will be placed in the booking queue at random and will be able to access the site when it’s their turn. If you log in after 8am, you’ll go to the back of the line.
• Get everyone in your group to go try for reservations. You can add reservations to your cart, then check in with your friends to see who has the best dates secured before you check out and pay.
• If you don’t get a reservation, don’t freak out. You can keep checking back to see if anyone cancels. An even better idea is to use an app like Campnab or Schnerp which scans for you, then lets you know when there is an opening. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I like best.

Lake O’Hara Campground Fees

Round Trip Bus: $25.50/person

Camping fees: $15.00/night/person

Reservation fee: $12.75/booking

Lake O’Hara Campground Rules

• Maximum stay is 3 nights
• You can book up to 2 campsites on the same reservation
• Only 1 tent per site – max 4-person size.
• Maximum 4 people per campsite
• One large bag or two small bags per person (maximum weight 25 kg/55 lbs; maximum length 97 cm/38 inches). A soft-sided cooler counts as one of your bags. 
• No hockey bags, hard-sided coolers, or plastic bins allowed.
• No musical instruments, electronics, chairs or hammocks allowed.
• All food and scented items must be stored in lockers. One 60x50x60 locker per campsite. (More details below.)
• Bring a backpacking stove to cook on. 

Lake O’Hara Campground Amenities

The Lake O’Hara campground is set up a bit like a backcountry campground. There is a central common area for eating, cooking, and food storage. The campsites are arranged along a loop pathway behind the common area. For a complete list of what you need to bring, see my Lake O’Hara packing list.

Choosing a campsite:

When you arrive, a Parks Canada staff member will greet your bus and help you check in. You may get assigned a campsite and have no choice. But if you do have a choice, here’s what to keep in mind:

Campsites 1 to 13 are on the trail to the right. These campsites are closer together.

Campsites 14 to 29 are up the stairs behind the fire pit. They are spaced slightly further apart and have more privacy. We got spots 27 and 28. We liked how quiet they were, even though it was a slightly longer walk to the cooking area and bathrooms.

The campsites are not all the same size, but they are all fairly small and will fit a 4-person tent or smaller.

Cooking Area: For bear safety, you must do all your cooking and eating in the central common area. There are two small kitchen shelters. Each one has a few picnic tables and a wood stove. They get really crowded on rainy days. There are also lots of picnic tables outside the shelters.  

Food Lockers: The common area also has large metal food lockers. They are numbered and your food locker number is the same as your campsite number. The lockers are about 60cmDx50cmHx60cm. You need to store all your food, dishes and scented items in your locker. You can bring a padlock, but we didn’t bother.

Storage Hut: You need to be off your tent pad by 10:30 am on the last day of your stay. But if you want to go for a hike before heading home, you can store your gear inside the storage hut.

Water: Lake O’Hara campground has potable water that doesn’t need to be treated or filtered. There are two large sinks next to the bathroom building for filling your water bottle or doing your dishes. 

Bathrooms: The bathroom building has pit toilets. Parks Canada supplies toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Campfires: There is a large shared fire ring outside, or you can light a fire in the wood stove in either kitchen shelter. There’s lots of free firewood, but you have to split it yourself. Thankfully Parks Canada provides an axe.

Garbage and Recycling: There are bearproof garbage cans in the common area. There is also a bearproof bin for recycling. However, you can only recycle refundable beverage cans and bottles. You need to pack out other kinds of recycling.

Information Boards: There are notice boards in the campground with updated information on hiking trail conditions and weather forecasts. They also have info on the history and ecology of Lake O’Hara, plus a campground map.

Join the Lake O’Hara Facebook group

Le Relais Day Use Shelter

The Le Relais Day Use Shelter serves as Lake O’Hara’s info centre, museum, event space, coffee shop, and gift shop. All proceeds go back to the park through the Lake O’Hara Trails Club.

You can find Le Relais at the end of the Lake O’Hara road across from the warden cabin, just before the Lake O’Hara Lodge. It’s a 500m walk from the Lake O’Hara campground. It’s open every day from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. They only accept cash, so be sure to bring some.

Le Relais has lots of food and drink for sale including pop, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, ice cream, sandwiches, and granola bars. They also serve their famous carrot cake that sells out every day by mid-afternoon.

They have benches inside and a covered porch outside to if you want to sit and sip your coffee. There’s a wood stove inside too, so it’s nice and toasty warm on chilly days.

If you want souvenirs, they also have postcards, t-shirts, books, and posters. They also have posted trail conditions, weather forecasts, and area info. If you need a map, you can buy one as well.

The walls have interpretive displays about plants and animals found in the Lake O’Hara. A few nights a week, Le Relais hosts an interpretive talk by a Park Ranger or ecology expert. On my visit, we went to a great talk about Lake O’Hara’s birdlife. It included a really fun role-playing game where we pretended to be owls.

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Hiking at Lake O’Hara

There are lots of trails to choose from at Lake O’Hara. They are all well marked and well maintained. In fact, some of them are so beautifully constructed that the trail is a destination in itself. Lawrence Grassi, an Italian immigrant to Canada, can take the credit for many of these beautiful trails.

The trails range from flat and easy, to steep and difficult. Some of the trails may also pose challenges for those uncomfortable with heights. But no matter which trail you hike at Lake O’Hara, it’s bound to be spectacular.

As well, most of the trails connect easily to each other, so it’s possible to create your own loops or variations. The classic, and most popular option is the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit.

Here are my suggestions for the best day hikes in the Lake O’Hara area.

Lake O’Hara Lakeshore Trail 

Distance: 3km loop; Time: 1-1.5 hours; Elevation Gain: Minimal; Difficulty: Easy

The flat walk around the shore of Lake O’Hara is one of the easiest hikes in the area. It also has a great reward-to-effort ratio since you get great views all the way around the lake. Start and finish your hike at the shoreline benches near the Warden Cabin across the road from Le Relais.

If you have the time and energy, make the short detour up the side trail to Seven Veils Falls at the far side of the lake. It’s really steep but it is worth the trip to see the falls as they emerge from the gravel hillside. They don’t have a stream feeding them – they just pop out of the hill!

Lake Oesa Trail

Distance: 6.5km return, Time: 2-2.5 hours; Elevation Gain: 240m; Difficulty: Moderate

The trail to Lake Oesa is probably the most beautiful trail at Lake O’Hara. The trail rises next to a rushing waterfall and passes some small lakes before emerging at beautiful Lake Oesa. Along the way, the trail traverses beautiful hand-hewn rock steps.

The jewel-blue lake is surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. (FYI in the Stoney Language Oesa is pronounced “oh-EE-suh” and means “ice”.)

To get there, start at the shore of Lake O’Hara across the road from Le Relais. Turn left and follow the Lakeshore trail clockwise around the lake. Ignore the first trail junction, which goes to Wiwaxy Gap and Huber ledges. Take the trail left at the next junction, with the sign for Lake Oesa.

The trail switchbacks up the hill, then passes Victoria Falls and tiny Victoria Lake. (My friend’s 9-year-old insisted it should be called “Gatorade Lake” for its intense blue colour.) When you reach Lake Oesa, grab a spot on one of the rock slabs to take a break and soak up the views.

Return the way you came or take the Yukness Ledges portion of the Alpine Circuit over to the Opabin Plateau.

Opabin Plateau and Opabin Prospect

Distance: 8.5km loop; Time: 3.5-4 hours; Elevation Gain: 250m; Difficulty: Moderate

Some of the most Instagram-famous images from Lake O’Hara were taken at Obapin Prospect. It’s definitely a picturesque place! On the Opabin Plateau hike, you’ll climb steeply up to a grassy plateau dotted with alpine lakes and larch trees, then detour out to a rocky promontory with great views. (Opabin means “rocky” in the Stoney language and is pronounced “oh-PAY-ben”.)

Start the hike on the shores of Lake O’Hara near Le Relais. Go left (clockwise) around the lake, ignoring the turn-offs to Wiwaxy Gap, Lake Oesa, and Seven Veil Falls. Turn left onto the East Opabin Trail and follow it as it climbs up through the trees to Opabin Plateau and passes by Moor Lakes, Hungabee Lake, and several trail junctions.

Take a break at Opabin Lake to marvel at the Opabin Glacier before following the West Obapin Trail down the other side of the valley.

At a four-way junction, follow the trail to Opabin Prospect, a spectacular viewpoint on a series of rocky ledges. After the viewpoint, the Opabin Prospect trails loops back to rejoin the West Obapin Trail as it descends steeply through a rockslide back down to the shores of Lake O’Hara. Follow the Lakeshore trail past the Lodge and back to Le Relais to finish your hike.

Lake McArthur

Distance: 7.5km loop; Time: 3.5-4 hours; Elevation Gain: 290m; Difficulty: Moderate

The trail to Lake McArthur takes you outside the core Lake O’Hara area. This means that it is a little bit less busy, but it’s still very spectacular. Lake McArthur is bigger than Lake O’Hara, but what makes it really stand out is its intensely deep blue colour.

With a few different trail options, you can also make your hike to Lake McArthur into an enjoyable loop trip. The trail to Lake McArthur passes through McArthur pass, a grizzly bear travel corridor. Make noise in this area and travel in groups.

Start your hike at Le Relais by following the Alpine Meadows trail to the Elizabeth Parker Huts. Continue on the Alpine Meadows Trail as it climbs up to Schaffer Lake, a small subalpine tarn. From here you have a choice of routes: right through the trees to McArthur Pass or left up a rocky slope. They meet back up after 0.8km so choose one option on the way there, and the other on the way back.

Shortly after the trails reconnect, take a left onto the McArthur High Level Route. The trail climbs steeply through a rockslide with one short scrambly move before continuing into meadows above Lake McArthur. Descend the rock slabs to the lake for a lunch break.

On the way back take the Lake McArthur Low Level Route through more mellow terrain back to the junction. Watch for pikas in the rockslides. Back at Schaffer Lake follow the Big Larches trail downhill and through a rockslide. At a junction, turn left to follow the trail back towards Le Relais and the end of your hike.

Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit

Distance: 12.5km loop; Time: 6.5-7 hours; Elevation Gain: 990m; Difficulty: Challenging; More Info: Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Guide.

If you’ve heard anything about hiking at Lake O’Hara, you’ve probably heard about the Alpine Circuit. This route links together three different sections of ledges to create an alpine traverse high above Lake O’Hara. The route gives you incredible views of Lake O’Hara in all directions. I’ve got a super-detailed guide to hiking the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit in a separate post.

Unlike the rest of the trails at Lake O’Hara, the Alpine Circuit is for experienced hikers only. It traverses along steep ledges that can be narrow in places and have huge drop-offs. Snow can linger along the route, making for treacherous conditions. However, if you’re an experienced and fit hiker, and aren’t afraid of heights, you should have no problem with this route.

It’s also worth noting that the All Soul’s Route holds snow longer into the season than the other two, making it more challenging (and scary) earlier in the year.

The circuit starts at Lake O’Hara, across the road from Le Relais. Turn left and follow the lakeshore trail to the first junction where you go left. From here you have the steepest climb of the whole day. You’ll gain 500m over just 1.9km up to Wiwaxy Gap at 2,530m.

From the gap, traverse and gradually descend across the Huber Ledges for 2km to Lake Oesa. Next, follow the more mellow Yukness ledges for 2.3km around the shoulder of Yukness Mountain to emerge on the Opabin Plateau. Follow the trail further into the valley to Opabin Lake, then start climbing again on the All Soul’s Alpine Route.

Top out on All Soul’s Prospect at 2,435m, then descend steeply on switchbacks to Schaffer Lake. Follow the Alpine Meadows trail downhill to the Elizabeth Parker Hut, then walk back through the trees to Le Relais.

And if you’re curious about those Stoney place names, here’s a quick translation: Wiwaxy means “windy” and is pronouced “whee-WAX-ee”. Yukness (“YUCK-ness”) means “sharpened”.

Join the Lake O’Hara Facebook group

Additional Lake O’Hara Day Hikes

There are even more hike possibilities at Lake O’Hara. I haven’t done any of these, and from my research, they seem either less awesome or waaaay more difficult than the hikes above. However, if you have lots of time in the area, I think they sound worthwhile. Plus, you are more likely to have them to yourself.

Odaray Grandview: A high alpine route to a spectacular viewpoint where you can see both Lake O’Hara and Lake McArthur at once. Since this is a grizzly bear travel corridor, there are travel restrictions for this area and only a few groups a day may hike it. More info on the Parks Canada website.

Linda Lake and Morning Glory Lake: A low elevation loop hike through the forest that visits several sub-alpine lakes. It’s a good place to see early season wildflowers. It’s also a good option for rainy weather. More info.

Cathedral Prospect: An extension of the Linda Lake trail that weaves through meadows, then climbs up to a viewpoint. From the top, you get great views of the lakes in the Duchesnay Basin, as well as Lake O’Hara in the distance. More info.

Abbot Pass Hut: An extension of the hike to Lake Oesa up to the site of the now-dismantled Abbot Pass Hut. It sits on the continental divide and was the highest permanent structure in Canada. This isn’t really a hike – it’s an off-trail scramble requiring route finding, lots of elevation gain, and travel through unstable rocks and boulders. Bring a helmet for safety. More info.

More Resources

• Sign up for my Lake O’Hara newsletter. I send out updates a few times a year with key info about reservation dates, trail conditions, and tips.
• The Parks Canada website has tons of information about Lake O’Hara including camping, buses and trail descriptions.
• If you’re looking for a hiking guide book, I really like Don’t Waste Your Time in the Canadian Rockies. It has detailed info about all the best day hikes in the Lake O’Hara area. Plus it has their signature super-opinionated style.
• If you plan to hike at Lake O’Hara, a topographic map is essential. I used Gem Trek’s Lake Louise and Yoho map (which includes a Lake O’Hara inset). It has trail distances on it, which was REALLY helpful for trip planning.
• For a complete list of what to bring to Lake O’Hara, check out my Lake O’Hara packing lists.
• The Alpine Circuit is a must-do hike. Read my Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit hiking guide to see if this challenging hike is the right for your group.
• And don’t forget to check out the Lake O’Hara Facebook group to get advice from other campers and hikers.

Get Lake O’Hara Updates in your inbox!

I’ll send you key Lake O’Hara updates a few times a year including:

• reservation date reminders
  
• tips and tricks for getting a booking
• park advisories and conditions updates
  
• and lots more!

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Now you have all the info you need to plan your trip to Lake O’Hara. It’s such a special place and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did. If you have any questions about planning a trip to Lake O’Hara, please let me know in the comments. I’m always happy to help.

More Lake O’Hara Resources:

• Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Guide
• Lake O’Hara Packing Lists for Hikers and Campers
• Lake O’Hara Facebook Group
• Things to Do in Yoho National Park

More Canadian Rockies Posts:

• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies
• Backpacking the Yoho Valley Loop/Iceline Trail
• Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

The post 2026 Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide (Yoho National Park) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The destinations in this post are all world-class. If you had to pick just one Canadian Rockies backpacking trip, you would love any of the trips on this list.

I’ve chosen trips in Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks as well as ones in Mount Robson and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Parks. The trips range from two to seven days long. Most trips are rated moderate, but a few are challenging.

A quick note: All of the trips on this list are popular destinations in fragile ecosystems. To protect these special places from overcrowding, you must make advance reservations. Info on how to reserve each trip is below.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Curious about where all of these trips are located? I made a handy Google Map for you that shows where you can find each of my picks for the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. Click on the map to zoom in.

Berg Lake Trail, Mount Robson Provincial Park

Heads up: The Berg Lake Trail was partially closed since it suffered extensive damage due to flooding in 2021. However it fully reopened in 2025.

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 42 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 800 m

Best Months: July to early September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via BC Parks.

The Trail: The beautiful Berg Lake Trail follows the Robson River uphill past turquoise Kinney Lake and lots of waterfalls. Your destination is Berg Lake where glaciers from Mount Robson calve icebergs into the lake. I was happy we planned a couple extra days at the lake to day hike to Snowbird Pass, Hargreaves Lake, and Toboggan Falls.

READ NEXT: My Berg Lake Trail guide

Did you know you can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Tonquin Valley, Jasper National Park

Duration: 2 to 5 days

Distance: 43 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 900 m

Best Months: mid-July to mid-September.

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This is one of the most popular backpacking trips in Jasper National Park thanks to the incredible views of the Ramparts mountain range. The horseshoe-shaped trail lets you do it as a point-to-point hike so you can enjoy new scenery each day. I haven’t done this one yet, but it’s at the top of my to-do list.

More Info: See Jasper National Park for trail info and reservations.

Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 44 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1330 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: I loved the Skyline Trail since it spends almost its entire length above the treeline. You get to wander across ridgelines and through high meadows. The trail crosses three passes, and each one has incredible views. I was also lucky enough to spot tons of marmots and some big horn sheep.

READ NEXT: My Skyline Trail guide

Heads up! Thanks to a hiker shuttle, you can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Brazeau Loop, Jasper National Park

Duration: 5 to 7 days

Distance: 81 km loop

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 1880 m

Best Months: mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This lollipop-shaped loop is one of the more challenging backpacking trips in Jasper National Park. The route crosses three wildflower-filled mountain passes and includes several river fords. It is also a great place to spot wildlife including endangered caribou.

More Info: See Jasper National Park for trail info and reservations.

Yoho Valley Loop/Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 28 km loop

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 1700 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This beautiful hike in the Yoho Valley incorporates the Iceland and Whaleback Trails to make a loop. Along the way, you will pass by several waterfalls and get great views of glaciers. There are several backcountry campgrounds and huts to stay at.

READ NEXT: My Yoho Valley Loop trail guide

Lake O’Hara, Yoho National Park

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 0-22 km round trip

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Elevation Gain: 0-400 m

Best Months: July to September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada. Or book online via the Alpine Club of Canada for the Elizabeth Parker Hut.

The Trail: Lake O’Hara isn’t really a backpacking trip, but it is backcountry camping in a pretty stunning location, so I thought it was worth including on this list. If you reserve a campsite at Lake O’Hara or a bunk in the nearby Elizabeth Parker Hut, your booking includes a guaranteed spot on the hard-to-book bus to the lake. From there, you can do the most spectacular hike in the Canadian Rockies: the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. If you visit outside of the summer season, you can walk the road (11 km each way) and stay in the hut. This is by far my favourite place in the Canadian Rockies and should be on everyone’s must-do list.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Lake O’Hara guide. For reservation info, see Yoho National Park. For the Elizabeth Parker Hut, see the Alpine Club of Canada. And join the Lake O’Hara Facebook group for trail conditions and updates.

READ NEXT: My Lake O’Hara guide

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Skoki Loop, Banff National Park

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Distance: 33.5 km loop

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1,295 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This lollipop loop trip starts near the Lake Louise ski area, and then heads up into the mountains. Your route makes a loop past several picturesque lakes and Skoki Lodge, a National Historic Site. There are lots of options to extend your trip with scrambles up peaks or hikes to nearby lakes.

More Info: See my Skoki Loop trail guide.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Sawback Trail, Banff National Park

Duration: 4 to 7 days

Distance: 74 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Challenging

Elevation Gain: 730 m

Best Months: Late July to September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This is one of the longer backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. It leads through the mountains between Banff and Lake Louise in a region that sees a bit less traffic than other parts of the park. The route crosses three mountain passes and spends of time in gorgeous alpine meadows.

More Info: See Banff National Park for trail info and reservations.

Egypt Lake (Gibbon, Whistling, and Healy Passes), Banff National Park

Duration: 2-4 days

Distance: 24.6 km round trip to Egypt Lake only or 38.7 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 510 to 1270 m

Best Months: Mid-July to September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: This trip takes you up the popular Healy Pass Trail to beautiful Egypt Lake. You can make a base camp there and day hike to nearby lakes and peaks. Another option is to keep hiking on a point-to-point traverse that takes you over Whistling and Gibbon passes to end on Highway 93 at Arnica Lake

READ NEXT: My Egypt Lake Trail guide

Did you know that you can get to this hike without a car?! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Rockwall Trail, Kootenay National Park

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 55 km point-to-point hike

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 2260 m

Best Months: Late July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. Book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: So far, the Rockwall is my favourite backpacking trip in the Canadian Rockies. It traverses the mountains of Kootenay National Park beside the imposing cliffs of the Rockwall. Almost the entire hike has amazing views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildflowers.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Rockwall Trail guide. For reservation info, see Kootenay National Park. And join the Rockwall Trail Facebook group for trail conditions and updates.

READ NEXT: My Rockwall Trail guide

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Mount Assiniboine, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

Duration: 4 to 6 days

Distance: 52 to 55 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 430-480 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Reservations Required: Yes. For sites at Magog and Og Lakes (the main destination) book online via BC Parks. For sites in Banff National Park on the way to Assiniboine, book online via Parks Canada.

The Trail: The hikes around Magog Lake in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park are incredible. But it’s a long hike to get there – most groups hike in from either the Sunshine or Mount Shark trailheads over two days. Thankfully both options have incredible scenery along the way.

More Info: More Info: Get details in my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide. See Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park for reservations. See Banff National Park for info on access trails and reservations for camping on those trails. Join the Mount Assiniboine Facebook group for the latest updates and trail conditions.

READ NEXT: My Assiniboine hiking guide

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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How many of these backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies have you done? And what other trips should be on this list? Leave them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• Berg Lake Trail: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
• Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide (Yoho National Park)
• Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• Hike the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park
• Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide
• Egypt Lake, Banff Backpacking Guide
• 31 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.