Lake O’Hara is held up by many as the finest hiking destination in the Canadian Rockies. Access to the area is limited, so you can enjoy a sublime landscape without many other people on the trail.
With its spiderweb network of trails to alpine tarns and high viewpoints, Lake O’Hara is worthy of all the kudos. Highlights include wildflowers in early summer, golden larches in September, lakes and watercourses galore, and spectacular Main Range geology. It’s a landscape where the beauty comes in all scales, from tiny lichen gardens to some of the biggest peaks in the Canadian Rockies.
Hiking at O’Hara is challenging, with almost no truly flat or gentle paths. I recommend that hikers have at least a moderate fitness level and some prior hiking experience to feel comfortable there. Trails to the three main side valleys – Oesa, Opabin and McArthur – all gain about 250 metres / 800 feet, and the more challenging “alpine ledges” will test your legs and lungs, with climbs of over 500 metres / 1700 feet.
- Full Day (7-9 hours)
- 1-5 People CDN $629 for the group
- plus bus and reservation fees (varies with group size)
- plus 5% GST
Add a Great Divide baseball hat for only $30. We will have your hat ready and waiting at the beginning of the hike!
Check out the story of our travelling hat!
- Season: July 1 – September 30, 2025
- Maximum of 5 people, plus guide. Lake O’Hara has a six person restriction on all groups.
- Children at least 8 years old are welcome. Infants under 12 months of age are welcome in carriers.
- All participants are required to sign a waiver releasing Great Divide Nature Interpretation from liability before the trip begins.
- Great Divide has access to a small quota of guided hiking spots at Lake O’Hara. Reservations are not guaranteed until the reservation system opens in April of each year.
- Parks Canada charges bus and reservation fees. Bus fees in 2024 were $24 per person; the reservation fee was $13.50. Fees subject to change, and won’t be announced until spring, 2025.
- Inbound buses are at 8:30 or 10:30 a.m. On some days, only one of these times may be available.
- Outbound buses are at 2:30 or 4:30 p.m.
- I do not provide transportation. We meet at either your hotel in Lake Louise, after which we convoy to the Lake O’Hara parking lot, or we meet directly at the Lake O’Hara parking lot.
- Lake O’Hara parking lot is a 15 minute drive from Lake Louise or Field, BC, a 55 minute drive from Banff town, 1.25 hours from Canmore and 2.25 hours from Calgary.
- For more details, see Hiking FAQs.
- Birdwatching
- Join Joel for a half day or full day birdwatching tour, complete with tips and tidbits.
- Special Theme Hikes
- Explore one fascinating topic about the nature of the Canadian Rockies.
2025 Prices
Full Day (7-9 hours)
1-5 People CDN $629 for the group
plus bus and reservation fees (varies with group size)
plus 5% GST
A portion of our revenue is donated to wildlife and wilderness conservation.
Add a Great Divide baseball hat for only $30. We will have your hat ready and waiting at the beginning of the hike!
Check out the story of our travelling hat!
What You Need to Know
- Season: July 1 – September 30, 2025
- Maximum of 5 people, plus guide. Lake O’Hara has a six person restriction on all groups.
- Children at least 8 years old are welcome. Infants under 12 months of age are welcome in carriers.
- All participants are required to sign a waiver releasing Great Divide Nature Interpretation from liability before the trip begins.
- Great Divide has access to a small quota of guided hiking spots at Lake O’Hara. Reservations are not guaranteed until the reservation system opens in April of each year.
- Parks Canada charges bus and reservation fees. Bus fees in 2024 were $24 per person; the reservation fee was $13.50. Fees are subject to change, and won’t be announced until spring, 2025.
- Inbound buses are at 8:30 or 10:30 a.m. On some days, only one of these times may be available.
- Outbound buses are at 2:30 or 4:30 p.m.
- I do not provide transportation. We meet at either your hotel in Lake Louise, after which we convoy to the Lake O’Hara parking lot, or we meet directly at the Lake O’Hara parking lot.
- Lake O’Hara parking lot is a 15 minute drive from Lake Louise or Field, BC, a 55 minute drive from Banff town, 1.25 hours from Canmore and 2.25 hours from Calgary.
- For more details, see Hiking FAQs.
More Private Hike Options
Birdwatching
Join Joel for a half day or full day birdwatching tour, complete with tips and tidbits.
Special Theme Hikes
Explore one fascinating topic about the nature of the Canadian Rockies.
Availability and booking
Go to our availability calendar to see open dates and find our booking form.
