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Source:
Moon Handbooks
Canadian Rockies
4th Edition About this
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Highlights of the
Canadian Rockies
Introduction
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Hiking in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies is a hiker's paradise, and therefore descriptions of
all the most scenic trails make up an integral part of Moon Handbooks Canadian Rockies.
On this page you will find a
sampling of trail descriptions taken from t he
book's Yoho National Park chapter.
Another recommended hiking book is the
Canadian Rockies Trail Guide,
by Summerthought Publishing.
LAKE O'HARA
Nestled in a high bowl of lush
alpine meadows, Lake O'Hara, 11 km (6.8 miles) from the nearest road, is
surrounded by dozens of smaller alpine lakes and framed by spectacular
peaks permanently mantled in snow. As if that weren't enough, the entire
area is webbed by a network of hiking trails. What makes this destination
all the more special is that a quota system limits the number of visitors.
Book the Bus
It’s possible to walk to Lake O’Hara, but the vast majority of visitors
take the shuttle bus. The departure point is a signed parking lot 15 km
(9.3 miles) east of Field. Buses for day visitors depart between mid-June
and early October at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. returning at 3:30 p.m. and
6:30 p.m. To book a seat call the dedicated reservations line
(250/343-6433) up to three months in advance. The reservation fee is $12
per booking and the bus fare is $15 per person round-trip. Six places are
allotted for the following day on a first-come, first-served basis. Show
up at the Field Visitor Centre the day before you want to
go. Although the center officially opens at 9 a.m., staff come to the
locked front door and take names at 8 a.m. Plan to arrive before 8 a.m. as
there’s usually a line for these last-minute seats. Cancellations are
filled on standby basis by folks waiting around at the parking lot on the
day of departure (generally, arrive around 7:30 a.m., head to the covered
shelter, and you’ll be the first in line). You have the best chance of
snagging a seat if the weather is bad.
Lake O’Hara
Shoreline
• Length: 2.8 km/1.7 miles (40 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: minimal
• Rating: easy
Most people use sections of this easy loop around Lake O’Hara to access
the trails detailed below, but it is an enjoyable walk in its own right,
especially in the evening. Across from Le Relais, behind the warden’s
cabin, interpretive boards lay out the various options throughout the
valley and explain local history. Heading in a clockwise direction from
this point, the trail crosses Cataract Creek, the lake’s outlet, then
passes along the north shoreline, crossing gullies then reaching Seven
Veil Falls at the 1.2-km (0.7-mile) mark. Traverses the cool, damp,
southern shoreline, the trail passes branches to the Opabin Plateau and a
short detour to Mary Lake. Lake O’Hara Lodge is passed at the 2.4-km
(1.5-mile) mark, from where it’s a short stroll back along the road to Le
Relais. Trailhead: warden’s cabin, across from Le Relais.
Lake Oesa
• Length: 3 km/1.9 miles (one hour) one-way
• Elevation gain: 240 meters/790 feet
• Rating: easy/moderate
With the Continental Divide peaks of Mt. Victoria (3,464 meters/11,365
feet) and Mt. Lefroy (3,423 meters/11,230 feet) as a backdrop, this small
aqua-colored lake surrounded by talus slopes is one of the area's gems.
All the elevation gain is made in the first 2.4 km (1.6 miles), as the
trail switchbacks to a ledge overlooking Lake O’Hara. The trail then
levels out, passing three small bodies of water before climbing over a low
rise and entering the cirque in which Lake Oesa lies. Trailhead:
Shoreline Trail, 800 meters (0.5 miles) beyond Cataract Creek.
Opabin
Plateau Circuit
• Length: 5.9 km/3.7 miles (two hours) round-trip
• Elevation gain: 250 meters/820 feet
• Rating: easy/moderate
Separated from Lake Oesa by 2,848-meter (9,344-foot) Mt. Yukness, this
plateau high above tree line dotted with small lakes is one of the most
picturesque destinations in the Canadian Rockies. The time given above is
an absolute minimum, for it's easy to spend an entire day exploring the
alpine plateau and scrambling around the surrounding slopes. Two trails
lead up to the plateau, which itself is laced with trails. The most direct
route is the Opabin Plateau West Circuit, which branches right from the
Shoreline Trail 300 meters (0.2 miles) beyond Lake O’Hara Lodge. It then
passes Mary Lake, climbs steeply, and reaches the plateau in a little
under two km (1.2 miles). Opabin Prospect is an excellent lookout along
the edge of the plateau. From this point, take the right forks to continue
to the head of the Cirque and Opabin Lake. This section of trail passes
through a lightly forested area of larch that comes alive with color the
second week of September. From Opabin Lake, the East Circuit traverses the
lower slopes of Yukness Mountain, passing Hungabee Lake then descending
steeply to Lake O’Hara and ending back along the Shoreline Trail 600
meters (0.4 miles) east of Lake O’Hara Lodge. Trailhead: Shoreline
Trail.
Lake
McArthur
• Length: 3.5 km/2.2 miles (80 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 300 meters (980 feet)
• Rating: easy/moderate
A personal favorite, this trail leads to the largest and (in my opinion)
most stunning body of water in the Lake O’Hara area. Beginning from behind
Le Relais, the trail passes through an open meadow and the Elizabeth
Parker Hut; stay left to reach Schaffer Lake after 1.6 km (one mile). At a
junction beyond that lake, the left fork leads to Lake McArthur and the
right fork to McArthur Pass. The lake option climbs steeply for 800 meters
(0.5 miles) then levels out and traverses a narrow ledge before entering
the Lake McArthur Cirque. (Stay high, even if trails descending into the
McArthur Valley look like they offer an easier approach). After leveling
off, the trail enters the alpine, and quickly reaches its maximum
elevation and the first views of Lake McArthur. Backed by Mt. Biddle and
the Biddle Glacier, the deep-blue lake and colorful alpine meadows is an
unforgettable panorama. Trailhead: Le Relais.
Odaray
Highline
• Length: 2.6 km/1.6 miles (one hour) one-way
• Elevation gain: 280 meters/920 feet
• Rating: easy/moderate
For a panoramic overview of the Lake O'Hara area with a minimum of energy
output, it's hard to beat this trail, which ends atop the Odaray Plateau
west of lake. This trail passes through an important wildlife corridor and
a voluntary program to limit use—and therefore human interference—is in
place. Check with park staff for the latest access restrictions. From Le
Relais, follow the Lake McArthur Trail to Sch<\#138>ffer Lake as detailed
above, then take the right fork which climbs gently toward to McArthur
Pass. Just before the pass, take the right fork. From this point, it’s a
steep one km (0.6 miles) up to the lofty perch below Odaray Mountain.
Trailhead: Le Relais.
Cathedral
Basin
• Length: 7.5 km/4.7 miles (2.5 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 300 meters/980 feet
• Rating: moderate
The trail out to Cathedral Basin is the longest in the Lake O'Hara area,
yet it's still an easy day trip for most people. Reach the trailhead from
Le Relais by walking the short distance back down the access road or by
following Cataract Creek downstream from behind the warden’s cabin. From
the campground the trail heads northwest, crossing Morning Glory Creek at
the 2.4-km (1.5-mile) mark then passing Linda Lake. The final ascent to
Cathedral Basin makes a wide loop through an area of ancient rock slides.
From this point, the magnificent panorama of the Lake O'Hara area and the
backdrop of the Continental Divide are laid out to the southeast.
Trailhead: Lake O’Hara Campground.
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