I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to visit the iconic Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. People try for years to book a campsite. So when a casual friend from the running community invited me to join a small group, I jumped at the chance.
The plan was to camp two nights and three days at the lake. The weather wasn’t looking so sunny so I made sure to pack gloves, long johns and general cold weather gear. I bought a new rain jacket (and rain pants) because you can never be too sure about this Western Canadian weather.
Thursday: Lake Oesa
After a bumpy 11-kilometre bus ride and a hiccup with my campsite, six of us – Barb, Mike, Jim, Ben, Carol and I – set off for a short hike to Lake Oesa. We picked up Carol from Montreal who was on her own.
Only one person in our group had spent time at Lake O’Hara before so we were all bursting with excitement and very keen to explore this magnificent place. Cameras and iPhones in hand, we set off at a leisurely pace. In places like these, nobody wants to rush. It’s all about absorbing the natural beauty that engulfed us. We are so fortunate to be in such wonderful surroundings, why rush?
We started at Lake O’Hara where we walked around the lake before embarking on the 4Kish family-friendly hike to the gem-coloured Lake Oesa. On this day, however, it was white and frozen. Usually people do a loop from Lake O’Hara but we didn’t have that option because there was still a lot of snow on the trails.
Instead we did a basic out and back with many, many stops for photos. (The lake gets its name from a Stoney language term for corner.)
Friday: Opabin Trail
Our second day featured even more rain with a little snow and wind thrown in just for fun. We started out around 10:30 a.m. No one wanted to get out of their tent because it was raining so hard. Thankfully we got a break and were able to get moving before it started again.
We just had to laugh because the weather was so random. One minute it was sunny. The next it was snowing. Despite what Mother Nature threw at us, it did not take away the absolute beautify of our surroundings. If anything, it added a little more mystique.
I am surprised we got as far as we did because we were taking so many photos. It was hard not too. Every angle, every direction lead our eyes to something new and striking. Postcard views at every turn.
Saturday – Linda Lakes
Our time at Lake O’Hara was too short to do it all. I had to leave on the 2:30 p.m. bus so I joined Barb, Mike and Jim on a short hike to Linda Lakes. The clearing sky suggested the threesome had a clear day ahead of them. They were spending a third night at the campsite so their plan was to spend as much time as possible on the trail.
My plan was to stay with them until about 1 p.m. and I would run back to catch the bus. The timing worked out perfectly as I was able to run downhill the entire way back with time to spare.
I really can’t put into words about how special this place is so I won’t attempt. Instead I invite you to check out my photos and videos above. It’s a magical place and I can’t wait to go back. Add this Canadian gem to your bucket list.
What you need to know: Getting to paradise is the biggest challenge. But you have a few options. Book a campsite – three months in advance. Be prepared to flex your dialling fingers because there is only one phone line and one operator. Alternatively you can hike/run/walk/crawl the 11K from the parking lot to Lake O’Hara. Or if you have the cash you can stay in the Lake O’Hara Lodge or rent one of the huts. Book early, reservations are required.