Lake O'HaraA pristine, quota-limited alpine lake with knockout hikingTrailhead · Restroom
Emerald LakeJade-green alpine lake with an easy loop and canoe rentalsTrailhead · Parking
Lake O'Hara ViewpointCliff-edge panorama over Lake O’Hara’s turquoise basinScenic Viewpoint
Takakkaw FallsThunderous 373 m cascade with easy access and rainbow mistTrailhead · Restroom
Lake McArthurSapphire karst lake in a high alpine bowl above O’Hara
Lake OesaTurquoise alpine lake cradled by steep quartzite walls
All Soul's ProspectRidge-top panorama over the entire Lake O’Hara basinScenic Viewpoint
Kicking Horse RiverTurquoise, glacier-fed river with epic rapids and easy roadside viewsTrailhead · Pullout
ModerateLake O'Hara and Lake Oesa LoopCompact tour of O’Hara’s best: Oesa, ledges, and turquoise perfection5.3 mi · 4 hr
ChallengingLake O’Hara Alpine CircuitYoho’s famed ledge route loop with nonstop big-mountain views6.8 mi · 6 hr
ChallengingIceline TrailHigh alpine bench walk with Takakkaw Falls and nonstop views12.5 mi · 8 hr
ChallengingIceline–Little Yoho–Celeste Lake LoopBig-glacier alpine loop with a smart shortcut via Celeste Lake12.6 mi · 8 hrModerateOpabin Plateau CircuitLake O’Hara’s best loop: larches, lakes, and the Opabin Prospect3.7 mi · 2.5 hrEasyLake Oesa TrailShort climb to a turquoise cirque lake with big-mountain drama4.1 mi · 2.5 hr
ChallengingYukness Ledges Alpine RouteAiry ledges linking Lake Oesa and Opabin with nonstop alpine drama0.8 mi · 1.3 hr
ChallengingWiwaxy Gap and Huber LedgesSteep, airy ledges to jaw‑dropping views over Lake O’Hara2.4 mi · 2.5 hr
Grizzly BearReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM21 sightings
Mountain GoatReports peak in the early morning, around 8 AM53 sightings
Black BearReports peak in the evening, around 8 PM58 sightings
ElkReports peak in the evening, around 7 PM62 sightings
MooseReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM25 sightings
Bald EagleReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AM10 sightings
OspreyReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AM12 sightings
LoonReports peak in the evening, around 8 PM100 sightingsAll waterbodies in Yoho and Kootenay national parks are closed to watercraft and angling until March 31, 2027. - The closure reduces the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), including whirling disease. - Do not launch watercraft or angle in Yoho waters. Check current water activity restrictions before planning water activities.
Official details →The Odaray Prospect and Odaray Plateau area is closed to hiking from May 1 through November 30 each year. - The seasonal closure protects grizzly bear and mountain goat habitat and limits disturbance in the McArthur Valley–Cataract Brook Wildlife Corridor, an established regional network used by wildlife to reach important seasonal habitat. - Parks Canada introduced these measures after serious conflicts between people and grizzly bears on the Odaray Plateau and in McArthur Valley; research identified key grizzly bear habitat and a well-travelled wildlife corridor. The closures and restrictions protect public safety, local grizzly bear populations, and important ecological areas. - The separate Odaray Highline Trail has voluntary access limits because it crosses the wildlife corridor at its narrowest point, McArthur Pass, where high human use discourages or may stop animals from using the corridor. From August 16 through September 15, no more than two groups per day may use it. Check the trailhead log-book, sign in, travel between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., combine groups if possible, stay together, do not stop or eat below treeline, leave pets behind, and stay with your group on the return. - Do not enter the closed Odaray Prospect and Plateau area. Check current Lake O’Hara trail restrictions before travelling.
Official details →PARKWOLF TOUR GUIDE
