Wiwaxy Gap Trail

Why this trail

Wiwaxy Gap is the steep, scene-stealing opener to the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit—and it earns that reputation fast. You’ll gain roughly 500 m in just over 1.5 km (about 1.0–1.1 miles one way) to a 360° perch at 2,532 m with skyline views of Cathedral Mountain, Glacier Peak, Ringrose Peak, Hungabee Mountain, Mount Biddle, and the hanging basin of Lake Oesa right below. It’s strenuous, exposed in places, and absolutely worth it if you like your views hard-won.

Route snapshot

From near Le Relais shelter and the day-use bus stop at Lake O’Hara, follow the lakeshore, cross the bridge over Cataract Brook, and brace for a relentless climb. The path is signed, well-marked (painted rocks), and alternates between forest, built rock steps, narrow ledges, and steep scree as you break above treeline. At the Gap, many hikers continue along the Huber Ledges toward Lake Oesa to carry on the Alpine Circuit; returning the way you came makes this a very steep out-and-back.

• Length: about 1.0–1.1 miles one way (1.5–1.8 km). Most do it as part of the Alpine Circuit rather than an out-and-back.
• Elevation gain: ~1,600–1,700 ft (~500 m) to the Gap.
• Time: 1–2 hours for the ascent alone, depending on fitness and conditions.

Difficulty and exposure

This is a hard hike—no technical climbing, but sustained grades, loose scree, and narrow ledges with drop-offs demand sure-footedness and focus. Weather matters: wind, rain, or lingering early-season snow on ledges can turn this from tough to hazardous. If you’re uneasy with exposure, consider ascending another route or sticking to lower trails like the Lake O’Hara shoreline or the Lake Oesa trail.

Scenery, geology, and what to watch for

Above treeline you’ll traverse classic Rockies quartzite and scree with wide-open alpine views. The Gap frames the Lake O’Hara basin and surrounding cirques beautifully, with Lake Oesa tucked in its hanging valley. In midsummer the tundra pops with hardy wildflowers—another reason to slow down and enjoy the ledges.

Permits and access

Access to Lake O’Hara is tightly controlled under a Parks Canada quota. You’ll need an advance reservation for the day-use bus or accommodation; otherwise, it’s an 11-km walk up the access road before you even start this climb. The trail itself begins opposite the Le Relais shelter at the lake.

Best time to hike

Aim for late June through September. Snow can linger on ledges into early summer; go only when conditions are dry and visibility is good. Start early for cooler temperatures, steadier weather, and time to continue the Alpine Circuit if you’re linking routes.

Tips and tricks

• Footwear with real bite is non-negotiable; trekking poles help on the steep, loose bits.
• Pace the climb—there are a couple of natural rest spots (including a large tree) before the final push.
• Carry a map or GPS; alpine weather can sock in quickly. The Gem Trek Lake O’Hara map is a solid choice.
• From the Gap, some experienced parties scramble to Wiwaxy East Peak—but that’s a separate, more serious objective with exposure and route-finding. Not part of the standard hike.