The Lake McArthur hike is one of my favorite trails in the Lake O’Hara region. With lots of trails to choose it can be hard to pick just one to do it if you are short on time. Many people head out with the hopes of completing the gorgeous Alpine Circuit in the area, a high elevation trail offering spectacular views but which requires a full day to complete. If you are looking for something equally as rewarding but less time consuming and with less elevation gain, the Lake McArthur hike makes an incredible alternative.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission on any purchase made, at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the blog running, so thank you for your support!
Getting To Lake O’Hara
In order to complete the Lake McArthur hike you need to get into the Lake O’Hara region, this is a controlled area and you are unable to just drive up to the lake, but there are a few options that will allow you to get into the area to hike the Lake McArthur trail.
- Get a reservation on the shuttle bus to go day hiking. Parks Canada operates a lottery system every year to get bus passes to ride into Lake O’Hara, these are highly competitive spots and many people try every year to get a spot.
- Book a night at the campground. If you are lucky enough to secure a spot to camp at the backcountry campground at Lake O’Hara, then you get the bus ride up the road as part of your reservation. I’d recommend trying to book your spot when reservations open in January through Parks Canada.
- Stay at the Elizabeth Parker Hut. Spending a night at the ACC operated hut includes a bus ride up to Lake O’Hara. Spots at the hut are given through a lottery system and you must be a member of the ACC to take part in the lottery.
- Book a night at Lake O’Hara Lodge. This is a pricey but incredible spot to spend a few nights! They provide a shuttle to the lodge which sits right on the lakeshore.
- Walk the road. If all else fails, you can walk 12km up the road. It’s a fairly easy walk but rather tedious with few views. Bring cash and if there is space on the returning buses you can pay for a spot to save you a walk back out.
The Lake McArthur Hike
Distance: 8km circuit
Elevation: 310m gain
There are many ways to complete the Lake McArthur hike using a number of different trails. We decided to start our hike from Le Relais on the Lake O’Hara road, which is also a bus stop. Follow the signs and head up the steps into the forest. You gain a small amount of elevation before the trail pops out into a meadow with the ACC hut in. Follow the trail past the hut and you start the real climb.
The Lake McArthur hike heads up through the forest gaining elevation with little for views to distract you. Just when you think you are done, you turn a corner and the trail climbs again. Eventually the trail levels out and spits you out at Schaffer Lake. A beautiful spot and a worthy objective if you are short on time. To continue on the Lake McArthur hike cross the wooden bridge and head around the lake, following signs for Lake McArthur Highline route.
At the back of Schaffer Lake you start to climb again, the trail is well maintained and there are some steps to help gain the elevation. As the trail leaves the forest its winds through a rocky field, offering gorgeous views on the valley below. The trail seems to disappear ahead but as you get closer it can be seen climbing over the rocks, a steep section where I had to use my hands a few times.
Once over the rockband the trail continues to gain elevation before it opens up into a grassy meadow which eventually opens up to views of Lake McArthur. A stunning blue lake surrounded by towering mountains. Stick to the trails to avoid any further braiding in this fragile alpine environment. We found a rock to sit on, enjoy a snack and took in the peacefulness of the evening.
To head back, follow the trail along the lake shore before it turns back through the meadow. It starts to descend steeply into the valley before levelling out in the forest. Eventually it rejoins the original trail just before it heads down to Schaffer Lake.
Once at Schaffer Lake, we completed the Lake McArthur hike using the Big Larches trail. Once across the bridge, keep right and follow the trail as it weathers through a rocky area with numerous old larch trees. It descends down and the views of Lake O’Hara are gorgeous as you follow the trail.
Towards the bottom you get to a junction, we headed back towards the ACC hut and came out by Le Relais to complete the Lake McArthur hike. At this junction you can choose to continue on to Mary Lake and the Lake O’Hara lakeshore trail if you wish instead.
Things You Need To Complete The Hike
Hiking Boots – A good pair of boots with good grip will make this trail easier to navigate, especially on the loose descent from Lake McArthur.
Hiking Poles – These proved invaluable on the way up and down to save my knees.
Layers – It started out as a beautiful afternoon but a cold wind soon picked up and I was glad to have some extra layers in my pack, including my Arcteryx Atom to keep me warm on the hike back.
Bear Spray – The Lake McArthur hike is in bear country, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
