If you are planning a trip to Lake O’Hara this summer, a must do is the Opabin Plateau hike, taking you to the Opabin Prospect, the ultimate vantage point to take in the stunning Lake O’Hara and surrounding areas. If you only have time for one hike in the Lake O’Hara area, you should definitely make it the Opabin Plateau hike. Once on the plateau there are a series of trails which you can take across some of the most stunning spots in the park, mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers all make for a treat to explore.
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!
Table of Contents
Quick Stats For The Opabin Plateau Hike
Distance: Approx 6km loop
Elevation: 250m gain
Best time to hike: Late June to Early October, depending on snow levels each year. The Opabin Plateau hike is in a prime larch tree area, head out mid to late September to enjoy the golden trees.
Cash: Bring some cash to grab some treats at Le Relais day shelter, whether it’s a hot or cold drink after your hike or a slice of their famous carrot cake, they only accept cash. You’ll also need cash if you hiked in and hope to get the bus out of Lake O’Hara.
The Opabin Plateau Hike
From Le Relais, continue up the road to the Lake O’Hara Lodge, keep to the right of the lodge and follow the trail as it cuts between the lodge and the staff accommodation building. You pop out at the lake and the lodge’s boat deck. Follow the lakeshore trail to the right for a short time, before you see a sign for Mary Lake.
The Opabin Plateau hike gains a little elevation up to Mary Lake, where it flattens out and follows the lakeshore. Towards the end of the lake the trail begins to climb steeply. The trail can get a little slippery with loose rocks and dirt but there are the odd rock steps in place to make the elevation gain easier.
Towards the top, you pass the junction for the Alpine Circuit towards All Souls Prospect, keep straight, shortly after there is another trail junction, to the left you can access Opabin Prospect. This is the most photographed spot in Lake O’Hara, providing a stunning viewpoint overlooking the lake. You can turn off now, or keep going straight and circle back ending the hike at the prospect.
Continuing straight on the Opabin Plateau hike, the trail levels out, slow down and take in the views, explore the East, West and Highline Opabin Plateau trails. Each has it’s own charm.
Towards the back of the plateau, you can gain a small amount of elevation following the trail to Opabin Lake, enjoy a picnic lunch soaking in the peace and quiet in the shadows of the huge surrounding mountains.
Finish the Opabin Plateau hike by backtracking from the lake and picking up the East Opabin trail which takes you along the other side of the plateau, following the river before the trail starts to descend alongside the river, down towards Lake O’Hara.
The Opabin Plateau hike ends back at the lakeshore trail, keep right to hike out along the lakeshore trail to complete a full loop, or turn left to head back towards the lodge.
If you are more adventurous, the Opabin Plateau hike can be incorporated into the much longer Alpine Circuit at Lake O’Hara, however this is a much more difficult hike.
How To Get To Lake O’Hara
Hike The Road: For those not lucky enough to grab a spot on the shuttle bus, it is an 11km hike up the road. There aren’t any other maintained trails to Lake O’Hara, so you have to walk the road. It isn’t the most exciting route but it is fairly easy. Bring cash if you want to try and get an empty seat on the bus on the way back out later.
Shuttle Bus: Parks Canada operates a shuttle bus into Lake O’Hara, they operate a lottery system to allocate seats on the bus. There are two bus times into Lake O’Hara every morning and a number of buses out in the afternoon. The shuttle runs from late June to Early October and the lottery applications open in March.
Stay At The Campground: If you are lucky enough to get a spot at the Parks Canada operated campground, that also includes a bus shuttle in and out for your trip. Reservations for camping open on January 23rd. Spots are very popular and the whole summer typically sells out in minutes of reservations opening, however people do cancel.
The Elizabeth Parker Hut: Booking a spot at the ACC managed Elizabeth Parker hut in Lake O’Hara is another way of accessing the area. The ACC operates a lottery system for staying at the hut in the summer months and you must be an ACC member to apply.
Stay At The Lake O’Hara Lodge: For a more upscale stay at Lake O’Hara, a trip to the Lake O’Hara lodge, located right on the lakeshore is an option, it comes with its own shuttle into the lodge and is fully catered. It is notoriously hard to get a booking here in the summer months.
Things You Might Need For The Opabin Plateau Hike
Hiking Boots: A hiking day at Lake O’Hara is often a big day, make sure you have excellent hiking boots which are comfortable for a full day on the trail.
Day Pack: Be prepared for a full day of hiking with a good day pack. Pack food and water as well as layers so you are prepared for any weather. A 20-30 litre pack is optimum for a full day of hiking.
Hiking Poles: The steep climb and descent on the Opabin Plateau hike is definitely made easier with hiking poles. I love my Black Diamond poles because they can be collapsed when they aren’t needed.
Bear Spray: Lake O’Hara and the Opabin Plateau hike is in prime bear country. Pack bear spray and make sure you know how to use it.
Other Hikes At Lake O’Hara
- Alpine Circuit
- Lake McArthur
- Oesa Lake
