Get ready to live a unique experience that will cut your breath. Visit one of the most impressive and amazing alpine places around the world. Lake O’Hara, British Columbia, Canada, without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Canada. A wonder that nature gives you to explore around and enjoy all the fascinating views along the way.
Things to do
In British Columbia, start your trip surrounded by extensive larch forests and large mountains. Lake O’Hara is located in Yoho National Park, standing out with its giant rocky bowl covered with wonderful crystal clear waters. Also, dazzle with your surroundings, high peaks and walls with cliffs that give you a spectacular landscape.
Also, you can enjoy clear mountain pools, ancient glaciers, and beautiful waterfalls. Although you can admire these views perfectly from any point, you cannot overlook that this is the main country of alpine hiking and that the different trails will fill you with life and make you connect with nature.
You can always take a quiet and relaxing walk on the lake. However, get ready for extreme trails in the mountains. These take you to steep terraces and small slippery, sharp ridges and slopes with rocky fields. Your biggest concern is brown bears, although you should be careful with avalanches and rockfalls. However, the problems of the time of year, the very dangerous trails are restricted.
Another type of wildlife that you can run into is gray-haired pikas and marmots, although they only observe their rocks for sunbathing. In addition, porcupines and mountain goats can also be found along the way. On the other hand, specific to the time of the year, you will see amazing and colorful flower displays between the mountains. You can also ski or wear snowshoes during winter.
How to get there
Calgary Airport (YYC), is the fastest way to get there. Then you have to drive about 2 hours by car to the Field, nearest city, in British Columbia. From there, you can reach Lake O’Hara by public bus or on a 7-mile (11 km) walk along the access road.
When to go
July and August are the busiest months. The walks to the Burgess Shale take place from July to September. The weather is very variable, so be prepared for all weather conditions, with snow on higher terrain even in summer.
How long
Depending on the time of the year you visit, some trails or tours may be restricted. However, being all routes and tours available, the most recommended are a 3-day vacation. In addition, you can also take the roundtrip excursions of Burgess Shale, they can last from eight to ten hours.
Opening and closing hours
Yoho National Park is open year-round
Planning
Reservations are needed for the Lake O’Hara bus, which operates from mid-June to early October. You must book at least 2 months in advance or arrive very early because the quotas run out quickly. There is a daily quota for day visitors and overnight campers. A cabin by the lake and cabins are open all year.
Inside information
The most important thing about the whole trip is to make the reservation as early as possible. The place opens reservations several months before. Also, do not forget to wear clothes according to the time of the year when you make the trip and your camera to capture all the beauty you will have in front.
History
Lake O’Hara is at an altitude of 2,020 m in Yoho National Park. This lake is named after the Irish colonel Robert O’Hara. He discovered this area thanks to JJ McArthur, a surveyor belonging to the government.
Websites
- www.pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx.
- www.field.ca/yohonationalpark/lakeohara
- www.burgess-shale.bc.ca…
Other nearby attractions
Located on the outskirts of Columbia, Congaree National Park is an incredible wooded place, which contains the largest area of ancient forests in the United States. It is the perfect place to walk among the trees and relax, listen to the birds, the water of the lakes and the beautiful clearings, lovely hills, trails, and many fun activities. In addition, you can do camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing and even a quiet and delicious picnic.
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