Tucked into Yoho National Park about an hour from Banff, Lake O’Hara sits at 2,020 metres and delivers on everything the Rockies promise. Crystal tarns. Hanging valleys. Peaks that hem you in on all sides. A network of trails that could fill a week and still leave you wanting more.
You get all of it, privately. Your certified guide shapes the day around your group, reading the weather, the conditions, and how your legs are feeling, and takes you somewhere that most travellers in Banff never reach.
Early summer brings wildflowers across the meadows. September turns the larches gold. Any time between, the lakes mirror the Main Range and the trails stay quiet enough to hear the pikas. Come in the morning. Leave changed.
For travellers who want a story, not just a photo..
Legendary Local Guide Guides who turn the mountains into a story and feel like a friend by the end of the day. They know where the wildlife shows up, which hidden lookout stops you in your tracks, and the stories you won't find in any guidebook. |
Secret Stops Only We Know Some of the best moments happen off the itinerary. Your guide knows exactly where to find them. |
Picnic Lunch Included We set you up with a picnic lunch from one of our local favourites. Fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy wherever the mountains take you. Included on full-day tours |
Your Booking Protects This Place Every time you book with us 1% goes directly to conservation. Your trip doesn't just explore the Rockies. It protects them. 1% for the Planet member |
Max 5 guests, never mixed with other groups. Your guide, your pace, your morning.
Route selection happens on the day based on conditions, weather, and your group’s energy. No two hikes are the same.
We come to you. No logistics, no self-drive, no stress about finding the trailhead an hour from town.
Mountain goats, deer, pikas, eagles. Your guide knows where to look and what you’re looking at.
Start time depends on your shuttle — we confirm your exact pickup once the reservation is locked in.
About an hour from Banff through some of the most beautiful highway in Canada. Your guide sets the scene along the way.
11 km down a gravel road into the alpine. The anticipation is part of the experience
Your guide picks the route on the day. Alpine tarns, hanging valleys, wildflowers, wildlife, and views that earn their reputation. Lunch on the mountain.
Return via the 4:30 pm shuttle. Groups wishing to extend the day can stay for the 6:30 pm shuttle — contact reservations to arrange.
Door to door, 9 to 11 hours total. The kind of tired that feels completely earned.
✓ Small group experience (max 5 guests)
✓ Comfortable, upscale transportation with panoramic windows
✓ Hot chocolate, coffee & tea
✓ Parks Canada shuttle fees in and out of Lake O’Hara
✓ Certified local guide trained in photography and storytelling
✓ Fresh water refills (BYO water bottle)
✓ Polaroid souvenir
✓ Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off in Banff
✕ Guide gratuities (optional)
✕ National Park Pass
Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from any hotel, residence, or landmark in Banff.
There are no truly flat trails at Lake O’Hara. Most routes gain 200 to 300 metres of elevation and the more adventurous options gain significantly more. A moderate fitness level and some prior hiking experience will make for a comfortable day. Let us know your group’s abilities when you book and your guide will plan accordingly.
Start time depends on which shuttle we secure, either the 8:30 am or 10:30 am inbound. Pickup from your Banff hotel will be approximately 7:00 am or 9:00 am respectively. We confirm the exact time once your reservation is locked in.
Dress in layers. Lake O’Hara sits at 2,020 metres and the alpine weather moves fast. Sturdy hiking footwear, a waterproof layer, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and your own water bottle are all essential. Bring enough lunch and snacks for a full day on the mountain.
Your guide loves to hear what you are hoping for and will take your preferences into account. The final route is decided on the day based on trail conditions, weather, and your group’s ability. This flexibility is what makes the day feel tailored rather than scripted
Your guide monitors conditions closely. If it is not safe to proceed we will contact you to reschedule or provide a full refund. Some of the most memorable days at O’Hara happen in moody weather, but safety always comes first.
