LAKE O'HARA
SUMMER SOLSTICE
MORAINE LAKE HIKE
GUIDED DAY HIKES
JULY 22, 2025 | AUGUST 15, 2025 | SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
Are you itching to explore Lake O'Hara, but couldn’t get a seat on the shuttle? We’ve got you covered!
Join Big Nature for a breathtaking guided adventure to one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic destinations. This full-day experience includes convenient pick-up and drop-off from West Calgary, Canmore, Banff, or Lake Louise, followed by a Parks Canada bus ride into the heart of Yoho National Park. From there, your expert guide will lead you on a rewarding hike to classic trails in the Lake O’Hara valley, with stops like stunning Mary Lake, picturesque Cascade Lakes as well as Hungabee and Opabin Lake along the way. This unforgettable journey combines alpine beauty, crystal-clear waters, and interpretive insights for a truly immersive mountain experience.
Trail Description July 22 and September 11
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Opabin Plateau + Opabin Prospect
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Distance: 7.4 kms
- Elevation Gain: 380 Metres
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Hiking Duration: Approximately 3 Hours
Trail Description AUGUST 15
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Opabin Plateau + Lake Oesa
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Distance: 10.5 kms
- Elevation Gain: 700 Metres
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Hiking Duration: Approximately 5 Hours
INCLUDED:
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Professionally Guided Hike
- Roundtrip transportation:
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- West Calgary, Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise → Lake O’Hara
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- Admission to Yoho National Park and Lake O’Hara Bus
- Cold Drinks and a Light Snack
- Hiking Poles
NOT INCLUDED:
- Personal Hiking Gear (See list)
- Food (Except light snacks)
- Accommodations
MORE DETAILS
- $300.00 CAD🍁 / person
- Program is designed for people 16+
- Maximum group size:
- July 22 | 4 guests
- August 15 | 5 guests
- September 11 | 4 guests
CLOTHING LIST
- Base Layer
- Moisture-wicking shirt (synthetic or merino wool – avoid cotton
- Moisture-wicking underwear and socks (merino wool or synthetic to prevent blisters)
- Mid Layer (for warmth)
- Fleece or lightweight insulated jacket (e.g., synthetic or down)
- Optional: light sweater or vest for layering flexibility
- Outer layer (weather protection)
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Rain pants
- Bottoms
- Comfortable hiking pants or leggings (Avoid jeans or cotton—they stay wet and chafe)
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots (broken-in, with good grip)
GEAR LIST
- Backpack that fits all of your equipment & spare layers (15-30L is ideal)
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Sun protection (Hat, Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF)
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Lunch and snacks
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1-2 litres of water
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Hiking poles (we will have some to borrow as needed)
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Extra layers and spare socks
- Spare warm clothing to change into after the hike
- Gloves and a toque (colder days)
Weather Policy:
We’re Here for Your Safety and Enjoyment!
We’re committed to offering a fun and safe experience, no matter the weather! We’ll hike in most conditions, but in the rare event of extreme weather that could impact safety—such as very cold temperatures, high winds, or hazardous road conditions—we may need to adjust the plan. This could include large amounts of snow, severe wind, or travel advisories.
If conditions are challenging, we’ll do our best to relocate to a more suitable spot, adjust the itinerary with extra breaks, or, in some cases, cancel the session if there’s no safe alternative. We’ll always keep you informed of any changes or cancellations ahead of time, so if you haven’t heard from us, you can assume the program is going ahead as planned.
To stay in the loop, please make sure we have your current contact information, including a phone number where you can be reached the day before or the morning of the session, in case we need to reach you.
Be sure to check mountain forecasts before the session, as conditions in the mountains can differ from the city. Dress accordingly, and we’ll see you on the trails—come rain, snow, or sunshine!
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that plans can change! If you need to cancel your participation, here’s our cancellation policy:
Up to 48 hours before your trip - should you wish to cancel, we will refund your full payment minus Big Nature's service fees, incurred by processing your transaction online through our payment processor.
Cancellations within 48 hours of the trip are not eligible for refund.
Please note:
We recommend letting us know as early as possible if you need to cancel, so we can try to accommodate others who may want to join. We appreciate your understanding, and we look forward to hiking with you!


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This program is designed for people 16+ who want to hike moderate trails and explore Lake O'Hara.
If you have a teen who is interested in participating, please contact us to make arrangements.
Program includes:
- Professionally Guided Hike
- Roundtrip transportation
- Admission to Yoho National Park and Lake O’Hara Bus
- Cold Drinks and a Light Snack
- Hiking Poles
$300.00 CAD / person + 3% booking fee + 5% GST
Your pick-up time depends on your pick-up location. Times will be communicated to you upon registration.
You will be dropped off at the same location.
- Clothing: Wool or synthetic layers, waterproof shell jacket/pants, a hat.
- Gear: Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots and a backpack.
- Other: Packable insulating jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking poles, lip balm, and 1-2 liters of water.
- Lunch and Snacks!
Recommended: Spare warm layers and clothing for after the hike.
We are happy to lend you hiking poles for duration of the program.
Maximum group size:
- July 22 | 4 guests
- August 15 | 5 guests
- September 11 | 4 guests
We’ll hike in most weather conditions. However, sessions may be relocated, adjusted, or canceled in the event of extreme weather, such as large amounts of snow, high winds, or hazardous road conditions. We’ll notify participants in advance of any changes.
Up to 48 hours before your trip - should you wish to cancel, we will refund your full payment minus Big Nature's service fees, incurred by processing your transaction online through our payment processor.
Cancellations within 48 hours of the trip are not eligible for refund.
Register online through the booking widget on this webpage, or contact us directly with any questions. Early registration is recommended as spaces are limited. Spots are available on a first-come-first served basis - spots are guaranteed only by payment.
This particular hiking day trip is designed for adults, and participants must be 16 years or older. If you're hoping to join with someone under 16, feel free to reach out—we're happy to discuss special considerations or recommend a more suitable adventure.
- Review the provided checklist to ensure you have the right gear and clothing.
- Beginners may benefit from light fitness exercises to build endurance.
- Check mountain weather forecasts before heading out and dress accordingly.
For additional questions, feel free to contact us at