YOHO NATIONAL PARK AND VICINITY - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 288

Yoho Gem Trek map. Hot drinks and light snacks are served—something to look forward
to at the end of the day, as this is also the afternoon meeting place for the return trip.
Several overnight options are available at the lake, including the Elizabeth Parker
Hut (403/678-3200, www.alpineclubofcanada.ca ), Lake O'Hara Lodge (250/343-6418,
www.lakeohara.com ) , and a campground (reservations for camping are made in conjunc-
tion with the shuttle bus), but each should be booked well in advance.
Lake O'Hara Shoreline
• Length: 2.8 kilometers/1.7 miles (40 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: minimal
• Rating: easy
• Trailhead: warden's cabin, across from Le Relais
Most people use sections of this easy loop around Lake O'Hara to access the trails, but it
is an enjoyable walk in its own right, especially in the evening. Across from Le Relais,
behind the warden's cabin, interpretive boards lay out the various options throughout the
valley and explain local history. Heading in a clockwise direction from this point, the trail
crosses Cataract Creek, the lake's outlet, then passes along the north shoreline, crossing
gullies, and then reaching Seven Veil Falls at the 1.2-kilometer (0.7-mile) mark. Travers-
ing the cool, damp, southern shoreline, the trail passes branches to the Opabin Plateau and
a short detour to Mary Lake. Lake O'Hara Lodge is passed at the 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile)
mark, from where it's a short stroll back along the road to Le Relais.
Lake Oesa
• Length: 3 kilometers/1.9 miles (1 hour) one-way
• Elevation gain: 240 meters/790 feet
• Rating: easy/moderate
• Trailhead: Shoreline Trail, 800 meters (0.5 mile) beyond Cataract Creek
With the Continental Divide peaks of Mount Victoria (3,464 meters/11,365 feet) and
Mount Lefroy (3,423 meters/11,230 feet) as a backdrop, this small aqua-colored lake sur-
rounded by talus slopes is one of the area's gems. All the elevation gain is made in the first
2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles), as the trail switchbacks to a ledge overlooking Lake O'Hara.
The trail then levels out, passing three small bodies of water before climbing over a low
rise and entering the cirque in which Lake Oesa lies.