Lake O'Hara - is it worth hiking 22 km if you didn't win a ticket for the shuttle bus?

Lake O'Hara is hands down one of the most spectacular places we've ever seen! We’d heard so much about its beauty but honestly, no photo or video (including ours 😉) do this place justice!
But it’s tricky to access for day hikers and you really only have 2 options:
The most popular way to get there is by shuttle bus but you have to get lucky and win a ticket that guarantees a seat (apparently only around 2% succeed).
If you don't win a ticket, your other option is to do what we did - hike up the 11 kilometers access road. Bear in mind that bikes and outside vehicles are prohibited on this road and it's almost guaranteed that you'll see park rangers either at the trailhead or along the way.
The hike up the road is not particularly exciting as you'll be walking on an FSR with very little views but it's not hard - you gain around 400 vertical meters over those 11km. You have to be prepared for a VERY long day though. Once you reach the lake, the most popular hike is around 9km and it can take 4-6 hours depending on how often you take breaks for snacks and photos. Add the 22km round trip to get to the lake and back and you're looking at over 30km and around 10-12h of hiking, so make sure you have enough food, water and stamina to do it.
There's no way to get a seat on the shuttle on the way to the lake, even if there are no shows. However, you can hope to get a spot on the return shuttle. Make sure you check the timetable and have cash with you as cards are not accepted. In 2024, the tickets were CAD $15 but this may change in the future.
There is of course no guarantee that there will be seats so you have to be ready to hike back 🥵.
Before we went to Lake O'Hara we didn't fully understand why Parks Canada is limiting the number of visitors so much, but now we get it. It’s one of the most fragile ecosystems in the Canadian Rockies and even with restrictions in place, you see many places where hikers go off trail and cause visible damage. The lottery system may not be perfect but it's about saving this place from becoming yet another overrun parks destination.
Although currently (2024) there is no quota on day hikers willing to endure the 22 km round trip on the access road, we wouldn't be surprised if this changes in the future to protect this truly unique place.

[@nvan78]

One of my stops while hiking from Jasper to Banff via the backcountry in the late 70's. Lovely hike.

[@outinbc]

Wow... hiking from Jasper to Banff? This sounds amazing!

[@SidaRock]

You are legend.

[@Karola-x7i]

beautiful 😍😍

[@outinbc]

Thank you :)

[@SidaRock]

Would like to come back there))

[@outinbc]

So would we! :) Definitely one of our favourite places in the world!