The Lake O'Hara area is the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. With turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, soaring mountain peaks, giant glaciers, hanging valleys and more, Lake O’Hara has it all. All this beauty is accessible via an expansive network of hiking trails.

If you are a keen hiker and only have time to explore just one place in the Rockies, Lake O'Hara is an excellent choice. The 12km Alpine Circuit is one of BC's best hikes. It is necessary, however, to plan ahead.

Access to this pristine area has been strictly controlled for decades. The 11km long access road is gated and only Parks Canada shuttle buses can drive on it.

There are five ways to visit Lake O'Hara:

• Visit for the day by bus - Enter a lottery to reserve a seat on the Parks Canada Shuttle Bus (opens in April each year)

• Visit for the day by foot - Hike 11km and then try to secure a shuttle bus seat out or hike 11km back (22km total)

• Camp for up to three nights - Reserve a tent site at the Lake O’Hara campground, shuttle bus in and out

• Stay at the Lake O’Hara Lodge - Reserve a cabin or lodge room at this historic lodge situated right on the shores of Lake O’Hara ($$$)

• Stay at the Elizabeth Parker Hut - Reserve a bed at this rustic backcountry hut near Lake O’Hara, shuttle bus in and out

All the details are in my Lake O'Hara guide.

A Parks Canada parks pass is required to explore Lake O'Hara ($22/day for a group of up to 7 people).