Olive Lake
Table of contents
Route Description for Olive Lake
The Olive Lake hike in Kootenay National Park is a great stop if you are driving the 93S highway. This is a very short hike, but just long enough for little ones, who will enjoy the pretty lake and looking for insects along the easy-to-follow trail.
This is a perfect day spot for families and a place of historical significance, though Olive Lake can tend to be quite busy. If crowds bother you then head here early or late in the day, but if you don’t mind then it is a great place to spend an afternoon.
The walk to Olive Lake is clear and after a few minute you come to a Y junction. You’ll want to explore both ways, so go either direction to start then come back and go the other direction, they both take you a little ways along the lake shore. The short interpretive loop is informative for adults and fun for kids.
You can then enjoy a nice picnic at one of the secluded tables, and the area also features a covered kitchen area with water.
Find other great hikes in Kootenay National Park:
Insider Hints for Olive Lake
- If you’re at Olive Lake, it makes sense to spend some time at the nearby Radium Hot Springs.
- Technically the Olive Lake hike is open in May, however more often than not it will still be closed at that time of year due to bear activity. Check the status on the Parks Canada Bulletins page, and be sure to respect the signs and closures.
Getting to the Olive Lake Trailhead
From Radium, go East on the 93S highway to Banff for 8.1mi and look for the Olive Lake parking lot on the right.Route Information
When to do:
May - October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Olive Lake Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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