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Hikes/Canada/British Columbia/Kootenay National Park
Panorama on Olive Lake hike in Kootenay National Park

Olive Lake Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
17 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
0.7 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
0.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
10.0 (32 reviews)
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

Table of contents

The hike to Olive Lake takes you to a beautiful emerald lake in Kootenay National Park. This hike is located only 13 km north of Radium Hot Springs. The trail is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, making this hike a great place to spend time with the whole family. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at the picnic tables near the trail.

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 13 km and look for the Olive Lake parking lot on the right.

Route Information for Olive Lake

  • 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 Weather

Reviews for Olive Lake

10.0
32 reviews
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RandyOAugust 2020

We enjoyed our picnic here. It is such a great place for family bonding.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
30:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Hiking-ehJuly 2020

Lake is beautiful. Perfect place for a few photos

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Kat ColadaJuly 2020

I took Emily here for her first hike a few years back, and it felt like it was only yesterday. Still as lovely as it was.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Nathan R.July 2020

Easy walk. Very rewarding and It really helps foster enjoyment and a sense of satisfaction!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Niamh GorgetJuly 2020

We walked slowly to absorb all the positive energy and enormous beauty of the surroundings. Fantastic hike.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Dan G.July 2020

Beautiful, quiet lake not so far from the road. Perfect for a stop. Also acquitted with a shelter along with some picnic tables and accessible toilets.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
aeropandaJune 2020

Short, nice, and easy to follow. Great resting spots for groups. Good for all ages.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
isaacandersonJune 2020

This is the perfect spot to unwind and relax.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Allison BaillerJune 2020

Pretty lake and picnic area. This place is great for kids and the kids at heart.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Tara GreenJune 2020

Easy walk to a beautiful lake just minutes from the town of Radium Hot Springs

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
00:30
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

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Last Updated: August 24, 2026

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