Hikes/Canada/British Columbia/Kootenay National Park

Olive Lake

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
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
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
0.7 km
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
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
10.0
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Panorama on Olive Lake hike in Kootenay National Park

The hike to Olive Lake takes you to a beautiful emerald lake in Kootenay National Park. This hike is located only 13.0 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.

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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 13.0 km 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

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Olive Lake Reviews

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