Olive Lake hike
View Photos
Olive Lake hike
Difficulty Rating:
The hike to Olive Lake takes you to a beautiful emerald lake in Kootenay National Park. This hike is located only 8.1mi 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.
Getting there
From Radium, go East on the 93S highway to Banff for 8.1mi and look for the Olive Lake parking lot on the right.
About
| 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
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
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.
Similar hikes to the Olive Lake hike
Redstreak Campground Trail
The Redstreak Campground Trail is a quick and easy hiking route in the southern portion of Kootenay National Park that…
Paint Pots
The Paint Pots hike in Kootenay National Park is a great hike to do with your kids. Located a 40-minute…
Marble Canyon
The Marble Canyon hike in Kootenay National Park is a beautiful hike that follows Marble Canyon, which has been cut…
RandyO 4 years ago
We enjoyed our picnic here. It is such a great place for family bonding.
Hiking-eh 4 years ago
Lake is beautiful. Perfect place for a few photos
Kat Colada 4 years ago
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.
Nathan R. 4 years ago
Easy walk. Very rewarding and It really helps foster enjoyment and a sense of satisfaction!
Niamh Gorget 4 years ago
We walked slowly to absorb all the positive energy and enormous beauty of the surroundings. Fantastic hike.
Dan G. 4 years ago
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.
aeropanda 4 years ago
Short, nice, and easy to follow. Great resting spots for groups. Good for all ages.
Allison Bailler 4 years ago
Pretty lake and picnic area. This place is great for kids and the kids at heart.
isaacanderson 4 years ago
This is the perfect spot to unwind and relax.
Tara Green 4 years ago
Easy walk to a beautiful lake just minutes from the town of Radium Hot Springs