Boating and fishing are prohibited in Lake O’Hara and all water bodies in Yoho National Park until March 31, 2025, to prevent the spread of whirling disease.

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Marine Insurance for Boating on Lake O’Hara

Navigate the deep blue waters of Lake O’Hara with the right boat insurance.

The importance of boat insurance on
Lake O’Hara

Boating on B.C.’s Lake O’Hara isn’t without risk. Boat insurance protects you, your passengers, and your boat. It provides you with needed financial protection when the unexpected happens.

Here’s why you need boat insurance:

  • Boat insurance protects you against an accident, injury, or death liability
  • Property damage
  • Theft, vandalism
  • Boat insurance protects you against a fire on your boat
  • Severe weather
  • Accident with uninsured/underinsured boat
  • Boat insurance can help cover legal fees, medical expenses, and property repairs or replacements

Marine insurance isn’t mandatory for boating on Lake O’Hara but B.C. marinas can require it for mooring.

It’s recommended that you have $3 million in liability insurance coverage as part of your marine insurance to protect yourself as a boat owner in British Columbia.

Here’s what you need to know about boating on Lake O’Hara:

Where is it?

Lake O'Hara is at an elevation of 2,020 metres (6,630 ft) in the alpine area of B.C.’s Yoho National Park, on the western side of the Great Divide with Alberta and Banff National Park to the east.

What’s there to do at Lake O’Hara?

It’s known for hiking. Prime hiking season in the Lake O’Hara area runs July through late-September. Until late June, many higher routes are still snow-bound and may be subject to avalanche hazard.

Is Lake O'Hara backcountry?

Yes. It's possible to walk to Lake O'Hara, but most visitors take the shuttle bus along a road closed to the public.

The original 1920s Lake O’Hara Lodge and cabins sit on the edge of Lake O'Hara.

How fast can my boat go on Lake O’Hara?

It’s important to obey all posted speed and vessel restrictions on the lake to promote safety and to protect the lake's ecosystem and shoreline.

Did you know?

Lake O'Hara is considered the crown jewel of the Rockies. 

Is there any fishing?

Cutthroat trout are sought after at Lake O'Hara and visitor access is quite limited.

The Lakeshore Trail will take you around the entire lake, where there are ideal spots for fly fishing.

Can you swim in Lake O’Hara?

Yes, but it’s an alpine lake and will be extremely cold even in the summer.

What about camping?

Getting a camping reservation at Lake O’Hara can be quite challenging because the spot is one of the most coveted reservations in the Canadian Rockies.

There are 30 campsites and each campsite is assigned their own locker to store food.

How do I safely dock my boat?

  1. Always approach the dock slowly, whether you’re at a harbour, marina, or a private dock. Waves caused by a higher speed may disrupt other boaters.
  2. Approach the dock from the right angle. The ideal angle of approach is around 30 degrees. When your boat is within 10 metres of your docking point, shift into neutral and let your momentum carry you to the dock.
  3. Just before your boat touches the dock, turn its steering wheel so that the boat is positioned parallel to the dock.
  4. Once your boat is no longer moving, tie the mooring ropes at the bow and stern to the cleats on the dock.

Tips for safe boating on Lake O’Hara

  • You need an appropriate, approved life jacket for each person on board your boat.
  • Know the area where you are boating and be aware of any hazards, such as rocks or logs.
  • Do not drink or do drugs when boating. Both can impair your judgment.
  • Have a bailer or manual bilge pump on board
  • Have a paddle on board
  • Have a sound signaling device (whistle) and flares
  • Have a magnetic compass
  • Have a watertight flashlight if you are operating your boat at night
  • Be aware of the heat and say hydrated
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return to shore.

Why choose Western for your B.C.
boat insurance?

Expertise

We are a leading Canadian insurance broker that works with our insurance partners to get you the best coverage options to protect your boat.

Competitive pricing

We offer competitive pricing to get you B.C. marine insurance at the best value for you.

Customer service

We are committed to providing excellent customer service and we are always available to answer any questions you may have about your boat insurance needs in British Columbia.

Convenience

We offer a range of online, phone, and in-person services, making it easy for you to get the B.C. marine insurance policy you need and to make changes as needed.