Oesa Lake
Oesa Lake is an alpine lake tucked away in Yoho National Park with deep turquoise water set against grey rock, snow, and rugged peaks closing in the far end. The lake is often dotted with ice well into summer, and the contrast between the turquoise water and the white ice is striking. Copper coloured cliffs surround the trail and catch warm light beautifully. Just after the snowmelt a stepped waterfall appears at the lake's western edge adding creating a whole other range of possibilities. Late September is when this location is at its absolute best. The larches in the Lake O'Hara area turn gold and the colour against the rock and water is just begging to be photographed. The hike from Lake O'Hara is 3.2 km each way or you can complete the longer loop after photographing Oesa Lake. It is not a difficult trail but getting to Lake O'Hara in the first place takes planning. The only way to access the area is by Parks Canada shuttle bus. Reservations open months in advance and often sell out almost immediately so you will need to plan this shooting adventure well in advance. Without a bus seat, the only alternative is an 11 km walk along the fire road before starting the actual hike to Oesa Lake. A National Park pass is required to access this shooting location, and all the other shooting locations in this area. (Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada)
