Cathedral Basin Lakes
Another quieter, less visited area of Lake O’Hara are the trails over to Morning Glory, Linda Lake, and the upper Cathedral Lakes. Either of two trails can be taken over to the basin, and they both end up in the woods on their way to a plateau of forest-surrounded lakes. If it is cloudy or if your legs are heavy from 2 days of climbing, this is a pleasant alternative. From beyond Linda Lake, the forest begins to thin out near the Cathedral Lakes. In fall, the larches turn to a golden colour. Beyond, the trail becomes less distinct so watch for cairns or paint dabs on rocks. One “trail” climbs an alpinist’s route into Duchesnay Basin. You can find good views by only going part way up, or alternately take the fork over to the Upper Cathedral Lakes Basin. The higher you get on either route, the more the trail will turn to a scramble so pick an end point for your photos and return down to the main trails. It is worthwhile to take a different trail back, making a loop in the basin and meadows back to Lake O’Hara.