If you are visiting the Canadian Rockies, then you need to add the Yoho National Park to your itinerary. The park boasts of exquisite turquoise lakes, flowing waterfalls, and multiple hiking trails. The forests here have a magical look courtesy of the precipitation they receive from the neighboring Banff region. If you are visiting Yoho National Park, then we have the best traveller-approved spots:
Emerald Lake
One of the finest lake in the Canadaian Rockies is Emerald Lake. It’s a must-visit not only in Yoho but also for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies. You can easily reach this beautiful lake in under 40 minutes from Lake Louise. To witness nature’s masterpiece, one must venture to Emerald Lake during the peak of summer. Moreover, gazing at the surrounding President Mountain Range and the turquoise water leaves you speechless. Definitely, this is one of the most beautiful lakes and the best things to do in Yoho.
Natural Bridge
When you are heading to Emerald Lake, you must stop at The Natural Bridge. The Natural Bridge is a stop-off point on Emerald Lake Road. When you are heading to Emerald Lake, the turn is very easy to miss, so keep an eye out for it on your left side. As the name sounds, it is natural bridge made of rock that was cut by the Kicking Horse River.
Lake O’Hara
Lake O’Hara is popular for its stellar natural beauty. The lake stands at an elevation of 2200 meters, which keeps it covered in ice almost all year round. The Yoho Campsite located near the lake attracts a large number of campers during summer months. You can wake up to a vibrant landscape filled with larch trees, glaciers, and alpine lakes when camping on the shores of Lake O’Hara.
In the summer months, a lot of campers struggle to get reservations at campsites along the lake. However, not everyone can get a camping reservation or bus ticket to Lake O’Hara. If you don’t get a reservation for the campsite or seat on the bus to Lake O’Hara you’ll have to hike 11km.
Lake McArthur
The beautiful Lake McArthur offers an exciting hiking opportunity on the banks of Yoho’s Lake O’Hara. The entire hike is an 8 km round trip that can be covered between 2.5 to 4 hours. You can reach this lake by hiking through McArthur Pass. Private vehicles aren’t allowed here and you need to book the bus tickets in advance. Lake McArthur receives most tourist footfall between the months of July to September.
Hiking the Iceline Trail
The 14.2 km Iceline Trail offers stunning views of the glacier, waterfall, and wildflowers. You won’t find much elevation gain in the trail. It will take you between 6 and 8 hours to complete the moderately difficult trail. You will find multiple campsites along the way. But make sure to book them in advance during summer months. Often tourists combine the Iceline Trail with Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls for a day’s adventure.
Paget Lookout & Peak
Paget Lookout is a family-friendly hike with 400 meters of elevation gain. The switchback trail is pretty well maintained, moving gradually through the forest. Moreover, the trail runs 3.6 km one way. You can continue to Paget Peak after reaching the Lookout. Hiking up the Paget Peak is very easy with no technicalities involved. On reaching the summit, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Great Divide Glacier and the Kicking Horse Pass. The Paget peak is located at the border between Yoho National Park and Banff National Park. You can access it easily from Field, Banff, or Golden.
Burgess Shale Fossil Hike
The Burgess Shale fossils are the oldest proof of life on Earth. It lies high in the Yoho Mountains and is around 500 million years old. It is recommended to go on a guided hike for a truly fulfilling day.
Wapta Falls
Wapta Falls is one of the picturesque waterfall in Golden, Yoho National Park. It is the largest waterfall of Kicking Horse River which is 18 meters high. Despite not being popular, this waterfall looks stunning and can help you be at one with nature. The trail starts from Wapta Falls Trailhead & you will have to pass through thick forest. After passing through the forest you will reach this beauty cascading over a wide point into the Kicking Horse River. There is a shallow river at the waterfall base for tourists to sit and experience its massive power.
Continue reading about best things to do in Yoho National Park!!!
The Town of Field
Field is a small hamlet located in Yoho National Park. It houses a community of less than 200 people. You will find multiple artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants here during summer months. If you are planning on staying close to Takakkaw Falls or Emerald Lake, then you can book amongst the different accommodation options at Field. Its recommended to visit Truffle Pigs before heading out for your days adventure.
Spiral Tunnels
Spiral tunnels are the perfect example of railway engineering. It was built during the late 1800s to help travelers navigate through the Rocky Mountains. You can visit one of the two viewpoints here. The Lower Spiral Tunnel viewpoint is located 7.4 km east of the field. Meanwhile, the Upper Spiral Tunnel is at 2.3 km up the Yoho Valley road. Around 25 to 30 trains pass through Spiral Tunnels every day but there isn’t any particular schedule.
Sherbrooke Lake
The stunning blue Sherbrooke Lake receives fewer footfalls than Lake Louise or Emerald Lake. This makes it ideal for hikers who wish to enjoy the beauty of nature in solitude. For instance, the trail will take you through the forest for some kilometers. Finally, it will take you through a lakeshore opening up to the sprawling views of Mount Niles and Mount Ogden. You can take a small detour to Sherbrooke Lake while going towards Paget Peak. This 6 km round trip hike has 165 meters of elevation gain. You can complete it in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Takakkaw Falls
Planning to visit to Yoho National Park? Don’t forget to take a halt at Takakkaw Falls. The word Takakkaw means “Wonderful” in Cree language. It is the second-highest and ofcourse the most impressive waterfalls in Canada. And once you experience the beauty of this waterfall you will realise the validity of its nomenclature. This natural wonder is located 45 minutes west of Lake Louise and is the crowning glory of Yoho National Park.
Laughing Falls
The trail to Laughing Falls is a relatively easy hike in the Yoho Valley. This 7.8 km round trip comes with a 128-meter elevation gain. Moreover, the trail starts from the Tak Falls parking lot and ends at the base of Laughing Falls. You can reach the falls in about one hour. It receives fewer footfalls than Takakkaw Falls. Laughing Falls is perfect for travellers who wish to enjoy nature sans the crowd.
Twin Falls
If you are fond of impressive waterfalls, then you can hike to Twin Falls. It is located at a distance of 6.5 km from Laughing Falls. Moreover, these dual 80-meter waterfalls flowing side by side offer a magnificent view.
