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Yoho National Park covers the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, bordering Banff on the Continental Divide. Its name is often linked to a Cree expression of awe, and the landscape of hanging glaciers, waterfalls and vivid lakes makes the association easy to understand. Along with neighboring parks, it forms part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The small village of Field serves as the park's hub, close to the railway that once struggled up Kicking Horse Pass. Viewpoints explain how the Spiral Tunnels were cut into the mountains to ease that steep grade. A short drive leads to the Natural Bridge, where the Kicking Horse River has carved through solid rock, and to Emerald Lake, ringed by a level walking trail. Takakkaw Falls drops from a cliff at the end of the Yoho Valley Road, which is open only in the warmer months. Lake O'Hara is reached by a reservation-only bus, and guided hikes visit the Burgess Shale fossil beds on slopes such as Mount Stephen. Wapta Falls lies near the park's western edge.
Yoho rewards hikers and photographers and makes a good counterpart to busier Banff. Many roads and trails are snowbound until early summer, so planning around the seasons matters.
WiserMap travel guideYoho British Columbia Emerald Lake and Takakkaw FallsPlan a trip to Yoho National Park in British Columbia, with Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, the Burgess Shale and Lake O'Hara, plus where to eat and stay.Read the guide
Small railway village inside the park, on the Kicking Horse River beneath Mount Stephen. It has a few places to stay and eat and the park visitor centre. It is the best base for exploring Yoho, and the centre has trail reports and reservation information.
Two roadside viewpoints show the famous Spiral Tunnels, where the Canadian Pacific Railway loops through the mountains to ease the steep grade of the Kicking Horse Pass. With luck you can see a long freight train emerge from one tunnel while still entering the other.
Mountain pass on the Continental Divide between Yoho and Banff, crossed by the Trans-Canada Highway and the railway. It is a National Historic Site linked to the building of the transcontinental railway. Pullouts near Wapta Lake offer views of the surrounding peaks.
Rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River on the road to Emerald Lake, where the river has carved a channel through the limestone. Viewing platforms on both sides let you watch the water rush through. It is a quick stop on the way to the lake.
The park's largest lake, famous for its vivid green colour and mountain backdrop. A 5 km flat trail circles the shore, and canoes can be rented at the boathouse. The parking lot fills fast in summer, so arrive early or late in the day.
One of the highest waterfalls in Canada, plunging about 373 m from the Daly Glacier. A short walk from the parking area takes you close to the spray. The Yoho Valley Road has tight switchbacks, so trailers must be left at a lot near the bottom.
Wide waterfall on the Kicking Horse River near the park's western edge, about 30 m high and 150 m across. An easy trail of about 2.4 km one way leads through the forest to the viewpoint. It is a good stop when driving west toward Golden.
Alpine lake surrounded by peaks, meadows and smaller lakes, with some of the best hiking in the Rockies. Access is limited to a Parks Canada bus that must be booked through a lottery, or an 11 km walk on the access road. Book months ahead.
World-famous fossil beds high on the slopes above Field, preserving soft-bodied sea creatures from over 500 million years ago. Access is only on guided hikes, which are long and steep. Book with Parks Canada or the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation well in advance.
Mountain rising directly above Field, known for its fossil beds full of trilobites. Guided hikes climb steeply to the fossil sites, with great views of the village and the valley. The hike is demanding and must be done with a licensed guide.
Popular high trail starting near Takakkaw Falls that climbs above the treeline to views of glaciers, moraines and small meltwater lakes. A common loop is around 20 km. Snow can linger into July, so check trail conditions before setting out.
Double waterfall at the head of the Yoho Valley, reached by a long day hike of about 8 km one way from Takakkaw Falls. Along the way the trail passes Laughing Falls and forest streams. It is a full but mostly gentle day, and a historic teahouse sits near the falls.
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