One Fantastic Day in Yoho National Park
On the western slope of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Yoho National Park has amazing turquoise lakes, rugged peaks, and roaring waterfalls to explore.
In this guide to Yoho National Park, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip based on my experience visiting the park.
Let’s get started!
Yoho National Park Basic Information
Yoho National Park is open 24/7 every day of the year.
The Yoho National Park Visitor Centre is located along the Trans-Canada Highway in Field, B.C. Operating hours are:
January 1st - April 30th: Closed
May 1st - May 31st: 9am - 5pm
June 1st - September 30th: 8:30am - 7pm
October 1st - Canadian Thanksgiving: 9am - 5pm
Day after Canadian Thanksgiving - December 31st: Closed
Day passes are available and allow entry to Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Waterton Lakes, and Elk Island national parks. Park entry is Can$10 per adult per day or Can$20 per family/group. Passes can be purchased online, at national park gates, information centers, or campgrounds.
Advanced reservations are required in 2021 to visit Lake O’Hara. There are 4 ways to visit:
Visit for the day: A random draw reservation system is used to assign day-use bus reservations though the Parks Canada Reservation Service.
Camp for up to three nights. Reservations are required and can be obtained through the Parks Canada Reservation Service.
Stay at the Elizabeth Parker hut by booking with the Alpine Club of Canada.
Stay at the Lake O’Hara Lodge by booking with Lake O’Hara Lodge.
Top Things to do in Yoho National Park
Natural Bridge
Distance: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Minimal
Trailhead Access: Located just off the Trans-Canada Highway near Field, B.C.
Duration: 30 minutes
Located just off the highway, the natural bridge waterfall is worth a quick stop when exploring Yoho National Park. It’s a short walk from the parking lot to get views of the natural bridge. You can explore the area, and even walk out onto the bridge.
Emerald Lake
Distance: 5.2 km roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Minimal
Trailhead Access: Emerald Lake parking area, 10 km west of Field, B.C.
Duration: 2 hours
Walk all the way around the beautiful turquoise lake on a gentle trail. There are lots of places to stop and take a picnic lunch along the lakeshore and watch people jumping in the lake.
Wapta Falls
Distance: 4.6 km roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: 30 m
Trailhead Access: Wapta Falls parking area, 26 km west of Field, B.C.
Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Walk through the forest to reach the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River.
Trekker Tip: This is a great place to take photos, as you can get right up to the waterfall. You can play with scale to make the waterfall look massive.
Takakkaw Falls
Distance: 1.3 km roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: 37 m
Trailhead Access: Takakkaw Falls parking lot
Duration: 30 minutes
Visit the second-tallest waterfall in Canada at 373 meters. From the parking lot, follow a paved path that crosses a bridge over a rushing river to arrive at the base of the falls. There are many great places to view the falls and feel the mist coming off the falls.
Trekker Tip: This is a red chair location in Canada, which makes for a great place to take a picture with the falls in the background.
Lake O’Hara
Lake O’Hara has a collection of lakes and hanging valleys connected by a well-maintained trail network. Trails range between 2.8 to 8 km roundtrip with options to explore the shoreline, the Opabin Plateau, McArthur Pass, and more.
Advanced reservations are required in 2021 to visit Lake O’Hara. There are 4 ways to visit:
Visit for the day: A random draw reservation system is used to assign day-use bus reservations though the Parks Canada Reservation Service.
Camp for up to three nights. Reservations are required and can be obtained through the Parks Canada Reservation Service.
Stay at the Elizabeth Parker hut by booking with the Alpine Club of Canada.
Stay at the Lake O’Hara Lodge by booking with Lake O’Hara Lodge.
Additional Things to do at Yoho National Park
Additional things to check out are:
Backpacking
There are several areas in the park that are spectacular to explore through backpacking. Popular trails include:
Laughing Falls
Yoho Pass
Twin Falls
Ottertail Valley to McArthur Creek
Iceline via Little Yoho
Whaleback
Little Yoho Valley
Goodsir Pass
Climbing & Ice Climbing
Opportunities for climbing and ice climbing exist within the park park with various levels of difficulty. Rockfall and avalanches pose risk in the Canadian Rockies. so be prepared with the necessary gear and training before exploring.
Cycling
There are multiple locations to cycle and mountain bike within the park. When riding, make sure to give right of way to hikers and horse parties.
Popular cycling paths are:
Great Divide/ Old 1A Hwy (from Lake O’Hara parking lot to the Great Divide)
Great Divide/ Old 1A Hwy (from Lake O’Hara parking lot to Lake Louise Drive)
Yoho Valley Road
Emerald Lake Road
Popular mountain biking trails are:
Tally Ho Trail
Kicking Horse Trail
Ross Lake Trail
Otterhead Trail
Ottertail Valley Trail
Ice River Trail
Amiskwi Trail
Fishing
You must have a valid national park fishing permit to fish within the park. Provincial fishing licenses are not valid. Fishing permits can be purchased at the visitor centre for Can$9.80 per day or Can$34.30 for an annual pass.
Visit a Red Chair Location
There are two red chair locations within the park: One at Takakkaw Falls, and one at Yoho Lake. Snap a picture while you relax in the iconic Adirondack chairs.
Drive Kicking Horse Pass
Drive across the continental divide along the highest point on the Trans-Canada Highway. You’ll reach an elevation of 1,627 m (5,338 ft) the be rewarded with amazing views of Yoho National Park.
Where to Stay
Lodging in Banff:
Pair a trip to Yoho National Park, with a trip to Banff National Park, located about 45 minutes southeast. Lodging can be fairly expensive within Banff, but allows for quick access to numerous lakes and trails along with restaurants and bars in downtown Banff.
Popular places to stay in Banff are:
Fairmont Banff Springs
Moose Hotel & Suites
Hidden Ridge Resort
The Rimrock Resort
Banff Park Lodge Resort
Lodging Near Field:
If you’re spending multiple days in the park, you might want to stay closer to the park near the town of Field.
Popular places to stay near Field are:
Emerald Lake Lodge
Elizabeth Parker Hut
Lake O’Hara Lodge
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Camping in Yoho National Park:
Camping is permitted within Yoho National park only in designated areas with a camping permit. Reservations are required along with an entry pass to the national park. Fees for campsites vary and can be found on the national park website.
Campground locations include:
Kicking Horse
Monarch
Takakkaw Falls
Hoodoo Creek
Lake O’Hara
Yoho Lake (backcountry campground)
Laughing Falls (backcountry campground)
Twin Falls (backcountry campground)
Little Yoho (backcountry campground)
McArthur Creek (backcountry campground)
Where to Eat
Dining in Banff:
The Bison Restaurant offers Canadian fare where you can eat on their scenic terrace.
Chuck’s Steakhouse located in downtown Banff offers a seasonal menu.
The Bear Street Tavern is a casual bar offering a grill and pizza.
Block Kitchen + Bar offers Asian-inspired tapas.
Saffron Indian Bistro offers casual dining and Indian cuisine.
Dining in Field:
The Siding Café offers comfort food.
Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge offers burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
Mount Burgess Dining Room at Emerald Lake Lodge offers dine-in food within the park.
What to Pack
Good to protect your knees on longer, steeper hikes.
Definitely needed along with snow baskets if hiking in spring or early summer as there will still be snow on the trails.
Good hiking socks to keep your feet comfortable when scrambling over rocks or climbing up inclines.
As there are numerous lakes and river crossings throughout the park, it’s a good idea to pack a spare in case your socks get wet.
Bring waterproof hiking boots that are comfortable and you have a chance to break in before you set out on long hikes.
Needed for hikes in spring or early summer as you can still find snow and ice along the trails.
Keep your hands free while having space for your sunscreen, water, extra layers, quick dry towel, and more.
Is a must as some areas are exposed and do not offer much shade.
Stay hydrated while you’re hiking in the hot sun.
A roll-up hat you can pack in your day bag to keep cool as the temperature varies throughout the day.
Be prepared for cold weather when visiting Athabasca Glacier, as the glacier can be significantly colder than other areas of the park.
