The word “Yoho” originates from a Cree word meaning “awe,” which perfectly describes this beautiful park. In my opinion, Yoho is better than Banff and less crowded. Spanning 1,313 square kilometers (507 sq mi), exploring Yoho is a worthwhile adventure filled with stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. It’s considered one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia, a hidden gem for nature lovers. Yoho National Park features towering peaks, pristine lakes, and rich wildlife in the majestic Canadian Rockies. Just over the Alberta/BC border in southeastern British Columbia, it offers a quieter alternative to the crowded Banff National Park. Many visitors only stop briefly at Emerald Lake, but it is definitely worth exploring a few other interesting sites within the park and spending at least a day.
Quick Summary:
What we did: We visited as a day trip from Lake Louise village. We spent the day canoeing on Emerald Lake, and Kicking horse river. We also hiked to Takakkaw Falls and Natural Bridge.
Where we ate: Truffle Pig restaurant in the Field, BC
Where we stayed: Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise village
- Where is Yoho National Park?
- Top things to do in Yoho National park
- Appreciate the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels
- Admire the beauty of Emerald Lake
- Takakkaw Falls- Second highest waterfall in Canada
- Natural Bridge -Mind the gap
- Wapta Falls – yet another waterfall
- Meeting of the Waters
- Lake O’Hara
- Stop and enjoy the town of Field and eat lunch at Truffle Pig restaurant
- FInal thoughts
Where is Yoho National Park?
It’s located in eastern British Columbia on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies. It shares borders with Banff National Park to the east. Kootenay National Park is to the south. If you are in Banff, this is a great park to add to your itinerary and spend at least a day in the park to see the highlights.
Top things to do in Yoho National park
Appreciate the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels
One of the most impressive things we saw on our way to Emerald Lake was the Spiral tunnels. We were lucky enough to catch a train passing through the spiral tunnel, and it is awe-inspiring. The Spiral Tunnels are an incredible engineering feat designed to safely navigate the steep terrain of Kicking Horse Pass. Built in 1909, these tunnels were modeled after a Swiss railway system. This design choice aimed to reduce the dangerous grade of the original track. The tunnels allow trains to loop inside Mount Ogden and Cathedral Mountain, effectively spiraling over themselves to gain elevation gradually. You will be able to see Trains forming figure 8 as they pass through these tunnels.
There are two viewpoints where you can watch trains pass through the tunnels. You can also learn more about the Spiral Tunnels and the Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site of Canada. On average, 25 to 30 trains pass through the Spiral Tunnels daily, though not regularly.
- From the viewpoint 7.4 km east of Field on the Trans-Canada Highway, you can see the Lower Spiral Tunnel in Mt. Ogden (This is the viewpoint where we saw the train pass through the spiral tunnels).
- The Upper Spiral Tunnel in Cathedral Mountain can be seen from the pull-off 2.3 km up the Yoho Valley Road
Admire the beauty of Emerald Lake
The main attraction at Yoho National Park is the beautiful Emerald Lake. It gets its name from its deep green waters. These waters are fed by glacial streams from the mountains. This stunning lake is not only great to look at but also offers many outdoor activities year-round. These features make it a perfect spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It provides excellent opportunities for photography and leisurely nature walks amidst gorgeous scenery. The clear waters attract paddle enthusiasts who can explore by canoe or kayak, taking in the serene surroundings. Well-marked trails around the lake allow hikers to experience the beautiful landscape. Visitors can observe native wildlife, including deer, beavers, and a variety of birds. Every visit becomes a memorable experience.
Canoeing at Emerald Lake
Compared to the more popular Lake Louise and Moraine, canoeing at Lake Emerald is cheaper and less crowded. During the summer months, the canoe rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis. You can’t reserve ahead of time. They run from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM every day. The canoe rentals are offered by The Boathouse Trading Co., and you can find more information on their website. Each canoe can fit 2 adults and 2 small children, each weighing less than 60 lbs/27 kg. Alternatively, 3 adults can fit in a canoe.
Hike around Emerald Lake
The Emerald Lake Loop is a moderate 5.2 km hike that takes hikers around the stunning Emerald Lake. The trail offers incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This hike is suitable for all levels of hikers and is an excellent choice for families with children.
Takakkaw Falls– Second highest waterfall in Canada
The Takakkaw Falls hike is a leisurely 1.2 km walk that leads hikers to the base of the stunning Takakkaw Falls. This waterfall is one of the highest in Canada. The hike offers incredible views of the falls and provides a stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountain scenery.
The name Takakkaw, derived from the Cree word for “magnificent,” couldn’t be more fitting. Plunging a staggering 373 meters (1,224 feet), it’s the second-highest waterfall in Canada (the highest being Niagara falls) .
The falls are fed by the Daly Glacier, which means they’re especially powerful in late spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak.
Where is Takakkaw falls:
You can reach Takakkaw Falls by driving from Banff or Lake Louise on the Trans-Canada Highway into Yoho National Park. Turn right onto Yoho Valley Road and drive for 15 km. After entering the park, it takes about 30-40 minutes of careful driving to reach the parking lot. Be cautious of tight hairpin turns and places where only one car can pass, as trailers or motorhomes cannot navigate these turns. There is ample parking available, but it can get busy in the summer, so we recommend arriving early to secure a spot.
Natural Bridge –Mind the gap
A unique natural formation where the Kicking Horse River has carved through a layer of rock, forming a natural bridge.
The Natural Bridge is a stunning natural rock formation in Yoho National Park, carved by the powerful Kicking Horse River over thousands of years. This impressive landmark showcases the beauty of nature’s artistry, as the river’s erosive action has painstakingly worn away at the limestone, creating a magnificent natural arch. It is easily accessible, with viewing platforms equipped with informative interpretive displays detailing the fascinating process of its formation. It is located on Emerald Lake Road, just 3 km (1.9 miles) from the charming town of Field, making it an ideal stop for those traveling in the area. Additionally, it is a mere 10 km (about 10 minutes by car) from the picturesque Emerald Lake, allowing visitors to easily incorporate visits to both stunning locations in their itinerary.
Wapta Falls – yet another waterfall
A powerful waterfall is located on the Kicking Horse River. Visitors can hike to a viewing platform to take in the impressive sight. We skipped this but if you have time, this falls is definitely worth visiting.
The Wapta Falls hike is a relatively easy 4.8 km (~3 mile) trail that leads hikers to the impressive Wapta Falls. The trail takes hikers through beautiful forested areas and offers incredible views of the falls. This hike is suitable for all levels of hikers and is a great choice for families with children. It will take about 2 hours to finish the hike
***To find the Wapta Falls trailhead on Google Maps, search for “Wapta Falls Main Trail” or “Wapta Falls Trail Head Pk.” Searching “Wapta Falls” will take you to the campground across the Kicking Horse River. This location doesn’t give access to the falls’ base.
Meeting of the Waters
On the way to Takawakka falls, there is a stop where the Kicking Horse and Yoho rivers meet. It’s a great place to explore with the kids. The Yoho River flows from the north and meets the Kicking Horse River, which is a designated Canadian Heritage River. This confluence is a popular spot for visitors. They can view the powerful water flow and the unique glacial green color of the Yoho River. This color is caused by rock flour from melting glaciers. This was one of my favorite spots in Yoho National Park. I highly recommend stopping here on the way to Takawakka falls.
Lake O’Hara
Lake O’Hara is another notable feature of Yoho National Park. It is famous for its clear waters. The stunning mountain scenery attracts nature lovers and photographers alike. European explorers discovered it in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, a small hotel was built nearby for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat in stunning landscapes. The area has stayed a hidden gem, protected by rules to keep its beauty for future generations.
Visiitng lake O’Hara take little bit of planning. Access is limited to preserve its fragile ecosystem. You can visit by scoring a coveted spot on the Parks Canada shuttle. Alternatively, hike the 11 km access road. You can also stay overnight at the Lake O’Hara Lodge or Elizabeth Parker Hut.
Access to Lake Ohara is managed through a Parks Canada shuttle bus system, and reservations are required.
Here’s how it works:
- Day-use shuttle reservations are allocated via a random draw.
- The application window for the 2025 season was March 3 to March 24.
- If you missed the draw, you can still check for unclaimed spots. These spots are released to the public about 20 days after the lottery closes.
Shuttle Details:
- Operates June 20 to October 5, 2025.
- Departs from the Lake O’Hara parking lot (12 km west of Lake Louise or 13 km east of Field, B.C.).
- Inbound buses: 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
- Outbound options: 2:30, 4:30, and 6:30 p.m.
How to Reserve:
- Visit the Parks Canada Reservation Service to apply or check for availability.
- You can also call 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).
If you’re staying at Lake O’Hara Lodge, your accommodation includes a shuttle seat. A separate reservation is not needed. The same applies if you are staying at the Elizabeth Parker Hut.
Stop and enjoy the town of Field and eat lunch at Truffle Pig restaurant
After canoeing at Emerald Lake, we decided to stop in Field, a charming hamlet nestled in the heart of Yoho National Park. It was conveniently on our way to the Takakkaw Falls. As we strolled through the quaint streets, we enjoyed the picturesque surroundings before settling down for lunch at the Truffle Pig restaurant around 11:30 AM. Fortunately, it was just before the lunch rush started, allowing us to experience the serene atmosphere. The food and drinks were truly exceptional, featuring a variety of local ingredients. This restaurant truly stands up to its reputation as a must-visit place for both tourists and locals alike.
FInal thoughts
Yoho National Park is definitely worth visiting if you are in the Banff area. It offers a stunning array of natural beauty and outdoor activities. We enjoyed spending the day at Yoho, where the fresh mountain air and picturesque landscapes created an unforgettable experience. Compared to the well-known Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake is less crowded. If you go in the morning, you can truly appreciate its serene surroundings. I would definitely like to return and explore Lake O’Hara, especially during larch season.
Peaks to Palaces 
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