Yoho National Park Guide: Best Time to Visit, Hikes & Itinerary

The name “Yoho” comes from a Cree expression of awe and wonder, and it is impossible to visit this section of the Canadian Rockies without feeling exactly that. While often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Banff, Yoho National Park packs an incredible punch of scenery into a smaller footprint. Here, the mountains feel steeper, the waterfalls higher, and the silence deeper.

Located on the western slopes of the Continental Divide in British Columbia, Yoho offers a rugged escape where ancient ocean beds have been thrust upward to form towering peaks. From the roar of the Kicking Horse River to the serene stillness of Emerald Lake, every corner of this park invites exploration and commands respect.

A Landscape Carved by Ice and Iron

Yoho is not just defined by its natural beauty, but also by its engineering marvels and deep history. The park is home to the Spiral Tunnels, a brilliant solution to a treacherous railway grade that allows trains to loop inside the mountains themselves. Watching a massive freight train emerge from the rock above the tunnel it just entered is a uniquely Canadian experience that highlights the nation’s railway heritage.

Beyond the rails, the ground beneath your feet holds secrets of life itself. The Burgess Shale, located high in the mountains, contains some of the world’s most significant fossil finds. These 508-million-year-old preserved soft-bodied organisms provide a window into the Cambrian explosion, making Yoho a pilgrimage site for scientists and curious hikers alike.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Emerald Lake - This is the park’s premier destination, famous for its intense turquoise colour caused by glacial rock flour. A 5.2 km loop trail circles the lake, and canoe rentals are available at the boathouse (approx. $90 CAD/hour).

Takakkaw Falls - Plunging 373 metres (1,224 feet), this is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. It is accessible via a winding road and a short paved path from the parking lot, making it an easy stop for all abilities.

Natural Bridge - Located on the way to Emerald Lake, this rock formation spans the Kicking Horse River. It was created by the erosive power of the water cutting through a limestone blockage, creating a natural viewing platform.

Lake O’Hara - A sensitive alpine area that requires a pre-booked shuttle bus (very competitive lottery system) or an 11 km hike in. It offers perhaps the most pristine hiking network in the entire Canadian Rockies.

Planning Your Visit

Yoho is located on the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1), about 20 minutes west of Lake Louise. Because there is only one main town, Field, services are limited. It is essential to fuel up in Lake Louise or Golden before entering the park. Cell service is spotty outside of the Field townsite, so download offline maps before you arrive.

To visit the park, you will need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which can be purchased online or at the park gates. If you plan to visit Lake O’Hara, you must navigate the reservation system months in advance. For general sightseeing, dress in layers; mountain weather changes rapidly, and it can snow at higher elevations even in July.

Whether you come for the thunder of the waterfalls in spring, the wildflower meadows of summer, or the golden silence of the larch trees in autumn, Yoho promises a connection to nature that feels wild and intimate. It is a place to disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with the awe of the wild.