7 Best Hikes in Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is a lesser-known gem in the Canadian Rockies. While most people flock to its famous neighbours Banff and Jasper National Parks, Yoho is often overlooked and together in collaboration with Expedia.ca, we’ll show you why it shouldn’t be and where to stay. It is an ideal destination for hikers, nature lovers, road trippers and all around adventurers.

We like to visit Yoho National Park all year round. Many trails are great for cross-country skiing in winter, and we can go exploring countless waterfalls, lakes and hiking trails in summer.

Start planning your weekend getaway with our post. You will find here everything you need to know for a great trip in the Canadian outdoors!

Where is Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park sits on the east side of the British Columbia province. Its neighbours are Banff, Jasper and Kootenay National Park.

The Trans-Canada Highway passes through the national park and its main center, a little town Field where you can find the visitor centre. The staff can help you book your accommodation and provide tips and maps for Yoho and surrounding parks.

Where to stay in Yoho National Park

Budget options

Campgrounds Kicking Horse, Monarch, Takakkaw Falls and Hoodoo Creek. They are available from mid-May to mid-October and operate on a first-come first-serve basis, so plan to arrive early.

Mid-range options can be found in Field which has several guesthouses.

Luxury options include:The Gread Divide Lodge, Cathedral Mountain Lodge and Emerald Lake Lodge.

Check out Expedia.ca for accommodation options.

Best time to visit Yoho National Park

You can visit Yoho National Park all year round. In winter, you can base yourself at Emerald Lake Lodge, go cross country skiing or snowshoeing and see the frozen waterfall at Natural Bridge.

The main season starts mid-May (or end of May) and ends mid-October. During this time the campgrounds and roads are open with just a few hiking trails closed due to grizzly bear presence.

Northern Lights at midnight in May

The peak season is in July and August, same as the rest of the Canadian Rockies. We’ve visited at the end of May and while camping was fine, lots of trails were covered in snow. I would recommend planning a trip to Yoho in June or in September. Check this website for up to date closures in the park.

Entrance to Yoho National Park

To visit Yoho National Park you are required to either purchase:

10.50 CAD per person for a daily pass, 21 CAD for a group/family
72.25 CAD per person for a yearly pass, 145.25 CAD for a group/family

Basic campground per night starts at 15.70CAD while backcountry camping costs 9.80CAD per person.

All passes and camping permits can be purchased at the visitor center in Field, Banff or Jasper.

Hiking in Yoho National Park

Before you head out to any trail, make sure you read trail condition report and be aware that you’re in a bear country. Park officials recommend carrying a bear spray and most importantly learn here how to stay safe, read: Safe travel in bear country

Best hikes in Yoho National Park

Takakkaw Falls

Only 17km from Field, this is the most popular place in Yoho National Park. It’s easily reachable by car with a short walk to the base of the falls. For rock climbers, there is a route on the left side of the falls.Takakkaw Falls are 300 meters high, also have a campground and short hikes in the area. Yoho Valley Road leading to the waterfalls is closed October 10 – mid-June due to avalanche risk.

Read the full blog post: Ultimate guide to Takakkaw Falls in Yoho

Wapta Falls

Short and easy hike leads to a huge waterfall which can be visited year round. It is 5km long (return) if the gate is open. If it’s closed, you’ll park a little further and the hike will be 8km long (return). It’s mostly flat until you arrive to the upper viewpoint, then a short hike down the hill and you’ll arrive at the base.

Wapta Falls are located near the west edge of the park, approximately 25 km from Field. You will see the parking lot on the left side after you cross the Kicking Horse River (the sign for the parking lot is on the other side of the road, if you’re coming from Field).

Read the full blog post: Wapta Falls Hike in Yoho National Park

Emerald Lake Loop

During peak summer season, it is a very busy trail. It’s 4,5km long, flat and goes around the whole Emerald Lake. Great way to admire the views is also renting a canoe on the lake.

Read the full blog post: Ultimate guide to Emerald Lake in Yoho

Emerald Basin

On the north end side of the lake is a signed trail to the Emerald Basin which leads closer to the Emerald Glacier. It is flat along the lake, then climbs and enters the forest and finally opens up at the Emerald Basin with a view of The President, The Vice President, Michael Peak and Emerald glacier right in front of you. We got as closer as we could, the trail was difficult to locate as we were walking on the remaining parts of the snow.

Lake O’Hara

A true gem of the Yoho National Park. The area around Lake O’Hara has several hiking trails ranging in difficulties and views of several stunning lakes. The 12km dirt road to the lake is only accessible by shuttle bus which can be booked by phone (details here) for a day trip or overnight stay. Accommodation options include either a campground (which is usually fully booked 3 months in advance, so prepare your dates very early) or in a Lake O’Hara Lodge.

Read the full blog post: Hiking & camping at Lake O’Hara: the complete guide to Yoho’s paradise

These are areas where we’ve hiked before and know well. If you would like to go hiking even more, read this website or this one.

Iceline Trail

Iceline Trail is the best hike in Yoho National Park. The views are mesmerizing from start to finish. As soon as you get above the treeline, you see Takakkaw Falls and its feeding glacier from above. Shortly you arrive to several glaciers, then emerald lakes, and waterfalls.

You can do a short day hike 18.3 km loop via Celeste Lake Trail or an overnight trip while staying in a hut via Stanley Mitchell Hut/Little Yoho Valley Trail is about 4 km longer.

If you’d like to enjoy the area, I highly recommend staying at the Takakkaw Falls campground.

Read the full blog post: Iceline Trail, a dreamy hike in Yoho National Park

Sherbrooke Lake

Sherbrooke Lake in Yoho National Park is a true hidden gem. After a short hike through the wood, you’re greeted with a stunning green lake and no crowds! It’s the hike I recommend the most when visiting Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies.

The trailhead is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, close to Field. The 6 km round-trip hike is easy for kids as the elevation gain is only 165m.

Read the full blog post: Sherbrooke Lake Hike in Yoho National Park

Other activities in Yoho National Park

Natural Bridge – can be visited year round. It is located a few kilometres from Field on the way to the Emerald Lake. You can watch the bustling Kicking Horse River make its way through the limestone rock beds from a several viewing points.

Kicking Horse River white water rafting – a few rafting companies in Golden, BC offer this exhilarating experience and it’s one of the best places for white water rafting in Canada.

Stand-up paddleboard to Wapta Falls – rafting company in Golden, BC (60 km from Field) offers this trip. 5 hours on a stand-up paddleboard surrounded by mountains sounds great to me.