For outdoor enthusiasts seeking jaw-dropping views, tranquil lakes, and one of the best places to hike in the Rockies, Yoho National Park is the ultimate destination. Nestled on the western slopes of the Continental Divide and minutes from Banff National Park, Yoho is a hiker's paradise, with similar views and just as much epic adventure—but far fewer crowds. Whether you're an avid hiker or someone who simply appreciates Mother Nature, this guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Yoho National Park.
Where is Yoho National Park?
Yoho National Park is in southeastern British Columbia, near the Alberta border. It's a short 20-minute drive from all sorts of fun Golden activities and about 35 minutes from Kicking Horse Lodging. Interestingly, Yoho shares boundaries with two other national parks: Banff to the east and Kootenay to the south.
Best Time of Year to Visit Yoho National Park
Open all year, Yoho National Park offers unique experiences in each season. The best time to visit, though, largely depends on the specific activities you have planned.
For hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the lakes, July through September is ideal—although late June and early October are also excellent in some years. During these months, the weather is warmer, trails are (generally) snow-free, and most park facilities and roads are open. The caveat, of course, is that everyone wants to take advantage of this season, so the park can get quite crowded.
Fall, specifically mid-September into early October, ushers in stunning, colourful foliage and fewer crowds, making it a great time for photography, quieter hikes, and wildlife watching.
Winter enthusiasts will find Yoho equally enchanting from December to March when the park transforms into a magical, snowy wonderland. This time of year is perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing, a wonderful complement to hitting the slopes at Kicking Horse.
Spring, although less predictable in terms of weather, offers the distinct advantage of experiencing the park’s waterfalls at peak flow, thundering as the snow melts.
Admission, Fees & Passes
Yoho National Park is open year-round, and peak season is July and August. All visitors need to either pay daily admission ($11 for adults, $22 per family or group, and free for children 17 and under) or have a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass. If you plan to visit other national parks throughout the year, the annual Discovery Pass offers excellent value and grants access to over 80 Parks Canada sites.
Best Things to Do in Yoho National Park
Emerald Lake
One of Yoho’s crown jewels, aptly-named Emerald Lake, lives up to all the hype. Towering peaks and lush forest surround its stunning, glassy turquoise waters, creating a setting straight off of a postcard. Canoeing on Emerald Lake is one of the most popular things to do in the park, and there's also a beginner-friendly 5.2-kilometer (3.2 miles) loop trail around the lake with non-stop incredible views. The effort-to-reward ratio on the Emerald Lake trail is tremendous, making it one of the best places to hike in Yoho for all skill levels.
Natural Bridge
Another appropriately-named feature in Yoho National Park, the Natural Bridge, is a fascinating rock formation carved out by the Kicking Horse River. It's close to Emerald Lake, so make it a quick photo stop before or after hiking around the lake.
Takakkaw Falls
The second-tallest waterfall in Canada and the tallest in Yoho, 373-meter "Tak Falls" is a must-see. With its dramatic two-tier drop, the 'main' one being 254 meters tall, the cascade is especially impressive in late spring and early summer. An easy 1.4-kilometer (1.1 miles) hike from the parking lot brings you to the base of the falls, where you can feel the mist and hear the thunderous roar of the water. Along the pleasant trail, there are also typically several other small, unnamed cascades flowing.
If you're looking for a longer hike, the 8-kilometer (5 miles) round-trip trail to Laughing Falls also starts in the Takakkaw Falls parking lot.
Drive Yoho Valley Road
Yoho Valley Road is a famous 17-kilometer (10.5 miles) scenic, narrow, and winding road with direct access to some of the park’s most beautiful spots, including Takakkaw Falls. Just doing the drive is one of the best things to do in the park in its own right, as it offers a front-row seat to incredible scenery...and a bit of a white-knuckle adventure on certain turns. Along the way, you’ll also find several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks.
Note that Yoho Valley Road is only open in the summer and early fall, typically closing for the season in October and re-opening in mid-June.
Wapta Falls
Wapta Falls serves as a perfect counterpoint to Takakkaw Falls. Where Tak Falls is tall, Wapta is ultra-wide (nearly 150 meters!), creating a powerful curtain-like waterfall. Hiking the 4.8-kilometer (3 miles) round-trip trail through a shady, forested path leads to the falls, a rewarding yet family-friendly excursion. The viewpoint at the end offers a stunning panorama of the falls and the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or photography.
Lake O'Hara
Many people consider Lake O'Hara one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The pristine alpine lake is surrounded by truly stunning scenery, but there's a catch—it's challenging to access. Visitors must either hike in (11 kilometers one way down the gravel road) or score a highly sought-after shuttle bus reservation. These reservations are made by random lottery drawings, with the 'application period' open in March each year and drawings in early April. If you can actually get to Lake O'Hara, you'll immediately see why it's one of the best places to hike anywhere.
With so much to see and do, Yoho National Park truly is a hiker's paradise and an overall unforgettable destination. Whether you take a day trip to hit the highlights or plan several days in the park to thoroughly explore, Kicking Horse Lodging makes an ideal basecamp. Book your stay today, and discover not only the magic of this incredible park but also what to do in Golden any time of year.
