Yoho National Park: 1st Time Visitor Guide
Yoho National Park is one of the most underrated gems in Canada’s park system. While its neighbors like Banff and Jasper tend to steal the spotlight, Yoho quietly offers some of the most jaw-dropping alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and roaring waterfalls you’ll ever encounter, all with fewer crowds. If you’re planning your first visit, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to this rugged paradise.
Overview
Established in 1886, Yoho National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. The word “Yoho” comes from a Cree expression of awe and wonder and one can argue that its exactly how you’ll feel when exploring this park (as the photos will soon show).
Yoho is home to:
- Emerald Lake – a glacial lake known for its intense turquoise color
- Takakkaw Falls – one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls (1,000 feet high)
- The Natural Bridge – a rock formation carved by the Kicking Horse River
- Wapta Falls – a powerful, wide waterfall in the southern part of the park
- Burgess Shale fossils – some of the oldest and most significant fossils on Earth
Photos:
How to Get There
Yoho is located along the Trans-Canada Highway (Icefields Parkway) between Banff and Golden. The closest major airports are:
- Calgary International Airport (YYC) – approx. 2.5 hours east
- Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – approx. 5 hours west
Driving is the easiest and most scenic way to get there. From Banff, it’s a 1-hour drive via the Trans-Canada Highway. If you’re traveling by RV or doing a Canadian Rockies road trip, Yoho makes an excellent stop between Banff and Jasper or Glacier National Park in the U.S.
Best Times to Visit
- Late June through September is the best time to visit for full access to trails, lakes, and waterfalls.
- Fall (late September to early October) brings golden larches and fewer tourists.
- Winter offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but road access to some areas like Takakkaw Falls is closed.
Note: High elevation areas and some roads may remain snow-covered until mid-to-late June.
10 Best Things to Do
There are honestly way more than 10 things to explore in this park and there’s an awesome Tripadvisor page on Yoho National Park that collects the most popular visitor reviews and the following are considered must see places when visiting:
- Visit Emerald Lake – Rent a canoe or hike around the lake for epic alpine views.
- See Takakkaw Falls – A short walk brings you face to face with this towering waterfall.
- Hike to Wapta Falls – One of the most powerful and scenic waterfalls in the Rockies.
- Explore the Natural Bridge – Watch water carve through rock with impressive force.
- Take a guided hike to Burgess Shale – Learn about ancient marine fossils with Parks Canada.
- Photograph Lake O’Hara – Limited access protects this pristine gem (advance permit required, see details).
- Drive the Kicking Horse Pass – Incredible mountain scenery from the highway.
- Camp near the Yoho River – Campgrounds with backdrops that feel like a movie scene.
- Visit Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint – Learn about an engineering marvel built to tame the mountains.
- Wildlife Spotting – Keep an eye out for elk, bears, mountain goats, and marmots.
Best Hikes (Beginner to Advanced)
Beginner-Friendly
- Emerald Lake Loop (3.2 miles / 5.2 km) – Flat and scenic trail around the lake.
- Takakkaw Falls Trail (0.75 miles / 1.2 km) – Short paved walk to the base of the waterfall.
- Natural Bridge Trail (easy access) – Minimal walking with dramatic river features.
Moderate
- Wapta Falls Trail (3 miles / 4.8 km round trip) – Gradual descent to the base of a wide waterfall.
- Hamilton Falls Trail (1.6 miles / 2.5 km) – Starts from Emerald Lake Lodge with some elevation gain.
Advanced
- Iceline Trail (13 miles / 20.8 km loop) – One of the park’s most rewarding alpine trails with glacier views.
- Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit – Access limited to those with bus permits, but the trail system offers epic ridge hiking and larch tree scenery.
Packing List
Depending on which season you go, there’s a bunch of things I’d recommend you bring on your trip and you can get a majority of them through my Amazon gear list, but here’s an overview:
- Layered clothing (weather changes fast)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Rain jacket
- Daypack with water bladder or bottles
- Trekking poles (recommended for longer hikes)
- Bear spray (mandatory in some areas)
- Snacks and high-energy food
- Map or downloaded GPS trail guide
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Bug spray (especially near lakes and rivers)
- Camera or phone for photos
Where to Stay
Fortunately there are plenty of lodges and hotels inside and outside the park (See the top deals).
Nearby towns:
- Field, BC – Smallest and closest community to most Yoho attractions.
- Golden, BC – About 30 minutes west with more accommodations and restaurants.
- Lake Louise, AB – 20 minutes east and a great base for exploring both Banff and Yoho.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance Fee: Yoho is part of the Canadian national parks system. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass or daily pass is required.
- Cell Service is very limited inside the park, download maps and guides beforehand.
- Road Closures: Takakkaw Falls Road and Lake O’Hara access road are seasonal and close during winter/spring.
- Wildlife Safety: Always carry bear spray, hike in groups, and make noise on the trail.
- Lake O’Hara Reservations: Requires an advanced online reservation via Parks Canada and often sells out months ahead.
- Weather: Conditions can shift quickly, be prepared for everything from sun to snow even in summer.
Similar Areas:
Final Thoughts
Yoho National Park is where you go to feel small, in the best way. Towering peaks, thundering waterfalls, and vibrant alpine lakes make this park one of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’re hiking to glacial viewpoints or just soaking in the beauty at Emerald Lake, your first visit to Yoho will be anything but your last. Pack smart, book early, and prepare to be amazed. And if you have time, on top of the above recommended places to visit, I’d also recommend making a stop at Waterton Lakes National Park, another underrated gem in the area!
