By the way, I am Ben, of Unknown Horizon. I am an Aussie, but I currently live in Canada, however weird that may seem. I have spent quite a bit of time exploring my new home, and am quite in love. As a photographer, I love to share my experiences through photos, so not too long ago, I published the story 18 photos that will make you want to visit Canada right now. If you haven’t been to western Canada, I think these photos may inspire you to start planning. Yoho is a great place to start, which is why I decided to put together this Yoho trip planner.
My Yoho Trip Planner includes:
Yoho National Park History
Places to see in Yoho National Park
- Lake OHara
- Emerald Lake
- Natural Bridge
- Kicking Horse River
- Wapata Falls
- Kicking Horse Pass
Yoho Information
Where to Stay in or near Yoho
Yoho Safety Information
Yoho National Park History
As you can imagine, with so many memorable things to do in Yoho that are easy to get to, the National Park is a popular Canadian travel destination. It has long been considered a beautiful park in Canada. In fact is tied 2nd for the title of Canada’s oldest National Park, with Banff National Park being the only one that’s been established longer.
Riding the newly completed Transcontinental Railway spiraling through the tunnels, Prime Minister James A MacDonald was so inspired by the beauty, the status of the park was created soon after. On October 10th, 1886, the area became the Mount Stephen Reserve.
In 1985, Yoho National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage site. The origin of the name “Yoho” come from the First Nations Cree word for awe and wonder.
Places to see in Yoho National Park
Lake O’Hara
Lake O’Hara is one of the most sought after adventures and places to see in Yoho National Park as spots are very limited. With bright blue lakes, towering mountains and the famous larch trees, it’s no wonder why tickets sell out so fast.
While there are many challenging and exhausting hikes to various viewpoints around, there are a number that are easily accomplished by younger travelers. One of the most scenic trails is O’Hara Shoreline Trail. As the name suggests, it follows the edge of Lake O’Hara giving some beautiful views of the glass-like lake, giant peaks in the background and dense pine forests all around.
During the Fall season, a well-known feature of this scenic area is the “larch tree season”. These trees turn a bright yellow, and give a huge contrast to the perfect blue lakes along the trails.
Access to Lake O’Hara and the network of trails should be organized in advance, as there’s limited amount of buses that transport visitors each day. You can make your reservation through the Canada National Parks website.
If you don’t get a seat on one of these trips, the only other way is to walk the 11km along the road to reach the lake. While the trails are one of the best things to do in Yoho because of the scenery of Lake O’Hara and it’s surroundings, but the road isn’t very scenic at all. Cross country skiing is the preferred method of accessing the area in the winter time.
Staying overnight is the best way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Renting a cabin right on the lakes shore is possible, or booking a camping spot (with a maximum of three nights) is also an option. The car park to Lake O’Hara is 13km east of the small town of Field along the Trans-Canada Highway, this is where you should arrive a little early to meet the buses that drive you to the beautiful lake.
I’ve spent 3 nights here, and another day trip, and while I’m pretty fit, there’s many trails I haven’t yet explored. Regardless of your fitness level, Lake O’Hara has plenty to offer nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Emerald Lake
One of the most popular places to see in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake. While the name suggest a bright green colour, it isn’t always the case. During my many trips to Emerald Lake, I’ve seen the water in quite a few different shades. From a fluorescent blue to clear and calm reflecting every colour in its surroundings.
Emerald Lake is the largest of 61 ponds and lakes in the National Park. With a 5.2km circuit looping the body of water, pretty much every member of the family can soak in this beautiful display of nature. Around half the trail is also wheelchair accessible.
As you’re walking around, providing the weather conditions aren’t terrible, there will be many peaks to study. Wapta Mountain, Mount Burgess and President Range are all highlights of the scenic views around Emerald Lake.
If you’re looking for another activity other than walking, paddling a canoe in the summer or cross country skiing across the frozen lake in winter are both popular activities. Both of these give a unique perspective to Emerald Lake and the surrounding mountains.
To get here is simple. Just turn off onto Emerald Lake Road from the Trans Canada Highway and keep on driving until you reach the end of the road – a car park. Finding a spot can be difficult as this a popular place to visit, so you may have to park along the sides of the road and walk. Don’t worry, the scenery is well worth the effort!
Natural Bridge
On top is a layer of hard limestone that forms a protective cap for the softer rock below. Through many years of the force of the current lashing at the soft rock, it eventually bore through, creating this natural bridge formation.
Situated only 3km from the small British Columbia town of Field, this is another highly popular attraction of Yoho National Park.
The bridge spans the width of the Kicking Horse River, and there are a number of viewpoints along the walking trails. Take care if you’re exploring the area in winter as the slight angle in the path can be like walking on an oil slick!
Kicking Horse River
The well known Kicking Horse River is 80 kilometers long and flows through a number of towns, including Golden and close to Field. This snaking river connects the Kicking Horse Pass, which has a unique history of its own, to the valley of Bow River.
There are many places to visit along the river itself that give an idea just how powerful nature can be, one of best places to see in Yoho is Wapta Falls.
Wapta Falls
Along the entire length of the Kicking Horse River, Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall. Churning out, on average, 254 cubic meters of water every second, it’s a testament to the power of the natural world.
Standing at 30 meters high, Wapta Falls spans the 150 meter width of the Kicking Horse River. It’s white rapids flow constantly and spray a fine mist as the wall of water crashed into the continuing river below. The hike to the bottom of Wapta Falls is relatively easy, and one of the best things to do in Yoho. There are some small gains and losses along the way, but overall is considered quite an easy hike. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the base of the falls and around 2.5 kilometers in length.
The word “Wapta” comes from the language of the Nakoda First Generation people’s that translates into the river.
Trains Entering the Spiral Tunnels – Kicking Horse Pass
Thanks to the Rocky Mountains, linking British Columbia to the rest of the Canada by train wasn’t an easy thing to do. The first attempt in 1884 derailed and killed three workers due to the steepness of one section. Kicking Horse Pass, literally nicknamed “Big Hill” was the most challenging aspect of the project.
A brilliant idea of “spiral tunnels” was drawn up and were completed in 1909. The are two spiral tunnels in separate mountains that ease the gradient of the tracks enough for the trains to traverse the unforgiving terrain safely.
The “upper spiral” is in Cathedral Mountain and can be seen on a pull-out 2.3km along YOH O valley Road. While the “lower spiral” can be seen at a rest stop right along the Trans Canada Highway, 7.4km east of Field. At the lower spiral, the train can be seen three times in one view. The same train snakes in and out of the dense forest before entering the tunnel.
At the lower spiral viewpoint, there is information explaining the history and importance of this attraction that became a National Historic Site in 1971. Of all the places to see in Yoho National Park, the pass is the most unique. While there are multiple trains that pass along these tracks every day, there is currently no schedule – it is pretty obvious when they are close as they aren’t quiet machines.
Yoho National Park Information
- The National Park is open all year round, however, Visitor Services are only available from mid-May to mid-October. Basically before the winter season takes hold and transform the landscape with a blanket of snow.
- There is an entrance fee to enter. While children under 17 are free, adults currently cost 10.50 (CAD). If you plan to spend multiple days here there are other passes, for example, a yearly Parks Canada Discovery Pass will cost $145.25 (CAD) for a family or $72.25 (CAD) for an adult.
Where to stay in or near Yoho National Park
No Yoho trip planner would be complete without some lodging options. Choices in and near Yoho include campgrounds, chain hotels, lodges, and cabins.
- There are a number of campground available, with the cheapest being Hoodoo Creek at $15.70 (CAD).
- However, if you’re after a showering facility, Kicking Horse Campground is a great choice for $27.40 (CAD). Special permits are required for fishing and backcountry use of the National Park.
- While the closest town to Yoho National Park is Field (it’s actually Situated inside the park itself), one of the closest town is Golden. This is a great town to base yourself out of provided you have your own transport. Golden has several chain hotels that you will be familiar with, and some exclusive to the area. You will also find lodges, cabins, and bed and breakfast options in these two towns.
Find a hotel in Golden at a great price right now! Whether you want a mountain lodge, a bed and breakfast, or a hotel name you know, we have options for you!
Yoho Safety
All of these memorable places to see inside Yoho National Park are in the wilderness. This brings two important points to touch on:
There are wild animals who call this park home. While many aren’t going to hurt you, many have the potential to for a number of reasons. Always take precautions, especially when hiking trails take you far from civilisation. Bears are the most common encounters, and while most meetings end peacefully, it’s not a guarantee and you should be aware of steps to take if necessary.
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and change very quickly. Make sure you are prepared for your activities, including bringing enough food and water for your trip.
Summing it all Up
Whether you’re after challenging hiking trails or flat and easy tracks, a canoe ride on the surface of glassy waters or want to watch a historic piece of Canadian history weave through the thick pine forests, it’s hard not to be moved by the natural beauty that never leaves your side.
Yoho National Park is my personal favourite of those I’ve visited within Canada. To me, its the perfect place to get a taste for everything the Canadian wilderness has to offer. It’s a truly unforgettable.
If you are looking for a national park in the mountains on the US side, check out our Road Trip through Rocky Mountain National Park, or our Yellowstone Itinerary.
Have we enticed your interest in Yoho National Park? Make sure to pin this for later!
Ben is an Aussie living in Canada, who left Australia in 2013. Since then he has visited more than 50 countries. He has a “try everything once” mentality. While they can be challenging, he likes to put himself into foreign circumstances and let the experience teach him something new. Typically this leads to some amazing experiences and memories, but occasionally this take him into some unusual situations he would never think of partaking in again, but damn they make for a good story! You can share in Ben’s adventures on his website, Horizon Unknown. You can also find him on Facebook,on Twitter,and on Instagram!
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Wow, my feet are itching after reading this post. It all looks stunning! Emerald Lake is particularly gorgeous 🙂 This is definitely another one for my bucket list!