Yoho National Park - National Geographic A rental car gives you the flexibility to go anywhere at any time and access the most beautiful places in the area at your own pace. Check it out; it has excellent reviews. This guide reviews everything you need to know to plan the best Yoho National Park itinerary, including where to stay, travel tips, the best Yoho National Park hikes, and the best things to do in Yoho National Park. If you work fast, you can hit most of the sites in a day, with the exception of the hikes (Paget Peak, The Iceline, and Lake O Hara). Yoho National Park: Itinerary Sample and Road Trip Map - Tourguide Canada This river is an important water source for the national park, but grades 1 to 4 are also here for adventure travelers who want to have some fun and see the Rockies from a different perspective. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and useful facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage. I love going in the summer and taking the paddleboard or canoe out. Youll find Rockies camp mugs, totes, phone cases and more! Otherwise you will need to walk, hitch-hike or befriend someone else at your accommodation that has a car. Vehicle rentals are available in Golden, B.C. Yes, you must cross the imaginary border from Alberta to British Columbia, but only a short drive will take you to the smallest national park in the Canadian Rockies, which on a pretty small area offers an insane number of top attractions and the best things to do. Data was collected in 2022 for the Parks Canada Aquatic Invasive Species prevention program in five parks Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park and Waterton . To visit the Burgess Shale fossil beds you can join a guided tour which can be booked through The Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation. Of course, the longer you have, the more trails you can hit. Things to Do in Yoho National Park - Tripadvisor The Iceline trail can be combined with Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake! Katie wrote a great guide for NOMADasaurus. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. Why arent people flocking to Yoho like they are to Banff? Summer is defined by longer days, higher temperatures, and although the weather in the mountains changes often, your chances to enjoy cloudless days are high. A reliable travel camera with a telephoto lens should also be in your backpack. During the summer, you will find a few restaurants, cafes, and artisan shops. For all you fossil enthusiasts out there, I am guessing you have probably heard of the Burgess Shale Fossil Beds in Yoho National Park. Where is Emerald Lake? The two main areas of interest are the Yoho Valley and the Kicking Horse River area. The Kicking Horse River is a Canadian Heritage River that begins at Wapta Lake. I love visiting in the summer, but honestly think it is even more beautiful in the winter when the ice freezes over and the surrounding peaks are covered in snow. We are about to introduce you to our personal favorite place to visit in Yoho National Park, the Lake O'Hara area. Compared to Banff National Park, Yoho is far less crowded. To get to Yoho from Calgary, we will have to first cross Banff National Park which takes a total of 2 hours. This park is close to the border between BC and Alberta. When you turn from Trans-Canada Highway onto Yoho Valley Road, after approximately 17 kilometers, you'll arrive at the parking lot to Takakkaw Falls. We've created this blog post to inspire you to visit Yoho National Park, include this place to your itinerary, and show you some of the top spots you should not miss. Sherbrooke Lake is a stunner that sees far fewer visitors compared to Emerald Lake or Lake Louise. The stunning Lake O Hara may just be one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. Seriously, the first time I saw it, I declared it the most beautiful place in the world. Trans-Canada Highway Most people travel in a personal vehicle. It is also home to a world-renowned fossil site the Burgess Shale, the iconic Kicking Horse Pass, and some of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies. We hope you won't need this advice, but it is always better to be prepared for all possibilities. The whole 14.2 km trail is simply stunning, offering waterfalls, glacier views, glacier lakes, and beautiful wildflowers if you hit it in the right season. I am also baffled as to why its not more popular and well-known, because the landscapes and scenery are so breathtaking. I only got the chance to do the return hike to Abbot Pass but I have heard from many people about the beauty of the other trails in the area. It is obvious that there are so many things to do in Yoho National Park in the summer, but what about winter? and Banff, Alberta. Just drove the road for the 4th of July parade in Polebridge. The same goes for a quality daypack and sun protection products such as sunscreen with high SPF and lip balm. So if you dont get a coveted campsite or seat on the bus to Lake OHara, youll have to hike 11km in and 11km to see it, and dont forget all the hiking you will want to do when you get there. Everything you need to know about Yoho National Park in Canada - the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies, where to stay and tips from an expert! She is currently based between the US and New Zealand, where she is learning the ropes to this digital nomad thing and trying to see more of this wonderful world we live in. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, best things to do, north america, british columbia, road trip, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, north america, Banff National Park, best things to do, Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History, A Guide to Johnston Canyon Hike in Banff National Park, Best Things to Do in Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Travel Guide. I just felt so close to the mountains and it was an amazing place to be! Moreover, camping in the Canadian Rockies is a great way to save money for accommodation. A few hiking trails also start here, in case you're looking for an authentic backcountry experience. Yoho National Park - Wikipedia Youll need to plan a day to tackle it, and many people even complete it on an overnight trip. The waterfall is at its best in June when all the snow in the mountains melts, but we visited the site in September, and it was impressive as well. Encircled by cliffs and a brilliant shade of blue, a lot of people dont make the hike up here so you can enjoy the peace and quiet the solitude affords. The historic teahouse has a rustic charm and is a great spot for refreshments (if they are open) before turning back. Located entirely in British Columbia, it borders Kootenay National Park to the south and Banff National Park to the east (the Continental divide is their border). Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies is another place you must include in your itinerary. If the trail to Laughing Falls is not long enough for you, continue to Twin Falls! Yoho has an abundance of bears, moose, marmots, or mountain goats. The route encompasses three of Canada's most beautiful national parks Banff, Yoho and Kootenay as well as two beloved adventure towns, Golden and Canmore. I did the Sherbrooke Lake hike late in the season so it snowed lightly on the way up which only added to the experience. yoho.info@pc.gc.ca, Highway 1 (also called the Trans-Canada Highway) runs 45 km through the centre of the park. Open dates for visitor centre, campgrounds, roads and seasonal closures. Each spring, heavy equipment is required to clear the road, even by mid-June. There is no public transportation in Yoho National Park. Campground: March 28, 2023 at 8 am MT. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities. Moreover, the insanely blue water is hidden under the ice, but that does not mean it loses the appeal; it is just different. Most people travel in a personal vehicle. With lake views the entire way around and through lush forest, the Emerald Lake loop is definitely worth doing. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. It can only be reached by a limited Parks Canada shuttle service or by walking along an 11km gravel road to restrict visitor numbers. So the Spiral Tunnels were born, and you can read all about how they work here. Expect the Iceline to take you anywhere from 6-8+ hours. Have I convinced you to visit? You sure can! How much time do you recommend for a stay in Yoho? Yoho National Park (Field) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go A Guide to Yoho National Park in Winter | Hike Bike Travel All front-country campsites operate on a first come, first served basis. There are waterfalls, hikes, and cozy wilderness lodges. There are many reasons to visit Yoho National Park, and fortunately, there are many ways to plan your trip, so you certainly don't have to follow the same path as others unless you wish to. This is a pristine wilderness of glacial lakes, waterfalls, and sub-alpine forest, located within the already stunning Yoho National Park. Visit in the fall for spectacular colours with a lot of trees turning a brilliant golden hue. Its a beautiful time of year, and crowds are much lower than they are peak summer. 912 reviews #3 of 19 things to do in Yoho National Park Waterfalls Visit website Write a review About The falls, in the northern half of Yoho park, drop 833 ft -- making it one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. But there is no better way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies than camping out in the wilderness. 8. Yoho is a Cree expression of awe, and that says it all really. In 1909, significant fossil beds were found on the slopes of Mt Burgess towering above Emerald Lake. There is limited rail service on a sightseeing basis through Yoho National Park. Clean rooms, perfect location in the heart of Canmore, hot tub, and gym, are in short the main leading magnets here. This is not the most convenient system for international travelers who want to build the perfect Canadian Rockies itinerary well in advance, but it is how it is, and we think you should try your luck. Facilities and Services What to expect in the Village of Field. Read on to discover the best sights and activities for a day trip to Yoho National Park! We know that the initial price for renting a car is seemingly high, but even if you travel on a budget, you should consider this alternative as it gives you so much freedom and opens horizons. Field | Cathedral Mountain Lodge - This cozy lodge is located outside Field in the Kicking Horse Valley on the Yoho Valley road. Learn more on the about us page! Building a railway at the end of the 19th century, especially across the Canadian Rockies, was pretty challenging, but Kicking Horse Pass was chosen for the railway, although a grade of 4.5% was quite dangerous. You can reach Wapta Falls via the Wapta Falls Trail which is only 4.6 km long and it pretty easy. That, of course, means that we are talking about a road trip and several stops, not about serious hiking. A Guide to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park LAIDBACK TRIP We have booked a three night stay next September. At 30 meters high, Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River. The lottery entry dates are usually in spring (March) and are open for a month. If you've been wondering whether it is worth it to travel to Yoho National Park with a limited time, the answer is still yes. If you want to spice up your travels a bit or have a feeling there's been enough hiking; then the Kicking Horse River awaits you with arms wide open. The park neighbors with Banff National Park and Kootenay National Park and is served by Trans-Canada Highway. 25-30 trains pass through a day, but there is no set schedule, so youll just have to try your luck! Despite the fact that Yoho National Park is not large, it is a huge playground for all outdoor lovers, and we cannot forget to mention bikers because some of the trails are accessible by cyclists. near the Alberta (AB) border. Lake O'Hara - Yoho National Park - Travel Banff Canada The trail moves through the woods for several kilometers until it reaches the lakeshore, and views open up to views of Mount Ogden and Mount Niles. But the ones I did complete were pretty awesome. Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more. I guess we will have to go back. Its name even comes from the Cree word meaning wonderful.. Check out this Whitewater Rafting Tour that has excellent reviews. Hi Natasha. The President Range mountains surround the lake and form a natural amphitheater of the grandest scale with towering peaks and forested banks. If you have a glacier park driving permit, coming up camas road to the polebridge road . The road to Wapta Falls parking lot is not very well-signposted, which is the reason why many travelers miss the turn-off, and Wapta Falls is visited only by people intentionally looking for it. From camping to hiking to sightseeing, I'll give you a rundown of the best things to do in Yoho in both winter and summer. Operated by Rider Express, the Canmore to Yoho National Park service departs from Canmore, AB and arrives in Yoho National Park. We spent in area three full days where we combined sightseeing of must-visit places with hiking and camping in the Lake O'Hara destination, which is a bit exclusive as it is not accessible to all traveler who made it to Yoho, only to those who made the booking well in advance and the number of visitors is strictly limited. The must-see of the park is Emerald Lake if you don't have a lot of time to explore. Have a great time. If you get to see both, consider yourself lucky. The term "Yoho" is a Cree expression that means "awe and wonder" and perfectly describes the natural beauty this national park has to offer. Rates are high in the summer as the lodge is the only accommodation on Emerald Lake. The famous Trans Canada Highway runs right through the center of Yoho National Park, making it easily accessible from nearby destinations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains like Lake Louise, Kootenay National Park, or Banff. It is the only major route through the park. Table of Contents Yoho National Park: Banff's Less Famous Neighbour Where Is Yoho National Park In Canada? This is the only settlement in Yoho National Park and although there are a couple of places to eat, a post office and a gas station, there isnt much else. How to get to Takakkaw Falls Takakkaw Falls is in Yoho National Park in British Columbia (close to Alberta/British Columbia border). A Quick History of Yoho National Park What is Yoho National Park known for? As you will very likely arrive by car, it should come without saying that car is not the safest place to keep your things, and all your valuables should better be in your hotel room or at least out of sight, to prevent opportunistic crimes. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. It is certainly not very high in comparison with other single-drop waterfalls in the region, but it is very powerful and wide while overcoming a 30 meters rock drop. Once back here, its unlikely youll see other people. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. Learn about wildlife, nature, bear safety and find contact information. The rooms are clean and air-conditioned, plus a complimentary breakfast is included in the price. saigecarico From there you would need to catch a taxi or hitch-hike. The village of Field, B.C. Your only option is to buy a bus ticket from Calgary or Edmonton to either Banff and Lake Louise; these towns are serviced, and from here, either take a tour or hire a taxi. The restaurant serves regional cuisine using organic and free-range ingredients. This one-day Yoho and Banff National Park Tour departing from Banff combines top attractions from Banff and Yoho National Park, including Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lakes. is the only community inside Yoho National Park. It is very dusty and washboard for the 12 or so miles following the north fork until you get to the camas junction, then the last 12 miles to polebridge are the best I have ever seen on that road. If you want to see the tunnel from a different angle, carry on to Upper Spiral Tunnel Scenic Viewpoint that lies on Yoho Valley Road that is opened only from June to October. as well as in Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta. If you have longer, that's even better. Takakkaw Falls is also very popular among climbers, but for that, you must be well-experienced, have the necessary specialized gear, and, more importantly, a guide. They both also work at the Emerald Lake Lodge so they know their stuff when it comes to working in hospitality. If you'd like to support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs, or support us directly here. You could easily fill up your days but if you are not into hiking, I would say maybe 2 full days. Banff to Yoho National Park: 1.25 hours | Lake Louise to Yoho: 40 minutes. In the middle of the park is the small town of Field, home to a vibrant and close-knit community of 200. Rider Express has a line to Golden past Fields, and you can try to contact them whether the driver will stop in Field on your request. December 12, 2018. In fact, it's actually the second highest waterfall in all of Canada! I did this road trip in about a week, which included an extended stay in Golden. June 6, 2023 by Natasha Home Yoho Takakkaw Falls in Yoho GUIDE to Visiting Takakkaw Falls is the most stunning waterfall to see in the Canadian Rockies, and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of BC. Natural Bridge Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park is a unique and fascinating natural formation. There's one more public transport option, but we haven't tried it ourselves. The Natural Bridge is a stop-off point on Emerald Lake Road. and you can read all about how they work here. Yoho National Park is certainly not such a famous winter destination like Lake Louise that is known for the ski resort, but it is perfect for travelers preferring off the beaten path or families with kids who love to stay away from party travelers. SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Things to do in Yoho National Park - the Ultimate Guide Kalispell to North Fork/Polebridge? - Glacier National Park Forum Jasper to Yoho National Park - 3 ways to travel via bus, and car - Rome2rio Many Canadians I have asked about it have never heard of it and even people that have been to Banff National Park have never heard of it! There are accommodation options for every travel style and budget in Yoho National Park from primitive camping to luxury Lodges like Emerald Lake or Cathedral Mountain Lodge. After all, you can read our Canadian Rockies packing list. Backcountry campsites service hiking trails and are not accessible by cars. It has all the beauty of most Canadian national parks. It started life as a railway town a little over 100 years ago and still has strong links to the railroad today, with the Canadian Pacific Railroad Bunkhouses being located here. Despite living in Yoho National Park for six weeks and hiking in the Canadian Rockies whenever I had free time, I still only managed to do less than half of the hikes on offer. Takakkaw Falls, or Tak Falls, is spectacular, and at a height of 373 meters, its one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in Canada. Yoho National Park is located in British Columbia, Canada, and is one of the best national parks in December that you can visit. You can find out more details about reserving the shuttle on the Parks Canada website. Field, British Columbia V0A 1G0, Phone Yoho National Park: A 1-Day Road Trip Itinerary Whether it be buying a coffee or (even better) purchasing a unique print for your home from The Banff Print Shop all purchases help with the upkeep of this site that is updated daily. The Canadian Rockies is a super-popular destination, so you should always plan ahead and make the reservation in advance, especially if you plan on staying in demanded areas. You can pick up basic food items from the shop connected to the petrol station in Field. We've already mentioned that Yoho National Park is well-accessible, but this statement is true only when you have a car at your disposal. There is Takakkaw Falls you can check out, Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge, Lake OHara region and more. In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. Two to three days is, in our opinion, ideal. as well as in Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta. Not that you could blame me. Its the largest lake in Yoho National Park and is surrounded by the President Range. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Its not too far away from Lake Louise either, and in under 40 minutes, you can drive from Lake Louise and add on Emerald Lake. This actually brings us to another topic. The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies is between June and September, when the weather is favorable and the days are long. We've already outlined that some of the roads can be closed in the winter (for example, the one that leads to Takakkaw Falls), but that does not mean there are not still a few activities left. July and August are easily the busiest months in Yoho National Park, but nowhere near as busy as Banff. Follow visitor guidelines and regulations when you visit Yoho National Park. The fact that Lake O'Hara is not close to any other parking lot (the nearest one is 11 kilometers away) means that travelers interested in this hiking experience must book an either bus or a combination of campground and bus transport. The only outlier is Wapta Falls which is about 30 minutes further towards Golden. However, to score those campsites is quite some work, and most visitors to Yoho probably wont know about the system until already here (you can read all about that here). With so much to do, planning is key to fitting it all in. Natural Bridge is super photogenic, and if you decide to visit this place in the winter, you can even walk on the ice and go into a small ice cavern, but we cannot emphasize enough that you must be really careful. Our Yoho National Park travel guide includes the best things to do, top hikes, practical information on how to get, when to go, where to stay, and what to pack. This water surface is the largest in Yoho National Park, but it is certainly not that big as Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, the two most beautiful lakes in Banff National Park. Top 7 National Parks to Visit in Winter | Road Scholar Keep in mind, many of these places are only open during the summer season. As we managed to reserve Lake O'Hara campsite and bus, we spent in the area three days, and based on this experience, we recommend you to do the same. It should take about one hour to reach the falls! The truth to be told, Yoho National Park does not offer that many lodging options, and therefore, the capacity is quite limited, especially in the summer season. You can also rent a car in Lake Louise or Banff and drive to the park via the Trans Canada Highway. One long day, though. Its a really phenomenal Yoho hike and one of our favorite bang for your buck hikes in the Rockies. Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is one of the Canadian Rockies finest lakes and a resplendent place to visit. Burgess Shale Fossils are accessible only on a guided walk; check out the availability and schedules in the park's Visitors Center, although it is better to make a reservation in advance. First of all, deserted trails that will take you to some of the best viewpoints in the park. It sounds like you had an incredible time. Find all the info you need about planning your visit on the Parks Canada website. Burgess Shale is a world renowned fossil site with some of the best examples of soft body preservation of prehistoric marine organisms in the world. Much of the water comes from the Yoho River, ice . 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Yoho National Park | PlanetWare The most practical way to get to Yoho National Park is by car. The Getaway cabins are a series of beautiful cabins not far from Yoho along the Trans Canada highway. Choose a hotel, bed and breakfast, guesthouse, lodge, chalet, campground in the area around Field and Golden, BC. All support is much appreciated! A natural bridge made out of rock that was cut by the Kicking Horse River. However, there is so much to explore in a park that is just as beautiful as Banff (it just doesnt have that same catchy buzz to it). It is one of lifes great mysteries. See our pre-arrival checklist, bonus tips and local recommendations for things to do. National Park must visit. It is also perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a day in nature without the necessity to arrange stuff; this company will arrange everything on your behalf. The falls are spectacular in early summer, when melting snow and ice provide ample runoff. The typical plan is to fly to Calgary and rent a car or camper to get into the Canadian Rockies. Here's a list of the best things to see and do in Yoho National Park. The best season, of course, attracts crowds, and rates are higher, but we did not find Yoho National Park unpleasantly crowded, compared to spots such as Moraine Lake or Lake Louise.
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