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Best trails in Yoho National Park

Best trails in Yoho National Park

4.6(36,692 reviews)

·

Canada
: 
#2 of 49 national parks

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Yoho National Park is located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It was established in 1886. Its landscape is made of high mountains, valleys, forests, rivers and waterfalls. It is home to a varied wildlife including grizzly bears, black bears, timber wolves, cougars, moose, elks as well as many other species. It is thus a great place to watch wildlife, backpack and hike.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Emerald Lake Loop

    4.6(5795)
    ·Easy
    ·3.3 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Emerald Lake is a spectacular and serene turquoise glacial lake surrounded by mountains in Yoho National Park. The drive from the Trans Canada Highway along the narrow but newly paved road to Emerald Lake is absolutely gorgeous as it cuts through dense forest. From Field, it takes around 15 minutes to arrive at the parking lot. The lake is visible from the parking lot and a wooden bridge crosses a portion of it leading to the Emerald Lake Lodge and a restaurant called Cilantro on an...

  2. #2 - Wapta Falls

    4.7(6283)
    ·Easy
    ·2.8 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    The Wapta Falls hike is a great nature walk along a well-maintained trail which leads to the left side of the falls, facing the falls directly with the water coming down. There are plenty of roots on the path but they are manageable as long as you watch your step. There is a fence viewing in which folks can go further behind to get a bit closer to the falls, but be careful getting too close as it gets quite wet and slippery. This trail is kid-friendly, thanks to the route to the falls being...

  3. #3 - Takakkaw Falls Trail

    4.8(3222)
    ·Easy
    ·0.9 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Takakkaw Falls is one of the most powerful and amazing waterfalls in British Columbia and is very famous in Yoho National Park. It's even known for being the second-tallest waterfall in Canada. You will discover this iconic area by following a winding and narrow paved road that leads from the Trans Canada Highway cutting through the park to the namesake waterfall which is located at the very end of the road. The drive is incredibly scenic as the road passes through beautiful lush forests with...

  4. #4 - Emerald Basin and Emerald Lakeshore

    4.6(2044)
    ·Moderate
    ·7 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    The Emerald Lake Trail is one of the best examples of a glacial runoff lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This trail really is the Rockies at their best. The route combines a circuit of a green glacial lake surrounded by mountains, with a diversion to Emerald Basin through forests and avalanche chutes to see the glacier that created it all. The trail is rated as moderate because of some steep sections in the climb to Emerald Basin, but it is possible to stick to the lake circuit if you...

  5. #5 - Laughing Falls via Yoho Valley Trail

    4.7(972)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.4 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    The Laughing Falls trail offers an opportunity to explore a part of Yoho National Park. It's a path known for being well-marked. You'll be surrounded by mountain views and natural sounds. Keeping an eye out for common animals like black bears in this area is advisable. If you have them, hiking poles can assist with one of the uphill sections. Since the trail can sometimes be wet, waterproof shoes with good traction are suggested. This path often sees a moderate number of visitors,...

  6. #6 - Sherbrooke Lake

    4.6(1033)
    ·Moderate
    ·6 mi
    ·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    The Sherbrooke Lake trail is a perfect family-friendly adventure, or a great introduction to easy Rocky Mountain hiking within Yoho National Park, just outside of Banff along the stunning Trans Canada Highway. Since this trail is mostly easy year-round, this is a popular spot for folks driving to stop and stretch the legs as well, so it can get quite busy on summer days. The route is pretty short when you stop at the Lake Access, and the trail is very well-marked. You can also go all the way...

  7. #7 - Lake O'Hara and Lake Oesa Via Alpine Loop Trail

    4.9(765)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.8 mi
    This trail to Lake O'Hara and Lake Oesa is magnificent and best completed in the early summer season to showcase the best of Canadian Rocky Mountain alpine trails, especially if looking for a challenge with snowfields. The trail up to Oesa is beautiful and almost always clear of obstacles. Hikers will really enjoy seeing a nice cascading waterfall and overlooks of Lake O'Hara along with several other alpine lakes. To get from Oesa to Opabin, you eed to cross a fast-moving stream where the...

  8. #8 - Paget Peak via Paget North Ridge Route

    4.6(997)
    ·Hard
    ·6.3 mi
    The trail starts from the Sherbrooke Lake day-use area, just west of the Great Divide Lodge. It is also possible to start from the lodge which would add 400 metres to the hike each way. The trailhead, however, is not that obvious to novice hikers, since it is located over a metal stile and through a gate in the wildlife fencing by the outhouse. Once following the trail, hikers will love how quickly it ascends and follows a region that overlooks Wapta Lake and Sherbrooke Lake. The trail has...

  9. #9 - Paget Lookout and Sherbrooke Lake

    4.7(665)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.4 mi
    The trailhead is not marked for eastbound traffic as the highway is divided. Continue east for another 2 km to the Lake O’Hara Road, turn around and come back on Highway 1 west. If you make it to the Spiral Tunnels (which is worth visiting), you have gone too far west. Paget Lookout was used up until the late 1970s as a fire lookout area for Yoho park staff. The trail to the lookout is stunningly beautiful, primarily following a ridge that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains...

  10. #10 - Lake O'Hara Fire Road

    4.6(698)
    ·Hard
    ·18 mi
    ·Est. 9.5–10.5 hr
    You will need to either hike in via Lake O'Hara Fire Road or take a shuttle to access the lake. The shuttle requires a reservation made months in advance, so plan ahead or use this map to make the walk. Once you get to the lake you will see the lodge and campground. There is a small store there that sells drinks and a few snacks. From there you can do several of the hikes that start in the lake. This one offers great challenges and scrambles but is so rewarding. If you only have time for...
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Visitor info

Passes & fees
Fee required
Accessibility

Yoho National Park charges a fee to enter.

Get details from the park
Overview

Parks Canada offers free admission and access to programs for support persons traveling with a visitor who has a disability and depends on the support person to travel and experience a Parks Canada destination.

Yoho National Park offers some wheelchair accessible services and facilities. Cell coverage is limited outside the town of Field and there is no WiFi in the park.

Most picnic areas along the Trans-Canada Highway are accessible and have wheelchair accessible outhouse toilets. The restrooms at the Natural Bridge parking area are some of the best available.

Additional information about accessibility at Yoho National Park can be found on their website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho/visit/services.

Facilities

Most picnic areas along the Trans-Canada Highway are accessible and have wheelchair accessible outhouse toilets. The restrooms at the Natural Bridge parking area are some of the best available.

Service animals

All service dogs must have an Alberta Service Dog Identification Card to ensure access to public places.

Guides

in Yoho National Park

Top Picks in Yoho National Park

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Yoho National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake Loop, which has a 4.6 star rating from 5,795 reviews. This trail is 3.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 406 ft.

What is the longest trail in Yoho National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Yoho National Park is Great Divide Trail Section D. This trail is estimated to be 65.2 mi long.

How many trails are in Yoho National Park?

There are 111 trails in Yoho National Park.These trails have an average 4.6-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Yoho National Park?

Great Divide Trail Section D has the most elevation gain with 11,568 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is The Rockwall: Alt Route via Goodsir Pass, which has 10,918 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Yoho National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 56 camping trails in Yoho National Park and the most popular is Laughing Falls via Yoho Valley Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 972 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Yoho National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 28 running trails in Yoho National Park and the most popular is Emerald Lake Loop with an average 4.6 star rating from 5,795 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Yoho National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 biking trails in Yoho National Park and the most popular is Old Highway 1A with an average 4.5 star rating from 225 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Yoho National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Yoho National Park?

Some popular fall hiking trails in Yoho National Park are Emerald Lake Loop, Wapta Falls, Takakkaw Falls Trail, Emerald Basin and Emerald Lakeshore, and Sherbrooke Lake.

What are the best winter hikes in Yoho National Park?

Some popular winter hiking trails in Yoho National Park are Wapta Falls, Emerald Lake Loop, Old Highway 1A, Lake O'Hara Fire Road, and Emerald Basin and Emerald Lakeshore.

What are the best spring hikes in Yoho National Park?

Some popular spring hiking trails in Yoho National Park are Wapta Falls, Emerald Lake Loop, Lake O'Hara Fire Road, Emerald Basin and Emerald Lakeshore, and Takakkaw Falls Trail.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Yoho National Park?

Yes, there are 35 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Yoho National Park, including Paget Peak via Paget North Ridge Route, Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit, Emerald Peak via Hamilton Lake, Lake O'Hara Alpine Route and Opabin Lakes, and Mount Niles.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Yoho National Park?

Are there any trails with lakes in Yoho National Park?

Are there any trails with ponds in Yoho National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a pond in Yoho National Park: Emerald Triangle [CLOSED].

Are there any trails with rivers in Yoho National Park?

Are there any trails with huts in Yoho National Park?

Are there any trails with glaciers in Yoho National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Yoho National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic viewpoints in Yoho National Park, including Paget Peak via Paget North Ridge Route, Paget Lookout and Sherbrooke Lake, Hamilton Falls, Hamilton Lake Trail, and Emerald Peak via Hamilton Lake.