When travelers think of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise come to mind. But the mountains offer more than one park. Yoho National Park bordering the more prominent Banff park and offers many wonderful hiking trails.
With jaw-dropping attractions like Lake O’Hara, Emerald Lake, and Takakkaw Falls, Yoho National Park entices visitors to hike its backcountry.
As part of the Canadian Rockies, Yoho National Park offers fantastic day hikes to see stunning waterfalls, lakes, and other natural landscapes. These nine day hikes in Yoho are rated easy to moderate and offer the best scenery, comparable to what you’d see in Banff.
Where Is Yoho National Park?
- Location: British Columbia, 28 km from Lake Louise
While Banff lies in Alberta, Yoho lies on the western side of the Continental Divide, in British Columbia. The UNESCO World Heritage site has 1313 square km (507 square miles) of pristine wilderness, known for its waterfalls and rock walls.
Just 28 km from Lake Louise or 66 km from Banff town, a day trip is possible from either of these places. However, if you’re visiting Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, it makes sense to spend some time in Yoho to savor its panoramic vistas, impressive waterfalls, and enjoy one of Yoho’s beautiful hiking trails.
Although small in area, Yoho Park has a diverse landscape. To the west, the park has sweeping valleys with beautiful lakes encompassed by towering mountains.
In contrast, on the eastern side, which borders Banff, the land features spectacular waterfalls, glacier-topped peaks, and rugged terrain. The trails in his area are similar to the hikes in Banff.
Where To Camp In Yoho?
Since Yoho National Banff does not attract as many visitors as Banff or Jasper, the campgrounds are smaller and have fewer amenities. With eleven campgrounds in Jasper and more than a dozen in Banff, the three car-accessible campgrounds in Yoho offer few sites on a first-come, first-serve basis.
In total, Yoho offers 162 sites, but only Kicking Horse has flush toilets and showers. During the busy season, campers can reserve one of Kicking Horse’s prized sites online.
Kicking Horse and Monarch campgrounds are located close together, near the park’s center, while Hoodoo Creek is positioned near the southwest entrance to the park. Alternatively, backpackers can take advantage of a walk-in campground at Takakkaw Falls. These are the camping prices for the 2023 season.
| Kicking Horse | 88 sites | CAD 30.50 | Firepit CAD 17 | Open May to Oct |
| Hoodoo Creek | 30 sites | CAD 17.50 | Firepit CAD 17 | Open June to Sept |
| Monarch | 44 sites | CAD 19.75 | No firepits | Open May to Sept |
| Takakkaw Falls | 35 sites | CAD 19.75 | Firepit CAD 17 | Open June to Oct |
Additionally, there are five other back-country campgrounds. It’s important to note; that camping is not allowed outside of the official campgrounds.
For those who prefer not to camp, Cathedral Mountain Lodge (1 Yoho Valley Road) and Emerald Lake Lodge (1 Emerald Lake Road) offer cozy rooms with mountain views. It’s also possible to stay at the Chateau Lake Louise or Banff Springs Hotel if you want to be pampered.
Takakkaw Falls
- Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1.3 km round trip
As Canada’s second-highest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls attracts quite a crowd on this easy, accessible trail. This is possibly one of the best waterfalls near Banff.
With barely any incline, the 1.3 km return hike offers a rewarding view of a thunderous waterfall. Due to its short walk and flat terrain, families and dogs populate this easy trail, so don’t expect an uncrowded stroll.
The switchback road to the parking area has some hairpin turns and is not suitable for large RVs or novice drivers. Look for mountain goats and hoary marmots on the ascending drive. From the parking lot, the fantastic falls are seen in the distance thundering to the valley below.
The addition of red Adirondack chairs at the viewpoint offers an opportunity for a selfie. The short trail offers beautiful views of the mountainous area and the river.
At the waterfall, the mist was cold and very wet if the flow is heavy, which made it challenging to get photos. If you’re hiking in a cooler season, I’d recommend a waterproof jacket. Should you get quite close to the falls, be careful of your footing as the spray makes the rocks very slippery.
It’s important to note, that from mid-October onwards, access to the parking lot is often blocked by heavy snowfalls. The road to the falls is closed in winter due to the avalanche hazard. But, if you’re visiting in summer and staying in Lake Louise, Takakkaw Falls is a must-see.
A Walk In The Past
- Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 3 km round trip
Yoho’s A Walk in the Past trail offers a rich history of the Canadian Pacific Railroad’s (CPR) existence near the “Big Hill.” Part of the trail follows the original CPR grade, which is incredibly steep.
Due to avalanches, derailments, and constant engine repairs, the Canadian Railroad eventually built the famed Spiral Tunnels viewed today. By constructing spiral tunnels inside the mountain, CP Rail reduced the grade from almost 4.5 percent to 2.2 percent.
Once the Spiral Tunnels were complete in 1909, it now takes half as many engines to pull a train up the hill. Visitors to Yoho National Park can view the tunnels but wait for a train to experience the real delight.
It’s fascinating to watch a train going one way into a tunnel and the other end driving in the opposite direction. At the end of the trailhead, an 1880s locomotive lies abandoned as a historical reminder of the treacherous “Big Hill.”
During the construction of the tunnels, the railway used narrow-gauge engines to haul away rocks removed from the mountain. Walking this trail to an abandoned locomotive reminded me of my hike to a train wreck in Whistler.
Leanchoil Hoodoos
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard | Distance: 5.2 km round trip
After hiking to the Hoodoos in Banff National Park, I had to see Yoho’s version. While a little challenging, the trail offers two vantage points of the mysterious Hoodoos; one from below and the alternative, at eye level.
The tall pillar structures are uncommon in the Rockies due to changeable weather. They are formed when softer sedimentary earth wears away beneath a harder stone.
To see the Hoodoos, take the old gravel road from the Hoodoo Creek Campground and cross over Hoodoo Creek. Then, the hike ascends quite steeply through the forest, offering beautiful views of the valley and mountains behind you.
After a significant climb, a fork in the trail provides the options for vantage points. The left route continues to climb for close views of the Hoodoos.
While this section of the trail is steep, it rewards the hiker with a welcome bench and the best views. Alternatively, going right descends to the river near the bottom of the natural wonder.
Each path gives a different perspective of the tall pillars with hats made of stone. So, I’d recommend hiking both routes to enjoy the splendor of the unusual rock formations.
Lake O’Hara
- Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 11 km one way
Lake O’Hara is a sought-after destination for backcountry hiking. Access is limited by a lottery-based shuttle system, keeping crowds away. To ensure a visit, park 15 minutes east of Lake Louise and walk the gravel road.
The 400-meter elevation gain is gradual, making the 2.5–3 hour hike manageable, though the gravel road is uninteresting. July and August are ideal, as snow often lingers outside these months.
At the end of the road, a stunning glacial lake awaits, set in a subalpine valley with breathtaking turquoise waters. If time allows, walk the easy 3 km loop for varied views.
If the return shuttle has space, you may be able to buy a ticket instead of hiking back.
Wapta Falls
- Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 4.6 km round trip
Like Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls attracts visitors to its impressive waterfall for easy access with little elevation gain. The trail starts with a gravel pathway from the parking area, and the gentle hike continues through a dense forest.
Exiting the evergreen forested area, I walked down to the falls, which were thundering over a broad channel on the Kicking Horse River. While only 30 meters wide, its grandness comes from its expansive width of 150 meters.
Like Niagara Falls, it is wide with a short drop and lots of volume. It did not surprise me it earned the nickname “little Niagara.” The views are striking at the lookout above the falls, but the outlook from the falls’ base is equally jaw-dropping.
Should you venture to the foot of the falls, hikers often see rainbows from the torrent of water flow. Getting to the fall’s base required a hike down a steep trail, so I recommend good gripping shoes. A waterproof jacket is key to staying dry while enjoying the roaring waterfall.
This walk through the forest was relatively easy and family-friendly. As the widest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River, the short hike there does not disappoint.
Hamilton Falls
- Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 1.6 km round trip
Typical of Yoho National Park, the hike to Hamilton Falls winds through lush evergreens. Unlike Wapta and Takakkaw Falls, its unique formation stands out. Though rated easy, the trail has switchbacks away from the river. Expect water flow peaks from June to July.
At the falls, water spills through a crack in the limestone. A former dam at the base, once used for Emerald Lake Lodge, detracts from the natural beauty.
Emerald Lake Loop
- Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 5.2 km round trip
Yoho’s largest body of water, Emerald Lake, gets its name from the color of its water. While frozen in winter, the spring thaw allows its blue-green tones to radiate, created by the large amounts of glacial flour in its lake bed.
Next to the lake, the Emerald Lake Lodge is a great place to stay if you want to explore the many surrounding trails. Its cabin-like rooms feature fireplaces and balconies with a view.
The gentle trail encompassing the lake provides the perfect hike for those wanting a less strenuous hike. In fact, it’s Yoho National Park’s most accessible hike as part of the pathway is wheelchair friendly. Walking the lakeshore trail, look for bald eagles, loons, and other waterfowl.
Unlike most other lakes in the Rockies, this one has contrasting sides. A rocky outlook with evidence of an old avalanche comprises the western side, while the eastern trail wanders through a lush forest of hemlock and cedar trees.
It’s a prime example that the Rocky Mountains can sustain many different types of ecosystems. While the blue waters of Emerald Lake look enticing, bring your “polar bear” spirit because the frigid waters are not for the faint of heart.
Centennial Trail
- Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 2.5 km round trip
As the name suggests, the 1985 Centennial Trail commemorates the park’s centennial. From the Kicking Horse Campground, head west 100 meters to the shady path which follows the Kicking Horse River northwards. In late spring, a colorful display of wildflowers welcomes Yoho hikers.
As you walk the trail, watch for mountain goats on the cliffs. Across the valley, mining remnants on Mount Stephens and Mount Field mark past silver, lead, and zinc extraction, which ended in 1952. Where the trail meets the road, turn right, and return to the campground.
Angel Staircase Falls And Point Laces Falls
- Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 5.5 km round trip
Angel’s Staircase and Point Lace Falls is a scenic 5.5 km (3.5 miles) roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of 197 meters (597 feet). Considered an easy trek, it takes up to 2 hours to complete.
Start near the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, and follow the Yoho River. Along the way, hikers will come across two beautiful waterfalls. Open from late June to mid-October, this route welcomes leashed dogs.
Beyond Hiking In Yoho National Park
Although Yoho National Park offers hundreds of hiking trails to appease the summer traveler, it also has some roadside stops worthy of a visit. These include the Natural Bridge, the Spiral Tunnel Lookout, and the Great Divide, also known as the Continental Divide.
The Natural Bridge formed as rushing water eroded softer rock, leaving a stone arch over the Kicking Horse River. The Spiral Tunnels are looping train tunnels carved into a mountain.
Though the openings seem unremarkable, watching a train curve back on itself is impressive. The Great Divide marks where water splits between two oceans, flowing east to the Atlantic and west to the Pacific.
While Yoho National Park has an entry fee, the money goes towards maintaining the park. If you’re spending a week in any of the parks, the yearly fee is more practical. It’s money well spent investing in a Canadian Natural asset that our descendants can enjoy.
