Banff National Park is Canada’s first, and was established in 1885. It brings in over 4 million visitors annually with its gorgeous mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped glaciers. Its popularity feeds on its accessibility alongside its many outdoor offerings to visitors: summer hikers traverse trails through lush alpine forest, while the colder months transform the Canadian Rockies into a picture-perfect winter wonderland with world-class skiing. Yet, with only 3,700 hotel rooms in the town, peak season can easily feel cramped trying to fit in millions of visitors, and trails start to resemble conga lines more than quiet escapes. But you can avoid the herd by traveling to nearby Yoho National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering beauty equivalent to Banff.
Located on the western slopes of the Continental Divide in British Columbia, next to the Alberta border, Yoho reflects Banff’s beauty with it’s own snow-draped mountains and cascading waterfalls, but with much less traffic. Yoho National Park is easily accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway, which cuts about 30 miles through the heart of the park. The closest towns are Golden, British Columbia, 20 minutes away, and Banff, Alberta 45 minutes away. There isn’t any public transportation through the park, so the only way to explore is by driving. If you’re flying into the area, the closest option is Calgary International Airport, about 130 miles away, 2.5 hours by car.
Summer is ideal for comfortable weather making outdoor activities like camping, canoeing, and hiking ideal. Spring brings brilliant wildflower blooms, while autumn is the perfect time for leaf-peeping, and winter suits those in search of snow and scenic ice skating opportunities. There are many accommodation options to choose from in Yoho National Park ranging from rustic campgrounds to comfortable lodges, guesthouses and hotels.
Summer adventures in Yoho’s magical landscapes
Summer in Yoho National Park gives way to a landscape of vibrant colors, with trails and waterways inviting outdoor exploration. The Natural Bridge is an iconic destination. Here, the Kicking Horse River roars beneath a stone arch sculpted by years of natural erosion — it’s a must-see to admire one of nature’s masterpieces. Emerald Lake, named for its shimmering green waters that are fed by a receding glacier, is another Yoho icon. Hike the easy 3.2-mile Emerald Lake Loop trail, then stop for lunch on the patio at Cilantro on the Lake. For a unique and very Canadian way to explore the lake, rent a canoe and go for a scenic paddle with views of the jaw-dropping mountains that surround you.
With around 250 miles of trails in the park, the Iceline Trail showcases some of the best of the park’s dramatic terrain and should not be missed. This 12-mile moderate loop is a combination of five different trials, and is also known as Iceline via Little Yoho. Starting near Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second-highest waterfall at 1,223 feet, the trail passes Yoho Lake and Laughing Falls, providing visitors with a few other top attractions in one experience.
One would be remiss to visit the park without experiencing the Burgess Shale, a 500-million-year-old fossil bed. The geological marvel reveals ancient marine life in fine details, with relatively well-preserved eyeballs and even brain fossils! Guided hikes are accompanied with expert insights into this UNESCO-recognized site. This is one of the many reasons Canada should be on your travel bucket list.
Winter wonders in Yoho National Park
