Yoho National Park

31/08/2025

After spending most of the day in Kootenay National it was into Yoho National Park to get to Emerald Lake.

Spiral Bridge

We caught the end of a train passing through the Lower Spiral

Natural Bridge

Just a few KMs down the road is the Natural Bridge where brave (or foolhardy) folks could cross the river

Emerald Lake (Part 1)

The road then heads up to Emerald Lake. There are car parks, but there were cars parked at the side of the road at least 40 minutes walk from the lake.

But the view from the residents car park was a bit special.

It was getting late and we were tired after our third National Park of the day, and hungry so we didn’t do too much exploring, but there was one final view to finish the day.

01/09/2025

We had a plan for our full day in Yoho.  Up and out early to go to  Takkakaw Falls.  Then down to Wapta Falls and then back to Emerald Lake for the rest of the day.

Takkakaw Falls

This has a reputation for getting very busy.   So we set off at around 07:00.  We saw very little on the road apart from a family of deer.

The Takkakaw Falls are the second highest in Canada, with a total drop of 363metres.

They are first visible a few KM down the road and get more imposing the closer we got

One of the amazing things about the falls is the near the top the water is thrown up and out as it hits very hard rock.

Confluence of the Two Waters

Next to the road to the Takkakaw Falls is a confluence where two rivers from two valleys meet.  There was a path down that didn`t look particularly well used.

Wapta Falls

We then went down to Wapta Falls at the other end of Yoho.  This was a drive of around 50km to the car park.  

The walk to the falls is around 2.5km each way.  This starts out as a well maintained track, but before long it becomes a wonderful walk through the forest.  

Slightly above the falls

Looking across the falls

Facing the Falls

We had considered walking to the front of the falls, but it looked like an hours plus walk to get there.

Emerald Falls Part 2

Emerald Lake was very busy, but the crowds thinned out dramatically as you moved away from the lodge.

We had decided to walk round the lake. The path around the lake going clockwise was good paths for about half way, then after the bridge it changed into a woodland path. We went anti clockwise through the woods, reached the bridge and walked back the way we came.

I think I preferred Emerald Lake to Lakes Louise and Moraine as it was a lot more peaceful.  It was busy round the hotel/canoe hire area, but walking in the woods there were very few people about.  

There are great views across the lake to the peaks along the northern edge.

At the end of the lake there is a flat area which gives great 360degree views

There are numerous little “beaches” along the path which opened up stunning views.

After some chilling on the balcony of our lodge, with a few beers, overlooking the lake, we went to the hotel for a meal. The dining is lounge or restaurant. The lounge is a more relaxed and let customers order from either the lounge or restaurant menu, a really nice touch so I could stay in my shorts!

Emerald Lake Sunset

The nicest thing about staying on the lake shore is we had time to watch the lake in different lights.

After eating we went for a constitutional and watched an incredible light show.

We then walked around the lake for a better view.

The lodge we were staying in is in the trees to the right.

Being able to enjoy such a magnificent area ourselves in peace and quiet was absolutely priceless. When we were watching the sunset we only saw one other couple.