Its also nice to be riding in a comfy 44 that can go where tour buses cant. Yoho National Park is famous for the mountainous scenery, the number of hiking trails that please every adventure traveler, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, and of course, the enumeration would not be complete without mentioning beautiful lakes that only raise the attractiveness to the new level. Unless you want to enjoy the beauty through the car's window, you should have durable outdoor clothes. 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. It is not the cheapest alternative, and it requires booking two services, but if you do not drive, it is a possibility how not to miss out on Yoho National Park. Its the perfect way to cool off after exploring. Plus, because it isnt inside a national park its usually cheaper to stay in Canmore (although you will still need a Parks Pass to enter Yoho National Park). Plus, after 3 hours of hiking, youll definitely be ready for some refreshments! Spring in the mountains usually starts late, and you should be prepared for rather a winter condition between March and mid-May, but brave visitors can see nature waking up from below zero temperatures, and it is also a perfect time for wildlife watching. If you are looking to visit Yoho National Park or the surrounding parks a couple of times a year, you can buy the Discovery Pass. 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. Yoho National Park gets its name from the Cree expression for wonder and awe, which should tell you something about just how beautiful this place is. Twin Falls is a double waterfall where the two streams of water converge to make a super impressive splash! Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park - B.C. The must-see of the park is Emerald Lake if you don't have a lot of time to explore. This is even more important when you realize that only a few attractions are located on Trans-Canada Highway, but to see the best places, you need to get off the main road, and this definitely requires an own transport. Renowned for its emerald color and reflections of surrounding peaks of President Range, Emerald Lake is one of the most photogenic lakes in the Rockies. The only vehicle allowed along this road is the Parks Canada shuttle, but its really difficult to get tickets. 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. Because of your safety, Yoho National Park is a place where you should not forget bear spray in the car. For something a bit more chilled, you can also head to the Twin Falls Tea House for scenic views while you sip your tea. Maps and directions, visitor centre hours, park fees, local attractions, accommodation, facilities and services, fire information and visitor . One-day entrance fee to Yoho National Park costs CAD 9.80, but we think it makes more sense to buy an annual pass. We absolutely love Golden and there are so many epic things to do there, so you should definitely consider exploring this gem of a town while youre in the area. In 1909, significant fossil beds were found on the slopes of Mt Burgess towering above Emerald Lake. In short, we believe you prefer spending time actively, and your clothing should reflect that. Whats especially nice about private tours like this one is you wont feel rushed to keep up with the group or have to wait around for everyone else. Wapta Falls. This national park is all about nature; that's why it is essential to keep in mind that you should not underestimate the ever-changing weather and animals who call Yoho National Park home. You can tick off a few of the parks highlights in just one day, but we think that its best to spend at least one night in the park to really get the most out of it. Why you should visit Yoho National Park. Hotels and hostels are not your only options when looking for accommodation in Yoho National Park. Located in Yoho National Park in British Columbia, just minutes west of Banff National Park, the Lake O'Hara area is also one of the hardest places to visit in the Canadian Rockies. We know how tempting it is to see animals up close, but keep your distance and rather invest in binoculars. This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. There are two viewpoints, the one on Trans-Canada Highway is called Lower Spiral Tunnel Scenic Viewpoint alias Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site (where you can read a lot about history) and is accessible all-year-round. And if youre visiting during winter, hats, scarves, and gloves are a must! There is the Kicking Horse River, the peaks of the Canadian Rocky . The best way to access these falls is to hike from Takakkaw Falls to Laughing Falls, which is 4.2 km (2.6 miles) each way. Its a gradual uphill climb, but nothing too strenuous, and when you get to the lake itself youll be blown away by its bright turquoise waters which, in true Rockies style, are surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. Youll have plenty of privacy here and we think that this idyllic spot is perfect for families, since each chalet sleeps up to 6 people. Its within the traditional territories of the Secwepemc and Ktunaxa First Nations, who used to pass through the area to go bison hunting. Destinationless Travelis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. These are our favorite tours of Yoho National Park with options leaving from Banff, Calgary, and Canmore. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. It may not be as famous as Banff or Jasper National Parks, but its way less busy and absolutely stunning. Later, we walked Emerald Lake Trail, which is a 5.2 kilometers long narrow path encircling the lake that allowed us to enjoy the beauty from every angle possible. The Natural Bridge is a beautiful rock formation over the Kicking Horse River just 3 km (1.9 miles) from Field. 7. Field is a super charming village with lots of cafes and artisanal shops to check out. In fact, you get way better views of Takakkaw Falls along this trail than you do from the usual viewpoint below the falls. At the moment, eight designated short trails range from 1.6 to 6.4 kilometers, then there are eighteen one-day hikes, including Iceline Trail, that we want so desperately see one day. Here are a couple to get you started: How to Get to Moraine Lake (from Banff, Canmore, Calgary, and More! Were massive nature lovers so for us, spotting bears is one of the most exciting things about visiting this part of Canada. Visit Yoho National Park - Background. Plan a day trip to Yoho National Park. We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! But what we find most exciting about this tour is that it includes a night at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a historic castle thats basically been plucked out of a storybook! With Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) running through the centre of Yoho, most people visit by car or RV. 01:40 PM - Emerald Lake . Not only it gives you more time for exploring Yoho itself, but you'll also get access to other national parks in the Rockies and Canada overall. An easy add on to a day of exploring, the Natural Bridge offers insight into the power of water. The closest major airports are in Calgary (213 km away) and Vancouver (760 km). 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. Youll feel like you stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie with the scenery around here and every room (which is basically a tiny cabin) has its own cozy fireplace. Golden is an off-the-beaten-path destination on the way to Glacier National Park. There are also yearly passes available Ill outline all the options more below! Youll start the day by exploring Yoho National Park, specifically Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake. There are several viewpoints, so take your time to contemplate how water in the mountains actually shapes the landscape and how powerful this element is. If you have a few days in the Rockies, grab a spot on this 2-day tour now! What we like about this place is that Boo gets to live in a natural mountain environment just as he would in the wild. This actually brings us to another topic. Its not as well known as nearby destinations like Golden, BC, or Banff and Jasper in Alberta, but we think thats actually a good thing because its significantly less busy here, but theres still lots to do. More than 120 fossilized marine species were found here, proving that the area's ecosystem was completely different from today. To experience wilderness and camping in the mountains. When considering a visit to Yoho the best time of year in the park depends on what your interests are. One of the highlights of this hike is visiting the Twin Falls Teahouse while you enjoy views of the majestic falls. These two parks count visitor attendance as one unit, with a combined total visitor count for 2022 coming in at about 775,190. This BC waterfall is 18 meters high and a whopping 107 meters wide, making it one of the most impressive sights in the Canadian Rockies. 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. The good news is that the top attractions in Yoho National Park can be visited in one day. This pass will give 365 days of access to all participating national parks in Canada. The rate does include transportation to the lodge down their access road, all your meals, afternoon tea, and taxes, so that helps! a 3-day itinerary through Yoho National Park, Canada. If driving to Yoho National Park isnt in the plans or youre just looking for a cool experience where someone else does all the planning, a tour is a great choice! ENTRANCE FEE. We recommend making a reservation for the summer months and long weekends as soon as possible. Where are the best places to stay inside Yoho National Park? You can check availability and book on Booking.com. If youre staying in Golden, you can purchase a pass at the visitor center in town. Canoe rental costs CAD 70 per one hour, so it is a quite costly activity, and if you plan kayaking in other places, then consider buying an inflatable kayak to save money and be more independent. Located next to the famous Banff National Park, Yoho National Park is without a doubt a must-see while visiting the Canadian Rockies mountains. Plan your visit. You can do this hike in a single day, but since its so long and has a 710-meter (2,329-foot) change in elevation gain, you will need the entire day to do it. Book your overnight stay in advance. A reliable travel camera with a telephoto lens should also be in your backpack. Of course, the most popular activity is just to relax on the shore and photograph the scenery around. If you didnt manage to reserve a spot at Kicking Horse Campground but want to stay close by, then Monarch is your second-choice option. To get to Glacier National Park from Yoho, get onto the Trans-Canada Highway towards Golden View Road, and take the ramp onto Highway 95. A sapphire body of water located above Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park - it stands at an elevation of 2,267 meters and is remarkably beautiful. And since its a private tour, you can customize it to your liking and choose to spend more time in Yoho National Park! You can basically feel it vibrating through your entire body! A day trip to Yoho National Park in British Columbia is a must-do if you are visiting Banff or Lake Louise. This means that you should always pay attention and carry a bear spray, especially when hiking away from crowds because bear sighting is not unusual, we could even read a story about a bear chasing tourists around Emerald Lake. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning. Weve lived and traveled extensively across BC and Alberta and love to share our tips and tricks! Wapta Falls is the biggest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Its super accessible as lots of people fly in and out of the airport here, but its also a really cool destination in itself. Please note the hikes are quite demanding, and take the whole day. Prices range from a reasonable $169 CAD per night during shoulder season to a more costly $719 CAD per night during peak summer. When is the best time to visit Yoho National Park? Directions and road conditions for Yoho National Park. To see the 2nd highest waterfall in Canada. Related Read: If youre planning a Canadian road trip through the mountains, let us help! Revelstoke is 203 kilometers (126 miles) from Yoho National Park, so it takes just over 2 hours to drive there. 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. When discovering Yoho National Park, it could easily happen that the high Takakkaw Falls overshadow all other cascades, and a first-time visitor could get an assumption there's no other worthwhile waterfall in the area. Feel free to get inspired. For several decades, the number of visitors to the Canadian Rockies has been steadily increasing, even in lesser-known parts, like Yoho National Park. The Discovery Pass is what Parks Canada calls their year-long (365 days from the purchase date), multi-park entry pass. It was clear that trains for the safe descend need much gentle grade, and that's why a new solution, Spiral Tunnels, came into use, although it took 25 years. But it is enough only to look a bit west of the traditional path that connects the city of Calgary and mountainous towns Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, and you'll find an entirely new world, not less stunning, but definitely wilder. The Lake OHara campground only has 30 tent sites available and youll need to reserve your spot online via the Parks Canada website.
[email protected], Highway 1 (also called the Trans-Canada Highway) runs 45 km through the centre of the park. Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall of the Kicking Horse River and one of the best things to do in Yoho National Park. After lunch, youll take a chairlift ride even higher up the mountain to the wildlife refuge, where youll get to see and learn about Boo, the famous resident grizzly! The amazingly detailed preservation shows us a complete marine ecosystem that existed long before the dinosaurs. Lake O'Hara. Later, the snow starts to melt, so the end of May and the beginning of June are perfect months to see waterfalls in full force. Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park, about 40 min from Lake Louise. Its a nice, quick stop but definitely one thats worth adding to your itinerary. Related Read: Visiting Banff in the winter or during the Christmas season is also magical! Natural hazards are a part of the national park experience. The park is home to lots of interesting natural attractions, including Emerald Lake, Kicking Horse Pass, and the Spiral Tunnels. After all, you can read our Canadian Rockies packing list. However, just to make things extra confusing, theyre going back to the lottery system in 2024. The hike to Twin Falls is an extension of the hike to Laughing Falls, so it also begins at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot. Yes, as long as you have a Canada Parks Pass. This alternative still does not solve the problem of getting to top attractions and trailheads, although a taxi from here will definitely be cheaper. The restaurant serves regional cuisine using organic and free-range ingredients. So all in all, we think a visit here is 100% worth your time. Its a gorgeous green lake that you can hike around, canoe across, or even swim in (although the water is pretty cold!). Of course, same as in other destinations in the Canadian Rockies, the top season is summer from June to September, but there are still plenty of things to do even in the spring, autumn, and winter. Water and Ice Yoho National Park protects the upper watershed of the Kicking Horse River, a steep, unruly tributary of 33 miles. You can even just observe it fromthe parking lotif you dont want to hike, but we do recommend doing the 1.4-kilometer (0.9-mile) Takakkaw Falls hike to see the falls up close. Plus, Emerald Lake really is one of the best lakes in Canada, and its way less crowded than some of the more well-known options like Moraine Lake. Its got stone fireplaces, antique furniture, and spacious bathtubs where you can unwind after a day of exploring Yoho National Park. Actually, if you travel in Calgary's direction, it is worth making a short, only 90 minutes (from Calgary) detour to Drumheller, a city that is home to one of the largest and best dinosaur museums in the world. 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. When to Go To Yoho National Park. Yoho National Park was acknowledged for its beauty long before modern travelers arrived. I mean, the good vibes are baked right into the name! Visit the Siding Caf or Truffle Pigs Bistro, stop at Cilantro on the Lake . Basically, if you do the entire Twin Falls Hike you get to see Takakkaw Falls, Laughing Falls, and Twin Falls all in one day, so we definitely recommend it if youre a hiking fan we loved it. Dont let a little cold and snow discourage you from all the wintery adventures to be had. To kayak or stand up paddle board on the emerald coloured lake. In fact, Ive used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Emerald Lake | Emerald Lake Lodge - Superb location, views, cabins with a fireplace, it's all there. There are also cool natural sights to see, like fossils and the Natural Bridge. From the Columbia Icefield and Maligne Lake to Bow Falls and Johnston Canyon, youll see all of the most beautiful sites in Alberta without having to lift a finger, because everything will be taken care of for you. And since Lake OHara is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Rockies (and dare we say it, the world), reservations at this campground are in very high demand. 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. Backcountry skiing is really popular around here and the Emerald Lake Slide Path is one of the best runs in the area with unbeatable views of the President Mountain Range. There's really no bus line that connects Yoho National Park with other tourist destinations, and not even Field is a stop on bus companies' itineraries. Nowadays, the rules are slightly different, and you must enter your application in a lottery for selected dates and wait. Its always a good idea to head to a national parks visitor center before you head out on your adventures, and we found that the one in Yoho National Park was excellent. Golden | Best Western Mountainview Inn - Best Western is always a solid choice when it comes to accommodation. There are also over 400 kilometers (248 miles) of hiking trails in the park, which is great news if you love to hike as much as we do! Nestled high in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Burgess Shale is a record of one of the earliest marine ecosystems, giving a tantalizing glimpse of life as it was over 500 million years ago. Set to a backdrop of dramatic mountains and luscious conifers - it is an absolute must for people visiting Yoho National Park. However, its still a good campground overall and for $18.75 CAD, its wallet-friendly, too. Can you visit Yoho National Park in winter? That means you can even stay in Field, but it is possible to spend the night in Golden, Lake Louise, or even Banff and visit the park on a day trip or travel every day back and forth. 1-250-343-6783, Email
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