Yoho National Park

The Basics

Yoho National Park, on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, is the quiet neighbor of more popular Jasper and Banff national parks (home of tourist hot spots Banff and Lake Louise) in Alberta. Founded in 1886, Yoho is also the 2nd-oldest national park in the Parks Canada system. Must-sees include Lake O’Hara, Emerald Lake, Wapta Falls, Takakkaw Falls, and the natural bridge and the Kicking Horse River that flows beneath it.

While you can explore Yoho on your own, adventure is made easy with white-water rafting tours, stand-up paddleboard trips that call on Wapta Falls, and group excursions by minibus to Yoho’s waterfalls.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts adore Yoho National Park, and active families can find hiking trails well suited to many levels of ability.

• There is a fee to enter the park.

• The tiny village of Field, British Columbia, is the only settlement in the park. It has a general store, restaurants, accommodation, and small shops.

• Much of the park is backcountry, accessible only via winding mountain roads or on foot.

How to Get There

Yoho National Park is on the eastern edge of British Columbia, 52 miles (84 kilometers) from Banff. The nearest airports are in Calgary and Vancouver; long-distance buses stop in nearby Golden. Visitors usually arrive by tour bus or by car via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).

When to Get There

The park is open year-round, though snow limits accessibility for most of the year (generally October until June), and many visitor services are closed in the winter. In summer, weekends are busier with traffic than weekdays, but Yoho is rarely crowded.

Hike to Fossil Beds in the Burgess Shale

For true adventurers, a hike into the fossil beds of the Burgess Shale is an experience not to be missed. Guides from Parks Canada or the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation lead these strenuous, day-trip hikes (self-guided hikes are not permitted). Choose from a hike to the Walcott Quarry or Mount Stephen. Both require reservations and a high degree of preparedness.

Ways to explore

Located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies in British Columbia, Yoho National Park is the peaceful neighbor of the more popular Jasper and Banff national parks in Alberta. Yoho is home to must-see waterfalls, including Wapta Falls and Takakkaw Falls, plus Lake O’Hara, Emerald Lake, and the Kicking Horse River. You can expect to find hiking trails suited to many levels of ability.

While some visitors explore independently, adventure is made easy with a variety of tour options. Enjoy a diverse range of activities from white-water rafting trips to stand-up paddleboarding to group excursions by minibus to Yoho’s waterfalls.

Accessibility

Accessibility is limited in Yoho National Park; some picnic sites and paved trails to see waterfalls are wheelchair accessible, but parts of this park are quite rugged.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Layers of clothing, hat, water bottle, snacks

What to wear

Hiking boots, warm socks, waterproof outer layer

Not allowed

Open fires, drones, littering, collecting plants or rocks

Amenities

General store, restaurants, accommodation, small shops (Field, British Columbia)

Address 

Yoho National Park is located on the eastern edge of British Columbia, 52 miles (84 kilometers) from Banff. The nearest airports are in Calgary and Vancouver.

Driving

Many visitors arrive by private vehicle to explore at their own pace. Yoho National Park can be reached via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Scenic drives and parking are available throughout this park. There is a fee to enter.

Public transportation

Long-distance buses stop in nearby Golden. While some public transportation is available, most visitors without a vehicle choose the convenience of guided tours with included transportation to see several landmarks, such as waterfalls, in one itinerary.

Best times to visit

To maximize time, arrive first thing in the morning to hit the hiking trails or visit waterfalls. Many people bring a picnic to enjoy during a full day spent exploring Yoho National Park.

Best days to visit

In the summer, weekends are busier with traffic than weekdays, but Yoho National Park is rarely crowded.

Best months to visit

The park is open year-round, though snow limits accessibility for most of the year (generally October until June) with many services closed in the winter. Plan a summer visit in July, August, or September.

Special events

This national park is known for fossil hikes, ice climbing, camping, and scenic drives, rather than special events. The nearby village of Field, British Columbia does offer an annual summer music festival.