We all need a getaway that fills our hearts and clears our minds. If you’ve been dreaming of sparkling lakes, towering waterfalls, and peaceful mountain trails, then Yoho National Park is the perfect destination for us.

Tucked away in the Canadian Rockies, this gem may not be as famous as its neighbors, but it offers natural beauty that rivals any national park in the world.

Let’s dive into the details so we can plan the kind of trip that stays with us forever.

Where Is Yoho National Park?

Yoho National Park is located in southeastern British Columbia, right along the western side of the Continental Divide. It borders Banff National Park to the east and Kootenay National Park to the south.

The main entrance and visitor centre are in the small town of Field, British Columbia. This spot is directly off the Trans-Canada Highway, making it easy to reach whether we’re coming from Calgary, Banff, or Lake Louise.

Entry Fees and Operating Hours

To visit Yoho, we need a Parks Canada entry pass.

Daily Admission:

- Adults (18–64): $8 USD

- Seniors (65+): $7 USD

- Youth (17 and under): Free

If we plan to visit multiple national parks or stay for several days, it’s better to get the annual Discovery Pass:

Annual Pass (Discovery Pass):

- Individual Pass: $56 USD

- Family/Group Pass (up to 7 people in one vehicle): $112 USD

Yoho is open all year round, but many roads and trails—including the road to Takakkaw Falls—are only accessible from late May through early October due to snow.

How Do We Get There?

The easiest and most flexible way to visit Yoho is by car. There is no public transportation directly into the park.

Driving times:

- From Calgary International Airport: around 2.5 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway

- From Banff: about 30 minutes

- From Lake Louise: just 20 minutes

- From Vancouver: around 9 hours, so we may want to plan an overnight stop

The town of Field, BC serves as the main service hub, with a visitor centre, small accommodations, and limited dining options.

Best Time to Visit

- The best months to visit Yoho are June through September. During this period, all major roads and trails are open, and the lakes are fully thawed.

- July and August are warmest but also the busiest. If we prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather, early June or late September is ideal.

- From November to April, parts of the park are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but many hiking areas are inaccessible due to snow.

What Should We See?

Here are the top attractions we don’t want to miss:

1. Emerald Lake

This lake is famous for its deep green color and stunning reflections. We can hike the flat 3.2-mile loop trail around the shore or rent a canoe during the summer. Canoe rentals cost about $67 USD for three hours.

2. Takakkaw Falls

This spectacular waterfall plunges 1,224 feet and is one of the highest in Canada. It’s easily accessible via a paved path from the parking area when the road is open from late June to October.

3. Natural Bridge

Just before Emerald Lake, this rock formation spans the Kicking Horse River and is a great photo stop, especially during spring and early summer when water flow is strong.

4. Lake O’Hara

This area is protected and has limited daily access to preserve its alpine environment. We must book a shuttle ride months in advance through Parks Canada. Private vehicles are not allowed. The hiking here is world-class.

5. Burgess Shale

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with fossil beds that are over 500 million years old. These areas can only be visited through guided hikes, which require advance booking.

Where Can We Stay?

We have several options depending on our travel style:

1. Field, BC

There are a few cozy lodges, hostels, and bed and breakfasts. Since availability is limited, it’s best to book months in advance, especially for summer visits.

2. Campgrounds

The largest campground in Yoho is Kicking Horse Campground, open from mid-May to early October. Rates are about $22 to $30 USD per night, depending on the facilities we choose (basic vs. powered sites).

3. Nearby Towns

If we’re looking for more accommodation or food options, we can stay in Lake Louise (20 minutes away) or Banff (40 minutes away). Both towns offer everything from budget motels to luxury hotels.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip

1. Book Lake O’Hara early — spots fill up fast, especially once reservations open in April.

2. Visit Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls early in the day to avoid crowds and parking headaches.

3. Bring layers — weather in the Rockies can switch from sunshine to showers in minutes.

4. Download offline mapsor bring printed ones. Mobile signal is weak or nonexistent in many parts of the park.

5. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Encounters are rare, but it’s better to be prepared.

Ready for the Adventure, Lykkers?

Yoho National Park is quiet, wild, and absolutely beautiful. It’s a place where we can reconnect with nature, each other, and ourselves. And unlike the more crowded parks nearby, it still feels untouched — like a secret we get to share.

So, what do you think? Ready to breathe that mountain air, paddle on a jade-colored lake, and chase waterfalls? If you’re planning a trip or have questions, let’s talk — we’re always here to explore together.