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Exploring Yoho National Park: Where Glaciers and Waterfalls Meet
Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Yoho National Park is a natural wonderland waiting to be explored. The park boasts spectacular scenery, from glaciers to waterfalls and alpine meadows. Towering peaks over 3,000 meters high and over 600 glaciers add to the park's rugged beauty.
Scenic drives through the park lead to some of its most iconic landmarks, such as the Spiral Tunnels, Natural Bridge and the awe-inspiring Takakkaw Falls. Yoho is also home to a diverse range of wildlife including bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Whether you're a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast, Yoho National Park offers something for everyone. With its unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, it's a must-visit destination for all!
C$450 for the entire group!
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Easily Accessible Destinations in Yoho
Takakkaw Falls (see below) is a stunning waterfall located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. The falls have a total height of 384 meters (1260 feet) making it one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. It is fed by the Daly Glacier and the water flows into the Yoho River. The falls can be viewed from several viewpoints along the road, and a short walk will take you to the base of the falls, where they can enjoy a close-up view of the water cascading down the cliffs. The viewpoint is also a great place to take photographs.
The falls are most impressive during the spring and early summer when the snow melts and the water flow is at its highest. It is also a popular spot in the summer and fall. The surrounding area is known for its lush greenery and beautiful wildflowers, making it a great spot for camping!
Natural Bridge is another easily accessible destination in Yoho National Park, Natural Bridge is a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. The bridge can be viewed from a short, easy trail that starts at the Natural Bridge parking lot. Along the trail, you will also find several picnic areas and viewpoints, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Wapta Falls is a popular spot for picnics and photography, and is especially beautiful in the spring when the snow is melting.is a stunning and popular destination in Yoho National Park, known for its powerful and majestic waterfall that spans across the Kicking Horse River. The trail to Wapta Falls is an easy hike that offers a variety of viewpoints along the way, where you can take in the beauty of the waterfall and the river. Although it can be crowded and parking can be difficult, it is still worth visiting and it offers breathtaking views and the sound of the powerful falling water. It is essential to be prepared for the possible crowds and also for the trail conditions, especially after rainfall. The trail is also a great spot for bird-watching and wildlife viewing.
Emerald lake: A short drive from the village of Field, the trailhead is located at the Emerald Lake Lodge, the lake is a beautiful spot for swimming, boating and fishing. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks, making it a popular spot for photography and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the lake, or rent a canoe or paddleboat to explore the lake on their own.
The closest part of the lake to the parking lot can be very crowded, especially during peak season. The parking lot is often full, so you may have to park along the road and walk for a couple of kilometers to reach the lake. One of the best ways to experience Emerald Lake is to take the easy walk around the lake. The secluded trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rocky shorelines. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to discover breathtaking and secluded spots, where you can take in the beauty of the lake and its surroundings in peace.
The Burgess Shale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Yoho National Park that is known for its exceptional preservation of fossils dating back to the Cambrian period over 500 million years ago. The fossils found in the Burgess Shale are considered to be some of the most important in the world as they provide unique insight into the evolution of early animals and the diversity of life on Earth during that time.
To visit the Burgess Shale, you can take the guided hike offered by Parks Canada, which is the only way to access the fossil beds. The guided hike is a moderate to strenuous hike that takes about 8-10 hours to complete and is led by a Parks Canada interpretive guide. The hike also includes a stop at the Fossil Ridge Viewpoint for an overview of the fossil beds. The guided hike is only offered from July to September, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance as spaces fill up quickly.
Where to Camp in Yoho?
Camping near Takakkaw Falls is an ideal spot for those who seek a secluded and peaceful camping experience while enjoying the natural beauty of the park and being close to the main attraction.
Camping at the base of Takakkaw Falls is a unique and unforgettable experience. The campground is located just a short distance from the parking lot, and there are trolleys available to assist with carrying gear to the campsite. The road to the campground is well-maintained and suitable for a variety of transportation options, including trolleys, bikes, and baby strollers.
One of the best things about camping near Takakkaw Falls is that the falls are visible right from the campground. The 384-meter (1,260 ft) high waterfall is a constant and majestic presence, and the sound of the falls can be heard throughout the campground, adding to the serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The campground offers basic amenities such as pit toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. However, there is no running water or electrical hookups, but there is a nearby water pump for campers to fill their water bottles or jugs. There is also a bear cache in the campground to store food and other scented items.
How to Camp?
Camping in Alberta can be done by reserving a campsite in advance or by using first-come, first-served campsites. To reserve a campsite, visit the Alberta Parks website (https://reservation.albertaparks.ca/Home/Index) or call the reservation line. First-come, first-served campsites can be found by visiting the Alberta Parks website or by calling ahead.
Note that the Takakaw Falls campsite is less crowded as it does not have RV parking! You may come late afternoon during long weekends and still be able to find a perfect spot.
Takakaw Falls campsite
Moderate Hikes from Takakkaw Falls
If you're looking for a hike around Takakkaw Falls campground, there are plenty of options to choose from! Generally, there are two main directions to explore.
One direction takes you north, up the river, where you can ultimately reach the glacier. The full-length hike is quite strenuous and not recommended unless you're in great shape. The trail is relatively steady with only a couple of steep areas, but no challenging scrambling. The first couple of kilometers of the trail are wide and flat, so they can even be accessed by trolley! They lead you to the picturesque Point Lace Falls, which is tucked away in the forest and makes for a great spot to take a break and have a snack. Then the trail becomes a bit more rugged, with rocks, moss, and a couple of steep areas. Following it, you'll reach the Laughing Falls campground in a couple of hours.
It's my personal favorite spot in all of Yoho National Park! The campground itself is secluded and absolutely breathtaking, and the waterfall is equally impressive. The highlight of this hike, however, is the two-colored river that flows below - the white water from the glacier combines with the blue water from another river, creating a natural wonder that's truly worth seeing.
For those who love the great outdoors, the second direction for hikes from Takakkaw Falls campground offers an unforgettable experience. A short drive down Yoho Valley road and then a steep hike uphill will take you to the west, where you will find the awe-inspiring Yoho lake. Nestled among alpine meadows and surrounded by majestic peaks and lush greenery, the lake is a true natural wonder and a popular spot for swimming and fishing. The trail leading up to the lake offers panoramic views of the valley, and is a great spot for bird-watching and wildlife viewing.
For those who want to spend the night, there's a secluded campground near the lake. However, it's important to note that there may be some mosquitos in the morning. This campground is best suited for backpackers and hikers, as it is only accessible by foot.
If you're up for an even longer hike, a couple more hours of walking through the evergreen forest will lead you to the valley leading to Emerald Lake - a true gem of Yoho park. The lake offers the best swimming experience in the whole of Alberta, and surprisingly, the water was not as cold as usual due to the absence of wind and strong sun that made the upper part of the lake warmer. The lake is also surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and is perfect for picnics and relaxing after your hike. Our friends picked us up in the parking afterwards, so we didn't need to hike back.
Great swimming in Emerald Lake and great swimming!
Wildlife in Yoho
Yoho National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including both large and small mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. Some of the most commonly seen animals in the park include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and moose. These animals can often be seen grazing in the alpine meadows or along the valley floor.
Bears are also present in the park, with both black bears and grizzly bears inhabiting the area. While sightings of bears are not common, it is important to be aware of the potential danger they pose and take necessary precautions such as carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it. Visitors should also be familiar with bear safety guidelines and follow them when hiking or camping in the park.
Smaller animals such as marmots, ground squirrels, and pikas can also be spotted in the park. These animals can often be seen sunning themselves on rocks or scurrying through the meadows. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including eagles, hawks, and ospreys.
It's worth noting that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on many factors such as time of the year and location in the park. However, if you're lucky and keep your eyes open, you'll probably have a chance to see some of the park's inhabitants.
Carry BEAR SPRAY!
It may save your life!
Hard Hikes in Yoho
Want some challenges? Try the Iceline Trail (great guide is here!) or one of numerous hikes to 3000+ peaks!
The Iceline Trail is one of the most vibrant and rewarding hikes in Yoho National Park. Starting at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, the trail takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, each one more spectacular than the last. The trail is well-maintained and marked, making it easy to navigate, but it is a moderate to challenging hike that requires proper gear and experience.
As you begin the hike, the trail takes you through a lush forest, where you'll see a variety of trees and wildflowers. The forest trail is shaded, providing a cool and refreshing respite from the sun. As you progress, the trail starts to climb, and you'll start to catch glimpses of the surrounding mountains through the trees. As you reach the alpine meadows, the trail becomes more steep and rocky, but the views are truly breathtaking. The meadows are filled with wildflowers of different colors, creating a vibrant carpet of colors. The trail offers views of several glaciers and offers views of the Yoho Icefields and other impressive peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The trail reaches its highest point near the President mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole valley and the impressive peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Along the trail, you will also come across an abundance of natural wonders, including small glacial lakes, with crystal clear water, perfect for a refreshing dip.
We recommend doing the trail clockwise, as it kept the sun in our backs the whole way around. The trail is not technical, but the climb was definitely nicer going up than it would have been going down. It's also important to note that the trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and moose, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing. You also have the chance to spot some bears in the area, so it's important to carry bear spray and know how to use it. In conclusion, The Iceline Trail is a must-do hike in Yoho National Park, offering a diverse range of landscapes and an abundance of natural wonders.
Why Our Prices are so Low?
At our tour company, we are frequently asked why our prices are so much lower compared to other tour operators. While we cannot claim to have the absolute lowest prices in the market, we can definitely say that we keep our prices very affordable.
One of the main reasons why we can offer such low prices is that we are a family business with over 7 years of experience in the industry. We have learned to operate our tours without renting an office or hiring a large number of people, which allows us to pass on the savings to our customers. We do not hire guides for a season and pay them low hourly wages. Instead, we mostly conduct tours ourselves, which is a win-win situation for both you and us. You get a dedicated guide who knows the ins and outs of the destination, and we earn a fair profit without inflating our prices.
As a result, if you are traveling with a partner, family, or a group of friends, you will most likely pay less with us than with a group tour operator. We offer custom private tours with a fixed price for the entire group, which can often be more cost-effective than joining a pre-organized group tour.
Greetings, I'm Tony Terentev, a licensed physician turned travel entrepreneur. After years of practicing medicine, I realized that what I truly desired was to explore the world, meet new people, and learn their stories. I enjoy engaging in conversations on various topics such as politics, religion, and stereotypes with an open-minded perspective. A good sense of humor is always welcome as it makes the world a better place.
Before the pandemic and a tumultuous political climate, I owned a tour company in Russia. However, I now find myself fortunate to be in Canada, surrounded by the magnificent Rockies, contemplating the complexities of our world.
If you're seeking an opportunity to explore this marvelous area, you've come to the right place. Travel Real Canada offers unique Banff and Jasper holidays, tailored to your interests, ensuring you make the most of your travel experience. Let's discover the beauty of Canada together!