7/3/2024

Discovering Yoho National Park: Waterfalls, Lakes, and Glaciers

Yoho National Park might be one of the Rockies’ best-kept secrets, and spending a day here was an absolute highlight! This park has a little bit of everything: thundering waterfalls, peaceful lakes, stunning rock formations, and an incredible glacier hike. Here’s a quick guide to what we saw and why Yoho deserves a spot on every Rockies itinerary.

Stops: Takakkaw Falls, Natural Bridge, Emerald Lake (canoeing), Emerald Glacier Hike
Difficulty: Mostly easy stops, moderate hike

Takakkaw Falls
Our first stop was Takakkaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. The sheer height of the falls was mind-blowing, and we could feel the mist from quite a distance away! We took our time here, just standing in awe of the power of the water crashing down. The short, easy walk to the base makes this an ideal stop for anyone passing through.

Natural Bridge
Next, we made our way to Natural Bridge, a fascinating rock formation shaped by the Kicking Horse River. The rushing water has carved through the rock over time, creating a “bridge” that you can view from different angles. It’s an easy stop with great photo ops, and the contrast of the whitewater against the dark rock made it extra memorable.

Emerald Lake Canoeing
We then headed over to Emerald Lake, which is famous for its striking green-blue color. We couldn’t resist the chance to get out on the water, so we rented a canoe and paddled around the lake, surrounded by mountains and evergreens. Canoeing on Emerald Lake was peaceful and gave us a whole new perspective of the lake’s beauty, especially with the glacial waters shimmering around us.

Emerald Glacier Hike
Our day wrapped up with a hike to Emerald Glacier—a moderate trail with fantastic views and a bit of a challenge that made it all the more rewarding.

Trail Details:

• Distance: 9 miles (round trip)
• Elevation Gain: ~1,800 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate

The hike begins near Emerald Lake, leading through forested paths and up gentle switchbacks. As we climbed, we enjoyed views of alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers and sweeping views back over Emerald Lake. The last stretch of the trail takes you up a rocky slope to the base of Emerald Glacier, where we got up close to the ice-blue crevasses and heard the distant rumble of avalanches. Arnav and Anuj opted for this extra stretch while we enjoyed the views looking at the glacier. It was a breathtaking end to the day and a perfect way to experience Yoho’s rugged beauty.

Yoho may not be as well-known as other parks in the Rockies, but it’s packed with incredible sights and activities. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and dive into nature, this park is the perfect hidden gem