Yoho National Park
A Journey into Awe and Silence
Yoho National Park, located in British Columbia, is just over an hour's drive from Banff and a short 40-minute drive from Golden, where we stayed for four nights. The park's natural beauty, especially the stunning Emerald Lake, makes the journey well worth it. Yoho is home to Canada's tallest waterfall and offers equally breathtaking lakes and impressive waterfalls.
A Sanctuary of Silence and Beauty
Hiking in Yoho is a therapeutic experience, offering something profound for both families and individuals. If you’ve ever paused by a rushing glacial stream and felt the wind playing in the trees, you might have noticed something rare—complete and utter silence. It’s a sound most of us never hear in our urban lives. The stillness is both deafening and magnificent.
The name “Yoho” itself, derived from the Cree language, means amazement or awe. This name is fitting, as the park's stunning mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes are sure to melt your heart. Yoho National Park is bordered by Kootenay National Park to the south and Banff National Park to the east. Although it’s one of the smallest national parks in the Rocky Mountains, Yoho ranks high in natural beauty, thanks to its icefields and towering peaks. The park's visitor center is located in the town of Field, right off the Trans-Canada Highway, though we didn’t have a chance to stop by.
Our Yoho Adventures
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake, ranked as the #2 family hike on AllTrails, is a stunningly blue gem in Yoho National Park, and where we spent most of our time. Parking near the lake can be tricky, but you can park along the road if needed. After being dropped off, we headed straight for the canoe rental line. Although we missed the first batch of canoes, we decided to wait, encouraged by another family who shared that other lakes in the area offered rentals at double the price. Canoeing on Emerald Lake costs about $100 per hour, which is far less than the $200+ elsewhere. Despite the cost, the experience is worth every penny—canoeing provides unparalleled views of the park and surrounding mountains. After our canoe adventure, we walked part of the Emerald Lake Shoreline Trail. The photos we took don’t do justice to the sheer beauty of this place. As one of Yoho’s busiest lakes, it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Natural Bridge
If you’re heading to Emerald Lake, don’t miss the Natural Bridge, located along Emerald Lake Road. The turn-off is easy to miss, so keep an eye out on your left as you approach the lake (we missed it ourselves and decided not to turn back due to limited time). This scenic spot is easily accessible and doesn’t require any strenuous hiking. The Natural Bridge is exactly what it sounds like—a rock formation sculpted by the erosive forces of the Kicking Horse River over centuries. It also serves as the starting point for the Kicking Horse Fire Road trail, leading to the Meeting of the Waters.
Wapta Falls
Ranked as the #1 family hike in Yoho on AllTrails, Wapta Falls is a must-see. This impressive waterfall is the largest on the Kicking Horse River, standing 60 feet high and 350 feet wide. The 3.1-mile round trip hike to the falls is mostly flat and winds through the forest. As you near the falls, you’ll start to hear the roar of the water. You can choose to view the waterfall from above or descend to the base to feel the spray on your face. We opted to view the falls from the cliff and save our tired feet for the return hike to our RV.
A Noteworthy Spot We Missed: Takkakaw Falls
Takkakaw Falls is another highlight of Yoho and a great hike for kids. It’s one of the most impressive features of the park and is easily accessible by car, followed by a short trail walk. You’ll hear the falls before you see them, and once in view, their majesty is undeniable. At 1,260 feet tall, they project outward from the cliff, and you can follow a path right up to the base to feel the mist on your face.
Where We Stayed: Golden Riverfront RV Park
We stayed at the Golden Riverfront RV Park in Golden, which, despite its beauty, was swarming with mosquitoes. We couldn't step outside without being instantly surrounded, which made it difficult to enjoy the park. However, Golden is a charming little town perfectly located near five national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay. It's right off Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway), making it a convenient stop on any Western Canada road trip, especially for those traveling between Vancouver and Calgary.
Do You Need a Parks Canada Pass?
While you don’t need a National Parks Pass to visit Golden or the surrounding towns, you will need one if you venture into any of the nearby national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Kootenay. Passes can be purchased online or at the park entrance gates. The cost is $10 per adult per day, and kids under 18 are free. If you plan to spend seven or more days in Canada’s national parks, consider purchasing an annual family pass for $140, which offers better value. Since we initially paid for five days in the parks, we decided to upgrade to an annual pass before leaving, as we plan to visit Eastern Canada in the spring. Reminder: If you’ve already paid for park fees in Banff and are visiting Yoho on the same day, you won’t need to pay again! You can just park hop!
