Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is a one of the national parks of Canada often known for its spectacular landscape of massive ice fields and mountain peaks, considered as the tallest in the entire Canadian Rockies. Established in 1886, Yoho National Park is named after Cree expression for its amazement and awe inspiring beauties. UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers an area of 318,519 acres of land areas including some of the natural beauties like glaciers, ice fields, steep mountains and broad valleys.
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Where is Yoho National Park?
Yoho National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies, southeastern British Columbia, Canada. Part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, Yoho National Park still the part of the larger Waterton Glacier International Peace Park sharing a border with Alberta.
History of Yoho National Park
When we start discussing the history of Yoho National Park, we should start from its early establishment. National Park was established on October 10, 1886, as Canada’s second national park and one of the earliest national parks in Canada.
Before its official establishment researchers found some of the diverse communities of Indigenous people’s evidence which showcasing unique cultures that are deeply rooted to this land. Ktunaxa, Stoney Nakoda and Secwepemc are the evidence which they found during excavations and it strongly proved they are the ones who own the land. However, they are exclusively involved in some of the activities such as hunting, fishing, trading and gathering.
After the arrival of Canadian Pacific Railways and European influences, regional slights changed its existence and adversely affected the local indigenous communities. Majority of their lifestyles, cultures and traditions are gone and even the rights of land too. But after a period of time, Park Canada collaboration established indigenous consultation and collaboration with communities like Ktunaxa and Secwepemc try to protect the interest of their beliefs and cultures.
Before that, in 1884, when the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Kicking Horse Valley, it opened the door to tourists to take adventure activities and sightseeing within the valley. So, it led to more tourist traffic and eventually became a national park. And in the same year R.G McConnell, an eminent Geologist who climbed Mt. Stephen discovered a rich fossil collection above its field.
Since its founding, Yoho has welcomed millions of visitors, ranging from explorers, scientists to adventure seekers who are captivated by its majestic peaks, thundering waterfalls and alpine lakes. After tourism developments, there is a lot of development and infrastructures such as roads, campgrounds and visitor centuries are introduced.
Things to Do in Yoho National Park
1. Visit Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw falls is considered as the tallest waterfall in Canada, flowing from above at a height of 380m with 254m free fall. Fed by the Daly Glacier, fall is more mesmerising to see at its peak in the July month when glacier melt water runs more easily. Along with Takakkaw falls, other falls like Laughing falls, renowned for its backcountry campground hiking. Since it is located in the Yoho National Park, falls are accessible by a short walk from the parking lot.
2. Enjoy Emerald Lake View
Emerald is considered as the most stunning turquoise water body in Yoho Park and one of the most admired destinations. Discovered in 1882, often known for many outdoor activities, where visitors can hike around the lake and take a rented canoe or soak in the views. Despite more emerald coloured water, the lake has unique sorts of plant species, showcasing more impressive floral displays. Therefore, the region is also blessed by the variety of tiny, fragile wild orchids like Yellow Lady Slipper, Spotted Orchid and Calypso.
3. Take a Photo at Natural Bridge
Most unique natural beauty here in Yoho National Park is the Natural Bridge. Such a unique rock formation created by the erosive effects of the nearby Horse River. Its slow moving waters from the field valley make it a more photographic spot in the entire park. Alongside the bridge depicted a view of the formations under different vantage points. Located just 3 km from the Emerald Lake road makes easier to reach.
4. Hike to Lake O’Hara
Most popular hiking trail with pristine beauty, Lake O’Hara is one of the must- enjoy attractions in Yoho National Park. Place immersed by the amazing bubbling brooks, mosses, vast rock amphitheatres of snow and clouds and lights. Hiking is a renowned summer activity here in O’Hara that offers 11km trekking, making it the most mesmerising activity ever in Yoho. Never miss hiking trails in Opabin Plateau with O’Hara Shoreline.
5. Drive at Yoho Valley
Taking a scenic drive into Yoho Valley is really a next level travel adventure in Canada. This drive exhibits some of the stunning viewpoints and top attractions of Yoho National Park like Takakkaw falls and Yoho Valley. The Upper Spiral Tunnel is an excellent vantagepoint to watch the view of the Cathedral Mountain. At the end of the Yoho Valley Road visitors can see the region’s top hotel, Whiskey Jack Hostel and the renowned Takakkaw Falls Campground.
6. Enjoy Camping
There are a good number of Campgrounds available to backpackers here in Yoho National Park. Visitors can spend one night at campgrounds to experience the natural beauty of the park along with its stargazing and silence. Camping helps you to sleep near the alpine lake and enjoy campfires in order to watch the sun fade behind the mountain. Each campground included prior reservation and checkout from 11:00 am.
7. Take Snowshoeing
Ideal activity in winter Snowshoeing through Yoho National Park brings more fun filled activity. During the winter season, the region is blessed by enough snow fields to experience snowshoes, especially snow blanketed forests of the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can take rental snowshoes at Emerald Lake or near Lake Louise.
8. Enjoy Yoho National Park through Cross Country Skiing
Easiest way to enjoy the overall beauty of Yoho National Park is through cross country skiing. It helps experience breathtaking wilderness, mountain ranges, glaciers and hiking trails especially during winter season. Adventure seekers take a map at the Kicking Horse Ski Club site and rent accessories for skiing at The Boathouse. Most famous skiing trail starts from Emerald, Amiskwi and Kicking Horse to Otterhead River.
Fun Facts about Yoho National Park
1. Yoho National Park is Canada’s second national park and one of the earliest national parks in Canada.
2. Under Yoho National Park there are 28 mountain peaks located, that are higher than 3000 meters.
3. Visitors spot some of the wildlife’s and animals in the Yoho such as Black bears, Wolves, Badgers, Moose, Pika and Lynx.
4. Park is home to a number of waterfalls including Wapta Falls, Laughing Falls and Takakkaw Falls. Takakkaw falls is considered as the 3rd highest waterfall in Western Canada, ranging 384 meters in height.
5. In 1909, R.G McConnell, an eminent Geologist who discovered the world’s most extensive collections of rare fossils here.
6. Yoho National Park contains 61 lakes and ponds under that one of the most beautiful lakes of Canada also existed here. Largest Emerald Lake is located within this park.
7. Glacier National Park and Yoho National Park both were created on the same day in 1886.
8. Yoho National Park is renowned for many adventurous activities for backpackers like Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Canoe, Snowshoeing and Sightseeing’s.
9. Yoho has a natural bridge which was carved out of solid rock by the kicking horse river.
10. Since Yoho National Park located on the west side of the continental divide, visitors witnessing more rainfalls and snow falls compared to other parts of the continental.
Yoho National Park Tickets
1. For Daily Visitors
| Park Entry (For Daily) | Price ($) |
| Adults | $11.00 |
| Senior | $9.50 |
| Youth | Completely Free |
| Family Travelers | $22.00 |
| Commercial Groups, per person | $9.35 |
2. Annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass
| Adult (18 to 64 years of age) | $75.25 |
| Senior (above 65+ years of age) | $64.50 |
| Youth (between 6 to 17 years of age) | Free |
| Family or Group Visitors | $151.25 |
3. For Camping (Per Night)
| Hoodoo Creek | $19.75 |
| Kicking Horse | $30.50 |
| Takakkaw Falls- Primitive | $19.75 |
| Monarch- Primitive | $19.75 |
4. For Camping Service (Per Day)
| Camping Service Per Day | $11 |
5. For Backcountry Camping
| Per Person (Per Night) | $13.50 |
| Reservation | $11.50 |
| Gazing Permit (daily) | $2.75 |
| Gazing Permit (monthly) | $32.50 |
6. For Fishing Permits
| Daily | $13.50 |
| Annual | $46.25 |
Click here to Book Your Tickets.
Yoho National Park Weather and Best Time to Visit
Yoho National Park Weather is typically includes snow in winter and chill weather during summer. Easy access to major things especially during July to September. Therefore these months are considered as the perfect time to visit Yoho National Park and easy to spot wildfires, viewing and hiking or lake activities.
From Mid-September to Early October, the region is filled by the colourful foliage, and offers stunning views under less crowds. This season is an ideal time for photographers, moderate hikers and bird lovers.
Winter in Yoho starts from December to March. Winter is full of snow and ice in Yoho making it the perfect time to snowshoe, ski and ice climb. Winter in the park is transformed into a magical and snowy wonderland to many backpackers.
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