Yoho National Park is the smallest of the four national parks that surround the British Columbia/Alberta border and is the second oldest national park (after Banff) Canada. Because of its lack of media attention, first-time visitors to the area often overlook Yoho and end up spending most of their time in Banff…
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Yoho National Park History
As you can imagine, with so many memorable things to do that are easy to get to, Yoho National Park is a popular Canadian travel destination. It has long been considered a beautiful park in Canada. In fact is tied 2nd for the title of Canada’s oldest National Park, with Banff National Park being the only one that’s been established longer.
Riding the newly completed Transcontinental Railway spiralling through the tunnels, Prime Minister James A MacDonald was so inspired tiny the beauty, the status of the park was created soon after. On October 10th, 1886, the area became the Mount Stephen Reserve.
In 1985, Yoho National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage site. The origin of the name “Yoho” come from the First Nations Cree word for awe and wonder.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Natural Bridge
Fairly self explanatory really. It’s a natural bridge made of rock with a waterfall in the centre. The bridge looks a little dodgy to us, so fortunately there’s a man made bridge next to it for you to use instead. It’s a great vantage point to watch the gatorade coloured water as it cascades down the waterfall.
In winter you can actually wind your way down onto the frozen river (at your own risk) and walk inside the natural bridge where normally you’d be under several feet of water. Not recommended in summer!
Wapta Falls
Along the entire length of the Kicking Horse River, Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall. Churning out, on average, 254 cubic meters of water every second, it’s a testament to the power of the natural world.
Standing at 30 meters high, Wapta Falls spans the 150 meter width of the Kicking Horse River. It’s white rapids flow constantly and spray a fine mist as the wall of water crashed into the continuing river below. The hike to the bottom of Wapta Falls is relatively easy. There are some small gains and losses along the way, but overall is considered quite an easy hike. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the base of the falls and around 2.5 kilometers in length.
The word “Wapta” comes from the language of the Nakoda First Generation people’s that translates into the river.
Takkakaw Falls
Takkakaw is the second tallest free falling waterfall in Canada, and it is massivvvvee. It’s sheer size makes it visible for several kilometres, and it’s definitely a place worth checking out.
Once the road opens in summer, the drive is straightforward and you can almost drive right up to it. In fact, you can also virtually camp beneath it and that makes it one of the most popular camp sites in the entire area.
Takkakaw is also one of the most popular climbs in Yoho, as you can climb right alongside the waterfall and through a little cave at the top. If you’re a climber it should definitely be on your hit list.
It’s also the start of the Iceline trail, one of Canada’s most famous hikes. It’s a 17km hike up to the Emerald Glacier and is well worth a visit if you have the time.
Lake O’Hara
Lake O’Hara is one of the most sought after adventures and places to visit in Yoho National Park as spots are very limited. With bright blue lakes, towering mountains and the famous larch trees, it’s no wonder why tickets sell out so fast.
While there are many challenging and exhausting hikes to various viewpoints around, there are a number that are easily accomplished by younger travellers. One of the most scenic trails is O’Hara Shoreline Trail. As the name suggests, it follows the edge of Lake O’Hara giving some beautiful views of the glass-like lake, giant peaks in the background and dense pine forests all around.
During the Fall season, a well-known feature of this scenic area is the “larch tree season”. These trees turn a bright yellow, and give a huge contrast to the perfect blue lakes along the trails.
When to go to Yoho National Park
Our recommendation is to visit in Summer. Most areas are significantly harder to access in Winter, and things just generally look prettier when the weather’s good. Emerald Lake is one of the few spots that’s accessible all year round.
Additionally, the Takkakaw road is closed in Winter. Our recommendation is to try any time between June and October.
