Explore Field BC Canada

Field BC a Perfect Basecamp for Outdoor Adventure in Yoho National Park

Things to See and do in Field BC in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

A few years ago we decided to explore Field BC Canada for the first time during our Yoho National Park Twin Falls Backpacking Adventure. And are we ever happy that we did. Nestled in the heart of Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Field British Columbia is a cozy little mountain town. As such, it is the perfect basecamp for exploring Yoho's many attractions and challenging its numerous year-round adventures.

Both Field and Yoho National Park are often overshadowed by its neighbour, Banff National Park in Alberta. A vast majority of the people visiting Banff will venture out to explore Lake Louise and never travel a few minutes further up the road to explore Field BC and Yoho National Park. Well, their loss is your gain because Yoho is equally as beautiful and is far less crowded. So for those looking to escape the crowds in search of a more peaceful Rocky Mountain Adventure, then setting up your basecamp in Field is the answer.

Explore Field BC Canada

Field is a small village with a population of less than 200 people. This tiny town is quite cute and well loved by those that reside there. Despite having limited services, the ones that it does have are excellent. With a few village artisans, restaurants, and accommodations to pick from it is more of a quality over quantity thing in Field.

Field is a relatively young community. In the 1880's, as rail lines expanded west connecting British Columbia with the rest of Canada, CPR built the village of Field to house its workers. With the goal of selling train tickets, CPR encouraged tourism to the area by building hiking trails, backcountry lodges, mountain hotels, and chalets. The company even hired mountain guides to help adventure seekers visit some of the remote and previously inaccessible locations nearby.

Where to Shop in Field BC

As it is a small village, a relaxing walk through its quiet streets is the perfect way to explore Field BC. Although there are limited services available there are a few shops and restaurants to choose from. Local shops like Velvet Antler Pottery, the Friends of Yoho Gift Shop and Truffle Pigs Bistro and Lodge are all worth a visit. There are also a handful of practical businesses like the Yoho Trading Post which has a gas station, gift shop and convenience store. And the village liquor store is operated by The Siding Café.

Where to Eat in Field BC

Truffle Pigs Bistro and Lodge 

Truffle Pigs Bistro and Lodge has great food that is inspired by life in the Canadian Rockies and the beauty of their surroundings. They believe in the importance of slowing down to enjoy a good meal and quality time with others. Additionally, they offer prepared lunch kits to go for fueling your outdoor adventures. This is one of our favourite stops when we are in the area.

The Siding Café

The Siding Café offers a menu of simple and delicious burgers and sandwiches. Although we haven't eaten at the Siding Café yet, we will likely give it a go the next time we explore Field BC.

Fine Dining Near Field BC

Fine dining is a short drive away. There are few fine dining options at Cathedral Mountain Lodge and at Emerald Lake Lodge. In fact, Emerald Lake Lodge has four restaurant choices including the main dining hall, Mount Burgess, Kicking Horse Lounge, and Cilantro Café. They also prepare meals to go.  Making a perfect picnicking option as you explore all that Yoho National Park has to offer. 

Where to Stay in Field BC

Day Trips from Field BC to Explore Yoho National Park

Yoho gets its name from the Cree expression for awe and wonder. And the name does it justice. Part of UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, Yoho National Park is a year-round rocky mountain destination for adventure seekers. With icefields, mountains to climb, 400km of trails, and many waterfalls, it is indeed a wonderful Rocky Mountain gem. Popular outdoor activities include backcountry hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Another interesting attraction are the guided hikes to see the Burgess Shale fossils. At over 500 million years old the Burgess Shale fossils are some of the oldest signs of life on the planet!

Attractions Near Field BC in Yoho National Park

Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge makes a perfect quick little stop when exploring Field BC Canada. It is accessible by vehicle and a short walk of 20m or so. 

Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake Lodge is another fantastic destination in Yoho National Park. There is an easy 5.2km hiking trail around the lake as well as several other hiking trails to pick from. Boat rentals available at the lodge for those interested in canoeing on the lakes stunning emerald waters.

The Waterfalls of Yoho National Park in Field BC

Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls is one of the tallest falls in Canada and is accessible by vehicle. However, the road itself is not accessible to all vehicles, as it is steep and narrow with tight switchbacks. Be sure to check the Parks Canada website for information about vehicle restrictions. 

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is a spectacular double cascading waterfall that plunges 180m over the cliff face that. Access to the falls is from the Takakkaw Falls parking lot. It is 16.4km round trip to reach these falls. There are two other waterfalls to enjoy along this route, Laughing Falls and Point Lace Falls. 

Wapta Falls

Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River. At 30 meters high, it is not the tallest of the falls that I have visited in Yoho. However at 107 meters it is the widest. In fact, Wapta falls reminds me of a smaller Niagara Falls. There is a 4.6km return hike to the base of the falls. 

How to get to Field BC

Field is the only community in Yoho National Park and is situated just off of the Trans Canada Highway. Yoho National Park shares its eastern border with Banff National Park. As Field is only 26km further west than Lake Louise it is an excellent day trip option for those visiting Banff. Golden BC is the next community heading west along the Trans Canada Highway. It is just over 57km west of Field.  The map indicates where the Yoho National Park attractions are in relation to the Village of Field BC Canada.

Explore Field BC Canada

I love to explore Field BC. Since Field is in the heart of Yoho National Park it is an excellent choice as a basecamp for all kinds outdoor adventures. I can't wait to get back and explore Field BC some more.

Field BC a Perfect Basecamp for Outdoor Adventure in Yoho National Park

Things to See and do in Field BC in the Canadian Rocky Mountains