Take a Yoho National Park British Columbia Canada Road Trip - the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Traveling westbound along the Trans Canada Highway 1, Yoho is the first park you will pass through when entering British Columbia, Canada. You are welcomed by towering mountains, stunning bodies of water, and educational roadside stops. The park is home to a variety of vegetation, wild and marine life. Ready to explore all year long!
The first thing you want to do is stop in at the Visitor Center. There you will learn all about the park, you can purchase a pass, and the kids can pick up an Xplorers booklet that helps guide them through the unique attractions Yoho National Park has to offer. After your trip, you can return the completed booklet to the Visitor Center for a collectable souvenir.
The Yoho National Park Visitor Center is located in the historical community of Field, BC. There are two great restaurants to stop and grab a bite to eat - Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge and The Siding Café. However, the bistro is more of a sit-down meal and the café is a good option for a meal on-the-go. If you are a history buff, make sure you stop and read the historical markers telling a story of the surrounding railway development.
Just a short drive (4.3km) from the Yoho National Park Visitor Center is the iconic Natural Bridge. Formed in the flow of the Kicking Horse River meeting with the waters from the Field valley flats. Immediately, you will be drawn in by the sheer power the water has in shaping the landscape around us. Make note of the signage describing the process of this natural phenomenon. This is a great place for a quick photo-op!
Your next stop will be a 10 minute drive up the road to Emerald Lake. You will be greeted by the Emerald Sports rental / gift shop where you can purchase a watercraft rental or snowshoes and cross country skis. If you did not stop in Field, you will have another chance to grab a bite to eat at the Cilantro Café or Mount Burgess Dinning Room. Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park also boasts unique lodging if you would like to spend the night gazing at stars.
The Emerald Lake 5.1km loop trail is one of the most leisurely hikes Yoho has to offer, with accessible views that are absolutely breathtaking. Hiking along the Emerald Lake Loop, you may enjoy a cold plunge in the 15ft to 40ft deep turquoise waters. Fishing is also permitted on the lake, home to rainbow and brook trout.
Finally, heading 47.3km west towards Golden, BC is the stunning Wapta Falls. This 4.6km out-and-back trail has a lot to offer, from dense forest to gorgeous waterfall views. This is an easy hike with a spectacular reward meeting you at the base of the falls. Consequently, if you are lucky, you will be greeted by a rainbow. For the adventurers that prefer to pack their own food, this is your spot for a fun picnic.
Taking Yoho National Park British Columbia Canada Road Trip is a rewarding experience for the entire family. If you are planning on camping overnight, you can find a Recreation Site nearby Wapta Falls off Beaverfoot Forest Service Road. Otherwise, wrap up your day by heading into the town of Golden for accommodations.
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Comments 15
Fantastic day trip suggestions! I love the booklet option for little adventure seekers. That sounds quite fun! We will have to check that out one day.
I almost dropped my keys in the river at the Kicking Horse Natural Bridge! Certainly a memorable spot for me haha. I have brought many visitors out that way. Such a beautiful area of our country. Great article!
Thanks for reading! The booklet is definitely a fun idea. Very cool of Parks Canada to provide free educational materials for the kids!
Congrats Jesseca Perry on her first adventure story. Check it out fellow avid storytellers Andrea Horning Janet Guthrie Sonya Richmond and Diana Mohrsen.
Great story and beautiful photos of Yoho National Park! I have never been there but it is sure of my travel destination bucket list! The waterfalls look spectacular and I would imagine the hiking opportunities are amazing!
Thanks for the read! Yoho definitely has a ton of hiking options, too many to name! For now, we will live vicariously through each other's east / west coast adventures.
Just read this again and what great photos as well. Thank you for sharing Jesseca.
Great story about Yoho Jesseca! Looks like we both love Yoho National Park, one day we will have to meet up there and go on an adventure. I didn't know about the booklet for the kids. What a great addition to the overall eh Canada Travel Yoho National Park profile.
Thanks Janet, I appreciate the kind words! Yoho is a spectacular place to visit.
What a great Story! I learned a lot about the local area - and have lots of ideas for planning an adventure there. It also looks like there are lots of options and fun things to do there.
EH Canada Marketing Group thanks for sharing!
Amy Rezek thanks for reading! Have you passed through Yoho before?
I really enjoyed reading about this day trip. I liked the suggestions for places to eat, always important when traveling with a family. AND your photos are gorgeous!
Jesseca Perry Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed your take on the park very much.
Great adventure story Jesseca! Yoho National park is another bucketlist travel destination for me! Looks so beautiful!
Cora Lee Rennie Thanks for reading Cora! Have you been to the west coast? I am currently living vicariously through your east coast adventures.