Yoho National Park of Canada

What to See and Do

Yoho National Park boasts towering rock walls, spectacular waterfalls and 28 peaks over 3 000 metres in height. The word “Yoho” is a Cree expression of awe and wonder.

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TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAY

Speed limit: 90 km/hr (55 mph)
Drive with care on this busy highway.

Yoho National Park Visitor Centre

At the turn-off to Field

April 1 to April 29, 9 am - 4 pm
April 30 to June 21, 9 am - 5 pm
June 22 to September 2, 9 am - 7 pm
September 3 to September 15, 9 am - 5 pm
September 16 to March 31, 2008, 9 am - 4 pm

Town of Field
MOST SERVICES
27 kms west of Lake Louise, AB

• Population: 250
• Explore this quaint mountain town and its brilliant flower gardens.

Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint and Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site

8 km (15 min) east of Field
View the entry and exit portals of an engineering marvel.

• The Spiral Tunnels, completed in 1909, reduced the original railway grade of 4.5%–the steepest of any railway in North America–to a much safer 2.2%.
• Exhibits show how the tunnels work.

Closed October to April due to snow.

  Wapta Falls

22 km (30 minutes) west of Field
"Wapta" means "river" in the Sioux language of the Stoney people.

• In summer, a short drive from Highway #1 takes you to the start of an easy 2.4-km trail to these impressive falls (45 min, 1-way).
• The turn-off is accessible to eastbound traffic only.

YOHO VALLEY ROAD

Speed limit: 20-60 km/hr (12-37 mph)
This 13-km road is steep, with tight switchbacks. Leave trailers in the parking lot across from Monarch Campground . The road is open late June to early October, as snow conditions permit.

Takakkaw Falls

17 km (25 minutes) from Field
One of the highest waterfalls in Canada.

Visitors can walk to base of the falls. Close Oct to June to motor vehicles.

• Takakkaw means "magnificent!" in Cree.
• Several popular hikes start here.

EMERALD LAKE ROAD

Speed limit: 50 km/hr (30 mph)
Open year-round

  Natural Bridge

3 km (5 minutes) west of Field
A place to wonder at the force of water over time.

• A natural rock bridge arches over the mighty Kicking Horse River.

  Emerald Lake

11 km (15 minutes) from Field
A jewel of the Canadian Rockies.

• A 5.2-km (2 hr) trail circles the lake.
• See the Burgess Shale display at the picnic area.

 

 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Evening Programs
Discover insights into the park's natural wonders with a Parks Canada Interpreter.

Kicking Horse Campground Theatre Interpretive programs July and August.

Roving Interpreters
Parks Canada staff are ready to answer your questions and share stories at major points of interest throughout the park.

Events
Celebrate Parks Day July 21! Check at information centres for details.

 

YOHO NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUNDS

Open dates are weather dependent. Arrive early - sites assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

FOSSILS OF THE BURGESS SHALE

The Burgess Shale preserves the 510-million-year-old remains of more than 120 species of marine animals, many of them new to science when Charles Walcott studied them. The fossils are so exquisitely preserved that scientists have been able to see what these ancient creatures ate just before they died!

To protect such a globally important scientific resource, access to Walcott's Quarry and the Trilobite Beds is by guided hike only. Both hikes are long and strenuous. They are offered from early-July through mid-September, as trail conditions permit. Led by licensed guides, the hikes are limited to 15 people. For schedules, fees and reservations, contact the Yoho-Burgess Shale Foundation at 1 800 343-3006.

Fossils of the Burgess Shale are on display in the Yoho Visitor Centre. You will also find interpretive displays on the Burgess Shale outside the Yoho Visitor Centre and at Emerald Lake picnic area.

PLEASE NOTE
Collecting fossils anywhere in the national parks is against the law.

LAKE O'HARA

The Lake O'Hara area is as fragile as it is beautiful. To protect this sensitive area and to ensure a high-quality visitor experience, a quota limits the number of people who may use the bus service to the lake. Bicycles are not permitted. However, there is no limit on the number of people who may hike the 11-km (7 mi.) trail to the lake.

Reservations are required for the bus service and for the backcountry campground. They can be made up to three months in advance by calling 250-343-6433.

SELF-GUIDED INTERPRETIVE TRAILS

• Emerald Lake
• Walk-in-the-Past

ACTIVITIES

To fully enjoy Yoho National Park, plan on spending one to two days. For a more leisurely pace, time your visit for months other than July and August.

Some activities to enjoy while visiting the park may include:

• biking
• camping
• hiking and walking
• backpacking
• photography

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