Top 5 Things to do in Yoho National Park

Did you think Banff and Jasper National Parks were the only beautiful national parks worth visiting in British Columbia and Alberta? Wrong!! Yoho National Park is a hidden gem that is most definitely worth seeing. If you are new to the idea of Yoho or you are planning a trip to this NP, then you have come to the right place! In this blog post you will learn the basics of Yoho NP, where to stay, and what to do to make this the best trip ever!

My husband and I are completing a month long road trip starting in Canada. Yoho is actually our first stop on the road trip. If you are also wanting to complete a road trip from Yoho, I would suggest also going to Banff National Park, Icefields Parkway, and Jasper National Park!

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Where is Yoho National Park? 

Yoho NP is in Alberta, Canada. It is very close to Banff NP. So, if you are already planning a trip to Banff and you have the extra time, you should definitely jump in to Yoho for some amazing landmarks. 

Yoho National Park is located in the southeastern part of British Columbia, Canada, adjacent to Kootenay National Park and near the border of Alberta. It is part of the Canadian Rockies and encompasses stunning landscapes, including towering mountains, lush forests, and pristine lakes. The park is easily accessible from the nearby town of Field. 

What is the History of Yoho National Park? 

Yoho National Park was established in 1886, making it one of Canada’s oldest national parks. The name “Yoho” is derived from a Cree expression meaning “awe” or “wonder,” which reflects the park’s stunning natural beauty. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Ktunaxa and Nehiyawak (Cree) nations, who utilized the rich resources of the land for thousands of years.

The park was created shortly after Banff National Park, initially as a protective measure for the natural landscapes that were increasingly threatened by development and resource extraction. Its establishment was largely influenced by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which facilitated access to the region and increased tourism. 

In 1984, Yoho was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its significant geological features and diverse ecosystems.

When to Visit Yoho National Park? 

In my opinion, there is never a wrong time to visit the national park! No matter the time you go, you will not be disappointed with the amazing view the NP has to offer. 

We visited the park in October which allowed us to see the amazing fall colors. The park had vibrant peak fall colors of the beautiful yellow, red, and orange leaves against the snowy Rocky Mountains making the most picturesque scene. 

How Many Days Should you Spend in Yoho National Park?

I always have to preface answering this question by saying that my husband and I travel unlike other people do. We only spent ~4 hours in Yoho NP to see everything we had on our itinerary. We are quick travelers; however. But I would confidently say that you can spend 1 full day in Yoho and see everything you would want to see and do! I would then extend the trip by going in to Banff since you are just next door! Click here to read what to do in Banff!

How to get to Yoho National Park? 

My husband and I are travel therapist completing an assignment in Kalispell Montana. We have crossed the Canadian border in the past to visit Banff and Waterton National Park. But this time, we have crossed the border to begin our journey of a 1 month- long road trip. Yoho NP is our first stop. So with this being said, consider starting in Kalispell, Montana! You can fly in to Kalispell and spend a few days in Montana exploring the beautiful Glacier NP- trust me you will not be disappointed. But if you are just looking for the quickest way to Yoho, here are a couple of options: 

1. Glacier International Airport:
   1. Fly into Kalispell, MT and rent a car for a ~5.5 hour drive
2. Calgary International Airport:
   1. Fly into Calgary, Canada and rent a car for ~2 hour drive

Where to Stay in Yoho National Park

There are many options for where to stay in Yoho based on your needs! Depending on what you are wanting out of your lodging experience, there is something for you. We love camping and will always explore/ research the campgrounds first before any hotels/ lodges. So let’s start there. 

Campgrounds in/ near Yoho National Park: 

• The national park has different options for camping based on your desires. There is frontcountry and back country camping via reservations here!

Wild Camping Near Yoho National Park: 

• Beaverfoot River Bridge
  • We love wild camping but are careful about where we choose to stay. So with that being said, I will always only recommend a wild camping site if it is safe and legitimate. This wild campsite fits both of those descriptions AND more! We were able to find a spot that was secluded with beautiful views of the snow peaked mountains while parked next to the river. Our camp spot also had a fire pit. There is also a pit toilet in the area. 

Hotels/ Lodges In Yoho National Park: 

• Emerald Lake Lodge
  • This is located on the shores of the stunning Emerald Lake within the park. This lodge provides a rustic and tranquil experience, offering rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and beautiful mountain views. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the serenity of the Rocky Mountains

Airbnb/ VRBO Near Yoho National Park:

• Here are some options for Airbnb near Yoho National Park
• Here are some options for VRBO near Yoho National Park: 

What to Pack for Yoho National Park: 

1. Hiking Shoes: Wearing appropriate shoes is imperative to having a good experience while hiking. These are my favorite hiking boots that I have owned for over 6 years- and they have had a lot of wear and tear from many hiking trips.
2. Jacket: Since you will be traveling north in comparison to America, you will want to make sure you pack layers to prepare for changes in weather.
3. Camera: With all the beauty you will be seeing, you will want to bring your camera! I have recently purchased this camera and I LOVE it. I am still learning how to use it, but it is a fun hobby to get in to with so much beauty surrounding you!
4. Water Bottle: Whether you are biking, hiking, or driving the scenic route, you will want to make sure to stay hydrated!
5. Portable Phone Charger: You will be using your phone a lot to take pictures, navigate, and send many texts to your family/ friends telling them how much of a great time you are having 😉 Make sure you have these battery packs so your phone does not die!
6. Hydration Backpack: There will be hikes you will want to take part in while you are visiting here. So make sure you are prepared with this hydration pack that is also a backpack!
7. Tent: This will definitely depend on how you choose to lodge for your trip. In case you are planning to tent camp, you will need to make sure you have your camping necessities. This is the exact tent we use. It is quick, easy, and literally takes 2- seconds to pop up!
8. Sleeping Bag: Whether you are car camping or tent camping, you will want to bring your sleeping bag! We car camped here in mid- September and this sleeping bag kept us nice and toasty!
9. Sleeping Mat: This is the best sleeping mat on the market! No electric pump required, just your foot! AND it rolls/ stores very compact saving room with packing.
10. Camping Equipment: I may be biased, but I think everyone should camp while in WLNP to experience the pure beauty of the Lord’s creation of this park. Need to know what equipment you need? Here’s your resource of products!

What to do in Yoho National Park

Realistically, there are 4 major landmarks you will want to see while in Yoho National Park and 1 before entering the park. These are all beautiful and quite easy access!

Depending on what area you are coming from will determine what you will be doing first. We came from Kalispell, MT so this will be in the order of coming from there. 

Here are our Top 5 Things to do in Yoho National Park!

1. Downtown Golden

You will be driving right through downtown Golden British Columbia. Take the time to explore this cute town. There are plenty of stores to shop in and restaurants to grab a bite to eat!

2. Wapta Falls

You are now in Yoho National Park! Grab your hiking shoes to hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls you will see!

This hike is 4.7 km (3 miles) roundtrip. The terrain is primarily easy with some incline towards the end. you will come on an overlook of a huge rushing waterfall. Grab your camera and take pics to remember this moment!

3. Natural Bridge

You can put your hiking shoes away for these next 2 stops! The Natural Bridge is a landmark that you can just pull up to and jump out to see. Here you will find rushing waters hitting against the rocks that have formed a natural bridge across the river. There is a man- made bridge that you can walk across to gain access to different view points of the natural bridge as well. 

4. Emerald Lake

Just down the road from the Natural Bridge is the Emerald Lake. While in Canada, you will see many different beautiful lakes. Many will be crystal clear or Gatorade blue. This lake is equivalent to its name- emerald! Pack a picnic for a lunch with a beautiful view of the lake!

5. Takakkwa Falls

Grab your hiking shoes (or just tennis shoes) to set out for this very quick and easy hike/ walk to these tall, towering falls. 

These falls are 1 km roundtrip and easy terrain. The trail is paved until you get to the falls. Then you can choose to hike closer to the falls by climbing on the rocks. 

Looking for more to do Near Yoho National Park?

If you are wanting more to do in this area, I would highly suggest going to Banff National Park. You can easily spend another 3 days in Banff! Click here to read what to do in Banff. 

You can also visit Waterton Lakes National Park for 1- day. Click here to read what to do in Waterton Lakes National Park. 

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Leave a comment below if you plan to visit Yoho National Park!