How to Explore Yoho National Park in British Columbia

One of Many Glaciers

The beauty of accessing Yoho National Park in British Columbia is that from Calgary, the visitor gets to drive through Banff National Park, breathtaking in its own right, and simply turn left. If the visitor misses the turn, Jasper National Park continues the amalgamation of five Canadian Rockies national parks all within one hundred miles of each other. From Banff, turning left too soon, the visitor will drive the valley of Kootenay. The highway through Yoho, however, follows the whitewater rapids of Kicking Horse River towards Mount Revelstoke. Two distinct spur routes within the park turn northward, giving the visitor access to Takakkaw Falls, as equally impressive as Yosemite Falls in California, and Emerald Lake, a hypothermia-inducing, icy blue color similar to that of Superman’s lair.

Instructions

1. 

   Traveling from Calgary, follow Canadian Highway 1 toward the mountains. The highway takes a northward turn through Banff before crossing Kicking Horse Pass and into Yoho. With the Kicking Horse River seemingly exceeding the speed limit, pull out often to drink in the spectacular glacier peaks defining the valley. Waterfalls trickle at will.

2. 

   Exiting at the first turnoff, the visitor travels north toward Takakkaw Falls. The second highest drop in Canada and only 170 feet shorter the Yosemite Falls, Takakkaw is quite a sight. The falls start narrowly before a rock precipice splatters water into a freefall. This is a premier destination within the park, so prepare for summer crowds.

3. 

   Turning northward at Emerald Lake Road, Emerald Glacier soon appears on the horizon. A short foot path extends beyond the parking lot exposing a most awe-inspiring view. A narrow one-lane footbridge crosses an inlet toward a well hidden lodge. A shoreline chalet serves elk quesadillas.

Tips & Warnings

• Plenty of four and five star hotels and restaurants are located in this part of the Canadian Rockies. Cheaper amenities are in nearby Calgary, just a few hours away.\nCamp at a central location and experience all five parks.\nHiking is highly encouraged. Leave the summer throng and experience grandeur over each horizon.

• Follow all park rules and be informed about potential bear attacks.