CANMORE ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
High Rockies, Hidden Waterfalls: A Day Through Yoho & Kootenay from Canmore
A one-day shared tour from Canmore and Banff that visits Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge, and Takakkaw Falls—this guide distills the route, timing, and what to expect.
High Rockies, Hidden Waterfalls: A Day Through Yoho & Kootenay from Canmore.
Experience the breadth of the Canadian Rockies on a compact day trip that begins at the vivid turquoise of Emerald Lake, continues past the rock-channeled Natural Bridge, and reaches the thunder of Takakkaw Falls—Canada’s second-tallest waterfall—before returning to Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Emerald Lake’s jewel-toned shore
Start the day at Emerald Lake, noted for its vibrant emerald-coloured water. Time here is flexible: stroll the shoreline, rent a canoe, or simply sit and take in the alpine stillness.
Natural Bridge and the carved river tunnel
A stop at the Natural Bridge reveals a remarkable rock tunnel sculpted by the Kicking Horse River—an immediate example of the region’s ongoing geological work.
Takakkaw Falls—mountain power
Takakkaw Falls commands the itinerary with its 373-metre (1,224-foot) drop. The schedule allows free time to feel the mist and photograph the cascade.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
A paced, scenic loop that blends lakeside leisure with short walks and viewpoint stops: hotel pickups in Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights lead to mid-morning time at Emerald Lake, a midday visit to the Natural Bridge, an early-afternoon stop at Takakkaw Falls, then returns to drop-offs later in the afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this shared day trip suits—and where to check specifics.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
No specific gear list is provided in the trip information; participants should confirm any recommended items with the operator prior to travel.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Yoho & Kootenay shared experience?
The tour lasts approximately 6.5–7.5 hours.
Where and when does pickup occur?
Pickup is offered at many hotels across Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights; Canmore & Harvie Heights pickups begin at 8:30am and Banff pickups begin at 9:00am. Select your preferred date and pickup location at booking to see your specific pickup time.
What are the main stops on the itinerary?
The itinerary includes Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge (a rock tunnel carved by the Kicking Horse River), and Takakkaw Falls, with return drop-offs in Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights.
How much time will we have at Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake?
The published schedule indicates Emerald Lake around 10:30am and Takakkaw Falls around 1:00pm, with free time at each location; exact durations and the order of sights may vary on the day.
How tall is Takakkaw Falls?
Takakkaw Falls drops 373 metres (1,224 feet) and is noted as Canada’s second-tallest waterfall.
Will we return to our original pickup location?
The tour returns guests to Banff, Canmore and Harvie Heights with approximate drop-off times of 3:30pm for Banff and 4:00pm for Canmore & Harvie Heights.