Yoho National Park wilderness guide
National Park · British Columbia

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park, located in southeastern British Columbia, offers dramatic mountain scenery, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, making it a prominent destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

National Park507,3674+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

507,367

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park, located in southeastern British Columbia, offers dramatic mountain scenery, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, making it a prominent destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Yoho National Park is situated in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. Covering 507,367 acres, the park displays numerous geological wonders, including towering rock walls, deep canyons, and ancient glaciers. The park boasts an array of ecosystems ranging from dense forests to alpine tundra, supporting diverse flora and fauna such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and dozens of bird species. Established in 1886, Yoho was designed to protect the stunning natural landscape and burgeoning railway tourism at the time. Visitors are drawn to the park's impressive features, such as Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's tallest waterfalls, and the captivating Emerald Lake. Whether you're hiking across the diverse trails or photographing the iconic rock formations and lakes, the park provides abundant recreational opportunities and inspiration for nature lovers.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Yoho National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Takakkaw Falls - A remarkable waterfall plunging 1,260 feet.✦ Emerald Lake - Known for its striking turquoise waters surrounded by dense forest.✦ The Burgess Shale - A World Heritage Site famous for its fossils of early marine life.✦ Lake O'Hara - Pristine alpine area with limited access to maintain its natural beauty.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Yoho National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Yoho National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Parks Canada pass required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Yoho National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Kicking Horse Campground

Located near the park entrance, offering amenities like showers and flush toilets.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Yoho National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Field, British Columbia
⌖ 7.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Field, British Columbia

Field, BC is a remote mountain haven ideal for exploring Yoho National Park. From hiking stunning trails to skiing through pristine snow, it's perfect for wilderness adventurers.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Lake Louise, Alberta
⌖ 15.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lake Louise, Alberta

Lake Louise offers incredible outdoor adventures for lovers of paddle sports, hiking, and skiing, all set against a backdrop of towering peaks and turquoise waters. A photographer's dream, every turn unveils a new stunning landscape.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Golden, British Columbia
⌖ 23.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Golden, British Columbia

Golden, BC, offers an outdoor playground for thrill-seekers, with activities from hiking to skiing. Enjoy untouched beauty in national parks and exciting whitewater on the Kicking Horse River.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Banff, AB
⌖ 46.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Banff, AB

Banff, AB, offers spectacular mountain adventures year-round from hiking towering peaks and paddling turquoise lakes in summer to skiing world-class slopes in winter. Its charming townsite is the perfect base for exploring the Canadian Rockies’ iconic landscapes.

June to September for summer activities; December to March for skiing
Explore Town
Banff, Alberta
⌖ 46.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Banff, Alberta

Banff is a vibrant mountain town in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, perfect for thrilling adventures like hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Experience stunning alpine scenery and rich natural beauty.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Canmore, Alberta
⌖ 57.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Canmore, Alberta

Canmore is the adventure enthusiast’s paradise—renowned for its year-round access to stunning trails, lakes, and rich wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. From hiking and biking to paddling and skiing, this vibrant town offers countless ways to explore nature.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Yoho National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Yoho & Kootenay: The Rockies Most People Never Find
ADVEXPEDITION
Banff, Alberta
HikingADV Bookable

Yoho & Kootenay: The Rockies Most People Never Find

An 8‑hour small‑group outing from Banff with hotel pick‑up in Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore that visits Marble Canyon, Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls—ideal for travelers seeking the raw, uncrowded Rockies.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Winter Wonderland: Frozen Waterfalls and Lake Louise on Ice
ADVEXPEDITION
Banff, Alberta
Winter ActivitiesADV Bookable

Winter Wonderland: Frozen Waterfalls and Lake Louise on Ice

A full-day guided winter exploration in Banff that pairs Johnston Canyon's frozen falls with Lake Louise's icy expanse, useful for planning what to expect and how to dress.

Winter ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Lake Louise, 24 Hours: Self-Guided Touring on K2 Skis
ADVEXPEDITION
Lake Louise, Alberta
Self-Guided TourADV Bookable

Lake Louise, 24 Hours: Self-Guided Touring on K2 Skis

A 24-hour self-guided touring-ski rental in Lake Louise that supplies K2 touring skis, poles, skins and boots while asking you to bring your own avalanche safety gear.

Self-Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip