Adventure Dates: 09/17/2025 – 09/23/2025
Introduction
After spending several days exploring Banff, my wife and I decided to take a short day trip west to Yoho National Park. It’s only a short drive from Banff, but the change in scenery was incredible with towering waterfalls, glacial rivers, and that signature emerald-colored water that gives the park its name.
Yoho felt quieter and more laid-back compared to Banff, yet just as beautiful. From the mirror-like waters of Emerald Lake to the towering Takakkaw Falls, every stop was a new reminder of how breathtaking the Canadian Rockies are.
Map of Locations
Here’s a look at the spots we explored during our day in Yoho National Park:
Emerald Lake
Our first stop of the day was Emerald Lake, and it was easy to see why it’s one of Yoho’s most popular spots. Even early in the morning, the parking lot was nearly full, with RVs already lined up along the road. We managed to find a spot and made our way toward the water.
Standing on the wooden bridge overlooking the lake was absolutely stunning. The water glowed a vivid emerald green, and the mountains surrounding it reflected perfectly in the calm morning surface. We walked along the Emerald Lake Trail for a short distance, enjoying the views and peaceful atmosphere before heading back.
The trail was paved where we walked, making it easy and accessible. If you want to capture photos without too many people, I’d definitely recommend arriving early. As we were leaving, the parking lot was overflowing, and cars were starting to line up along the road.
Natural Bridge
Our next stop was the Natural Bridge, located just a short drive from Emerald Lake. When we arrived, there weren’t many people, which made it easy to take photos and enjoy the sound of rushing water echoing through the canyon.
At first glance, the “bridge” isn’t immediately obvious until you walk onto the man-made bridge above it and look down. The river has carved its way through solid rock, creating a natural arch that the water now rushes under. You can also walk down to some lower areas for a closer view, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re wearing sandals or shoes without grip since the rocks can get slick.
It’s a quick but worthwhile stop, one that perfectly showcases how powerful water can be over time.
Wapta Falls
Next, we made our way to Wapta Falls, located on a gravel road filled with potholes so drive carefully. The parking lot was small, but we found a spot and started the hike toward the falls.
The trail was well-marked and shaded, but it was not paved. It started off flat before becoming slightly uphill as we got closer to the viewpoint. From there, you could see the waterfall roaring below, with mist rising up into the air. There’s an option to hike further down a steep section to the base of the falls, but we decided to stay at the top for the view instead.
Along the trail, we passed an abandoned stroller, probably from someone who realized too late that the trail wasn’t stroller-friendly. Despite the incline, the hike wasn’t too difficult, and the view from the top made it completely worth it.
Takakkaw Falls
Our final stop was Takakkaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada and one of the most impressive we saw on our entire trip. The paved trail from the parking lot made it easy to walk right up close to the base of the waterfall, where the mist filled the air.
Even though it was cloudy that afternoon, the waterfall was still beautiful and powerful. On sunny days, you can sometimes see rainbows forming in the mist, which must be an incredible sight. The parking lot was nearly full when we arrived, but we managed to find a small space along the edge.
Standing near the base and looking up at the sheer height of the waterfall was humbling. The sound of the rushing water echoed through the valley, a perfect way to end our day in Yoho National Park.
Quick Impressions
Yoho National Park is full of postcard-perfect scenery, from vibrant lakes to roaring waterfalls.
We didn’t see much wildlife during our visit, but the scenery alone made up for it.
Popular spots like Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls get busy, especially midday, but early visits are much quieter.
Most of the stops are easily reachable with short walks, though Wapta Falls requires more effort.
Many trails are accessible or paved, though Wapta Falls may be challenging for younger kids and anyone requiring accessibility.
Closing Thoughts
Our day in Yoho National Park was the perfect mix of peaceful lakes, powerful waterfalls, and scenic trails. It felt less crowded than Banff yet just as awe-inspiring. Every stop had its own personality: Emerald Lake’s calm beauty, the rushing energy of Natural Bridge, and the sheer force of Takakkaw Falls.
If you plan to visit, start early to secure parking and take your time at each stop. Yoho may be smaller than Banff, but it’s packed with beauty that feels every bit as grand.
Photo Gallery
We captured plenty of moments during our day in Yoho National Park, from emerald reflections to roaring waterfalls. Check them out below!