Rockies · British Columbia
Yoho National Park
'Yoho' is a Cree expression of awe — and the park earns it.
Province
British Columbia
Established
1886
Size
1,313 km²
Coordinates
51.40°, -116.50°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Yoho National Park
Squeezed between the BC–Alberta divide, Yoho packs Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls (one of Canada's tallest), the Burgess Shale fossil beds, and Lake O'Hara into a compact, less-visited footprint than its Alberta neighbours.
Why visit
- Lake O'Hara — by lottery-bus only; widely considered the most beautiful alpine basin in the Rockies
- Takakkaw Falls — 384 m of free-fall water
- Emerald Lake's milk-blue water and historic lodge
- Burgess Shale UNESCO fossil tours
- Natural Bridge over the Kicking Horse River
Things to do
Plan your days.
Lake O'Hara bus + alpine circuit
hiking
Takakkaw Falls Campground (walk-in)
camping
Emerald Lake canoe rental
kayaking
Burgess Shale guided fossil hike
interpretive
Wapta Falls short hike
hiking
Iceline Trail backcountry day hike
hiking
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Kicking Horse Campground — full-service near Field
- Takakkaw Falls walk-in tent camping
- Monarch & Hoodoo Creek for quieter overnights
Best time to visit
- Spring
- Late May–June: roads open, falls peak with snowmelt.
- Summer
- July–August: Lake O'Hara season; book the bus the morning reservations open.
- Fall
- September: cool, golden, far fewer crowds.
- Winter
- November–April: most park roads close; ice climbers and cross-country skiers only.
- Peak
- Mid-July to mid-August.
- Shoulder
- Early June or mid-September.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Glacial moraines above Lake O'Hara for goats; Yoho Valley for bear activity.
Common species
Mule deer · Mountain goat · Hoary marmot
Signature species
Grizzly bear · Black bear · Mountain goat
Wildlife safety
Grizzly closures rotate seasonally — check the Parks Canada alerts page before any backcountry trip.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Field
- Lake Louise
- Golden, BC
Nearby attractions
- Banff (east)
- Kootenay (south)
- Glacier National Park (west)
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
weekend
Field base weekend
Takakkaw + Emerald + Natural Bridge in two days.
3 day
Lake O'Hara mini-trek
If you win the bus lottery — three nights at Le Relais.
photography
Burgess Shale + alpine larches
Late September for the colour and the geology.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Yoho National Park.
Can I camp in Yoho National Park?+
Yes. Yoho National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Yoho National Park?+
Yes — campsite reservations are required during peak season and open via the Parks Canada Reservation Service in mid-winter.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Yoho National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 7/10. Good for families with school-age kids; some activities require planning and gear.
When is the best time to visit Yoho National Park?+
July through mid-September. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include mountain goats, black bears and the occasional grizzly. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
Yes — designated loops accommodate RVs and trailers. Check site dimensions and service availability (electrical/water/sewer) when booking, as not every site offers full hookups.
How many days should I spend here?+
Two days for highlights; a week if you secure Lake O'Hara access.
Nearby parks
