Highlights of Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is a mountain lake and one of the signature sights of Yoho National Park. When light shines on its glacial water, which contains fine rock flour, the lake surface appears to shift from blue-green to vivid emerald. Beyond simply taking in the view from the lakeside lodge or dock, walking the trail around the lake reveals a succession of different landscapes: mountains, coniferous forests, and shorelines resembling wetlands.
Lakeside and Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge on the shore and the steep mountain ranges face each other across the vivid lake surface.
The bridge at the entrance to the lake and the area around the lodge offer simultaneous views of Emerald Lake’s color and the mountain ranges behind it. Wooden buildings and coniferous forests continue along the shoreline, while the mountain outlines are reflected on the open water depending on the strength of the wind. Because the water’s hue changes with the sunlight and the movement of the clouds, the mountain lake reveals different expressions even from the same spot.
Boat Launch and Lakeside Trail
Beyond the dock, the blue-green lake stretches out, with coniferous forest on the opposite shore and grassy mountain slopes continuing down to the water’s edge.
The Emerald Lakeshore Trail circles the lake on a 5.2km route, and the official round-trip time is approximately 2 hours. Although the elevation gain is small, mud and exposed tree roots may occur on the eastern side of the lake. Once you leave the bustle near the entrance, the shoreline and forest draw closer, and from the far end of the lake you can view the mountains in an arrangement different from the lodge side.
Essential Information about Emerald Lake
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Information about the lakeside trail and parking is available here.
Hikes and walksExplore a variety of easy, moderate, and difficult trails. Find trail descriptions, trail maps, safety and guidelin...parks.canada.ca - 📍 Location
- Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada
- 🕒 Visiting hours
- Emerald Lake Road is open year-round, but it may be temporarily closed. Plan your visit during daylight hours. ⚠️ To prevent the spread of invasive aquatic organisms, the use of watercraft and fishing are prohibited in all waters of Yoho National Park until March 31, 2027. Rental canoes on Emerald Lake and authorized commercial operators are exceptions. The use of waders and wading boots is also prohibited.
- 💶 Admission
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- Adult 1-day pass (ages 18–64): CA$12.25
- Senior 1-day pass (ages 65 and over): CA$10.75
- 17 and under: free
- Family or group 1-day pass: CA$24.50. For up to 7 people arriving in the same vehicle.
A national park pass is required to visit the national park.
- ⏱️ Time required
- Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour to see the area around the lakeside entrance, and the official estimate of approximately 2 hours to complete the 5.2 km lakeside trail. ⚠️ Delays while waiting for a parking space, crowds, and trail conditions on sections with mud or exposed roots may extend the time required.
Getting to Emerald Lake
By car
From Field, follow the Trans-Canada Highway and Emerald Lake Road for about 10 km to the lakeside parking lot. Emerald Lake Road branches off about 3 km west of Field.
Parking is very limited and fills up quickly. In July and August, consider visiting early or late in the day and allow plenty of extra time. Check Parks Canada guidance for road access conditions and advice on planning a visit during busy periods.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Canadian Rockies: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Suggested Itineraries”.
