Things to See in Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is a national park in British Columbia, Canada.
Together with Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and Kootenay National Park, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks.
Takakkaw Falls
As you approach the falls, the spray and roar grow stronger, giving you a sense of scale very different from the distant view. At the end of the trail, you can get close to the rock face and take in both the falling water filling your view as you look up and the powerful sound echoing through the valley.
The article below provides details about attractions around the falls and visiting conditions.
Mount Wapta
Look back along the trail from the parking lot to Takakkaw Falls, and you will see the hat-shaped Wapta Mountain. Beyond the falls, there are also sweeping views of the mountains surrounding the Yoho Valley.
Field
The Yoho National Park Visitor Centre is located in the small town of Field.
The Continental Divide, which follows the crest of the Rocky Mountains, separates Alberta from British Columbia. Kicking Horse Pass is one of the mountain passes that cross the divide.
A railway runs through Kicking Horse Pass and can be viewed from the viewpoint.
This is a taxidermied grizzly bear. Grizzlies have a low reproductive rate and are endangered.
The town of Field is lined with stylish, colorful Canadian houses.
In Field, nestled among the mountains, you can walk through the town and experience the quiet atmosphere unique to the foothills of the Canadian Rockies.
Emerald Lake
Along the shore of this mountain-ringed lake, you can stroll by the water while admiring its turquoise surface. The tranquil lakeside scenery contrasts with the thundering cascade of Takakkaw Falls.
From the shore, the water, forest and ridgeline behind it overlap, creating a deep, layered view without requiring much travel.
The best ways to walk along the lake and seasonal highlights are described in detail in the article below.
Basic Information about Yoho National Park
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
- Check the official Parks Canada information for opening hours and seasonal access conditions. Also check the admission fees before your visit.
Hours of operationYoho National Park is open year round. The peak season is during July and August. Open dates for visitor centre, ca...parks.canada.ca - 📍 Location
- Yoho National Park Visitor Centre: 5764 Trans-Canada Highway, Field, British Columbia
- 🕒 Opening hours
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- Yoho National Park: open year-round
- Visitor centre (May 1–June 5): 9:00–17:00
- Visitor centre (June 6–September 23): 9:00–18:00
- Visitor centre (September 24–October 12): 9:00–17:00
- 🚫 Closed days
- The visitor centre is closed from October 13 to April 30. Yoho Valley Road, which leads to Takakkaw Falls, is usually open from mid-June to mid-October, weather permitting. ⚠️ Access conditions may change due to weather or avalanche risk, so check the latest conditions before setting out.
- 💶 Admission fees
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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
- Ages 17 and under: free
A park pass is required if you stop or sightsee within the national park.
- ⏱️ Time required
- If visiting Takakkaw Falls, Field and Emerald Lake on the same day, allow half a day to one day by car. ⚠️ Plan based on the latest road conditions, as the time required varies with seasonal road openings, parking congestion and the time spent exploring each location.
Getting to Yoho National Park
From the Lake Louise Visitor Centre to the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, it is about a 33-minute drive. Travel west along Highway 1, then turn onto Yoho Valley Rd just before reaching Field. Highway 1 is also known as the Trans-Canada Highway.
It is about a 20-minute drive from the Takakkaw Falls parking lot to theYoho National Park Visitor Centre. If you have time, you can also explore the town of Field, where the visitor centre is located.
It is about 12 minutes by car from the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre to the Emerald Lake parking lot. Continue west on Highway 1 and turn onto Emerald Lake Road (Emerald Lake Rd) at the next turnoff.
The Yoho Valley Road to Takakkaw Falls is usually open from mid-June to mid-October, but this depends on the weather. Because of the sharp switchbacks, vehicles longer than 7 m must make reversing maneuvers. Trailers are not permitted. The parking lots at Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake can fill up early, so allow plenty of time.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Canadian Rockies: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Suggested Itineraries”.
