10 Best Hikes in Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park Overview

Yoho National Park is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in southeastern British Columbia. The park is bordered by Banff National Park to the east and Kootenay National Park to the south. Banff deservedly gets a lot of attention from those visiting the surrounding area but Yoho National Park will absolutely take your breath away; and not just from the strenuous hiking! In addition to the best hikes in Yoho National Park described below, the park features powerful waterfalls, emerald lakes, and picturesque mountain peaks.

Location	British Columbia
Nearest Metro Area	Calgary, AB
Area Size	324,450 acres
Established	October 10, 1886
Hiking Trails	249 miles

Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Yoho National Park

Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit

lake ohara from the wiwaxy trail — Lake O’hara from the Wiwaxy Trail, Photo by John Johnston

*Permits and reservations required in advance for access to this area. Lake O’Hara is a collection of exquisite lakes and hanging valleys linked by a well-marked and well-maintained trail network. There are five alpine routes above the O’Hara basin for experienced hikers who are comfortable with route finding, heights and traversing exposed terrain. Advanced reservations are required for the shuttle and campground. Not only is this considered to be one of the best hikes in Yoho National Park but many think of it as one of the best hikes in the world. If you miss out on the bus lottery, your only option is to hike the 11km Lake O’Hara Fire Road there and back; biking down the road is prohibited. Though it adds almost 14 miles to your day, the walk there and back is most certainly worth it!

7.2 mile loop (11.6km)
2800’ elevation gain (855m)
Strenuous

Yoho Valley Circuit

A signature circuit climbing to a high bench with spectacular glacier views, descending to meadows in the Little Yoho Valley and returning past Laughing Falls in the Yoho Valley. This route features all the best that Yoho has to offer including Takakkaw Falls, Iceline Trail, Twin Falls, and more.

17.4 mile loop (28.1km)
4500’ elevation gain (1,370m)
Strenuous

Iceline Trail

Taking the Iceline Trail to Iceline Summit is a fantastic shorter option should the Yoho Valley Circuit be too long of a hike for you. The trail presents gorgeous glacial moraines in the high alpine and is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Yoho National Park.

8.9 miles out and back (14.4km)
2,640’ elevation gain (805m)
Strenuous

Emerald Basin + Emerald Triangle

Full Length Of The Lake — Canoers on Emerald Lake, Photo by Terry Ott

Emerald Lake is a gentle, lakeshore trail surrounded by mountain and glacier views. Includes a level, gravel path from the parking area to the bridge at the back of the lake. To hit Emerald Basin, start along the shore of Emerald Lake then travel through ancient stands of hemlock and cedar to a natural amphitheatre. Emerald Triangle climbs steadily and descends to both Yoho and Burgess Passes with the Wapta Highline in between. Grand views of the Emerald Valley.

15.0 miles out and back (24.2km)
4,050’ elevation gain (1,235m)
Strenuous

Lake McArthur

This is a fantastic alternative option to consider if you are fortunate enough to end up in the Lake O’Hara area of the park. The trail ascends steadily to Schaffer Lake and then on to the breathtaking Lake McArthur.

5.0 miles out and back (8km)
1,020’ elevation gain (310m)
Moderate

Laughing Falls + Twin Falls

A forested trail to a waterfall at the confluence of the Yoho and Little Yoho Rivers. To head to Twin Falls, continue on the forested trail past Laughing Falls and follow on along the Yoho River to a spectacular double cascade and Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site.