Yoho National Park British Columbia Canada Road Trip

wapta-falls-yoho-national-park

Yoho offers a variety of family friendly hikes and activities

Bring your family on a once in a lifetime day trip to explore the Canadian Rockies

Take a Yoho National Park British Columbia Canada Road Trip - the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Traveling westbound along the Trans Canada Highway 1, Yoho is the first park you will pass through when entering British Columbia, Canada. You are welcomed by towering mountains, stunning bodies of water, and educational roadside stops. The park is home to a variety of vegetation, wild and marine life. Ready to explore all year long! 

Yoho National Park British Columbia Canada Road Trip Visitor Centre

 The first thing you want to do is stop in at the Visitor Center. There you will learn all about the park, you can purchase a pass, and the kids can pick up an Xplorers booklet that helps guide them through the unique attractions Yoho National Park has to offer. After your trip, you can return the completed booklet to the Visitor Center for a collectable souvenir.

Field British Columbia Restaurants and Cafes

 The Yoho National Park Visitor Center is located in the historical community of Field, BC. There are two great restaurants to stop and grab a bite to eat - Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge and The Siding Café. However, the bistro is more of a sit-down meal and the café is a good option for a meal on-the-go. If you are a history buff, make sure you stop and read the historical markers telling a story of the surrounding railway development.

The view of Wapta Falls from the Recreation Sites off Beaverfoot Forest Service Road. @canadian.rubber.tramps
View of Emerald Lake - The 5.1km loop trail is family friendly and accessible, offering stunning views. @canadian.rubber.tramps

The Iconic Natural Bridge and Emerald Lake 

Just a short drive (4.3km) from the Yoho National Park Visitor Center is the iconic Natural Bridge. Formed in the flow of the Kicking Horse River meeting with the waters from the Field valley flats. Immediately, you will be drawn in by the sheer power the water has in shaping the landscape around us. Make note of the signage describing the process of this natural phenomenon. This is a great place for a quick photo-op! 

Yoho Park Adventures and Dining

Your next stop will be a 10 minute drive up the road to Emerald Lake. You will be greeted by the Emerald Sports rental / gift shop where you can purchase a watercraft rental or snowshoes and cross country skis. If you did not stop in Field, you will have another chance to grab a bite to eat at the Cilantro Café or Mount Burgess Dinning Room. Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park also boasts unique lodging if you would like to spend the night gazing at stars.

Emerald Lake Hiking Trail

 The Emerald Lake 5.1km loop trail is one of the most leisurely hikes Yoho has to offer, with accessible views that are absolutely breathtaking. Hiking along the Emerald Lake Loop, you may enjoy a cold plunge in the 15ft to 40ft deep turquoise waters. Fishing is also permitted on the lake, home to rainbow and brook trout.

The Iconic Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park @canadian.rubber.tramps
Rocky Mountain views from Emerald Lake @canadian.rubber.tramps

Hiking Wapta Falls near the town of Golden British Columbia 

Finally, heading 47.3km west towards Golden, BC is the stunning Wapta Falls. This 4.6km out-and-back trail has a lot to offer, from dense forest to gorgeous waterfall views.  This is an easy hike with a spectacular reward meeting you at the base of the falls. Consequently, if you are lucky, you will be greeted by a rainbow. For the adventurers that prefer to pack their own food, this is your spot for a fun picnic. 

Taking Yoho National Park British Columbia Canada Road Trip is a rewarding experience for the entire family. If you are planning on camping overnight, you can find a Recreation Site nearby Wapta Falls off Beaverfoot Forest Service Road. Otherwise, wrap up your day by heading into the town of Golden for accommodations. 

Rainbow at the base of Wapta Falls - When the elements are just right, you will be lucky enough to see a rainbow at the base of Wapta Falls. @canadian.rubber.tramps
Wapta Falls Yoho National Park @canadian.rubber.tramps

Reward your family with a day trip to explore Yoho National Park

British Columbia, Canada Hiking Adventures

Travel Guide

    • Restaurant, Cafe
    • OTHER
    • Historical Site
  • British Columbia
    • Restaurant

Canada Parks

  • Golden
  • British Columbia
    • World Heritage Site
    • Wheelchair Access
    • X Country Skiing
  • Easy - Family
  • Year Round

Location (Map)

Yoho National Park Of Canada, Field, BC V0A 1G0, Canada
×
Stay Informed

When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.

Adventures at Crazy Creek Resort and Hot Pools in ...
5 Best Rail Trails of British Columbia Canada
 

Comments 15

Andrea Horning on Sunday, 05 November 2023 15:28

Fantastic day trip suggestions! I love the booklet option for little adventure seekers. That sounds quite fun! We will have to check that out one day.
I almost dropped my keys in the river at the Kicking Horse Natural Bridge! Certainly a memorable spot for me haha. I have brought many visitors out that way. Such a beautiful area of our country. Great article!

Fantastic day trip suggestions! I love the booklet option for little adventure seekers. That sounds quite fun! We will have to check that out one day. I almost dropped my keys in the river at the Kicking Horse Natural Bridge! Certainly a memorable spot for me haha. I have brought many visitors out that way. Such a beautiful area of our country. Great article!
Jesseca Perry on Wednesday, 08 November 2023 04:51

Thanks for reading! The booklet is definitely a fun idea. Very cool of Parks Canada to provide free educational materials for the kids!

Thanks for reading! The booklet is definitely a fun idea. Very cool of Parks Canada to provide free educational materials for the kids!
EH Canada Marketing Group on Sunday, 05 November 2023 15:42

Congrats Jesseca Perry on her first adventure story. Check it out fellow avid storytellers Andrea Horning Janet Guthrie Sonya Richmond and Diana Mohrsen.

Congrats Jesseca Perry on her first adventure story. Check it out fellow avid storytellers Andrea Horning Janet Guthrie Sonya Richmond and Diana Mohrsen.
Cora Lee Rennie on Monday, 06 November 2023 13:21

Great story and beautiful photos of Yoho National Park! I have never been there but it is sure of my travel destination bucket list! The waterfalls look spectacular and I would imagine the hiking opportunities are amazing!

Great story and beautiful photos of Yoho National Park! I have never been there but it is sure of my travel destination bucket list! The waterfalls look spectacular and I would imagine the hiking opportunities are amazing!
Jesseca Perry on Wednesday, 08 November 2023 04:57

Thanks for the read! Yoho definitely has a ton of hiking options, too many to name! For now, we will live vicariously through each other's east / west coast adventures.

Thanks for the read! Yoho definitely has a ton of hiking options, too many to name! For now, we will live vicariously through each other's east / west coast adventures.
EH Canada Marketing Group on Monday, 06 November 2023 20:39

Just read this again and what great photos as well. Thank you for sharing Jesseca.

Just read this again and what great photos as well. Thank you for sharing Jesseca.
Janet Guthrie on Monday, 06 November 2023 20:44

Great story about Yoho Jesseca! Looks like we both love Yoho National Park, one day we will have to meet up there and go on an adventure. I didn't know about the booklet for the kids. What a great addition to the overall eh Canada Travel Yoho National Park profile.

Great story about Yoho Jesseca! Looks like we both love Yoho National Park, one day we will have to meet up there and go on an adventure. I didn't know about the booklet for the kids. What a great addition to the overall eh Canada Travel Yoho National Park profile.
Jesseca Perry on Wednesday, 08 November 2023 04:59

Thanks Janet, I appreciate the kind words! Yoho is a spectacular place to visit.

Thanks Janet, I appreciate the kind words! Yoho is a spectacular place to visit.
Amy Rezek on Wednesday, 08 November 2023 00:06

What a great Story! I learned a lot about the local area - and have lots of ideas for planning an adventure there. It also looks like there are lots of options and fun things to do there.

What a great Story! I learned a lot about the local area - and have lots of ideas for planning an adventure there. It also looks like there are lots of options and fun things to do there.
Jesseca Perry on Wednesday, 08 November 2023 04:44

EH Canada Marketing Group thanks for sharing!

EH Canada Marketing Group thanks for sharing!
Jesseca Perry on Wednesday, 08 November 2023 04:45

Amy Rezek thanks for reading! Have you passed through Yoho before?

Amy Rezek thanks for reading! Have you passed through Yoho before?
Diana Mohrsen on Wednesday, 08 November 2023 05:23

I really enjoyed reading about this day trip. I liked the suggestions for places to eat, always important when traveling with a family. AND your photos are gorgeous!

I really enjoyed reading about this day trip. I liked the suggestions for places to eat, always important when traveling with a family. AND your photos are gorgeous!
EH Canada Marketing Group on Friday, 10 November 2023 17:24

Jesseca Perry Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed your take on the park very much.

Jesseca Perry Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed your take on the park very much.
Cora Lee Rennie on Friday, 10 November 2023 17:52

Great adventure story Jesseca! Yoho National park is another bucketlist travel destination for me! Looks so beautiful!

Great adventure story Jesseca! Yoho National park is another bucketlist travel destination for me! Looks so beautiful!
Jesseca Perry on Friday, 17 November 2023 03:45

Cora Lee Rennie Thanks for reading Cora! Have you been to the west coast? I am currently living vicariously through your east coast adventures.

Cora Lee Rennie Thanks for reading Cora! Have you been to the west coast? I am currently living vicariously through your east coast adventures. :)
Already Registered? Login Here
Guest
Saturday, 27 April 2024

Come Experience the Nicola Valley!