Unleash your adventurous spirit in the expansive 1,313-square-kilometre area of Yoho National Park. Boasting 28 majestic mountain peaks that stretch beyond 3,000 metres, your journey here promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or just a sightseer, Yoho National Park opens doors to unparalleled natural beauty, and one of the most stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains on the planet!
The majestic beauty of Yoho National Park commands respect and admiration in every single vista view and any unique plant & wildlife you see – so here are a few tips when exploring Yoho and our other national parks:
1 – Trip Planning
Expect an energetic atmosphere at the park’s key attractions, day-use areas, and parking lots this summer. Be ready to take on the adventure, and just in case, have an exciting backup plan at hand.
The mountains unfurl their snowy blankets for Yoho a little later in the year, usually from the early June till the slow dance of early September. Be aware, though, that most campgrounds anticipate your excitement, but require advance reservations. Note: Campgrounds with first come first served sites available, fill up early.
Reservations for the Lake O’Hara day-use shuttle is arranged in advance with a random draw. Applications for the random draw will be accepted from early March until March 31 (more info: Random Draw Policies).
In addition to visit Lake O’Hara for the day (shuttle); there are three options to overnight – including camping up to three nights (advance reservations), Elizabeth Parker Hut (lottery available from the Alpine Club of Canada) and staying at Lake O’Hara Lodge (advance reservations).
2 – Respect the Park
Keep your surroundings spotless! Dispose of all rubbish appropriately, and if the bins become full, retain your garbage until you can locate another. Stay vigilant to avoid attracting wildlife in picnic sectors.
Remember, parking is strictly restricted to designated zones only, including trail heads, day-use areas, and major attractions. Road parking is unequivocally off-limits. Your cooperation helps maintain the environment for everyone.
With confidence, we urge you to abide by all closures, stick within the speed limits, don’t feed wildlife, and always view roadside wildlife from the safety of your vehicle. Lastly, always keep your pet(s) on a leash. Let’s enjoy respectfully.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) are increasing in popularity for hobbyists, photographers, and businesses. However, subject to the Candian Aviation Regulations, and the National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations; take-off and landing a drone in a national park is prohibited without a Parks Canada Restricted Activity Permit. Please leave them at home or in your car when you visit the national parks.
Explore the trails of the Yoho Valley, where your journey to phenomenal sites such as Takakkaw Falls is just the tip of the iceberg – Laughing Falls, Twin Falls, Yoho Pass, the Iceline, and the Little Yoho Valley are all awaiting your exploration. These well-maintained hiking trails and perfectly structured campsites with all the amenities – from outhouse to tent pads to storage cables to food lockers and even picnic tables. Remember to leave each campsite better than how you found it.
3 – Follow Park Updates/Restrictions
Whirling disease has made an appearance in Yoho National Park. With a determined resolution, they’ve immediately enforced a closure of all waterbodies to watercraft and angling. This is a crucial step in eradicating the spread of the disease. They remain confident in their action and are utterly committed to preserving their fish populations and safeguarding their precious ecosystems from aquatic invasive species.
4 – Appreciate the Park’s History
Get ready to boldly explore the ancient past in an engaging group setting! Parks Canada brings you an enthralling guided tours to all three of the celebrated Burgess Shale areas each summer season (two are located in Yoho National Park). Experience touching some of the oldest fossils on planet Earth!
Mount Stephen – Difficult (9-km; 795-m elevation gain; 7.5 hours return trip)
Dive headfirst into the world of trilobites! Unveil their intricate anatomy, astounding preservation, profound history, and an unimaginable array of fossils. Embrace the challenge, conquer the rugged terrain, and seize the extraordinary Burgess Shale experience. Your adventure begins now.
Walcott Quarry – Difficult (22-km; 825-m elevation gain; 11 hours return trip)
Embark on a journey to discover the secrets of evolution at one of the globe’s paramount paleontological venues! Encounter exquisite, delicate soft-bodied fossils that astonishingly link to today’s marine life. A remarkable pilgrimage offering breathtaking vistas alongside fascinating relics, this adventure truly has it all.
Unable to complete these hikes, check out the ‘online’ version – with visuals of the some of the fossils which are still being discovered today.
