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Lake O'Hara from above

The Very Best Hikes in Yoho National Park

For fans of waterfalls and mountain lakes, it's hard to beat Yoho National Park.

Hiking Difficult, Severe

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Lake O'Hara from above
Lake O'Hara from above Photo: John Johnston

Description

Yoho is one of the quartet of national parks in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, on the border with British Columbia and Alberta. Four national parks, each with their own host of activities, makes for a lifetime’s worth of adventures. How can you decide what to do in just one trip?

It is, of course, impossible to see the best of it all, but you can try to narrow it down. Yoho is the park with the most impressive waterfalls, the most rewarding circuits around alpine lakes, and some particularly scenic treks in the alpine. The following trails can deliver you to all that and more in Yoho National Park.

Routes included

Emerald Triangle Loop

Emerald Triangle Loop

Hands-down one of Yoho’s best all-day hikes, this loop combines the scenic shore of Emerald Lake with high-elevation vantage on the Wapta Highline.

Difficult Hiking

Distance
18 km
Ascent
1.1 km
Descent
1.1 km

Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit

Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit

An epic day hike almost entirely above treeline, connecting proud overlooks and smaller lakes above Lake O'Hara.

Severe Hiking

Distance
12 km
Ascent
984 m
Descent
983 m

Paget Peak Lookout

Paget Peak Lookout

A mountainside view of surrounding peaks and two expansive river valleys.

Difficult Hiking

Distance
6.9 km
Ascent
489 m
Descent
489 m
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Related guidebooks

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