Best backpacking trails in Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is like Banff National Park’s little sibling. Bordering the famous Banff on the west, Yoho expands over 1313 square kilometres with 33 trails navigating spectacular natural landscapes with high waterfalls, several glaciers, stone bridges, and shimmering turquoise lakes. Backpacking into the Yoho wilderness is an unforgettable and brag-worthy experience.

Backpackers of all abilities flock to Yoho National Park—the trails offer something for everyone. From the challenging Iceline trail, which leads you among glaciers, to the serene trails around Emerald Lake, exploring Yoho will undoubtedly increase your appreciation for this beautiful planet. Yoho sees slightly fewer tourists than its neighbouring Banff and Jasper, so you’re sure to find a secluded site to admire the park’s majesty. The name Yoho comes from the Cree expression for awe and wonder—when you visit, you will see why.

THE TOP 2 BACKPACKS IN YOHO NATIONAL PARK, BRITISH COLUMBIA

1. Lake O’Hara Backcountry Trail (17.8 km, 1,104 m, 2–3 days) - Lake O’Hara reigns as one of the most coveted destinations in Yoho National Park. Its transcendent beauty stays imprinted in every visitor’s mind. With such popularity, reservations are required, and those can be difficult to attain as you have to enter a lottery for a shuttle ticket. If you don’t get a ticket, you can extend your hike an extra 11.0 km and walk along the road. During this backpacking trek, your efforts will be rewarded with quintessential Rocky Mountain views replete with alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, boulder fields, and meadows. If you get a spot, appreciate your time at Lake O’Hara to the fullest.
2. Yoho Valley Backpacking Route (28.1 km, 1,395 m, 3–4 days) - Trek for three days among the wild Yoho landscapes filled with waterfalls, alpine lakes, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. Start your journey at the famous Takakkaw Falls and head further away from civilization on a challenging route in the Yoho Valley. You’ll endure some technical climbs and steep ascents, but the campsites are stellar, and several lakes appear during the journey if you ever want a glacial dip. If you don’t want to camp, you can stay at the Stanley Mitchell Hut.