Yoho Lake

Yoho Lake is a small backcountry lake in subalpine forest, reached on foot from the Takakkaw Falls area. It is a rewarding destination if you want a quiet shore at the end of a substantial climb; it is not a quick roadside stop. The trail is 4.9 km one way, with about three hours for the return trip, 435 m of climbing and 130 m of descent. Leave room for breaks and the time you will want at the water.

The route shares its first 1.3 km with the Iceline Trail and climbs steeply through roughly 20 switchbacks. Most of the hard uphill comes early. After the trail junction, the grade eases as the path crosses a forested terrace toward Yoho Pass. Look back across the valley for Takakkaw Falls. Near the top of the climb, an old avalanche path can leave the trail slick and muddy, especially after rain.

The lake appears through the trees as the trail crosses narrow bridges over its wetlands. A backcountry campground sits along the shore; continue past it to the lake’s north end, where Parks Canada’s red chairs face Mount Wapta across the water. That is the spot for the classic lake view and reflection. Calm water makes the reflection easier to see.

Look for a pinkish columbine hybrid along the route: it occurs where the ranges of eastern yellow and western red columbine overlap. It is a small detail on a trail whose main scale comes from the climb, the forested pass and the open water.

The shore campground is a basic backcountry stop with picnic tables and a vault toilet; a potable-water source was not confirmed, so bring water treatment. This is also an old mountaineering corner of the park: nearly 100 Alpine Club of Canada members gathered at Yoho Pass for the club’s first General Mountaineering Camp in 1906. Campers should keep food, garbage, toiletries and cooking gear secured from wildlife.