Yoho Lake Trail

Yoho Lake Trail is a 9.8 km (6.1 mi) out-and-back from the Takakkaw Falls day-use lot. Allow about three to four hours for the hike and a pause at the lake. Parks Canada lists 435 m of climbing and 130 m of descent on the one-way leg; because you retrace it, the way back adds another climb over those dips. It is a good pick if you want a proper uphill hike ending at an emerald backcountry lake. If you only want Takakkaw Falls, the shorter falls walk is an easier stop from the same lot.

The trail climbs steeply through subalpine forest in a long run of switchbacks. Look back for a higher view of Takakkaw Falls across the valley. At the signed junction, take the Yoho Lake trail straight ahead; the Iceline turn goes right. A rough, muddy branch to Hidden Lakes leaves the early climb, but the small lake is a weaker payoff, so I would stay on the main trail unless you specifically want the detour.

Past the junction, the grade eases along a forested terrace. Five small creeks cross the route, then the waterfall noise fades as you pass over a low rise and descend into the open subalpine at Yoho Pass. Snow can linger here after the lower valley has cleared. Once it melts, look for flowers such as glacier lily and western anemone in the moist patches. Yoho Lake appears through the trees, with narrow bridges over its wetlands.

The lake and its red chairs are the destination. From the chairs, Wapta Mountain faces across the water and can show up in the reflection when the surface is still. For a phone photo, put the chairs near the edge of the frame and leave enough open water to catch the mountain behind them. Yoho Pass also has a mountaineering history: the Alpine Club of Canada held its first General Mountaineering Camp here in 1906, with nearly 100 members.

Start at the Takakkaw Falls day-use lot. It fills early in summer and on weekends, so have a backup plan. Yoho Valley Road is open roughly mid-June to mid-October and closed to vehicles for much of the rest of the year. Its switchbacks are tight: trailers are not allowed, and vehicles longer than 7 m must reverse around them. Dogs are welcome on leash. A park pass is required to enter Yoho; an overnight stay at the Yoho Lake campground also requires a backcountry permit and campsite reservation.