Emerald Lake (British Columbia) Lake
Alpine lake in Yoho National Park with turquoise waters
Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park features turquoise glacial water, shoreline trails and canoe rentals; hikers and photographers use it as a base for alpine walks and wildlife spotting.
Emerald Lake (British Columbia) at a Glance#
Address: Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park, near Field, British Columbia, Canada
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/yoho
Hours: Park roads and trails are open year-round; visitor services vary seasonally (Emerald Lake Lodge seasonally open)
Admission: Park entry fee (Parks Canada) may apply (variable); Emerald Lake access is free; Emerald Lake Lodge services have separate rates
About Emerald Lake (British Columbia)#
Emerald Lake is a glacial lake in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, known for its intense turquoise colour. It is one of the park’s most visited natural features and has a lakeside lodge and visitor facilities.
Recreational opportunities around the lake include short walks, longer trails that connect to the park network, and canoeing on the water during the summer months. The vivid water colour is a characteristic attraction for photographers and outdoor visitors.
The lake formed in a glacial basin and receives meltwater that carries fine suspended sediments, producing the distinctive hue. Facilities on the shore support day visits and overnight stays at the nearby lodge.
Geographically the lake lies near the village of Field and is accessed from the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) in Yoho National Park, within British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains.
- Colour cause: The lake is noted for its vivid turquoise colour, produced by suspended glacial rock flour that refracts light.
- Access: Located within Yoho National Park, the lake is accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway and is a common starting point for local hikes and canoeing in summer.
What to See#
- Emerald Lake Lodge: A historic lodge and guest facilities located on the lake shore that provide accommodation and boat rentals for visitors during the summer season.
How to Get to Emerald Lake (British Columbia)#
From Field, BC (Trans-Canada Highway/Highway 1), follow the signed spur road to Emerald Lake (about 7 km). The lake is about 25 km west of Lake Louise and 30 km east of Golden. Parking is available at the main lot, and shuttles or local tours operate in summer.
Tips for Visiting Emerald Lake (British Columbia)#
- Arrive early in summer to find parking at the Emerald Lake parking lot before the lodge's day visitors arrive.
- Walk the 5.2 km loop around the lake for different perspectives and to find quieter bays away from the lodge.
- In autumn the larch trees turn bright gold for a short window - check mid-September to early October for best color.
Best Time to Visit Emerald Lake (British Columbia)#
Late June through early September offers the fullest access; mid-September brings larch color and smaller crowds.
Weather & Climate near Emerald Lake (British Columbia)#
Emerald Lake (British Columbia)'s climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (683 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -18° - -7° | -17° | 60 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -15° - -2° | -12° | 34 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -10° - 4° | -6° | 29 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -4° - 9° | 0° | 41 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 0° - 14° | 6° | 58 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 18° | 11° | 79 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 6° - 21° | 14° | 87 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 6° - 22° | 14° | 72 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 2° - 16° | 8° | 54 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -3° - 9° | 1° | 48 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -10° - 0° | -9° | 61 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -17° - -7° | -16° | 60 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
