Yoho National Park
National Park Canadian Rocky Mountain park with waterfalls and glaciers
Yoho National Park in British Columbia offers Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake, backcountry trails and the Burgess Shale fossil sites; hikers, climbers and fossil enthusiasts use Field as the main access point.
Yoho National Park is a protected area in the Canadian Rockies of eastern British Columbia that forms part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park preserves high mountain scenery, glacier-carved valleys, waterfalls and important fossil sites.
Visitors come for short hikes and day trips to highlights such as Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls, as well as for longer backcountry routes into alpine country. The park also contains the Burgess Shale fossil sites, which are famous for exceptionally preserved Cambrian organisms.
The Burgess Shale was discovered by Charles D. Walcott in 1909 and remains one of the most significant paleontological sites in the world. The park lies west of the Continental Divide and the town of Field serves as the primary gateway settlement for visitors.
- Burgess Shale: The Burgess Shale fossil beds within the park were discovered in 1909 and are internationally important for Cambrian paleontology.
What to See #
- Emerald Lake: A turquoise-coloured lake set against high cliffs and forests that is a popular day-visit with boat rentals and a lakeside trail.
- Takakkaw Falls: A tall, dramatic waterfall set in a steep cirque that is a common destination on short hikes from the road.
- Burgess Shale (Walcott Quarry): A UNESCO-significant fossil locality containing exceptionally preserved Cambrian fossils discovered by Charles D. Walcott in 1909; access to the original quarries is controlled.
How to Get to Yoho National Park #
Yoho National Park is accessed from the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). The village of Field, BC, is the park’s service centre and is approximately a 2-3 hour drive west from Banff or east from Golden. Public transit is limited; driving is the usual approach.
Tips for Visiting Yoho National Park #
- Arrive early to popular trailheads such as Takakkaw Falls and the Iceline Trail to avoid crowded parking.
- Stay in Field, BC, for convenient access to the park's eastern attractions and interpretive center.
- Pack for sudden weather shifts in the mountains - even in summer, storms can roll through quickly.
Best Time to Visit Yoho National Park #
Summer is best for access and facilities; shoulder seasons offer solitude but more limited trail access.
Weather & Climate near Yoho National Park #
Yoho National Park's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (648 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 25 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 85 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
