Ultimate Guide: Stunning 2-day Yoho National Park Itinerary

I joke to myself that Yoho National Park is the forgotten stepchild in the Canadian Rockies. Banff and Jasper, understandably, steal most of the thunder. But the views and things to do in Yoho are still unbelievably beautiful, and this two-day Yoho National Park itinerary will fill your adventure cup.

I’ve explored this area twice, and it’s a must-see region in the Rockies, one that will truly blow you away.

With waterfalls, alpine lakes, epic mountain landscapes, fantastic hiking, and tons of glaciers, there’s so much to see and do throughout your two-day Yoho National Park itinerary. If you’re planning to be near the British Columbia and Alberta border, you need to add Yoho to your list of places to see on your road trip.

How to Spend Two Days in Yoho National Park

I genuinely love Yoho and believe you’ll have an amazing time exploring this area of the Rockies! It’s less crowded, so you’ll have the opportunity to experience a little more solitude while enjoying nature. Here’s how I would structure my two-day Yoho National Park itinerary.

2-Day Yoho National Park Itinerary

If you happen to have a pass to get to Lake O’Hara, obviously, you’re going to do that. I’ll include an option to hike there on day 2, but for most people, a 15-22-mile day doesn’t really make sense.

Day 1 in Yoho National Park

Start your day by heading to Emerald Lake. Just know going in, it’s going to be crowded. I recommend getting an early start to the day, as the parking lot isn’t too large. If you’re looking for a nice hike, take the shoreline trail around the lake. It’s around three miles long.

As you’re coming back to the Trans-Canadian Highway, stop by Natural Bridges. This won’t be more than a 20-minute stop, yet it still has some striking views!

Day 2 in Yoho National Park

Let’s get to Lake O’Hara! Expect this to be a full-day trip. It’s worth it and one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever laid eyes on.

If you have a bus pass, you’re in for a much easier day. If you don’t, you’ll have to walk up to 12 miles on a dirt road. (Note: if you carry cash, you may be able to score a ride back on the bus, but only if seats are open.)

The road walk is monotonous, but not strenuous, though there is a steeper section around the 3/4s mark. Once you reach Lake O’Hara, you’re in for a treat. We went clockwise around the lake, heading up to Lake Oesa, traversing the high route, and heading down through Opabin Plateau.

If you didn’t tire your legs out on the road, I’d recommend doing the full Alpine Circuit, which is 7 miles and 2,800 feet of gain.

No two-day Yoho National Park itinerary is complete without a trip to Lake O’Hara!

Alternative Day 2 Itinerary:

• Hike 5+ miles to Sherbrooke Lake
• Explore Wapta Falls
• Go whitewater rafting

Find epic tours and activities in the area

Best things to do in Yoho National Park

Yoho is relatively small compared to nearby areas, and a significant portion of the area is wilderness with limited car access. As a result, there are only a handful of things to do for most people without going backpacking.

1. Lake O’Hara

This is the crown jewel of Yoho National Park. And majestic might even be an understatement. But Lake O’Hara is insanely popular and sits at the end of a six-mile dirt road. To avoid walking 12 miles round trip on a dirt road, you can get lucky and win the bus lottery, score a camping permit, or spend a small fortune to spend the night at the resort.

Watch my video below to see the epic views!

• Emerald Lakeshore Trail – 5.2km loop (3.2 miles)
• Emerald Basin – 4.8km (2.9 miles)
• Hamilton Lake – 5.1km (3.1 miles)
• Emerald Triangle – 18.8km (12 miles)

You can also rent canoes here if you’re looking to get some quality time on the water.

Natural Bridges is a quick stop, but it’s worth it! It’s what the name suggests, a natural bridge. You’ll see glacier blue water flowing through a naturally formed hole in the rock. Please be careful, though. You can walk directly down to the water’s edge, and if you get swept away, it won’t be pretty.

Make sure you add this to your trip to Emerald Lake as it’s on the way.

4. Takakkaw Falls

You’ll want to check road conditions to see if this is open. It sadly wasn’t open when I took my 2024 trip, so we didn’t get to see it. From photos and videos, it looks incredible. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada at 1,224 feet.

5. Sherbrooke Lake

If you’re looking for a classic turquoise-looking lake in the Canadian Rockies, this will do it for you. And it’s a relatively moderate hike, giving you a good bang-for-your-buck. The trailhead is right off Highway 1, and it can sneak up on you. So keep an eye out and make sure to slow down before the turn.

6. Wapta Falls

Another waterfall! Wapta Falls is a short hike to a gorgeous waterfall, halfway between Golden and Field. It’s an easy one, about 2.2km each way (less than three miles round trip) and minimal elevation gain.

This one is best accessed heading east, and there’s no way to turn if you’re headed west. If you are coming from Banff/Lake Louise, you’ll want to get off at the Beaverfoot exit and double back.

7. McArthur Lake

McArthur Lake, located near Lake O’Hara, offers a great alternative adventure for those staying overnight in the area. Surrounded by larches, it’s incredible for fall colors. Starting at Le Relais Day Shelter, it’s an 8 km (5 miles) loop with 310 meters of elevation gain (1,000 feet).

This distance only gets you to the front of the lake. If you’re looking to hike along the shoreline or get above it, expect more miles and elevation gain.

9. Burgess Shale Fossil Hikes

I didn’t realize this until researching for this article, but Yoho is known for its Burgess Shale Fossils. You can even take guided hikes! You book through the Canadian Park Service. For the Walcott Quarry and Mount Stephen guided hikes, you’ll meet at either the Takakkaw Falls Parking lot (former) or the Yoho National Park Visitor Center in Field (latter).

The prices are not cheap, though. They are $95 CAD each.

Both hikes are full-day hikes with considerable elevation gain. But you’ll get to see some gnarly fossils and stunning views.

Where to Stay Around Yoho National Park

The area directly inside Yoho National Park has limited lodging options, but there are numerous camping options available. With the prices of the Canadian Rockies rising faster than the nearby peaks, it’s a good way to keep prices low.

That said, nearby Lake Louise, maybe 15 minutes away, offers plenty of options to stay. Then, 50 minutes to the west is the town of Golden, which also has more than enough lodging.

Camping Options in Yoho National Park

There are first-come, first-served options, as well as reserved spots. When I camped in Yoho in 2024, we had a great campsite at Monarch Campground. It’s a first-come, first-served, barebones spot, but it worked!

Just down the road is Kicking Horse Campground, where you can reserve spots. Learn more here.

Book Tours via GetYourGuide Throughout the Canadian Rockies

Hotels Near Yoho National Park

Emerald Lake Lodge inside Yoho National Park

There is one very nice place to stay inside Yoho if you can afford it and find availability. It’s Emerald Lake Lodge. I’ve never been, but I’ve been to the lake twice, and it’s mesmerizing. It would definitely be your pick for luxury on a two-day Yoho National Park itinerary.

What you need to know about planning a trip to Yoho National Park

How far away is Lake Louise and the town of Banff?

Lake Louise is a short 15 to 20-minute drive, while Banff is approximately an hour away. If you’re looking for lodging, Lake Louise is a great place to be!

Protect Wildlife. Drive slowly.

This region of the Canadian Rockies is notorious for animals being near or on the highway. Please be aware and drive slowly, just in case wildlife is on the road. You’ll likely see signs alerting you to drive with caution, but this is another reminder!

How many days should you spend in the Canadian Rockies?

I recommend five to seven days in the Banff/Lake/Louise/Yoho/Jasper region. It’s my favorite place on earth and offers more hikes and views than you’ll know what to do with. Be sure to check out my guide for more information on planning a longer trip in the area.

Is it worth visiting Yoho National Park?

Yoho National Park is the best of all worlds. It is incredibly beautiful, with epic hiking trails and fewer crowds. Combined, it makes it one of the best areas of the Canadian Rockies and 100% worth visiting. This two-day Yoho National Park itinerary showcases why it’s a must-visit destination.

Final Thoughts on this 2-day Yoho National Park Itinerary

Every time I visit the Canadian Rockies, I leave more fulfilled than I could imagine. It’s truly the most picturesque area of the continent. I truly hope you share the same feeling and can make the most of this two-day Yoho National Park itinerary!

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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