Emerald Lake — Attraction in Area A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake)

Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. Yoho National Park is one of the 4 contiguous National Parks in the heart of Canada's Rocky Mountains, along the boundary of British Columbia and Alberta Provinces, the other Parks are Kootenay, Jasper, and Banff. Many Provincial Parks, having near-similar environmental protection and as-spectacular nature, also join these federal reserves. Emerald Lake Lodge, a high-end lodge or hotel, is on a peninsula jutting into the lake, it was founded in the 1920's and completely re-built in the 1980's. A quiet 2 lane paved road about 15 km / 9 miles long connects the busy Trans-Canada Highway with Emerald Lake, the exit is well marked. A 5.2 km (3.2 mi) hiking trail circuits the lake, the first half of which is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, many other more advanced hiking trails go in different directions up into the mountains, be sure to be well prepared in skill, fitness and in hazard awareness before venturing onto them. Many wild animals live in the area and are protected by Park Law, Brown (Grizzly) Bears and Black Bears are fairly common, they co-exist quite well with humans as the Park has strict laws on garbage control and good advice to Park Visitors on practicing bear safety and being "Bear Aware". Mountain Goats and Bighorn Sheep are seen at higher altitudes, and many smaller mammals are common everywhere. Hunting is strictly prohibited in the Park, fishing is permitted with a Park license. During the summer months, canoe rentals are available from the Lodge, in the winter, the lake is a popular cross country skiing destination. Canada's National Parks do not permit private or business land ownership within their boundaries, all development is strictly controlled by the National Park for environmental preservation, development permits are rarely if ever given, and then only after extensive Gov't review and consultation, the land the business occupies is leased from the Park, nearly all businesses in the Parks were established decades ago, and current approval is exceedingly rare. There is a strict "need-to-reside" law in place for living in a Canadian Mountain National Park town or village, simply put you must prove you need to live there for reasons of operating a Park-approved business or service, unless you are a non-management employee. The railway and timber town of Golden BC is the nearest town to Emerald Lake that is outside the Park boundaries, it is about 50 km / 30 miles distant to the west in the low valley of the Columbia River headwaters, and has many lodging options, the small historic railway village of Field is in Yoho Park near the highway exit to Emerald Lake, and has a large Park-operated Information and Visitor's Center, Field Village also has gas, food and a...

Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is truly a gem, even from the parking lot, which is picturesque in its own right. The lake, about half the size of Lake Louise, is surrounded by modest peaks that exude a comforting presence. The gentle sunlight that day added a touch of warmth to the lake's beauty, making the experience even more intimate.

My son and I set out on the trail that circles Emerald Lake. Along the way, we passed through areas where a massive avalanche had cleared the slopes of large trees. In their place, the autumn hues of grasses and small shrubs thrived in harmonious balance. The trail around the lake offered a serene and leisurely experience. Every detail, from the leaves on the trees to the stumps of fallen giants, and the delicate ripples on the lake, felt precious. While my son and I weren’t particularly interested in kayaking or canoeing, tourists from China and Southeast Asia seemed fascinated, their joyful shouts echoing across the water as they paddled with their families.

To truly connect with nature, you must immerse yourself in it. To understand a forest, you need to venture deep within it; to feel a river, you should trace it to its source and scoop up its water with your hands; and to embrace a mountain, you need the strength to climb as high as your endurance allows. Nature reveals itself to you in proportion to your efforts. The Canadian Rockies, with their vastness and ever-changing landscapes, can be overwhelming from a distance. But as you step inside, explore, and touch the land, the intricate harmony of shapes and colors, the freshness, and the vitality of the ecosystem become increasingly familiar and dear.

As the turquoise waters of Emerald Lake turned transparent in the sunlight, and the warmth touched my cheeks, I was enveloped in a gentle sense of happiness. It made me want nothing more than to sit on a patio somewhere, sip a beer, and drift into memories—no other desires seemed to arise.

Unexpectedly, we encountered a vast field of boulders on the trail. As we studied the mountain slopes and the direction of the glacial flow, it became clear why this stony terrain existed. Avalanche! In the Canadian Rockies, you often see signs warning of avalanches. The very spot we were walking on had once been buried under a massive snow slide. The ancient trees, likely buried under snow for years, had survived as remnants in this boulder-strewn landscape, with glacial streams meandering through the stones. One of the defining features of the Rockies is the absence of forests on some slopes and peaks, creating bands that resemble ski slopes—these are the scars left by avalanches.

The Emerald Lake trail we hiked today was the perfect way to fully experience the essence of autumn in the Rockies, a truly unforgettable trail...

Emerald Lake is a Magical Stop in the Rockies. I visited in the last week of June, and the timing could not have been better. The sun does all the magic – that glowing emerald colour truly lives up to the name. It is one of those places that feels straight out of a dream. I would recommend sunrise, sunset or any sunny day to see the magic!

Access to the Lake Very easy to get to – just a short and scenic drive from Field. Roads are in great condition, and signs are clear. No steep climbs or confusing turns, so even a casual road tripper will find it simple.

Parking Parking is free but limited. It tends to fill up quickly after 10 AM, especially in peak summer. I reached around 9:30 AM and got a spot right near the trail entrance. Definitely try to go early or later in the day if you want to avoid the crowds.

Accessibility The main path along the lake is wide, flat, and well-maintained: suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone with mobility needs. There are benches along the trail if you want to pause and soak in the views. Canoe access is just a few steps from the parking area, no tough hikes required.

Toilets There are public toilets right at the start of the trail, near the parking lot. Basic but clean and well-stocked when I visited. No long queues either. There are no toilets once you start walking the loop, so use them before you head off.

Must-Do Things Canoe on the lake: it is hands down the best way to experience that surreal water colour. We paid $90 CAD for one canoe for 60 mins. They ask to fill out a waiver form before getting in the canoe.

The full walking loop takes about an hour and gives you different angles of the lake, each one postcard-worthy. If you are into photography or just peaceful nature time, this is a must.

Overall Experience Quiet, magical, and one of the most beautiful lakes I have seen. It is not just about the visuals, the calmness here really stays with you....