History of Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is located in the province of British Columbia, Canada, in the Canadian Rockies. The park is home to a number of stunning natural features, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. Yoho National Park has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s, when it was first discovered by European explorers.
In 1886, a Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) construction crew stumbled upon the Kicking Horse River Valley while working on the transcontinental railroad. The area was named "Yoho" by CPR president William Van Horne, who reportedly used the Cree word for "awe" or "wonder" to describe the beauty of the region. The CPR recognized the potential for tourism in the area, and by 1900, the first visitors had arrived in Yoho National Park.
In 1901, Yoho National Park was officially established, making it one of the oldest national parks in Canada. The park quickly became a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, who were drawn to the park's natural beauty and rugged terrain. Over the next few decades, the park saw the construction of several lodges and campgrounds to accommodate visitors.
One of the most iconic features of Yoho National Park is Takakkaw Falls, which was first discovered by European explorers in 1887. The falls are one of the highest in Canada, with a total height of 373 meters.
Takakkaw Falls quickly became a popular tourist attraction, and in 1907, a small hotel was built nearby to accommodate visitors.
Another notable feature of Yoho National Park is Lake O'Hara, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine scenery. The lake was first discovered by European explorers in the late 1800s, and by the early 1900s, a small hotel had been built nearby to accommodate visitors. Today, Lake O'Hara is accessible only by reservation, which helps to preserve its pristine wilderness setting.
In the early 20th century, Yoho National Park saw the construction of several historic lodges and buildings, many of which are still in use today. The most iconic of these is the rustic Emerald Lake Lodge, which was built in 1902 and has since become a beloved landmark of the park.
Today, Yoho National Park continues to attract visitors from around the world, who come to hike its rugged trails, marvel at its stunning natural features, and immerse themselves in the park's rich history and culture. With its diverse array of landscapes and ecosystems, Yoho National Park is truly a national treasure and a testament to the beauty and wonder of Canada's natural heritage.
Yoho National Park info
short hikes/day hikes
Yoho National Park is a beautiful and popular destination for hiking in the Canadian Rockies. There are a variety of day hikes to choose from that offer stunning views of mountain peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers. Here are six of the most popular day hikes in Yoho National Park:
Iceline Trail: The Iceline Trail is a challenging 20 km hike that offers stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. The trailhead is located at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot and takes hikers through the Yoho Valley, past the Little Yoho Valley, and up to the Iceline Ridge. This trail offers incredible panoramic views of the park and is a must-do for experienced hikers.
Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit: The Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit is a 10.6 km hike that takes hikers through the stunning alpine scenery of Lake O'Hara. This hike offers incredible views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains. Due to its popularity, hikers need to reserve a spot on the shuttle bus that takes them to the trailhead.
Emerald Lake Loop: The Emerald Lake Loop is a moderate 5.2 km hike that takes hikers around the stunning Emerald Lake. The trail offers incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This hike is suitable for all levels of hikers and is a great option for families with children.
Takakkaw Falls: The Takakkaw Falls hike is an easy 1.2 km hike that takes hikers to the base of the stunning Takakkaw Falls. This waterfall is one of the highest in Canada, and the hike offers incredible views of the falls and the surrounding mountain scenery.
Whaleback Trail: The Whaleback Trail is a moderate 8.8 km hike that takes hikers through alpine meadows, past beautiful lakes, and up to the summit of the Whaleback Mountain. This hike offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Wapta Falls: The Wapta Falls hike is an easy 4.2 km hike that takes hikers to the impressive Wapta Falls. The trail takes hikers through beautiful forested areas and offers incredible views of the falls. This hike is suitable for all levels of hikers and is a great option for families with children.
Attractions: tak, meeting of waters, natural bridge, Hamilton falls, Wapta falls, Sherbrooke lake. Some of the top attractions in Yoho National Park include:
Takakkaw Falls - This is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, cascading down 373 meters. It's easily accessible by a short walk from the parking lot.
Lake Louise - A stunning glacier-fed lake that is surrounded by majestic mountains. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the lake or embark on a more challenging hike to one of the nearby peaks.
Emerald Lake - This lake is famous for its brilliant turquoise color, which is caused by light reflecting off the sediment in the water. Visitors can hike around the lake or rent a canoe to explore the crystal-clear water.
Natural Bridge - A unique natural formation where the Kicking Horse River has carved through a layer of rock, forming a natural bridge.
Burgess Shale Fossil Beds - These fossil beds contain some of the most significant and diverse collections of ancient marine life on earth. Visitors can participate in guided hikes to learn about the history of the area and view the fossils.
Wapta Falls - A powerful waterfall located on the Kicking Horse River. Visitors can hike to a viewing platform to take in the impressive sight.
Spiral Tunnels - A marvel of engineering, these tunnels were built to enable trains to navigate the steep grades and tight curves of the Canadian Rockies.
Iceline Trail - A popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the glaciers and peaks in Yoho National Park. The trail is challenging but rewarding for experienced hikers.