Yoho National Park - 31/08/2025 (cont)
After spending most of the day in Kootenay National it was into Yoho National Park to get to Emerald Lake.
Caught the end of a train passing through the Lower Spiral
It is amazing that rock the bridge is still standing, having seen the river that passes through such a small channel
The road then heads up to Emerald Lake. The overnight car park is around a KM from the lake, but we had to pass cars parked at the side of the road.
Just before parking up - this was our view from the road.
It was getting late and we were tired and hungry so we didn't do too much exploring, but there was one final view to finish the day
We had a plan for our full day in Yoho. Up and out early to go to Takkakaw Falls. Then down to Wapta Falls and then back to Emerald Lake for the rest of the day.
Takkakaw Falls
This has a reputation for getting very busy. So we set off at around 07:00. We saw very little on the road apart from a family of deer.
The Takkakaw Falls are the second highest in Canada, with a total drop of 363metres.
They are first visible a few KM down the road and get more imposing the closer we got.
One of the amazing things about the falls is the near the top the water is thrown up and out as it hits very hard rock.
Confluence of the Two Waters
Next to the road to the Takkakaw Falls is a confluence where two rivers from two valleys meet. There was a path down that didn`t look particularly well used.
Wapta Falls
We then went down to Wapta Falls. This was a drive of around 50km to the car park.
The walk to the falls is around 2.5km each way. This starts out as a well maintained track, but before long it becomes a wonderful walk through the forest.
There are four main viewpoints
Slightly above the falls
Looking across the falls
Facing the falls
The fourth was on the river bank. As it is late summer, the water flow is relatively "low" and the lake infront of the falls is more a puddle. We didn't go down.
Emerald Lake Afternoon
So then it was back to Emerald Lake.
The path around the lake going clockwise was good paths for about half way, then after the bridge it changed into a woodland path. We went anti clockwise, reached the bridge and walked back the way we came.
There are great views across the lake to the peaks along the northern edge.
There are numerous little "beaches" along the path which opened up stunning views.
After a couple of hours chilling on the balcony of our lodge, with a few beers, overlooking the lake, we went to the hotel for a meal. The dining is lounge or restaurant. The lounge is a more relaxed and let customers order from either the lounge or restaurant menu, a really nice touch so I could stay in my shorts!
Emerald Lake Sunset
We went for a constitutional after eating as the sun was setting.
What a light show!
The first view we had when left the bar
We then walked around the lake for a better view.
The lodge we were staying in is in the trees to the right.
We were losing the light now
So headed back and had one last look over the lake.
Back: Kootenay
Next: Icefields Parkway
