Emerald Lake Yoho

About this spectacle

Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, earns its name honestly: the water glows an almost unreal turquoise-green, coloured by fine glacial rock flour suspended in the depths. Ringed by dense coniferous forest and the dramatic peaks of the President Range, the lake shifts colour through the day as sunlight angle changes. Visitors walk a 5-kilometre loop trail around the shoreline, pausing at the historic lodge that has anchored the scene since the 1890s. In summer, canoes can be rented for a water-level perspective of the towering cliffs. Autumn brings a golden larch display on surrounding slopes. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a lantern-lit skating rink, while nearby peaks attract cross-country skiers. The interplay of glacial water, old-growth forest, and angular summits gives photographers an endlessly changing canvas across all four seasons.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Jun — Sep

Getting there

Nearest airport: YYC. Nearest city: Banff.

Booking options

Goyova doesn't process bookings directly. When you tap "Plan this trip" in the app, you'll see options from our partner providers — accommodation, tours, transport — with affiliate links where applicable. See our affiliate disclosure for details.