Yoho National Park and the Icefields Parkway, Canada

Yoho National Park

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake was stunning! We enjoyed swimming in this glacial lake, yes it was really cold! Once again this lake was very crowded near the parking lot, but as you walk further away the crowds disappear. We enjoyed swimming and relaxing in a nice quiet spot along the lake!

Emerald Basin Hike

This was a moderate nearly 7 mile hike with quite a bit of elevation gain. We were the only ones on the trail in mid-afternoon. It was a really hot day so we enjoyed a swim in Emerald Lake before and after this hike! 

We also encountered a black bear and a cub at the basin. The cub quickly scurried up a tree and mamma watched us closely from a distance as we continued on. ​

Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls is a must see in Yoho National Park! It is an easy walk from the parking lot and we had perfect timing with a beautiful rainbow below the falls! The falls was really roaring too, very cool to see such a powerful waterfall!

Icefields Parkway

Peyto Lake

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world! Mountain views all along the way and many glaciers and glacial lakes to stop and see also! Wish we had more time, but these were our stops along the way!

GyPSy Guide App
I highly recommend downloading this app for the Canadian Rockies. The guide will point out all kinds of interesting facts and worthwhile stops as you drive! It is amazing and extremely helpful!

Peyto Lake

One of my favorite stops was Peyto Lake, just stunning! Just a short walk from the parking lot you you get to witness this beauty! 

Columbia Icefields Adventure

Athabasca Glacier

Athabasca Glacier
This was such a fun experience. We got to ride the ice explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefields Adventure includes the Athabasca Glacier and also the Skywalk. We loved the views from the Skywalk, but honestly there are beautiful views everywhere. We were amazed by the construction of the skywalk, what a huge feat it took to build the structure! We would definitely skip this if we come back to the area a second time though. 

Animals

We didn't come across a lot of animals on our trip. We did see grizzly bear and lots of big horned sheep on the side of the road. We came up on a black bear and cub on a hiking trail, but I didn't feel comfortable stopping to take a picture.