Emerald Lake, BC in Yoho National Park

Emerald Lake, BC is one of the prettiest places on the planet and yet most people miss it when driving through the Canadian Rockies.

Located in Yoho National Park, next to the more famous Banff National Park, this magical place is easy to get to. It's 10 minutes from the town of Field BC and 65 kilometers east of Golden, BC. If you're visiting Lake Louise, Alberta, it's only 30 minutes west on the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy #1) and should be included on any Rocky Mountain Trip.

Things to do in the Canadian Rockies

Outdoor adventures include hiking, canoeing and kayaking in the summer. Cross-country skiing in the winter. A high-end lodge and restaurant is located lake-side with unforgettable views of the turquoise waters.

This is grizzly bear territory so know how to avoid a bear attack (April to November). Even though access is easy, this is still a wild and remote location in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The area was known for thousands of years by the local natives and was discovered in the late 1800s by Europeans. It was originally named Lake Louise but later changed since there was another famous Lake Louise only 40 kilometers away.

This is the largest lake in Yoho National Park. The 5.2 kilometer hiking trail along the shore is easy and popular. Canoe rentals are available during the short summer season. Make sure to check out Takakkaw Falls 45 minutes away.

A Day at Emerald Lake

The lake is situated at the base of some of the highest peaks in the area and the surrounding forest is quite different than other trees in the Rocky Mountains. The tall mountain peaks trap large amounts of rain from Pacific weather systems and Red Cedar trees, common in the BC old growth forest near the coast, can be found at this elevation. Most of these large trees are located on the western side of the lake where the moisture collects. The turquoise water are caused by the limestone particles left from the previous ice-age.

View Parks Canada's Yoho National Park Trail Map in PDF format.

View in a larger map

Source: Drive BC - Current Driving Conditions, Field, BC.

Don't miss this magnificent natural area in the Canadian Rockies. Emerald Lake is tucked a little ways from the highway but the scenic beauty is well worth the extra drive. Check out other things to do on your great Canadian holiday to Golden, British Columbia.