Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park
All waterbodies are closed to watercraft and fishing in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.
To prevent the spread of whirling disease, all waterbodies in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks are closed to watercraft and angling until March 31, 2025.
This closure is necessary to protect vulnerable fish populations and sensitive ecosystems from aquatic invasive species. There is no treatment for whirling disease. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate. Protect park waters. Respect all closures.
Welcome to a place filled with history, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. Yoho National Park forms part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore more than 400 km of hiking trails, discover the rich railroad history that connects Canada at the Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site, and uncover fossils older than dinosaurs high in the mountains.
Yoho National Park is home to some of Canada's most impressive glacier-fed waterfalls, such as Laughing Falls, Twin Falls, and the iconic Takakkaw Falls. These falls feed the Kicking Horse River, a designated Canadian Heritage River, known for its bright turquoise color.
For those with a passion for climbing and mountaineering, the park offers a diverse range of routes, with 28 mountain peaks more than 3000 meters in height. Here is more information on climbing in the national parks.
The Burgess Shale
Discover Burgess Shale, one of the world's most significant fossil finds. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1981, the Burgess Shale Formation contains the fossilized remains of more than 120 marine animal species dating back 515 million years.
Access to this restricted area is limited, but you can explore it through a guided hike with the Burgess Shale Foundation or Parks Canada, or by visiting the Burgess Shale online.
Wildlife and You
Yoho National Park is a special place! It's home to hundreds of animal species, including grizzly bears, wolves, and goats. Viewing wildlife in their natural environment is one of the most exciting aspects of visiting the mountain national parks.
Help protect the wildlife that call this home by learning these simple rules for your safety and the wildlife.
Trip Planning
Many Parks Canada locations are busy year-round. Plan ahead and have a backup plan to make the most of your experience. Visit the Parks Canada website, sign up for our e-newsletter, download the Parks Canada mobile app, and follow Yoho National Park on social media for updates.
Fast Facts:
- Yoho National Park was established in 1886 and spans an area of 1,310 square kilometers (507 sq. miles).
- In 1909, Charles Doolittle Walcot discovered one of the most important fossil locations in the world - the Burgess Shale.
- Lake O'Hara is one of the most spectacular places in Canada and can only be accessed by foot or by taking the Parks Canada bus.
- Takakkaw Waterfall is among the highest waterfalls in western Canada, towering 384 meters (1,260 feet).
- Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River and is 30 meters (98 feet) high and 150 meters (490 feet) wide.
For more information, visit Yoho National Park.
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