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BanffandBeyond

The Canadian Rockies Through A Local Perspective

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    • Lake Louise
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      • Tips For Driving The Icefields Parkway
      • Experience One Of The Worlds Most Accessible Glaciers
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      • A Photographic Driving Tour Of The Icefields Parkway
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        • The Scenic Maligne Lake Drive
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      • Jasper Transportation
      • Pros And Cons Of Banff And Jasper National Parks In The Shouder Season of April And May
      • When Is The Best Time To Visit Banff National Park And The Rocky Mountains
    • Yoho Park
      • Town Of Field
      • Highlights And Day Itinerary For Yoho National Park
      • A Visit To Emerald Lake
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      • Paint Pots Trail Snowshoeing
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      • Canmore
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    • Revelstoke
      • Summit A Mountain In Your Vehicle On The Meadows In The Sky Parkway
      • Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail, A Short Walk Through An Old Growth Forest
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      • Waterton Lakes National Park, The Little Park Packed With Beauty
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    • Calgary
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    • A Trip Planning Guide For The Canadian Rocky Mountains
    • How To Get Around The Rocky Mountains Without A Vehicle
    • Misconceptions And Mistakes Made When Visiting The Canadian Rocky Mountains
    • Options For Getting To The Canadian Rocky Mountains
    • Driving Routes Between Vancouver And Banff And Jasper
    • Tips For Currency Exchange And Using International Credit Cards In The Canadian Rockies
    • Taxes That Tourists Can Expect To Pay In The Canadian Rocky Mountains
    • Canadian Rockies Tipping Etiquette
    • Cell Phones And Wifi In The Canadian Rockies
    • Pros And Cons Of Banff And Jasper National Parks In The Shouder Season of April And May
    • Visiting The Rocky Mountains In The Off Season Of November
    • Planning A Visit To Banff And Lake Louise During The Christmas Holiday Season
    • Wildlife Viewing Tips
    • Wildlife Safety Tips
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A Visit To Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is the largest lake located in Yoho National Park in the province of British Columbia. It’s just 20 minutes drive west from it’s famous neighbour Lake Louise, but is not as well known. With a beautiful green hue it truly stands up to it’s name. The colour is most intense in early summer when there is a high amount of glacial silt flowing from the surrounding mountains. Due to the high elevation of the lake it remains frozen from November to early June.

The lake is surrounded by mountains of the President Range, Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain. The area is home to a number of bird species including eagles, osprey and loons. Ground squirrels and marmots are can often be spotted and if you’re really lucky you might spot a moose.

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The lake setting itself is quite secluded, but can be easily accessed from the Trans Canada Highway. Scores of vehicles drive past every day with no idea of the nearby beauty. Although Emerald Lake only gets a fraction of the visitors that the nearby Lake Louise receives, it can be overwhelmingly busy if a group of tour buses have arrived. During the summer the parking area can become full, at this point people have to park along the road leading to the lot. When the tour buses are present you can get away from the crowds by doing the walk around the lake. The tour groups have limited time, they rarely venture much further than the foot bridge at the front of the lake. Once the day visitors have passed through it’s a much quieter environment. If you are staying at the lodge you’ll practically have the lake to yourself in the evening.

relaxing area at emerald lake lodge with chairs and bench

The view of Mount Burgess from Emerald Lake

mount burgess viewed from emerald lake yoho national park

Emerald Lake Lodge And Restaurants

Emerald Lake Lodge is the only accommodation at the lake. It was originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1902. It offers 24 cabin style units, an outdoor hot tub, two restaurants, a gift shop and a kayak and canoe rental dock. If you are not okay being disconnected from the world for a while and enjoying nature this is not the place for you. There’s no televisions or wifi available except in the main lodge and the area does not get cell phone reception. To further enhance the tranquility of the lodge vehicles can not go beyond the parking area that is 1 km away. Staff shuttle guests and their luggage to and from the lodge and by golf cart to their cabins.


cabins-emerald-lake-lodge-yoho-national-park-accommodationhanging flower baskets at emerald lake lodgehot tub area at emerald lake lodge

The Cilantro restaurant just across the foot bridge has a a large patio area where you can sit and have lunch or a drink while taking in views of the lake. During the summer a side window in the Cilantro offers gelato, cookies, tea, coffee and snacks from 10am to 3pm.

patio-cilantro-restaurant-casual-food-emerald-lake-lodge-places-to-eat-yoho-national-park

wood interior of cilantro restaurant at emerald lake lodge

The formal Mount Burgess dining room in the lodge offers hearty Rocky Mountain cuisine. The same menu is served in a more casual lounge along with regional micro-brewed beers served from a historic 1890’s wooden bar that was originally from the Yukon.

kicking-horse-lounge-emerald-lake-lounge-casual-place-to-drink-yoho-national-parkhistoric-wooden-bar-emerald-lake-lodge-on-tap-draft-micro-brewery-beer

Canoe Rentals

The canoes are not cheap to rent, but if you have deep pockets it’s a peaceful way to enjoy the lake. Currently the rates are $70 for a one hour rental. A few row boats are also available. Reseravations are not available. It’s first come, first served. Additional information and operating hours can be found at Emerald Sports & Gifts. 

canoe rentals at emerald lake boat dock in yoho national park

Hiking And Walking Trails At Emerald Lake

A 5.2 km trail circles the lake. Part of the path is paved and offers views of the lake and mountains. This portion is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Near the back of the lake the trail becomes a little more uneven and consists of a dirt trail and some boardwalks. Allow between 1 to 1.5 hours to do the entire loop.

trails around emerald lake in yoho national park

For more adventurous hikers there are other trail options. Bring your bear spray. Activity here is common, you’ll often see bear scat on the trails.

Winter At Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake can be accessed in the winter months, it’s a popular spot for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. The paths and trails are cleared somewhat for walking, but make sure you’re wearing proper footwear. Cleats might be necessary if it’s icy.

With no electronic distractions and rooms with cozy wood burning fireplaces the lodge makes for a romantic winter getaway. Ski and snow show rentals are available.

reflections-water-emerald-lake-snow-winter-cilantro-restaurant-yoho-national-parkcross-country-skiing-emerald-lake-winter-activities-yoho-national-parkemerald-lake-lodge-winter-activities-snow-skiing-snow-shoeing-accommodation

A Little History About Emerald Lake

The first European person to see Emerald Lake was the famous mountain guide Tom Wilson. He discovered it in 1882 by accident when he was tracking down a team of his horses that had escaped and made their way into the valley. He gave it the name Emerald because of it’s remarkable colour. This wasn’t the first lake he gave this name to. Another beautiful lake he discovered not long before was also called Emerald Lake, but was renamed shortly after in honour of Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daugher of Queen Victoria. That lake is the famous Lake Louise.

Directions To Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake Lodge is located 20 minutes west from the village of Lake Louise. Head towards the Town of Field, B.C. The turnoff to Emerald Lake is 1 km west of Field. Follow the road for 8km until you reach the lake parking area.

Written by:
Audrey
Published on:
01/08/2015
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Categories: Yoho Park

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