Emerald Lake Loop

Field, British Columbia

5.0/5

based on 5 reviews

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Details

Distance

3.24 miles

Elevation Gain

170.17 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Erik Peterson

Explore one of the most famous lakes in the Canadian Rockies.

Emerald Lake is without a doubt one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies and is the jewel (see what I did there...) of Yoho National Park. The circuit surrounding the lake allows great opportunities for pictures and views from all sides.

Getting there: Just west of Field, BC turn off the Trans-Canada Highway onto Emerald Lake Road. Follow this road 8.5km to Emerald Lake.

This short trail follows close to the shore for the entirety of the hike and may be rather busy at any time of the year. You'll pass by an avalanche path on the west side of the trail and a neat delta of glacial streams flowing into Emerald Lake on the north side of the trail. The east shore is particularly interesting for those interested in plants or ecology. Being more cool and moist than the west side, the east side boasts vegetation that is more akin to the British Columbian coast, with some cedar trees and a forest floor covered in a heavy layer of moss.

For those wishing for a backcountry experience or just want to go on a longer hike there are several trails jutting off from the Emerald Lake Circuit.

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Hiking

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Lake

Picnic Area

Emerald Lake Loop Reviews

Scott Bittle

Beginner

Emerald Lake Loop

07/15/20

The wife and I visited from states and this was probably one of my favorite spots. Literally magical

5.0

Frank Armstrong

Roamer

Emerald Lake Loop

09/09/18

We honeymooned at the Emerald Lake Lodge in 2003 (amazing!) and enjoyed this hike very much.

5.0

Patrick Zurfluh

Scout

Emerald Lake Loop

07/03/17

Fantastic hike! Very easy but at the same time very rewarding. The scenery at the other end of the lake is simply one of the best views in both parks, Yoho and Banff, combined. We loved every minute of this walk!

5.0

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Emerald Lake Loop

01/17/17

This is a great relaxing hike with plenty of big views and forest enchantment.

5.0

Explorer

Dan Deublein

Explorer

Emerald Lake Loop

07/29/16

Get here early to beat the crowds and you will enjoy one of the most pristine lakes you have ever seen! The emerald color of the water is simply stunning and the hike allows for a greater appreciation. If you want to duck out of the crowds, take a simple hike up to hamilton falls!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Canoe Emerald Lake

Beat the crowd at Moraine Lake and paddle Emerald Lake instead! This lake is a must for any Banff/Yoho explorer. It's an easy drive off HWY 1 but stop at the Natural Bridge along the way. There's a restaurant, Cilantro, inside the lodge with a patio along the shore. Canoe rentals are around $90 per hour (no half hour rates). Rent for two and paddle to the North shore for an awesome experience....

Hamilton Falls

Hamilton Falls trail sign is across the parking lot from Emerald Lake and points you in the direction of the trail. The trail will start with a gentle incline which immediately places you into a lush forest as the noise of tourism begins to fade. Approximately 0.4 miles up the trail, you will reach a junction that offers a significantly longer hike to Hamilton Lake. To reach the falls, contin...

Backpack Burgess Pass to the Iceline to Takakkaw Falls

This hike begins at a trailhead 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from Field, B.C., Canada. When heading west on the Trans Canada Highway towards Field, turn right 1.5 km before Field onto a small dirt road. Immediately turn left and continue driving straight for 500 m (0.3 mi) to a small open area for parking at the start of the trail. This route ends at the Takakkaw Falls campground and requires an easy hitchh...

Natural Bridge

Whether you are traveling north or south on the Trans-Canada Highway in Yoho National Park you will see a sign that directs you west to travel on Emerald Lake Road. When you turn west you will travel about one mile, or 1.6 km, and then you will see the parking area for the Natural Bridge. After parking you take a short walk over a footbridge to the viewing platform. There are small trails aro...

Takakkaw Falls

This powerful waterfall is unquestionably, one of Canada's largest and most magnificent waterfalls. It falls at around a whopping 381 meters over the sheer cliff of the beautiful Canadian Rockies. The word 'Takakkaw' loosely translates from the language of 'Cree,' into the English phrase, "it is magnificent." As for camera angles, this waterfall can be seem from miles away, and are best viewed,...

Twin Falls via Yoho Valley Trail

An 18 km hike with approx 300 m elevation gain, with good variety, several waterfalls, Twin Falls themselves, Twin Falls Tea House (especially if it's open), a walk through a rock field with great views, a dried up lake bed. Start at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot and follow the well marked trail towards Twin Falls. Along the way you will see several falls, and a few lookouts showcasing other ...

Emerald Lake Loop

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Emerald Lake Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Canoe Emerald Lake

Hamilton Falls

Backpack Burgess Pass to the Iceline to Takakkaw Falls

Natural Bridge

Takakkaw Falls

Twin Falls via Yoho Valley Trail

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