Hike the Emerald Lake Circuit

Field, British Columbia

5.0/5

based on 5 reviews

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Distance

3.2 miles

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

Reviews

Scott Bittle

Hike the Emerald Lake Circuit

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

Hike the Emerald Lake Circuit

09/09/18

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

5.0

Patrick Zurfluh

Hike the Emerald Lake Circuit

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

Hike the Emerald Lake Circuit

01/17/17

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

5.0

Explorer

Dan Deublein

Explorer

Hike the Emerald Lake Circuit

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....

Hike to Hamilton Falls, Yoho NP

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, continue...

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...

Explore the Natural Bridge in Yoho NP

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 arou...

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 ...

Hike Iceline Trail

The trailhead is accessed at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, and then you walk to the Whiskey Jack Hostel where the trail officially begins (you can not park here unless you are a guest). The well marked trail then begins its very steep ascent through the forest where you will catch glimpses of the 284 m high Takakkaw Falls along the way. Once you reach the treelike, you will have a clear vie...

Hike the Emerald Lake Circuit

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Canoe Emerald Lake

Hike to Hamilton Falls, Yoho NP

Backpack Burgess Pass to the Iceline to Takakkaw Falls

Explore the Natural Bridge in Yoho NP

Twin Falls via Yoho Valley Trail

Hike Iceline Trail

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