Looking for some serious solitude out on the trail? If so, this hike to Yoho Lake is seriously for you. We saw one other person on this 4 hour hike and resorted to creating our own songs to scare off potential bears... My Girl Scout roots did me proud on this one.

Start of the trail at Whiskey Jack Hostel

The Details: This is an out-and-back hike at just under 9km round trip starting at the Whiskey Jack Hostel in Yoho National Park with an elevation gain of 643 meters. We completed this hike mid-day on Canada Day and had the whole trail to ourselves, so no need to rush here early in the morning during your trip. This is a good option to break up your day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Plan to take a rest at the red Parks Canada adirondack chairs as your turnaround point and soak in the stunning blue lake!

The first 1km of this hike is ROUGH. It feels like it never ends and most of the elevation gain occurs here with really severe switchbacks on rocky terrain. Take it slow, especially if it's wet and muddy. Once you clear the switchbacks you will be rewarded with views of Takakkaw Falls across the way. You will also have some stream crossings here, so bring appropriate footwear! The trail provides some really unique vistas towards the falls throughout the journey as well as some beautiful flora, so you will have plenty to look at as you make your way to Yoho Lake.

There are a few different options here as you merge with the Iceline Trail, so it is important to pay attention to the signs pointing to Yoho Lake straight ahead. We did the little cut off to Hidden Lakes and circled back onto the main trail and it was nice, but average in comparison to your final destination. We also came across some snow piles here, so mud was a bit of a challenge for a small section of the trail. As you cut in and lose sight of the falls, you will enter a dense forest with some eerie, but beautiful fir trees.

Next up, marshlands! This is when you know you are close. There are lovely boarded walkways and bridges here to protect the land and you may notice some mosquitoes. We definitely saw more bugs here than any other trail on our trip, but it was manageable with bug wipes. You will start to see the emerald water of the lake on your right and the red chairs in the distance now. Pass through the tiny campground to round out the corner, and as you look towards the way you came in, you will get your reward! Mt Wapta is the peak reflected in the lake, and it is a BEAUT.

Approaching the Parks Canada chairs at Yoho Lake

Once you are refreshed (dip a toe in the icy lake for a wake-up call), head back the way you came and curse yourself on the switchbacks that somehow seem worse on the way down. As you return your car, don't drive off! This is the perfect time to head straight across the road to Takakkaw Falls. Takakkaw Falls is incredibly powerful and stands tall at 833 feet. The walk to the base is quite short and winds along a rushing blue river. We started this walk just as the rain started to come down, but we were not deterred. While we spent less time here than we would have in the sun, we really enjoyed it. The path is paved in parts and flat, so it is suitable for all ages and abilities. If you skip Yoho Lake, still venture this way for Takakkaw Falls.

Base of the falls, lookout for mountain goats!

Rushing river from falls, Mt Wapta in the background

Rain gear is essential for the Canadian Rockies!

This hike requires a bit more caution and preparedness as you likely won't come across many other people. Have your first aid kit stocked, bring your bear spray, and be prepared for any weather. Check out our packing guide for trail essentials!

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