Emerald Lake

From the car park cross the bridge towards Emerald Lake Lodge and turn left onto the level trail up the west shore, across a big open avalanche slope. At the head of the lake the trail crosses gravel flats and streams, keeping right past the Emerald Basin and Yoho Pass trails, to a footbridge. It then turns south down the forested east shore, rootier and often muddy, and crosses the outlet to return through the lodge grounds to the car park. The loop goes clockwise.

It is 5.3 km round with 58 m of ascent; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: an almost level lakeside trail, with roots and mud on the east side.

Parks Canada reported wet, muddy sections and trail work in progress on 2 October 2026, so expect crews or short diversions. In winter and spring keep off the avalanche slope on the west shore until the snow has gone; Parks Canada's winter route avoids it. Carry bear spray. A Parks Canada pass is needed in Yoho National Park.

The car park is at the end of Emerald Lake Road, which leaves the Trans-Canada Highway just west of Field; no parking charge is listed. It fills early in summer and at weekends, so come early or late in the day. There is no public transport.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.