Yoho National Park tour: Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls

Walk Emerald Lake's shoreline, then stand in the mist of a 373-metre waterfall

A full-day guided tour of Yoho National Park visits Emerald Lake for free time to explore or canoe, stops at Natural Bridge carved by the Kicking Horse River, and reaches Takakkaw Falls, Canada's second-tallest waterfall plunging 373 metres down the mountainside. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, national park entry fees, snacks and an air-conditioned vehicle. It runs 7.5 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Emerald Lake2h
2. Yoho National Park1h

Explore Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls

• Walk and relax at Emerald Lake
• Visit the Natural Bridge rock formation
• Explore Takakkaw Falls area

The experience

The day starts at Emerald Lake, where the water's vivid colour is the first thing you notice. You get free time here to walk the shoreline at your own pace, rent a canoe if you want to get out on the water, or simply sit and take in the alpine setting. The lake sits in a bowl of peaks, and there's no rush. You spend as long as you need before moving on.

The route then stops at Natural Bridge, a rock tunnel carved straight through by the Kicking Horse River. It's a short pause to see how the water has shaped the stone, then you continue toward Takakkaw Falls. When you arrive, you get an hour of free time to walk closer to the base, feel the mist coming off the 373-metre drop, and take photos from different angles. The falls are powerful enough that the spray reaches you even from a distance.

A live guide in English narrates the stops and drives the air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day. The tour includes national park entry, snacks along the way, and hotel pickup. You'll need to arrange lunch separately. The full day is 7.5 hours, and the itinerary assumes a moderate level of fitness for the walking and the altitude.

What’s included

• A live English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• national park entry fees.
• snacks throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 Jun 2027

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Explore Banff Tours & Transfers

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the commentary, so anyone comfortable following along in English will track the stops and the details. The tour involves walking and time at altitude, so a moderate level of fitness helps you enjoy the free time at each site without strain.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What can I do at Emerald Lake during the free time?

Emerald Lake gives you the choice to walk the shoreline, rent a canoe to paddle on the water, or simply relax and take in the scenery. How long you spend there is up to you within the tour's schedule.

How tall is Takakkaw Falls?

Takakkaw Falls drops 373 metres (1,224 feet) down the mountainside, making it Canada's second-tallest waterfall. You get an hour of free time at the base to explore and photograph it.

What is Natural Bridge and what do I do there?

Natural Bridge is a rock formation carved by the Kicking Horse River that has tunnelled straight through the stone. It's a stop along the route where you can see how the rushing water has shaped the landscape.

Does the tour include lunch?

The tour includes snacks and an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide, but lunch is not part of the package, so plan to bring food or eat before or after the day.

What time does the tour start and how long does it take?

Hotel pickup is included, and the full tour runs 7.5 hours from start to finish, covering Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge and Takakkaw Falls.