The Great Continental Divide runs north to south through North America. For visitors to the Canadian Rockies, this also acts as the divide between Alberta and British Columbia. To the eastern side of these Rockies is Banff National Park, famous for its alpine skiing and snowboarding, and the beauty of Lake Louise. To the west of the Divide is BC’s Yoho National Park, home to hidden natural gems, a more laid-back atmosphere than the nearby Banff, and a huge host of winter activities. At the heart and centre of Yoho is Emerald Lake, known for its clear yet bright green waters in the warmer months.
In the winter months, Emerald Lake continues to be a hub for the National Park’s activities, with access to lodging, multi-use trails, and stunning winter backdrops.
The Best Winter Trails around Emerald Lake
There are options to hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski around the entire Emerald Lake, and beyond into the low-lying basin on the north side of the lake.
- The cross-country route begins on the west side of Emerald Lake and follows the base of Emerald Peak. Once at the north end, there is a large looping trail around the basin.
- The hike and snowshoe trail creates a full loop around the lake, with rest areas and picnic benches located along the shoreline. From the lodge side are spectacular views of Emerald Peak over the frozen lake, while the views of the Emerald Lake Lodge on the opposite side are just as picturesque.
- Whether staying at Emerald Lake Lodge or not, there is a short road into the lodge area which also provides access to the hidden Peaceful Pond (access may vary in the winters).
- From the parking lot, hikers can also access the short trail to Hamilton Falls.
Staying at Emerald Lake
There is a small peninsula that juts out into Emerald Lake with more of the tall and towering trees that also surround the rest of the lake. Find the Emerald Lake Lodge on the narrow peninsula with rooms and cabins that face the stunning mountain scenery.
- There is a wide range of accommodation styles at the lodge: choose between standard rooms, lodge suites, lakeview rooms, pet-friendly rooms, or the Point Cabins.
- The Emerald Lake Lodge offers in-person dining experiences, as well as the option to take snacks to-go for your winter adventures. This includes on-site restaurants like the Mount Burgess Dining Room, Kicking Horse Lounge, or Kicking Horse Coffee Bar. Additionally, hikers and adventurers may order the Summit Breakfast or Explorer’s Lunch meals to go.
- And new for this year, the Emerald Lake Lodge has an upgraded and renovated outdoor hot tub area. All guests have access to the hot tub
Yoho’s Winter Waterfalls & Frozen Lakes
Emerald Lake, and the surrounding Rockies, offer some of the area’s best winter scenery. The thick and dense forests around the lake and base of the mountains are usually covered in a thick layer of snow. However, within short hikes or drives are several more epic winter scenes from Yoho’s lakes and waterfalls. Keep in mind that many of Yoho’s trails have avalanche zones in which hikers or skiers are not permitted without proper avalanche safety equipment.
- Both the Wapta Falls and Hamilton Falls trails are short and simple with rewarding views of the frozen falls. Each trail set permits hiking and snowshoeing, as well as pets on leashes. The views of Hamilton Falls are less than a kilometre from the Emerald Lake parking lot, while Wapta’s hike is a bit longer at 3.8km and located on the far south end of the park.
- A hike or snowshoe trip out to the park’s Sherbrooke Lake provides a slight challenge with a bit of a climb at 280m of elevation gain. This 6.2km out-and-back hike makes every step up the hills worth it as Sherbrooke Lake awaits at the end. Find the trailhead at the Great Divide Lodge parking lot.
More Winter Trails near Emerald Lake
There are many hikes and trails which help to make Yoho National Park a sports and recreation destination. Find several more opportunities for exciting ski, snowshoe, or hiking trails all along the Trans Canada as it makes its way through the park.
- The Yoho Vally Road Trail is perfect for almost any activity and permits hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. The trail heads at the Monarch Campground and follows the road which is closed for winters and open from May to October.
- Cross-country skiers may take a scenic route from the Natural Bridge parking lot and south along the banks of the Kicking Horse River. The trail begins at the confluence of the Kicking Horse and Emerald Rivers to offer a scenic start to the ski, a great winter picnic spot, and plenty of photo ops.
- Explore a bit of park history on your skis with the Tally-Ho Trail. This 4.6km out-and-back heads up a gradual hill before descending a former park ski hill that closed in the 1960s. This is also accessed from the Natural Bridge parking lot.
More Ways to Stay in BC’s Eastern Rockies
The Emerald Lake Lodge has several great options, but if you find the Lodge fully booked on your dates, or wish for something off the water, this area has plenty more to offer.
- There are many summer guest houses to rent in Field, with a handful of accommodations open for the winter. Get a place to dine and to stay in Field with the Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge. Also, open in the winter in Field are the Edgemount and Wildflower Guesthouses, both of which offer lower rates for winter stays.
- The many hotels and inns of Lake Louise in Banff National Park are only a half-hour drive from Emerald Lake.
- In the opposite direction to the southwest of Yoho is the town of Golden. Here, there are a handful of hotel options, as well as dozens of private cabin rentals from Airbnb and VRBO listings.
Planning for Spring & Summer at Yoho
There are many exciting experiences available within Yoho National Park this spring, summer, and fall. And while these don’t open for a few months, the reservations are now open. These experiences include:
- Shuttle bus trips to Lake O’Hara for June-October
- Front country camping for June-October
- Guided Burgess Shale Fossil Hikes for June-October
Planning your Trip – Emerald Lake in Winter
What: Emerald Lake is part of British Columbia’s Yoho National Park in the province’s eastern Rockies. The park starts near the Alberta border in the east and covers both sides of the Trans Canada all the way to Golden. Emerald Lake is central to the whole park, with lodging available, as well as access to several trails. During the winter, Yoho National Park offers hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Location and how to get there: accessible from the Trans Canada Highway (1) between Field, BC, and Golden, BC
Use Emerald Lake Road from the Trans Canada in Field.
Emerald Lake makes for a great day trip from Calgary. It is located approximately 220 km from ) 1 hr 8 min (93.1 km)
Cost: National Park Day Pass $9.50-$11 per person per day; Annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass $75.25 per person
Best time to go: open year-round; camping May-October
For more information:
Yoho National Park Winter Trails