Recommended winter trails

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is on the west side of the Continental Divide and gets a lot of powdery snow. The park offers a variety of winter activities with options for everyone. The natural setting and the simple network of winter trails will charm you. The best skiing and snowshoeing is from late-December until late March.

Winter safety

Safety is your responsibility. There are always hazards associated with outdoor recreation. Even short trips can have serious consequences. Minimize your risk by planning ahead:

  • Check current trail conditions, warnings and closures.
  • Expect that trail conditions and winter hazards may change throughout the day. Consult weather forecasts, and be prepared for changing weather and emergencies.
  • Review trail descriptions and maps before heading out. Always choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in your group.
  • Contact the Lake Louise Visitor Centre in Banff National Park for trip planning advice. Note that the information desk at the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre is closed from mid-October to early May. You can buy your park pass at the self-serve kiosk outside of the visitor centre. The washrooms are available year-round (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
  • Tell a reliable person where you are going, when you will be back and who to call if you do not return: Parks Canada Dispatch – 403-762-1470.
  • Winter hazards include avalanches, disorientation, thin ice, hypothermia and frostbite.
  • From November to March, make sure your car is winterized. Snow tires, proper clothing, and an emergency kit are recommended. Visit Road Conditions and Events - DriveBC for road reports.
  • In case of EMERGENCY, call 911 or satellite phone: 403-762-4506. Cell phone coverage is not reliable throughout the national park.

Two people wearing ice cleats walk on a snowy trail.

 Avalanche safety

Avalanche season in the mountains extends from November to June, and even a short walk can take you into avalanche terrain. Trails with a known hazard are identified with an avalanche symbol in the trail description. When travelling beyond marked trails, or past an avalanche danger sign, assume you are in avalanche country.

Sign indicating an avalanche risk zone

If you see this sign, you are about to enter avalanche terrain.

Do not proceed unless you have avalanche training and a transceiver, probe and shovel.

There are often tracks beyond these signs left by equipped parties – this does not indicate that the trail is safe. You don’t know how informed previous travellers were or what the conditions may have been at the time.

Safety is your responsibility. Check the current avalanche forecast at a Parks Canada Visitor Centre or avalanche.ca

Avalanche zones

  • Emerald Lake: There is a large avalanche slide path on the left side of the lake. Only use trail 3A in early season. Look for warning signs.
  • Emerald Basin: Travel towards Emerald Basin requires avalanche training and equipment.
  • Connector Trail: The maintained trail crosses an avalanche zone. Look for warning signs, and move through the area quickly and safely.
  • Yoho Valley Road: Travel beyond the groomed trail requires avalanche training and equipment.
  • O’Hara Fire Road: Beyond the Ross Lake Loop Trail, the road travels through avalanche zones. Look for warning signs.
  • Sherbrooke Lake: The lake is in a narrow valley surrounded by steep avalanche slopes. Travel beyond the warning signs requires avalanche training and equipment.

For safe trails options, stay on the recommended trails described below.

Learn how to travel safely in avalanche country

A park ranger talks to a backcountry hiker about an avalanche hazard sign at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park.

Many excellent programs exist to help you learn to travel safely in avalanche country. Visit Avalanche Canada for a list of programs and an online introductory primer.

Visit parksmountainsafety.ca for more information on backcountry travel and how to stay safe in the mountains.

Get outside, have fun and be safe!

Recommended packing list
A person, at the back of a car, gets their hiking gear ready (snowshoes, backpack), while another person looks at a brochure.
  • Trail guide and map: guidebooks and topographic maps are available at the Banff and Lake Louise visitor centres, and retail outlets in Banff and Lake Louise.
  • Full water bottle or thermos
  • High energy food
  • Bear spray
  • First aid kit and repair kit
  • Lightweight emergency blanket, candle and lighter or waterproof matches
  • Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
  • Winter hat and gloves
  • Extra warm clothing in case of an emergency
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Hand and toe warmers
  • Cell phone or satellite communication device

Visit parksmountainsafety.ca for additional information on winter packing.

Wildlife

Although bears are denning during the winter, they can awaken at any time for short periods. Cougars, wolves and other wildlife remain active throughout the year. If you see wildlife, do not approach. Give them lots of space and observe from a distance with binoculars or a telephoto lens. If tracks are observed, do not follow them towards the animal.

Be alert, make noise and carry bear spray. Learn more about keeping yourself safe.

Trail etiquette
Cross-country skiers and snowshoers are on either side of a multi-use winter trail.

The trails are shared in Yoho National Park, It means that you could see people classic or skate skiing while you are snowshoeing.

  • The track set portion of the trail is for classic skiing only. No dogs are allowed on track set portions. The flat groomed lane is for other users.
  • Read the trail descriptions as dogs are not permitted on certain trails. Keep dogs on leash and under physical control at all times. Always pick up after your dog and dispose of your dog's waste in a garbage bin.
  • When climbing, please yield the right of way to descending skiers or other users.
  • If you fall, move off the track as quickly as possible.
  • When taking a break, step to the side, leaving room for others to pass.
  • Leave no trace. Pack out everything you pack in.
Trail ratings
 

Easy

Easy
  • Suitable for those with little or no trail experience.
  • Flat to gently rolling.
  • Little or no elevation gain or loss.
 

Moderate

Moderate
  • Suitable for those with basic trail experience.
  • Gently rolling with short, steep sections.
  • Moderate elevation gain or loss.
 

Difficult

Difficult
  • Suitable for experienced visitors with above average level of fitness.
  • Major elevation gain or loss with long steep sections.
A person smiles at someone who hands them their skis while standing in front of a directional sign at Emerald Lake.

Important reminders:

  • For all trails, be prepared as conditions can change quickly; easy and moderate trails can become difficult due to weather change, icy conditions or poor visibility.
  • Estimated time to complete these trails ranges depending on activities, trail distances, fitness levels, weather and trail conditions.
  • On most trails you will gain and lose elevation before you reach your destination. Elevation gain represents all the up and elevation loss all the down you will experience on a one-way hike.
Cross-country ski trail grooming frequency

On average, the cross-country ski trails are groomed twice a week. The grooming frequency depends on snowfall and weather conditions. Check the trail conditions for updates.

Trail conditions Important bulletins

Maps

Yoho National Park winter trails


Select map to expand
Download Yoho National Park winter trails map (PDF, 4.7 MB)

Emerald Lake in winter


Select map to expand
Download Emerald Lake in winter map (PDF, 1.7 MB)

Community of Field


Select map to expand
Download Community of Field map (PDF, 180 KB)

Winter trails in Yoho National Park

Trail Distance (one-way) Elevation gain / loss Estimated time (return) Activity
1 Hamilton Falls 815 m 100 m / 5 m 30 minutes Snowshoeing Dogs on leash
2 Peaceful Pond 875 m 30 m / 35 m 30 minutes Snowshoeing Dogs on leash
3 Emerald Lakeshore 5.2 km loop 120 m / 120 m 2-3 hours Snowshoeing Dogs on leash
3A Emerald Lakeshore 600 m 15 m / 15 m 20 minutes Snowshoeing Cross-country skiing Dogs on leash
3B Emerald Lake Crossing 500 m n/a 20 minutes Snowshoeing Cross-country skiing Dogs on leash
4 Classic Emerald 1 km (with 4) 20 m / 20 m 1 hour Cross-country skiing 
4 Classic Emerald 50 m 10 m / 10 m 5-10 minutes Cross-country skiing 
5 Alluvial Fan Loop 4.3 km 55 m / 55 m 1 hour Cross-country skiing 
6 Connector 6.9 km
7.3 km until Natural Bridge		 180 m / 110 m
190 m / 110 m		 3-4 hours Cross-country skiing 
7 Tally Ho-Old ski hill 2.3 km 80 m / 40 m 1-1.5 hour Cross-country skiing
8 Great Divide 9.8 km to Lake Louise 210 m / 120 m 3-4 hours to Lake Louise Snowshoeing Cross-country skiing Fat biking
9 Ross Lake 8.2 km loop 260 m / 275 m 3-4 hours Snowshoeing Dogs on leash
10 Kicking Horse Fire Road 3.8 km to rest area
7 km to the end		 60 m / 145 m 2-3 hours to rest area
4-4.5 hours to the end 		Snowshoeing Cross-country skiing 
11 Yoho Valley Road 4.5 km 180 m / 85 m 2-3 hours Snowshoeing Cross-country skiing Dogs on leash
12 Sherbrooke Lake 3 km 255 m / 40 m 3-4 hours Snowshoeing Dogs on leash
13 Wapta Falls 4.4 km 160 m / 150 m 3-4 hours Snowshoeing Dogs on leash
A cross-country skier launches into a slope with a smile.

Trail descriptions

Easy 1 Hamilton Falls

Snowshoeing Dogs on leash

Description: Quick and easy trip to the frozen Hamilton Falls.
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce, fir, cedar), canyon and frozen waterfall.

Distance (one way): 900 m
Estimated time (return): 30 minutes
Elevation gain: 100 m | Elevation Loss: 5 m

Trailhead: Access the trail from the west side of the Emerald Lake parking lot.

Easy 2 Peaceful Pond

Snowshoeing Dogs on leash

Description: Hike in the forest near Peaceful Pond. When you arrive at the Emerald Lakeshore Trail junction, keep left to go back to the lodge and parking lot. Turn right for a longer adventure around Emerald Lake.
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce, fir, cedar), canyon and frozen waterfall.

Distance (one way): 900 m
Estimated time (return): 30 minutes
Elevation gain: 30 m | Elevation Loss: 30 m

Trailhead: Access the trail from the east side of the Emerald Lake parking lot.

Easy 3 &  Easy 3A Emerald Lakeshore /  Easy 3B Emerald Lake crossing 

A parent holds the hand of their child while pushing a cart with backcountry ski equipment on Lake Emerald.

Snowshoeing Dogs on leash

Description: In early season, the trail Easy 3 starts by the Emerald Lake public washroom ( Easy 3A ) when grooming on the lake is not safe yet, and then follows the perimeter of the lake clockwise. Once the lake surface is frozen, the trail 3 starts on the lake ( Easy 3B ) to avoid the avalanche path.
Habitat: Frozen lake with views of the mountains, and then mature western forest.

Distance (one way):
5.2 km loop Easy 3 (with Easy 3A or Easy 3B)
600 m Easy 3A
500 m Easy 3B
Estimated time (return):
2-3 hours Easy 3 (with Easy 3A or Easy 3B)
20 minutes Easy 3A
20 minutes Easy 3B
Elevation gain:
120 m Easy 3 (with Easy 3A or Easy 3B)
15 m Easy 3A
n/a Easy 3B
Elevation Loss:
120 m Easy 3 (with Easy 3A or Easy 3B)
15 m Easy 3A
n/a Easy 3B

Trailhead: Emerald Lake parking lot.

Easy 4 Moderate 4 Classic Emerald

Cross-country skiers follow each other in a line on a groomed trail through the woods.

Cross-country skiing 

Description: The moderate section of trail Moderate 4 is very short but steep. The easy section of trail Easy4 has gentle rolling hills and leads to the back of Emerald Lake. Continue on the Alluvial Fan Loop for panoramic views.
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce and fir).

Distance (one way): 1 km
Estimated time (return):
1 hour (Easy4 & Moderate 4)
5-10 minutes (Moderate 4)
Elevation gain:
20 m (Easy 4)
10 m (Moderate 4)
Elevation Loss:
20 m (Easy 4)
10 m (Moderate 4)

Trailhead: Access the trail by Easy 3A (early season) or Easy 3B (on the lake is frozen). Once the lake surface is frozen, the trail starts on the lake (see Easy 3B) to avoid the avalanche path.

Easy 5 Alluvial Fan Loop

A cross-country skier crosses a clearing with a background view of the President mountain.

Cross-country skiing 

Description: You can glide both ways on this loop on the alluvial fan at the back of Emerald Lake. Enjoy the views of the mountains at one of the rest areas along the trail. Continue until you merge back with Easy 4.
Habitat: Open view, alluvial cone, and views of surrounding mountains.

 Warning: On the loop, Emerald Basin junction is a destination for backcountry users and goes through avalanche terrain. It is not a part of the Yoho winter trail offer. Travel beyond this point requires avalanche training and equipment.

Distance (one way): 4.3 km
Estimated time (return): 1 hour
Elevation gain: 55 m | Elevation Loss: 55 m

Trailhead: Access the trail by Easy 4.

Difficult 6 Connector

Cross-country skiing 

Description: The trail has hilly and steep sections. It is recommended for advanced cross-country skiers.
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce and fir).

 Warning: The maintained trail crosses an avalanche zone. Look for warning signs, and move through the area quickly and safely.

Distance (one way):
6.9 km
7.3 km until Natural Bridge via Moderate 7
Estimated time (return): 3-4 hours
Elevation gain:
180 m
190 m until Natural Bridge via Moderate 7
Elevation Loss:
105 m
110 m until Natural Bridge via Moderate 7

Trailhead: Access the trail from the Emerald Lake or Natural Bridge parking lots. At Natural Bridge, the trail starts across Emerald Lake Road.

Moderate 7 Tally-Ho - Old ski hill

View of the slope of the old ski hill on the Tally-Ho trail, with skiers and people queuing at the ski lift.

Cross-country skiing

Description: Once on the trail, put on your cross-country skis. Go straight at the junction. The trail climbs gradually and is followed by a short descent towards an area that was a small ski hill until the late 1960s.
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce and fir).

Distance (one way): 2.3 km
Estimated time (return): 1-1.5 hour
Elevation gain: 80 m | Elevation Loss: 40 m

Trailhead:  Park at the Natural Bridge parking lot and cross Emerald Lake Road to join the Tally-Ho Trail.

Easy 8 Great Divide

Snowshoeing Cross-country skiing Fat biking

Description: Classic or skate ski, snowshoe or fat bike along the old road up to the Great Divide gate for 2.7 km. The groomed trail continues towards Lake Louise for 7.5 km (one way).
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce and fir), cliffs, and views of surrounding mountains.

Distance (one way): 2.7 km to Great Divide
Estimated time (return): 1 hour
Elevation gain: 55 m | Elevation Loss: 30 m


Distance (one way): 9.8 km to Lake Louise
Estimated time (return): 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: 210 m | Elevation Loss: 120 m

Trailhead: Park at the Lake O’Hara parking lot. Walk back 150 m up the road you just drove on to find the trailhead.

Moderate 9 Ross Lake

Snowshoeing Dogs on leash

Description: Trail (9) takes you to a small rockbound lake at 3.2 km.
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce and fir) and frozen lake.

 Warning: Beyond the Ross Lake Loop Trail, the Lake O’Hara Fire Road travels through avalanche zones. Look for warning signs.

Distance (one way): 8.2 km loop
Estimated time (return): 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: 260 m | Elevation Loss: 275 m

Trailhead:  From the Lake O'Hara parking lot, follow Lake O'Hara Road until you reach the Ross Lake trailhead.

Moderate 10 Easy 10 Kicking Horse Fire Road

Cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts cross paths on the multi-use trail of the Kicking Horse fire access road.

Snowshoeing Cross-country skiing 

Description: Ski 2.4 km down a gradual hill, past the Emerald River to the Amiskwi River bridge. Cross the bridge and continue left along the old fire road for 4.6 km to the Otterhead River.
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce and fir), river, and views of the surrounding mountains.

Distance (one way):
3,8 km to rest area
7 km to the end
Estimated time (return):
2-3 hours to rest area
4-4.5 hours to the end
Elevation gain: 60 m | Elevation Loss: 145 m

Trailhead: Access the trail from the Natural Bridge parking lot.

Moderate 11 Easy 11 Yoho Valley Road

A cross-country skier glides on a groomed downhill trail. Their leashed dog running beside them on Yoho Valley Road in Yoho National Park.

Snowshoeing Cross-country skiing Dogs on leash

Description: You will cross two bridges, and climb a steep hill before you reach the Upper Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint and pass the Kicking Horse River.
Habitat: Frozen cascades, cliffs and views of surrounding mountains.

 Warning: Travel beyond the groomed trail requires avalanche training and equipment.

Distance (one way): 4.5 km
Estimated time (return): 2-3 hours
Elevation gain: 180 m | Elevation Loss: 85 m

Trailhead: Drive the Yoho Valley Road until you reach the winter parking lot near Monarch Campground.

Moderate 12 Sherbrooke Lake

Snowshoeing Dogs on leash

Description: The trail climbs steadily for 2 km and levels off before reaching the lake at 3.1 km.
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce and fir) and frozen lake with open views.

 Warning: The lake is in a narrow valley surrounded by steep avalanche slopes. Travel beyond warning signs requires avalanche training and equipment.

Distance (one way): 3 km
Estimated time (return): 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: 255 m | Elevation Loss: 40 m

Trailhead: Westbound access only. Sherbrooke Lake parking lot on the north side of the Trans-Canada Highway, 11 km east of Field, B.C. Highway 1.
Note: The parking lot is not marked for eastbound traffic, as the highway is divided. If travelling east, continue for another 2 km to the Lake O’Hara Road, turn around, and come back on Highway 1 west.

Easy 13 Wapta Falls

Group of five walkers in front of icy and snowy Wapta Falls, and several individuals in the background at the foot of the falls.

Snowshoeing Dogs on leash

Description: The winter trail follows the access road then reaches the summer hiking trail after 2 km. There are a few rolling hills, and the trail continues to a lower viewpoint down river from the falls. Be careful as you walk as mist makes this lower section icy.
Habitat: Mature forest (lodgepole pine, spruce and fir) and frozen waterfalls with open views.

Distance (one way): 4.4 km
Estimated time (return): 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: 160 m | Elevation Loss: 150 m

Trailhead: Eastbound access only from Highway 1. Park at the Wapta Falls winter parking lot just off the Trans-Canada Highway.

Related links

Date modified :