Emerald Lake
A breathtaking glacial lake in Yoho National Park, famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Emerald Lake
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking glacial lake in Yoho National Park, famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop.
"This is the place of power. Power of nature. You can come whenever you want. And every time this lake will show you its best."
🎯 Canoe Rental Value
Rent a canoe here; it's cheaper and less crowded than Lake Louise!
🦟 Mosquito Alert!
Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially if you walk far around the lake in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Canoeing on Turquoise Waters
Emerald Lake
Paddle across the mesmerizing, vibrant turquoise waters for an unforgettable perspective of the surrounding mountains.
Lakeside Trail Stroll
Emerald Lake
Enjoy a leisurely walk or hike around the lake, taking in the stunning scenery and giant trees.
Emerald Lake Lodge Dining
Emerald Lake Lodge
Savor a meal with breathtaking views at the Emerald Lake Lodge, especially recommended during the tail end of busy season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Emerald Lake
Parking and Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Canoe Rental Value
Rent a canoe here; it's cheaper and less crowded than Lake Louise! +1
🦟 Mosquito Alert!
Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially if you walk far around the lake in summer.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast. Aim for early morning or late afternoon.
🏞️ National Park Pass Needed
Don't forget your National Park Pass for parking access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Canoe Rental Value
Rent a canoe here; it's cheaper and less crowded than Lake Louise! +1
🦟 Mosquito Alert!
Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially if you walk far around the lake in summer.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast. Aim for early morning or late afternoon.
🏞️ National Park Pass Needed
Don't forget your National Park Pass for parking access.
🚶♀️ Lakeside Trail Easy
The lakeside trail is accessible and offers stunning views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Emerald Lake for its unparalleled natural beauty, with many describing its turquoise waters as mesmerizing and the surrounding scenery as breathtaking. The opportunity to canoe on the lake and walk the scenic lakeside trail are frequently highlighted as favorite activities. Some visitors note that mosquitoes can be an issue during summer, and parking can be challenging during peak times.
"This is the place of power.
Power of nature.
You can come whenever you want. And every time this lake will show you its best."
Галина Иванькова
"Amazing place. Very beautiful lake and forest. You can go around this lake by the path."
Serhii
"Beautiful lake, but in the summer if you walk too far around the lake you will be stuck with lots of mosquitoes."
Alina Cernaka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Emerald Lake is about a 1-hour drive from Banff townsite. The scenic drive is part of the experience.
Emerald Lake is actually located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, but it's a popular day trip from Banff.
The drive from Lake Louise to Emerald Lake is approximately 55 km and is very scenic.
Access to Emerald Lake can be limited in winter due to snow and road conditions. Check Parks Canada for current advisories.
While not as common as driving, some shuttle services may operate seasonally. It's best to check local tour operators for options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required to park your vehicle at Emerald Lake.
The entrance fee is covered by your Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which is required for all national parks in the area.
Emerald Lake is accessible year-round, but facilities like the lodge and canoe rentals have seasonal operating hours.
Yes, swimming is permitted in Emerald Lake, but be prepared for very cold glacial water!
Dogs are generally allowed on the lakeside trail at Emerald Lake, but must be kept on a leash.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include canoeing, kayaking, hiking the lakeside trail, fishing, and enjoying the views from the lodge.
The full lakeside trail is approximately 5.2 km and takes about an hour to complete.
Emerald Lake is famous for its stunning, vibrant turquoise-green color, caused by glacial silt reflecting sunlight.
Emerald Lake can get very crowded, especially during peak summer months. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help.
Yes, mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly in the summer months and if you venture away from the main areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Emerald Lake Lodge has a restaurant offering dining with beautiful lake views. +1
The lodge typically offers a menu featuring Canadian cuisine, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Picnicking is allowed in designated areas, but be mindful of wildlife and pack out all your trash.
While the lodge is the main dining option, there might be seasonal snack services available. It's best to check their website.
The Emerald Lake Lodge is the primary dining facility. For other options, you would need to drive back towards Field or Lake Louise.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late evening often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and vibrant colors.
The viewpoints near the lodge, the canoe docks, and along the lakeside trail offer numerous stunning photo opportunities.
Drone usage is restricted in Canadian National Parks. Always check Parks Canada regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain and lake scenery. A polarizing filter can enhance the water's color.
The area around the Emerald Lake Lodge and the beginning of the lakeside trail offer iconic viewpoints.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Renting a canoe can be a fun family adventure, though younger children might need life vests for added safety. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options are primarily at the Emerald Lake Lodge. Be sure to bring insect repellent for the summer months, as mosquitoes can be present, especially on the trail.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The best light for capturing the lake's vibrant color is typically during the early morning or late evening, when the sun is lower in the sky. +1Key spots for photos include the viewpoints near the Emerald Lake Lodge, the canoe docks, and various points along the lakeside trail.
+1 Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery and a polarizing filter to enhance the water's color. Remember that drone photography is restricted in national parks, so always check regulations. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
For those seeking a more solitary experience, visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) or on weekdays can significantly reduce crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Emerald Lake's Color
This effect is most pronounced during the summer months when glacial melt is at its peak, and the silt is most abundant in the water. The intensity of the color can vary slightly depending on the time of day and weather conditions, but it's always a breathtaking sight. Many visitors are captivated by how the color seems to shift and deepen throughout the day.
For photographers, understanding this phenomenon can help in capturing the lake's beauty. The clearer the water and the more sunlight, the more vibrant the emerald color will appear.
+1Canoeing and Water Activities
While canoeing is the most popular water activity, visitors can also enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Swimming is permitted, but be prepared for the bracingly cold glacial water, even in summer.
It's important to note that while the lake is beautiful, it's a natural environment. Always be aware of weather conditions and wear a life jacket when on the water.
Exploring the Emerald Lake Trail
The trail is approximately 5.2 kilometers (about 3.2 miles) long and typically takes around an hour to complete at a leisurely pace. It's a fantastic option for families, casual walkers, and anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the natural splendor without a strenuous hike.
+1Along the trail, you'll pass through beautiful forests and encounter various viewpoints. Some visitors mention encountering mosquitoes, especially further along the trail during peak summer months, so it's wise to bring insect repellent.
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