Emerald Lake Escape: Banff & Yoho Waterfalls, Canoes & Canyon Views
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking stamina for short boardwalk hikes and lakeshore strolls; suitable for most fitness levels.
Overview
Spend a full day chasing glaciers, canoes, and waterfalls between Banff and Yoho National Parks. This guided small-group tour hits Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Johnston Canyon and Vermilion Lakes with convenient hotel pickups.
Emerald Lake Escape: Banff & Yoho Waterfalls, Canoes & Canyon Views
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The day opens with a cool hush over Lake Louise — a thin breath of mist rising from glassy water as the first light slides down the Victoria Glacier. Travelers step off a bright orange-and-blue shuttle and into a landscape that refuses to be rushed: mountains press close, a historic stone hotel watches from the shore, and every angle feels like a postcard in motion. This full-day circuit threads Banff and Yoho National Parks together, moving from alpine lakes to thunderous waterfalls and a narrow canyon threaded with catwalks.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early at Lake Louise
Arrive early with the group to see the lake before crowds — light is best and parking is limited later in the morning.
Bring a refillable bottle
Water refills are provided but bottled water is not — carry a 1–2 L bottle to stay hydrated through the day.
Wear grippy shoes
Johnston Canyon’s catwalks and some shoreline sections can be wet and slippery — choose trail shoes with good tread.
Give wildlife space
Elk, bears, and other animals are common along the Bow Valley Parkway — stay in the vehicle or behind barriers and follow your guide’s directions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Black bear (keep distance)
History
The route follows corridors shaped by glaciers and by early railway development; the Canadian Pacific Railway and historic lodges helped open these valleys to tourism in the early 20th century.
Conservation
Parks Canada enforces strict wildlife safety and trail rules — stay on boardwalks, pack out waste, and respect seasonal closures to protect fragile alpine habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Good tread and ankle support for wet boardwalks and uneven shorelines.
Refillable water bottle (1–2 L)
Hydration for a full day out; refill stations available on the tour.
Waterproof shell or rain jacket
Sudden mountain showers and waterfall spray make a lightweight shell essential.
fall specific
Camera or binoculars
For wildlife viewing and capturing expansive lake and waterfall vistas.