Emerald Lake Lodge, located in the Canadian Rockies
Canadian Rockies mountain goats
Group of hikers on trail walking towards mountains.
A group of happy Backroads guests hiking in the Canadian Rockies
River - Canadian Rockies walking & hiking trips
Local flora of the Canadian Rockies
Flowers - Canadian Rockies walking & hiking trips
Gray bird with black wings, Canadian Rockies
Canadian Rockies walking & hiking trips
Walking & Hiking
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Banff to Yoho Walking & Hiking Tour

Plain of Six Glaciers to Emerald Lake

Couples, Friends & Solos

6 days 5 nights

Activity Level: 2-4

Casual & Casual Plus Hotels

From: $3,699 - $3,799 pp dbl occ

($950 for sgl occ)

The scale of nature's beauty here is beyond imagination. It's a place where you come face to face with a glacier, witness thundering waterfalls and walk to the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Sherbrooke Lake. Where you encounter dazzling snowcapped peaks and abundant wildlife. Find yourself in the middle of it all on this Canadian Rockies journey in Banff, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks.

Canada Banff to Yoho Walking & Hiking Tour map
Canada Banff to Yoho Walking & Hiking Tour map

Alberta

Start/End Banff

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Highlights

  • Hike through three Canadian national parks packed with lush landscapes, magnificent vistas and stunning lakes
  • Walk through alpine trails and wildflower-laden meadows to witness towering peaks and sparkling glaciers and waterfalls
  • Admire the World Heritage site of Lake Louise, known as the "gem" of the Canadian Rockies
  • Journey by foot from the thundering Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park to the aptly named Emerald Lake

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual & Casual Plus Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-3
Description

Travel from Banff through the Bow Valley to Kootenay National Park | View a vast wildfire burn area where hardy pink fireweed and yellow columbine herald signs of new growth | Venture into a hanging valley for a view of stunning Stanley Glacier, waterfalls and sheer limestone cliffs | Follow a high alpine trail into flower-filled meadows | Trek into Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, named for its towering pyramid-shaped peak | Take in vistas from Quartz Ridge—a wild and remote place few get to visit | Panoramic views of towering mountains, turquoise lakes and picturesque islets await on our climb to Monarch Viewpoint | Keep an eye out for the mountain goats, pikas and hoary marmots that make their homes in the boulder fields as you hike through Paradise Valley | Put up your feet at our rustic mountain lodge.

Accommodations
Lobby at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Banff
| Casual Plus Hotel

A timbered lodge on the gentle slopes of Tunnel Mountain with fieldstone fireplaces in each cozy guest room.
 

Days 4-6
Description

Walk through blooming meadows and evergreen forests to stunning views of Daly Glacier and Yoho Valley | Stand in awe before Canada's second-highest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls | Hike through subalpine forests carpeted with buttercups to Sherbrooke Lake, the largest backcountry glacial lake in Yoho National Park| Hike along the shore of pristine Emerald Lake | Crossing through forest and shrubbery, discover beautiful Emerald Basin—a natural amphitheater set within the rugged cliffs of the President Range | For your final adventure, hike through subalpine forests carpeted with buttercups to Sherbrooke Lake, the largest backcountry glacial lake in Yoho National Park.

Accommodations
Exterior of Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake Lodge
Yoho National Park
| Casual Hotel

A secluded turn-of-the-century lodge, built of hand-hewn timber and featuring simple cabins nestled in the woods above a spectacular tree-rimmed glacial lake.

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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Activity Level: 2-4

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.

Route notes

The terrain on this trip includes rugged mountain trails and well-maintained paths, with some rocky sections and steep descents. Most activities on this trip take place at elevations of 4,000–6,800 feet, which can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.

Daily Route Options

Day 1
Walking & Hiking
Level 2 | 5 miles | 1100 ft. gain
Day 2
Walking & Hiking
Level 2 | 3 miles | 900 ft. gain
Level 3 | 6 miles | 1000 ft. gain
Level 4 | 9 miles | 1600 ft. gain
Day 3
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 3 miles | minimal elevation gain
Level 1 | 7 miles | 800 ft. gain
Level 3 | 10 miles | 1400 ft. gain
Day 4
Walking & Hiking
Level 2 | 6 miles | 1200 ft. gain
Level 3 | 7 miles | 1200 ft. gain
Level 4 | 8 miles | 1600 ft. gain
Day 5
Walking & Hiking
Level 2 | 4 miles | 700 ft. gain
Level 3 | 4 miles | 1700 ft. gain
Level 3 | 6 miles | 1800 ft. gain
Day 6
Walking & Hiking
Level 1 | 3 miles | 200 ft. gain
Level 3 | 7 miles | 800 ft. gain

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
  • Snacks and beverages between meals
  • Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
  • Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
  • Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
  • On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
  • Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
  • Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
  • Park and other entry fees
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
  • Select coach transfers
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Straight talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Accommodations

This trip includes the historic Emerald Lake Lodge, where guest rooms are clean and comfortable, but simpler than the typical Backroads standard. We've chosen this property because of its proximity to our favorite routes and the fantastic views. This hotel has limited Wi-Fi and is outside of cell phone range and the guest rooms are not typically equipped with televisions, hair dryers or air-conditioning.

Ask a trip expert

Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our Help Center.

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