Nestled in the heart of Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake is one of the Canadian Rockies’ most stunning treasures. While Lake Louise might get more attention in the travel magazines, Emerald Lake is only a twenty minute drive away and is also gorgeous in its own right!
The lake lives up to its name, with waters that shimmer between deep emerald and turquoise depending on the light. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the President Range and Mount Burgess, it’s a wonder that this beautiful natural location is just a short drive from the Trans-Canada Highway.
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Directions to Emerald Lake
The journey to Emerald Lake is part of its charm. As you drive west from Banff, you’ll pass through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America. The road winds through the Kicking Horse Pass, crossing the Continental Divide and the British Columbia border before turning onto the peaceful Emerald Lake Road.
The drive offers a perfect opportunity to transition from the bustle of Banff into the quieter, more contemplative atmosphere of Yoho National Park. Keep your eyes open for wildlife – mountain goats often appear on the cliffs above the highway, and elk frequently graze in the meadows near Field.
From Banff townsite:
- Take Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west
- Drive time: approximately 1 hour
- Distance: 93 kilometers
- Pass by the town of Lake Louise
From Calgary:
- Take Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west
- Drive time: approximately 2.5 hours
- Distance: 217 kilometers
- Follow signs for Field/Yoho National Park
GPS Coordinates: 51.4429° N, 116.5283° W
Parking at Emerald Lake
Parking at Emerald Lake is pretty straightforward, with a large parking lot steps away from the lake itself. It’s well maintained, with room for large vehicles like RV’s. The parking lot can fill up quickly during peak summer hours, so try to plan your visit before 9 a.m. (especially if you plan on doing a longer hike), during the evening and/or on weekdays.
Traveling Without a Vehicle?
Unfortunately, there is no public transit service to Emerald Lake. But don’t let that deter you from visiting this spectacular location if you don’t want to drive. Several tour companies offer convenient transportation options that make the lake easily accessible.
Tours that Stop At Emerald Lake
History of Emerald Lake
Long before it became a must-visit destination for photographers and nature lovers, Emerald Lake held deep significance for Indigenous peoples who traveled through the Kicking Horse Pass. The area was traditionally used by the Ktunaxa, Stoney Nakoda, and Secwepemc peoples, who knew the region for its abundant hunting and gathering opportunities.
The lake’s more recent history began in 1882, when Tom Wilson, a guide for the Canadian Pacific Railway, stumbled upon it during a search for wandering horses.
Initially, he named it Emerald Lake for its striking color, created by rock flour carried into the lake by glacier-fed streams.
By 1902, the Canadian Pacific Railway had constructed the original Emerald Lake Lodge, making it one of the earliest tourist destinations in the Canadian Rockies.
Facilities and Amenities
Emerald Lake is a beautiful spot to have a picnic or go on a little hike. The historic Emerald Lake Lodge serves as the hub for visitors, while maintaining the area’s pristine natural character.
Year-round Facilities:
- Modern washrooms at the parking lot and lodge
- Gift shop
- Outdoor seating areas
Seasonal Facilities:
- Canoe rental dock (late May to mid-October)
- Cilantro Cafe (at Emerald Lake Lodge) – Late May to mid October
- Cross-country ski trails (winter)
- Snowshoe rentals (winter – available for guests of the Lodge)
Best Time to Visit
Emerald Lake transforms dramatically with each season, making it worth visiting year-round. Each time of year here offers its own unique magic.
Summer (June-August)
Summer brings the lake’s namesake emerald colors to their full vibrancy. The surrounding peaks reflect perfectly in the calm morning waters, creating mirror-like conditions that photographers dream about.
While this is peak tourist season, Emerald Lake rarely feels as crowded as its Banff counterparts.
- Daytime temperatures: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- Peak wildflower season in surrounding meadows
- Ideal for hiking and canoeing
- Longest daylight hours for activities
Fall (September-October)
Fall might be the local’s favorite season at Emerald Lake. The summer crowds thin out, the larch trees turn golden, and the first dustings of snow begin to appear on the peaks. The quality of light during this season is spectacular.
- Crisp, clear days perfect for hiking
- Golden larch trees in late September
- Fewer visitors than summer
- Wildlife more active
- Cooler temperatures ideal for hiking
Winter (November-April)
Winter transforms Emerald Lake into a wonderland. The lodge’s wood-burning fireplaces and outdoor hot tub become especially inviting after a day of winter activities. (Just keep in mind that it closes during the first two weeks of February for maintenance.) The lake often freezes over, creating unique photography opportunities.
- Cross-country skiing
- Downhill skiing nearby
- Snowshoeing around the lake
- Cozy lodge atmosphere
- Potential for northern lights viewing
- Temperature range: -18 to 0°C (5-32°F)
Spring (May-June)
Spring brings dramatic changes as the lake thaws and wildlife returns. While conditions can be variable, watching the landscape come back to life is a special experience.
- Quieter season with fewer visitors
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Variable weather – pack layers
- Lower accommodation rates
Activities at Emerald Lake
Hiking Trails
The hiking around Emerald Lake offers something for every skill level, from casual walkers to serious mountaineers. The most popular trail circles the lake itself, providing constantly changing perspectives of the water and surrounding peaks.
| Trail Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | Time | Difficulty | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Lake Loop | 5.2 km | 115 m | 1.5-2 hrs | Easy | May-Oct |
| Hamilton Lake | 9.5 km | 850 m | 4-5 hrs | Difficult | Jun-Sep |
| Emerald Basin | 10.8 km | 380 m | 3-4 hrs | Moderate | Jun-Oct |
| Wapta Highline (Emerald Triangle) | 18 km | 1205 m | 8-10 hrs | Difficult | Jul-Sep |
Paddling on Emerald Lake
There’s no better way to experience Emerald Lake than from the water itself. The calm morning waters provide perfect conditions for paddling, with rentals available right at the lakeshore. The lake’s relatively small size means you can explore it in a few hours, finding perfect photo spots along the way.
Rental Options (Late May – mid October):
- Classic canoes: $100/hour
- Life jackets included
- First come, first served
Wildlife Viewing
The Emerald Lake area supports a rich variety of Rocky Mountain wildlife. Early mornings and late in the evening (towards dusk) offer the best viewing opportunities, when the crowds have died down.
Common Species:
- Mountain goats on surrounding cliffs
- Elk in meadow areas
- Black bears (spring through fall)
- Marmots and pikas
- Various bird species
- Occasional moose sightings
Photography Tips
Emerald Lake is a photographer’s paradise, offering stunning compositions in every season. The lake’s relatively small size means you can easily explore different vantage points throughout the day.
- Arrive for sunrise for the best reflections
- Use a polarizing filter for a richer water color
- Winter offers unique ice features
- Cloudy days enhance water color
- Consider renting a canoe for water-level shots
Where to Stay
Emerald Lake Lodge ($$$)
The historic lodge offers a unique mountain experience that’s worth the splurge:
- 24 cabin-style buildings
- No cell phone service or TV’s
- WiFi only available in the main lodge (intentional digital detox)
- Wood-burning fireplaces
- Private balconies
- Outdoor hot tub
Alternative Accommodations:
- Field, BC (20 minutes): Truffle Pigs Lodge
- Lake Louise (30 minutes): Multiple hotels across different price ranges
- Golden, BC (45 minutes): More economical options available
Camping near Emerald Lake:
- Kicking Horse Campground: 15 minutes away
- Monarch Campground: 20 minutes away
- Takakkaw Falls Campground: 25 minutes away
Emerald Lake Gifts and Souvenirs
Looking for the perfect memento of your visit? Our online store offers authentic, Made in Canada souvenirs featuring Emerald Lake and the Canadian Rockies that capture the magic of this special place.
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Emerald Lake Greeting Card$6.00 -
Emerald Lake Print$55.00 – $1,250.00
The Next Stops on Your Trip
Emerald Lake sits at the heart of several must-see Yoho National Park attractions. If you’d like to spend more time in this area, make your visit even more memorable by adding on some of these nearby locations:
- Natural Bridge: 10 minutes away, a remarkable rock formation spanning the Kicking Horse River
- Takakkaw Falls: 30 minutes away, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls
- Field, BC: 15 minutes away, charming little mountain town with cafes and shops
- Spiral Tunnels: 20 minutes away, engineering marvel of the Canadian Pacific Railway
