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Yoho? Never heard of it? This is one of the oldest National Parks in the Canadian Rockies. The word “Yoho” is a Cree expression of awe and wonder. And this park is sure not to dissappoint. What does Yoho do best? Dozens of waterfalls including Wapta Falls, the Burgess Shale, and some spectacular hikes! (Our fave is the Iceline Trail)
The only populated area in Yoho National Park is the town of Field, BC. Located 26 Kilometres west of Lake Louise, this charming mountain town of fewer than 200 people is an authentic mountain retreat with accommodation year-round, artisan crafts, and culinary delights.. Established in the 1880s as a siding for the Canadian Pacific Railway, it is now home to many B & B’s, restaurants and the Yoho National Park Visitor Information Centre. The Kicking Horse River offers easy access for visitors. Of the 2.5 million travelers who pass through Yoho National Park each year, most enjoy the viewing areas, picnic facilities and interpretive displays along the Trans-Canada Highway, the Yoho Valley, and Emerald Lake roads. Takkakaw Falls, which drops 254 metres from the Daly Glacier to the Yoho River, the “Natural Bridge,” and Wapta Falls are popular scenic spots along the River. Tourism is big on the Kicking Horse River with half day & full day Whitewater Rafting adventures available as well as Stand Up Paddleboarding River Tours.
When to Go? June to September for the warmest weather and best hiking trail conditions. For the must see sights such as Wapta Falls or the Natural Bridge, we recommend early morning or late evening viewing to avoid the crowds.
For rate & season information please visit Yoho National Park’s Camping Page
Golden, British Columbia, straddles the Western flank of the Rockies and holds the key to almost any mountain adventure your adventurous little heart can dream up! From mountain biking to rafting to paragliding, this sublime mountain town has got you covered! Golden is located within one hours drive of 5 National Parks, making it an amazing basecamp for all your adventures. Whats more – being outside the National Park allows Golden to offer an array of activities the Parks cannot – such as ATV’ing, Whitewater Rafting, Skydiving, Golf & Many More!
When to go? May to September is best. Golden lies about 86 kilometres west of the Continental Divide. As such, the weather is more predictable and warmer than neighbouring Lake Louise & Banff. During this time you will find the bike trails, rivers & hiking trails are all ready to rock!
Yoho National Park is home to some of Canada’s greatest campgrounds, operated by Parks Canada. Just a short distance from the town of Field front country, RV and car camping can be found. By hiking just a little further you can reach spectacular back country camp sites. On your Canadian Rockies camping vacation you can wake up beside an alpine lake, fall asleep to the sound of a distant waterfall, or sit around the campfire watching the sun fade behind a mountain. A camping trip in Yoho National Park is the perfect outdoor vacation getaway.
The town of Field, BC is a great little town to spend an afternoon browsing the local artisan shops, grabbing a hot coffee or meal. For a town of such a small size, it does have most of the amenities a traveler seeks. As you drive into Field, you will cross the Kicking Horse River over a bridge. From most locations in town, you can see sweeping views of the Kicking Horse River Valley. Just east of Field, high up on the Wapta Icefield, is the birthplace of the Kicking Horse River. There are no campgrounds right in the town of Field, you will need to travel a few minutes by car to access the Parks Canada Campgrounds Described above.
When to go? Summer in the Canadian Rockies can be described as short and sweet! May 15th to September 1st are the prime season for camping activities in & around Field BC. Anytime before May 15th & you are likely to encounter snow – both in camp & on the trails. September is still a great month for camping in Field, BC and if you can handle the cooler nights, you can enjoy most of the campground to yourself.
There are two campgrounds in the townsite of Lake Louise, which is in Banff National Park. The town of Lake Louise is in close proximity to the headwaters of the Kicking Horse River, which is the Wapta Icefield; specifically the Yoho Glacier. A recommended day trip from this campground would be to spend a half day or full day rafting the world famous emerald green waters of the Kicking Horse River, known as the jewel of the Canadian Rockies.
When to go? As beautiful as summer is in the Canadian Rockies, the townsite of Lake Louise straddles the continental divide & therefore can bring unpredictable weather. Think cooler temps at night, sometimes near freezing and sometimes just below. Don’t worry, there is still plenty of sunshine and sunny days to be had for your Adventures, just be sure to bring warm clothes for those cooler nights!
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Tent Campground is located 1 km from the village of Lake Louise, 4 kms from the lake itself, and lies 60 km north-west of the Town of Banff. It is open from May 15th to September. 30th. More information on the Lake Louise Tent Campground.
The Lake Louise Campground is located 1 km from the village of Lake Louise, 4 kms from the lake itself, and lies 60 kms northwest of the Town of Banff. More information on the Lake Louise Trailer Campground.
We hope you enjoyed reading the Canadian Rockies Summer Camping Guide. There are lots of great activities to do in the Canadian Rockies. From shopping, to hikes, to Whitewater Rafting on the Kicking Horse River, For more information on activities to take advantage of during your stay, please visit: Top 10 Things to Do in the Canadian Rockies
Are you ready to have the best summer of your life? Look no further! The Kicking Horse River, the Canadian Rockies & Alpine Rafting has Half & Full Day Whitewater Rafting Trips, Gentle Family Rafting Trips, Stand Up Paddleboarding & Inflatable Kayaking Tours. We operate most of our adventures on the Kicking Horse River, but also the Beaver River, Columbia River, and Cedar Lake! The Kicking Horse River is the premiere Whitewater Rafting river in the Canadian Rockies, and the only Class 4 Thrills near Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, & Calgary. The Kicking Horse River is located in Golden, BC three hours west of Calgary, an hour and a half west of Banff, and 45 minutes west of Lake Louise.
The best place to enjoy Whitewater Rafting near the Canadian Rockies is hands down on the Kicking Horse River. With affordable Gentle Family Rafting & Class 4+ Thrills, this river can really do it all! The Kicking Horse is considered the Premiere Whitewater Rafting River in the Canadian Rockies, and if you are planning to spend a day on the water, this is 100% the river you want to be on! Plan on a one hour drive on the beautiful & scenic Trans Canada Highway. Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s : Experience intimate dining and great shopping in the small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park ( The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake )
The Kicking Horse is considered the Premiere Whitewater Rafting River in the Canadian Rockies, and if you are planning to spend a day on the water, this is 100% the river you want to be on! Plan on a one hour drive on the beautiful & scenic Trans Canada Highway. Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s : Experience intimate dining and great shopping in the small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park ( The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake )
If you are looking for the best Whitewater Rafting near Banff, Alberta, we highly recommend this two hour drive for an unforgettable day on the Kicking Horse River. Travel thru. Bonus! Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s : Experience intimate dining and great shopping in the small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park ( The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake )
If you are looking for the best Whitewater Rafting near Canmore, Alberta, we highly recommend this two hour drive for an unforgettable day on the Kicking Horse River. Travel thru. Bonus! Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s : Experience intimate dining and great shopping in the small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park ( The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake )
Travelling from Jasper, Alberta to raft the Kicking Horse River is well worth the drive. The drive takes 4 hours, however you do travel through three of Canada’s Most Famous National Parks. Plan to set out early in the morning as this is your best chance of viewing a wide variety of wildlife on the Icefields Parkway. The trip takes 4 hours, so we recommend planning a nights stay nearby ( Golden, BC or Lake Louise, AB)Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s : Experience intimate dining and great shopping in the small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park ( The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake )
Travelling from Calgary, Alberta to raft the Kicking Horse River is how you will experience the best Whitewater Rafting in the Canadian Rockies. The drive takes 3 hours, & you do travel through three of Canada’s Most Famous National Parks. Plan to set out early in the morning as this is your best chance of viewing a wide variety of wildlife on the Icefields Parkway. The trip takes 4 hours, so we recommend planning a nights stay nearby ( Golden, BC or Lake Louise, AB)Plan an extra 1 hour each way if you would like to check out the following Canadian Rockies must do’s : Experience intimate dining and great shopping in the small mountain hamlet of Field, BC as well as the top three attractions in Yoho National Park ( The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Emerald Lake )Banff, Alberta was advertised as a resort town in 1883 when hot springs were discovered by railway workers.
Whatever time of year you decide to raft, you will have a great time! The Kicking Horse in the Canadian Rockies is both Glacial Fed and Snow melt Fed, meaning the river has great water levels all summer long
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