- Lake Duchesnay
Lake Duchesnay is on the trail to Laughing Falls. Laughing Falls is a 5.3 mile out and back trail that begins at the Takakkaw Campground. Just before reaching Laughing Falls, there is a short turn off for Lake Duchesnay. We went in August, so the lake was half dried up, but still beautiful, nonetheless.
2. Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park is almost as famous as Moraine Lake and Lake Luis of Banff National Park. The parking lot is very limited, so it is best to arrive before 8:00 AM if you want a spot in the parking lot. If not, the road offers parking along one side. I arrived at 08:30 AM and got a spot in the parking lot, but I think I got lucky because I arrived during a thunderstorm and people were scurrying to get out of there. The weather changes quickly at Emerald Lake. We waited out the thunderstorm in the car, hiked around the lake for one hour of sunshine, then it began thunder storming again, only to clear up a half hour later. The trail is a 3.2 mile loop around the lakeshore. The trail is extremely muddy so I would advise wearing hiking boots. The trail is actively under construction. It appears the goal is to install a boardwalk around the entire lake as a resolution to the ongoing mud problem. We crossed sections of completed and partially completed boardwalk, but the majority of the trail was deep mud. The bridge at the very beginning of the trail is the most crowded and touristy. It is there that you will also find the quaint restaurant Cilantro with a patio facing the water. Once you reach the trail the crowds thin out significantly. After crossing the bridge and passing the restaurant, you will start the “trail” by walking through Emerald Lake Lodge. I loved walking through the lodge in the early morning, with the sun peeking through the trees and glistening off the wet branches from the fresh rain fall. It was quiet and magical. I really regret not staying at least one or two nights here, especially because the room prices are much more affordable than Moraine or Lake Luis in Banff.
3. Yoho Lake
Yoho Lake is a 5.6 mile out and back trail that begins at Takakkaw Falls. You will pass the falls first, then continue down the trail into the woods and across the main road. You will see a hostel on your left and the trail sign on your right. The trail begins with a series of steep uphill switchbacks for about 1.5 miles. At the top of the switchbacks there is an access trail to Hidden Lake. The trail then continues further uphill but does eventually at some point level out. The trail was very muddy, and it rained off and on during our hike. I actually had to wash my hiking boots after this trail because of how muddy they were. The lake is absolutely gorgeous and if you continue around it you will come to some picnic tables and a campsite. Here there is a little beach area with the best view of the lake and the mountain behind it. There are two red Adirondack chairs placed here that I was hoping to get a picture of but could not because a family took them over the whole time we were there. My knees did not thank me for the descent all the way back down all those switchbacks on the way back. This was not an easy trail, but the lake is worth the reward.
4. Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake, as previously stated, is on the trail towards Yoho Lake. About 1.5 miles up the trail, there is a turnoff on the left for Hidden Lake.
5. Ross Lake
The first day I attempted this trail I took the wrong service road and ended up confused and lost. I saw where I went wrong when I got back to the car and attempted the trail a second time the next day. To access this trail, you will take the Lake O’Hara exit off the highway. You will cross railroad tracks and directly in front of you there will be a blocked off road. This is the old highway road that you want to walk in order to access Ross Lake. Park on the side of the road in front of the gated service road. DO NOT drive down the hill and park in the parking lot (my mistake the first day). You will walk this paved old highway road for about one mile. A railroad follows along the road and it can be quite loud when the train goes by. About one mile up the road, you will hear a loud creek on either side of the road and then immediately see a trail sign on the right. Along with the trail sign, there is a “no bikes” sign and a “no horses” sign. You will enter the trail between two wooden railings. The trail runs uphill through the woods and alongside a peaceful little creek for about a mile before you reach the lake. The lake is small, but crystal clear and never crowded. We had the entire lake to ourselves and enjoyed the most peaceful lunch sitting on a rock in front of the lake by ourselves. This trail is an easy 4.2 miles out and back and truly the most underrated lake in Yoho National Park. For how stunning it is, I expected more crowds but it is not very well known.
6. Sherbrooke Lake
Sherbrooke Lake is a 5.9 mile out and back, very popular trail. I arrive around 12:30 PM and had no problem getting parking. The entry to the trail is through the gate of an electric fence, which requires walking up three metal grated steps, through the gate, then down three more metal grated steps. The first 1.3 miles of the trail are along an incline, then the trail levels out. It is 1.8 miles to get to the lake itself, then you have the option of continuing around the lake and up to the Sherbrooke Creek Cascades. Max and I only hiked to the lake and back for about 4 miles round trip. This trail is beautiful and smells of Christmas trees. There are views of the mountains around you all along the trail. There are creeks and wildflowers. The star of the show is Sherbrooke Lake, but the trail to get there was just as enjoyable. This was one of the most beautiful lakes we had been to in Yoho National Park. I actually enjoyed this lake more than the famous Emerald Lake. Despite it being a popular trail, Max and I got to the lake as two parties were leaving so we had the lake to ourselves for lunch before heading back down the mountain.
