So you've found field but what to do?
But what happens in between? Well, that's where things get interesting.
We're lucky enough to call this extraordinary little corner of the Rockies home, and over the years we've discovered a thing or two about getting the most out of it. Some adventures are right under your nose, others require a little effort, and a few will have you questioning your life choices somewhere halfway up a mountain. All of them are worth sharing.
So, we've put together a few of our favourites. Not an exhaustive guide, not the official word, just a collection of places and experiences we reckon are worth getting out of bed for.
But what would we know, we just live here.
So go grab that coffee. Pack a sandwich and get lost.
Hamilton Falls
Everyone heads straight for Emerald Lake. We suggest a little detour. Follow a short forest trail through towering trees and you'll discover Hamilton Falls, a lovely little waterfall hiding almost in plain sight. A surprisingly peaceful escape just minutes from one of the Rockies' busiest attractions.
Nature's Engineering Department
The Kicking Horse River has spent thousands of years carving its way through solid rock, and the Natural Bridge is a rather spectacular example of its handiwork. Stop on your way to Emerald Lake, watch the turquoise water squeeze through an impossibly narrow opening and reconsider who's really in charge around here.
A Town Built on Trains
Before Field became a playground for mountain lovers, it was a railway town. Wander its little streets, admire the historic buildings and keep an ear out for the enormous freight trains rolling through the valley. For the full spectacle, head to the Spiral Tunnels viewpoints and watch some rather clever railway engineering in action. Train sightings are never guaranteed.
Two Oceans. One Bicycle
Pedal the old highway towards the Great Divide, where British Columbia meets Alberta and the continent can't quite decide which ocean it prefers. Stop at the historic archway and discover the remarkable geography of a place where water heads towards opposite sides of the continent. Not a bad destination for an afternoon bike ride.
Lunch With a View
Forget restaurant reservations. Pack a decent lunch and climb to the historic Paget Lookout, perched high above the valleys of Yoho. It's a steep little workout through the forest, but the reward is an extraordinary mountain panorama and one of the most memorable picnic spots around. The old fire wardens certainly knew how to pick an office.
The Other Turquoise Lake
Emerald Lake gets the postcards, but Sherbrooke Lake has a few tricks of its own. Follow a beautiful forest trail to this quieter mountain lake, surrounded by towering peaks and the sort of scenery that makes you wonder why everyone else is queuing for a photograph somewhere else. Bring a picnic. There's no café at the end of this one.
Hamilton Lake, Earn Every View
Hidden high above Emerald Lake is a beautiful alpine lake that makes you work for the privilege of visiting. Climb relentlessly through the forest, passing Hamilton Falls on your way, before emerging into a spectacular mountain amphitheatre. It's steep, it's sweaty and your legs might have a few things to say about it tomorrow. Worth every step.
The Whaleback Adventure
Waterfalls, wildflower meadows, mountain passes and scenery that just keeps getting better. The Whaleback circuit takes you deep into the magnificent Yoho Valley, trading the busy viewpoints for a proper day in the mountains. With Twin Falls along the way, this is one for hikers who prefer their adventures with a generous helping of solitude and sore legs.
The Emerald Triangle
Most visitors admire Emerald Lake from the shoreline. Here's your chance to see it from an entirely different perspective. This spectacular alpine circuit climbs towards Yoho Pass, traverses the Wapta Highline and crosses Burgess Pass before returning to the lake. Expect enormous views, substantial climbing and a healthy appreciation for whoever packed your lunch.
A LITTLE MOUNTAIN WISDOM
Further up to date information here;
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/yoho/activ/randonnee-hike/jour-day
And remember, the bigger the adventure, the bigger the sandwich.
