Banff to Yoho Hiking

Canadian Rockies 2027 · Banff to Yoho

Banff to Yoho Hiking

Soaring Peaks & Emerald Lakes of the Canadian Rockies

At a Glance

Dates

June to September 2027

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Start / End

Banff, Alberta

Style

Hiking & Walking

Activity Level

2 to 4 (of 5)

Trip Overview

Six days through three of Canada's most celebrated national parks: Banff, Kootenay and Yoho. Hike to the thunderous Takakkaw Falls, the iridescent Emerald Lake, and the legendary Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse above Lake Louise. Towering peaks, alpine meadows and turquoise glacial lakes. By the end, you may feel as though the Rockies have become a part of you.

  • Journey through three of Canada’s national parks: Banff, Kootenay and Yoho

  • Hike mountain trails through evergreen forests, alpine meadows and towering peaks

  • See mountain reflections on the aquamarine Moraine Lake and Lake Louise

  • Hike to the famous Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse

  • Look for mountain goats, pikas and marmots among the diverse mountain wildlife

  • Experience luxury at your Rocky Mountain retreats, with unforgettable stargazing

Banff to Yoho Hiking

Itinerary

Each day brings a new trail, a new lake, a new vista. This is a representative outline of the journey; routes may shift with the seasons, weather and wildlife.

Map of the expedition route

Days 1–2

Banff to Kootenay & Yoho

Travel from Banff into Kootenay National Park, crossing a vast wildfire burn area where hardy pink fireweed and yellow columbine herald new growth. Hike into a hanging valley for a view of Stanley Glacier, follow a forest trail to the milky blue Sherbrooke Lake (the largest backcountry glacial lake in Yoho), and climb to Paget Lookout for sublime views of pristine glaciers and soaring peaks. Two nights at Cathedral Mountain Lodge, a refined log cabin retreat on the shore of the glacier-fed Kicking Horse River.

Days 3–4

Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Emerald Lake

Stand on the shore of iconic Lake Louise, its turquoise waters mirroring Victoria Glacier, then hike the Plain of Six Glaciers trail to the historic mountain teahouse. Continue to Moraine Lake, where the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflects in the aquamarine water. Paddle or stroll the shore of Emerald Lake, its iridescent hues framed by the President Range, and feel the spray of Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls. Two nights at Emerald Lake Lodge, a rustic-luxury retreat on a forested point reaching into the lake.

Day 5

Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise

Transfer to Lake Louise and the Post Hotel & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux property wrapped in evergreen forest. Choose a final alpine trail, from gentle lakeside walks to the dramatic Iceline route along the toe of the Emerald Glacier. Return for elevated comforts, a bonfire under the stars, and the profound quiet of the Rocky Mountain evening.

Day 6

Return to Banff

A final morning hike among the peaks, then travel back to Banff, where the trip concludes. Extend your stay to explore the town, or connect onward via Calgary International Airport (YYC).

Banff to Yoho Hiking

Where You’ll Stay

Three of the Rockies’ most storied lodges anchor this journey. Cathedral Mountain Lodge offers warm hospitality in rustic-yet-refined log cabins along the glacier-fed Kicking Horse River. Emerald Lake Lodge sits on a forested point reaching into its namesake turquoise lake, with a red-canoe dock and bonfire gatherings. The Post Hotel & Spa at Lake Louise, a Relais & Châteaux property, brings refined alpine luxury and some of the finest stargazing in Canada.

Nights

5 nights

Lodges

Cathedral Mountain, Emerald Lake, Post Hotel & Spa

Style

Rustic to alpine luxury

Region

Yoho & Banff National Parks

Setting

River, lake & forest

Highlights

Bonfires, stargazing, fine dining

Your Lodges

Cathedral Mountain Lodge

Hand-hewn log cabins with wood-burning fireplaces, wrapped in stunning mountain scenery along the Kicking Horse River in Yoho National Park.

Emerald Lake Lodge

A century-old retreat on a point reaching into Emerald Lake, with red canoes, an outdoor bonfire circle and a serene lakefront setting.

Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise

A Relais & Châteaux property in evergreen forest at Lake Louise, pairing alpine luxury, a renowned wine cellar and a tranquil spa.

Dark-Sky Stargazing

Far from city light, the Yoho and Banff valley nights offer some of the clearest starfields in the Canadian Rockies.

A Glimpse of the Rockies

Included Activities

All included in the price of your trip.

Guided Hiking

Daily hikes led by expert guides, with options across a range of activity levels (2 to 4 of 5).

Lakeside Walks

Gentle strolls along the shores of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake.

Wildlife Viewing

Look for mountain goats, pikas, marmots and elk among the diverse mountain wildlife.

Scenic Photography

Iconic alpine vistas at every turn, from turquoise lakes to glacier-capped peaks.

Bonfire Evenings

Gather around the outdoor fire circle at your lodge for stories and star-filled skies.

Cultural Insights

Learn the natural and human history of Banff, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks.

Optional Add-Ons (Extra Cost)

Canoeing

Paddle the turquoise waters of Emerald Lake or Lake Louise in a classic Canadian canoe.

Helicopter Flightseeing

Soar above the glaciers and peaks for a breathtaking aerial perspective of the Rockies.

What’s Included

  • 5 nights at Cathedral Mountain Lodge, Emerald Lake Lodge & Post Hotel & Spa

  • Expert hiking guides throughout the journey

  • All breakfasts, selected lunches and dinners

  • All trail entries and park passes

  • Daily guided hikes with route options for all levels

  • Group transfers between Banff and the lodges

  • Bonfire gatherings and lakeside activities

Not Included

  • International airfare to/from Calgary (YYC)

  • Pre- and post-trip accommodations in Banff

  • Optional canoe rentals and helicopter flightseeing

  • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff

  • Travel insurance and personal expenses

Pricing

From $5,299 to $6,249 per person, depending on season and lodge selection. Reach out for a tailored quote reflecting your preferred dates, room category and any current promotions.

Request a Quote

Interested in this trip?

This journey is arranged personally, with full itinerary curation, lodge selection and logistics handled for you. Reach out and let’s talk through the details.

Contact Dan

✦ Let's Begin

Ready to start your journey?

Every great trip starts with a conversation. Tell me where you want to go, and I'll handle the rest.

Let's Talk