The compact Yoho National Park lives up to its Cree name origin of ‘awe’ or ‘wonder’ by offering spectacular scenery and superb wildlife viewing opportunities.
At 1,310 square kilometres, Yoho National Park is the smallest of the national parks that are found in the Rocky Mountains. Sitting to the east of the Continental Divide, the mountains catch much of the precipitation that falls, helping sustain lush boreal forests. These forests, along with the sub-alpine slopes, create an ideal habitat for mammals such as the mountain goat, hoary marmot, pika, elk and beaver.
Once inside the park, it is easy to see how Yoho gained its name of ‘awe’ or ‘wonder’, with spectacular waterfalls in the Yoho Valley and 28 peaks over 3,000 metres contained within its relatively compact size. The mountains of Victoria and Lefroy, which tower over Lake Louise on the western side of the Continental Divide, provide a scenic backdrop to Lake O’Hara on the eastern side, whilst Emerald Lake offers a variety of walking trails.
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