Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada

© Cavan Images/Offse

Yoho National Park, Canada

Yoho National Park, on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in British Colombia, attracts visitors from around the world with its waterfalls, alpine lakes and mountain vistas. With more than 400 kilometres of trails, it’s an ideal location for outdoor adventurers of all levels, offering easy self-guided hikes or full-day outings to the 505-million-year-old Burgess Shale fossil beds. The fossils are the oldest evidence of complex life on Earth and recognised as a key part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site. There are many varieties of flora and fauna nestled in the park’s dense subalpine forests, which open to reveal views of the surrounding peaks.

Today, we’re taking in the scenic vistas of Emerald Lake. This gem in the wilderness is a major tourist attraction and is the largest lake in the park. Not too far from the TransCanada Highway, Emerald Lake is easily accessible and attracts tourists all through summer (prime hiking season is July to mid-September). It was discovered in 1882 by guide Tom Wilson, who accidentally stumbled upon the lake by gathering horses that had gotten away.