Parks Canada runs five organized campgrounds within
Yoho National Park. All but one is accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway which runs through the park.
There are only 297 sites in Yoho and all are available on a first-come, first serve basis. If you want maximum outdoor comfort, head for Kicking Horse. It’s the only campground in Yoho with flush toilets and hot showers.
Kicking Horse and Monarch are the closest campsites to the town of Field. The Takakkaw Falls campsite, which has amazing views of the falls, is a walk-in only facility so be prepared to lug your equipment from the parking lot to the campsite. Most campgrounds in Yoho are open from May to September and fees range from $16 to $28.
Camping around Lake O’Hara
You need a lot of pre-planning and effort to get to Lake O’Hara backcountry. Visitors have to book a seat on a bus to get to the Lake O’Hara campground which has only 30 pitches. Places are limited and competition for places is fierce. The sites can be booked three months in advance for a maximum of three days by calling the dedicated Lake O’Hara line on 1- 250 343 6433. There is no online booking service available.
The Lake O’Hara campsite costs $9.80 per person per night, reservation fees are $11.70 and the return bus $14.70. There are very limited number of sites available on a first-come, first serve basis but they are usually gone within a few minutes of info centre opening.
Extra restrictions for campers going to the Lake O’Hara campground include baggage limits (no more than 25kg) and a ban on items such as hard-sided coolers, radios and lawn chairs.
Backcountry Camping in Yoho
Yoho has six backcountry sites; four in the Yoho Valley in the north east section of the park and two along the Ottertail Trail in the south east. As long as you follow certain restrictions, you can set up temporary camps in the Amiskwi, Ice River, Otterhead and Porcupine valleys.
Reserve backcountry sites via the visitor centre in Field: Tel: 250.343.6783;
yoho.info@pc.gc.ca. Overnight backcountry fees cost $9.80 per night or $68.70 for the season. Reservation costs $11.70.
Campsites outside Yoho
The town of Golden, 16km west of Yoho has small selection of municipal and privately owned campgrounds.
Tips: Check out information boards and the Parks Canada website for updates on campfire regulations, area closures, bear awareness, drinking water safety, avalanche risks etc.