Backpacking trails in Yoho National Park

2026 Backcountry Camping Reservations in Yoho National Park

Backcountry Camping reservations in Yoho National Park open at 8am Mountain time on Monday January 26th, 2026. Reservations for Lake O’Hara open Thursday January 22nd, 2026. You can access the reservations system on the Parks Canada Website and it is best to create your account well before reservation system opens. You are put in a random queue, and the best reservations sell out in minutes! The most popular backcountry locations in Yoho National Park that sell out the quickest is the Lake O’Hara campground, as are some of the sites on the Yoho Valley Backpacking route.

You can also find some incredible guided hiking tours in the Canadian Rockies on 10Adventures.

Backpacking in Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park sits on the western, British Columbia side of the Continental Divide, sharing borders with Banff and Kootenay in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It is a small park with an outsized reputation, packed with waterfalls, glacier-fed lakes and some of the most concentrated alpine scenery in Canada. For backpackers, two trips stand out: the quota-controlled Lake O’Hara backcountry and the waterfall-lined Yoho Valley, both short on distance but rich on scenery. Yoho is equally famous for its day hiking, from the Iceline Trail to the Emerald Lake circuits and the fossil beds of the Burgess Shale, so many visitors pair a backcountry overnight with a few days of hiking from a basecamp in Field or Lake Louise.

THE TOP BACKPACKS IN YOHO NATIONAL PARK, BRITISH COLUMBIA

1. Lake O’Hara Backcountry Trail (17.8 km, 1,104 m, 2–3 days) - Lake O’Hara reigns as one of the most coveted destinations in Yoho National Park. Its transcendent beauty stays imprinted in every visitor’s mind. With such popularity, reservations are required, and those can be difficult to attain as you have to enter a lottery for a shuttle ticket. If you don’t get a ticket, you can extend your hike an extra 11.0 km and walk along the road. During this backpacking trek, your efforts will be rewarded with quintessential Rocky Mountain views replete with alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, boulder fields, and meadows. If you get a spot, appreciate your time at Lake O’Hara to the fullest.
2. Yoho Valley Backpacking Route (28.1 km, 1,395 m, 3–4 days) - Trek for three days among the wild Yoho landscapes filled with waterfalls, alpine lakes, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. Start your journey at the famous Takakkaw Falls and head further away from civilization on a challenging route in the Yoho Valley. You’ll endure some technical climbs and steep ascents, but the campsites are stellar, and several lakes appear during the journey if you ever want a glacial dip. If you don’t want to camp, you can stay at the Stanley Mitchell Hut.

Best Time to Go Backpacking in Yoho National Park in 2026

Yoho’s backpacking season runs from roughly July to mid-September. High routes hold snow into early July, and the Yoho Valley access road past Takakkaw Falls usually opens in late June. July and August are warmest and busiest, while September brings golden larches around Lake O’Hara and quieter trails. Both routes are short on distance but steep, so expect snow on the passes early and late in the season.

Planning Your 2026 Yoho Backpacking Trip

Yoho’s two backpacking routes both need advance planning. Lake O’Hara is quota-controlled: campground reservations and the access shuttle are released by Parks Canada months ahead and the lottery is famously competitive, though you can walk the 11 km access road if you miss out. The Yoho Valley route books through the standard Parks Canada backcountry system. For more options, explore backpacking trails in British Columbia and backpacking routes across Canada, or pair your trip with the day hikes in Yoho National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacking in Yoho National Park

How do you get a Lake O’Hara reservation?

Lake O’Hara is quota-controlled. Campground and shuttle-bus reservations are released by Parks Canada months in advance through the Parks Canada reservation system, and demand far outstrips supply, so booking day works much like a lottery. If you cannot get a shuttle seat, you can still reach the area on foot by walking the 11 km access road.

Do you need a guide to backpack in Yoho?

No. Both routes are well established and you can backpack them independently once you hold a permit and reservation. A guided trip is an option if you would rather have the logistics, permits and food handled for you, but it is not required.

Where do you sleep on the Yoho Valley route?

The Yoho Valley route uses Parks Canada backcountry campgrounds along the valley. If you would rather not camp, the Stanley Mitchell Hut in the Little Yoho Valley is a popular alternative, booked separately through the Alpine Club of Canada.

Do you need bear spray in Yoho?

Yes. Yoho is home to both grizzly and black bears, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. Use the food-storage devices provided at backcountry campgrounds, cook away from your tent, and make noise on the trail to avoid surprising wildlife.