We had a bucket list for this trip, and #2 on the list was a visit to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. It didn't disappoint, and we managed to fit in another three hikes as well. (Frankly, it was a bit of overload. We both loved the last hike, but it was long, and by the end we were really tired.)
When we arrived (early to beat the crowds) Emerald Lake was fogged in.
While we waited for the fog to clear, we hiked up to Hamilton Falls. When we came down, it was another absolutely perfect day---sunny and clear. The hike around Emerald Lake is long--about two hours, but not a difficult one. Here's a shot from about one-quarter of the way around the lake.
Like Lake Louise, the water is a beautiful turquoise, but it's the reflection of the mountains that is so stunning.
We also hiked to Takakkaw Falls (2nd highest in Canada--less than a mile hike), and then to Laughing Falls, which is almost as beautiful as Takakkaw Falls. We were so glad we'd added Yoho National Park to our itinerary.
Today we hiked through Sunshine Meadows--definitely our second favorite hike so far. I'll eventually have photos to share of the amazing wildflowers and beautiful lakes there. Tomorrow we drive up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper which is our last stop on the Canadian Rockies hiking adventure. Then it's a night in Edmonton, and back to Calgary to fly to Chicago.
Here's a high five for Helena who hosts the meme "Pairs" every Wednesday. Check them out.
