
Combining Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls is the perfect day trip from Calgary. It’s quintessential for families, friends or couples. The stunning Emerald Lake is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains on all sides making for dramatic scenery. And approximately 20km away from Emerald Lake is Takakkaw Falls. At 373m high, it is the 2nd highest waterfall in Canada and something you definitely want to see if you’re in this part of Canada. There is no cell service in the area, except in the lodge, so it’s a great escape from the city AND social media.
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Perfect Day Trip from Calgary: Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls


Perfect Day Trip from Calgary –
When to go
In the summer, Emerald Lake’s emerald green waters with the slate grey of the Rocky Mountains in the background is just so spectacular. And, it’s just as beautiful in the winter with snow covering the lake and the mountains, and with a bright blue sky. The next two pictures were taken from the same spot, the first in the summer, the second in the winter. Stunning either way!




Takakkaw Falls freezes in the winter and because there is little traffic, there is A LOT of snow, and not the best time to view the falls.
Although you could do this perfect day trip from Calgary year round it is best in the spring, summer or autumn, especially if you want to see Takakkaw Falls in its full glory.







Perfect Day Trip from Calgary –
Getting to Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls are located in Yoho National Park, an easy and scenic 3 hour drive from Calgary. In the summer Emerald Lake gets very busy so the earlier you can leave Calgary the better. Luckily, there is a time change and BC is 1 hour behind Calgary so you will gain an hour on your way there.
Start out by driving west on the TransCanada Hwy #1until you reach Field, BC. Just past the town, on your right, you will see a sign for Emerald Lake. Turn there. Continue on this road for about 10 minutes. There is a free visitor parking lot near the Emerald Lake Lodge on your left. Total driving time is about 2.5 hours.
Good to Know
Due to how popular Emerald Lake is, I suggest departing Calgary around 7:00-7:30am so that you are able to get a parking spot and are able to enjoy the views, however briefly, on your own.
Need to Know
As Emerald Lake is located in a National Park you will need to purchase a park pass. You can do this on your way at the park gates located between Canmore and Banff. Cost (daily) is $10/adult, $8.40/senior, and under 17 are free, or you can purchase a family/group pass for $20 for up to 7 people in 1 car.









Perfect Day Trip from Calgary –
Emerald Lake
Now that you are parked, step out of your vehicle and breathe in that fresh mountain air. There is nothing like it early in the morning. Put on your hiking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready for some seriously beautiful scenery as you hike around Emerald Lake.
It is an easy 5.5km hike, mostly flat the whole way, so it’s suitable for everyone. Starting counter clockwise, just past the Emerald Lake Lodge, you will begin by passing through a rain drenched forest with tall trees and deep mosses as you follow the trail along side Emerald Lake.






The Alluvial Fan
Once you get to the end of the lake, and about the halfway mark, the pathway opens up and you will have reached the alluvial fan, an open area with shallow streams and build up of fine sandy silt.






The Avalanche Path
Continuing on the last half of the trail, on this side of the lake you will find the trail is wider and well groomed. Close to the end of the hike, you will come to the avalanche path, a wide open, wild-flower filled field on the side of the mountain, where in the spring, the snow slides down the side of the mountain clearing the area.


The avalanche path seen from the opposite side of the lake.


Wild-flower filled avalanche path.


Other Hikes and Activities
Other hikes from Emerald Lake include Hamilton Falls (11km return), Emerald Basin (9.2km return), Yoho Pass (12.8km return), and the Emerald Triangle Loop (19.7km return). You can also hike from Emerald Lake to Takakkaw Falls (13km one way). Keep reading to learn about Takakkaw Falls.
If hiking isn’t for you, you can rent a canoe from Emerald Sports and paddle around the lake. The still glass like lake is also perfect for stand up paddle boarding but you will have to bring your own as Emerald Sports only rents canoes.


Lunch
Once you’ve finished your hike you will likely be hungry. You can choose to pack your own lunch and bring it with you. You will find picnic tables at the start/end of the loop around the lake, near Emerald Sport. Or you can grab lunch and a ‘refreshing beverage’ at the Kicking Horse Lounge inside Emerald Lake Lodge. I highly recommend the Ranch Burger!
Another option for lunch is in the town of Field, just 10 minutes away, at Truffle Pigs Bistro. I have not tried it yet but I’ve heard that the food is excellent.







Perfect Day Trip from Calgary –
Natural Bridge
After lunch, visit the Natural Bridge and waterfall, along the access road back to the TransCanada Hwy. The bridge spans across the mighty Kicking Horse River. Originally a waterfall, the water has eroded the rock to form a natural bridge with water pounding beneath.













Perfect Day Trip from Calgary –
Takakkaw Falls
Next, make your way to the mighty and powerful Takakkaw Falls. At 373m high, Takakkaw Falls is the 2nd highest waterfall in Canada and is fed by the Daly Glacier. In Cree, takakkaw translates ‘wonderful’. Once you arrive at the falls you will understand how it got its name!
Getting There
From Emerald Lake, get back on the TransCanada Hwy and head east for about 5km, then turn left onto Yoho Valley Road, and continue for about 13km until you reach the marked turnoff for Takakkaw Falls. There is a parking lot but it can be busy so you may have to circle it a few times to find a spot.
From the parking lot it’s a short walk, about 0.5km on a paved pathway. There are several spots along the way to stop and take in the beauty of this wondrous waterfall. You can feel the mist created by the falls from quite a distance away. On a hot summer day it is really refreshing!

















Overall
That rounds up this perfect day trip from Calgary. Emerald Lake is one of my favourite getaways from Calgary. It’s beauty amazes me everytime I’m there. And it’s just as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer with snow capped mountains and trees glistening in the sun. This is an easy day trip from Calgary but if you can take the extra time, add on a night at the Emerald Lake Lodge. The cozy cabins with fireplaces will warm your body, mind and heart.
Happy travels!

