Day 5: HIKE Yoho National Park, BC Canada
This was such a fun full day of hiking that it will be it's own single-day blog post.
Since we knew we'd be in Canada for an extended amount of time, we purchased an annual Canadian National Parks family pass.
Yoho National Park is a less known "sister" park to the very popular Banff National Park. Separated by the Continental Divide and a providence border, the Yoho and Banff parks are surrounded/bordered by other Canadian National Parks like Jasper and Kootenay. Basically this area is North America's hot spot for super sized natural wonders.
Our first stop in Yoho National Park was Takakkaw Falls, Canada's second-highest waterfall. This waterfall is fed above it directly by the Daly Glacier.
The waterfall produces a lot of mist — of which Gavin was not fond of. But he perked up when he saw a river and a lifetime supply of rocks. "Throw rock!" and "Big splash!"
Natural bridge, a rock formation created by many years of water erosion.
Next stop: Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park
It was around this point in our vacation that I realized that while there were certainly a fair amount of American tourists in Canada, we were greatly outnumbered by travelers from around the world (especially Asia and Europe). To me, it felt like we were a million miles from the prairies of North Dakota, but interesting to think that most of the other tourists traveled significantly farther to be there. We were so far from home, yet also so close.
Picnic lunch at Emerald Lake
Hiking the Emerald Lake Loop trail (3.25 miles)
The first third of the trail was a popular wide trail, so Gavin got to stretch his legs.
The second two-thirds of the trail were less traveled (much preferred by us) and we had the trail to ourselves much of the way.
Corey and the kids, dipping their toes in the glacier river. Yes, it was cold.
After hike snack at the Emerald Lake restaurant.
I had wild boar pizza and fireweed lemonade — absolutely delicious!
In this photo, my mom is feeding the kids wild blueberry "appetizers" that we picked along the trail.
And ice cream for dessert.
(pardon Kya's ice cream face)
Hiking to Wapta Falls (3 miles)
Hiking is never boring with Grandma Z (and her moss mustache)! Or witness protection?!
This was my view for much of the trip. Gavin in his element — throwing rocks into the nearest glacial lake or river.
Apparently this rock was particularly fantastic.
Kya found her happy place too — hiking. She started calling herself "Sherpa Sophie" and bravely led our group up and down the trails.
The very silty Wapta Falls
. . .
Next up: Rocky Mountain Road Trip blog Part 3!
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