Emerald Lake Photography in British Columbia, Canada

Editorial Update: January 1, 2026
Photography Location Guides & Essential

Yoho National Park

Emerald Lake is a top ten photography hot spot. We are unsure how many top ten places we have discovered, but it might be more than ten. The color of the lake will blow your mind. The spectacular colors will make incredible, dynamic images. The one image is an award-winner. How can you not get a top-ten shot here?

Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada. A 5.2 km (3.2 mi) hiking trail circles the lake. During the summer months, canoe rentals are available; the lake is a popular cross-country skiing destination in the winter. The lake is enclosed by the mountains of the President Range, as well as Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain.

Due to its high altitude, the lake is frozen from November until June. The vivid turquoise color of the water, caused by powdered limestone, is most spectacular in July as the snow melts from the surrounding mountains.

Emerald Lake Photography

Surrounded by majestic mountains, the emerald lake glistens under the warm sun. You can hike along its crystal-clear waters with a camera in hand. With each step, new opportunities for dynamic photography arise, as the lake’s vibrant blue/emerald colors add an extra layer of beauty to every shot. The towering peaks that frame the lake provide a backdrop for any photograph, creating incredible works of art.

Not AI generated with Pamela Goodyers picture

BEST TIME TO GO

We think the warmer weather months are the best time to go to Emerald Lake. We go here every year at the end of June. Fall can be a nice time to go, but in this area, snowstorms can happen unexpectedly. Winter photography does not always produce dynamic results, but the choice is yours.

HOW LONG TO PHOTOGRAPH

Set aside several hours to spend at this beautiful location. And don’t forget it’s not always about the photography. It’s also about the experience. Connecting to Mother Gaia and all of the beauty in this area can be a profound experience.

WHAT ELSE TO BRING

Hiking boots, bug spray seasonally, and some organic sunscreen.

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY NEARBY

Check out our Canada Photography hots spot page, and you will see multiple areas to pair this up with, such as the Natural Bridge, Lake Louise, the town of Field, and a few other incredible locations.

HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?

This location doesn’t get too busy. Or at least it has not been every time we have been here each June.

HOW TO GET THERE

Banff to Emerald Lake: You can reach Emerald Lake via Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W

DONATE

At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.

May my works guide photographers, illuminating their path toward creating dynamic and impactful images that showcase the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer

EMERALD LAKE AREA HOTELS, DINING & MORE

Where to eat, stay and what you need to know. Check out the weather before you go.

EMERALD LAKE AREA INFORMATION

Fee for the Emerald Lake area: None

2026 Update:

The Canada Strong Pass is back for the holidays and summer 2026! The Government of Canada is offering free admission and a 25% discount on camping fees and overnight stays from:

December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, inclusive
June 19 to September 7, 2026, inclusive
Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 2026, inclusive.

During the Canada Strong Pass periods, no fees apply for admission for all visitors to all national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada.

Parks Canada Website

EMERALD LAKE BC HOTEL INFORMATION:

EMERALD LAKE LODGE

From $189 in the winter to $579 in the warmer months.

Emerald Lake Road, Fiel,d BC V0A1G0 Canada 1-866-599-6674

How can this not be our pick? What an incredible location and atmosphere. Besides showing up in my award-winning photo, this is just the place to stay, and you can bring your pooch too!

Emerald Lake Lodge offers a homelike atmosphere due to convenient features like a cozy fireplace, lovely patio, and separate sitting area, not to mention windows that open to breathtaking mountain and lake views. Along with a fantastic restaurant, Emerald Lake Lodge houses a casual bar/lounge, a crackling fireplace in the inviting lobby, plus well-appointed banquet facilities where event catering and wedding services can be coordinated.

EMERALD LAKE RESTAURANTS

Emerald Lake Lodge Restaurant

They offer multiple dining locations. Please see the website for more information.

(As seen in the main image above.) What a great place to eat outside on the patio with this view. It does not get any better in life than this.

CAMPING NEAR EMERALD LAKE

Kicking Horse	May 14 to October 4	May 29 to October 4	Unserviced
Monarch	May 1 to October 12	Reservations May 14 – Oct 5, 2026 First-come, first-served only May 1 to 13 and Oct 6 to 12	Unserviced
Takakkaw Falls	June 11 to October 12	June 20 to September 16	Unserviced Walk-in
Hoodoo Creek	June 11 to September 7	First-come, first-served only	Unserviced