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Top 20 Places to Visit in

Field | British Columbia

The page created by Chantal Campbell | University of British Columbia | Photo by Vlad Umnov

Field | British Columbia Classified

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Burgess Shale

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Burgess Shale is one of the most significant fossil areas in the world. This rare area of preserved fossils has contributed significantly to scientists’ understanding of early life and evolution.

Adventurers can book hikes to take them to the Walcott Quarry on Mount Field or the Mount Stephan Trilobite Fossil Bed. The hikes are all led by scientists who can give you unique information about the fossils and the scientific findings.

In addition to witnessing these hikes’ amazing views, hikers will also learn about glaciers, mountain formation, and climate change in the Canadian Rockies.

Photos: Vlad Umnov, https://www.burgess-shale.bc.ca

Natural Bridge

Unique place for selfies!

The Natural Bridge is a natural rock formation formed by the rushing water of the Kicking Horse River. This used to be a waterfall’s site, but the water flow eventually eroded the softer rock under the limestone top. This created a unique fixture in which the river dives below the rock.

The Natural Bridge can be enjoyed as a quick stop or the start of a greater adventure, as there are many trails for hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers to enjoy.

Photos and video: Vlad Umnov

Otter Internment Camp

Camp Otter, a First World War internment camp in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, was located near the Natural Bridge and is the subject of an exhibit at the park. An updated exhibit and the ‘Last Man Standing’ sculpture near the Natural Bridge tell the story of the internees.

The Canadian government interned 8,579 “enemy aliens” in camps across the country during World War I. The Camp Otter 200 internees were used to build a highway and a bridge to the Kicking Horse River in 1915-1916. Many of the internees were Ukrainian immigrants. Others were from Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey, and Bulgaria.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is the jewel of the Yoho Valley. In addition to being its largest lake, it dazzles its visitors with its vibrant colour and stunning location among the backdrop of the Presidents Range mountains.

Being only a short drive from the Trans-Canada highway makes this location easy to access. The Lake is best enjoyed by renting a canoe or taking a leisurely walk along the 5.2km lake loop that provides stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. Along this walk, visitors often see a variety of wildlife, from ground squirrels, marmots, bears, loons, and moose. Emerald Lake draws in visitors all year round, offering a variety of hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails.

While it is one of the most popular destinations in the Yoho Valley, it can often be enjoyed with fewer crowds than Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, especially once you branch out to the trails.

Photos and videos: Vlad Umnov

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Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake Lodge offers accommodation for those hoping to stay at the Emerald Lake overnight. The lodge can help you enjoy the lake peacefully after the day tourists have left.

The lodge also has three dining options for lodge guests and day visitors.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

Kicking Horse Pass

National Historic Site

Cross the Kicking Horse Pass, the highest point on the Trans-Canada Highway, and stare down onto a spectacular mountain corridor between Banff and Yoho National Parks. The legendary pass opened British Columbia to the rest of Canada by rail in the 19th century.

The pass was first recorded in the report of the Palliser expedition of 1857-60. The pass takes its name from an incident in which Dr. James Hector, a surgeon to the expedition, was kicked by his horse while exploring in this vicinity.

In 1881, the Canadian Pacific Railway decided to adopt it as their new route through the Rockies.

Photo: Vlad Umnov.

Painting: Kicking Horse Pass, 1997; O’Brien, Lucius Richard, 1832-1900 – BC Archives #PDP04901 [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2532126

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Spiral Tunnels

The Spiral Tunnels is a key location to research the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Here, you can see the rugged mountain terrain threatening westward expansion and how engineering innovation prevailed.

A pair of loops were created by tunnelling deep into the valley walls, allowing the trains to scale mountains at a 2.2% grade.

From viewpoints on Yoho Valley Road and the Trans-Canada Highway, you can watch the 25-30 passing trains daily and witness how this development still contributes to Canada’s connection.

Photo and video: Vlad Umnov

Historic Town of Field

Field has developed into a tight-knit family community of fewer than 200 people from all corners of Canada, many of whom arrived in the area with skis in tow and couldn’t bring themselves to leave. The village artisans, whether their medium is sound, clay, food, or film, have found Field to be the perfect place to hone their craft.

Established in the 1880s as a settlement of tents and shacks to house construction workers for the Canadian Pacific Railway, Field soon became a hotbed of activity in the Rocky Mountains. The townsite received its name in honour of Cyrus Field, an American being wooed by the CPR for investment capital; he never did invest.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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Superintendent’s Residence

Federal Heritage Building

The Superintendent’s Residence at Yoho National Park was constructed in 1929-30 to designs by the Architectural Division of the National Parks Branch. The building is still used as the superintendent’s residence. The Environment Canada Parks Service is the custodian of the property.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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Field Community Hall

Take a selfie with this historical wood building welcoming visitors to Yoho National Park. The park was established in 1886.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church was built in 1908. Mass is still held during the summer months.

St. Joseph’s is the most photographed building in the village. St. Joseph’s location under the 3,199 metre Mount Stephen makes for an attractive shot for photographers.

Photo: Vlad Umnov

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Water Tower

Since 1930, the CPR Water Tower has watched over the peaceful community of Field. The 21m structure represents a deeply rooted connection to the transcontinental railway and a time when thirsty steam engines stopped in for a drink.

The iconic tower retired in 1952 with the introduction of diesel-electric engines.

Photos: Vlad Umnov

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Truffle Pigs Bistro and Lodge

The Truffle Pigs Bistro and Lodge invite you to enjoy impassioned food and mountain hospitality at this local establishment. It’s an ideal location to stay while enjoying the adventures the Rockies have in store, with comfortable rooms at competitive prices. The Bistro is a great place to grab a quality meal in a colourful atmosphere. Their menu offers a wide range of options using local suppliers. It’s a great place to try a shaft cocktail, toted as a classic of the Canadian Rockies, and chat with locals about what sites are worth visiting.

Photo: Vlad Umnov

 

Velvet Antler Pottery and Gallery

This family-owned and operated business offers visitors a unique shopping experience within Yoho National Park. Established in 1982, the owners, Ryan and Kathryn Cameron invite visitors into the shop to watch them craft unique pieces and browse their galleries. They offer a wide range of beautiful, handmade pieces to help you remember your visit to Field or gift to your loved ones once you return from your journeys.

Photo: https://www.velvetantlerpottery.com/

 

The Old Doctor’s House

May-October

One bedroom upper-level suite with private entrance and fully equipped kitchen. Complimentary coffee/tea, WIFI and ROKU TV. Our suite accommodates up to 2 people. We have a 3-4 night minimum, depending on the dates.

Photo: Vlad Umnov

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Edgemount Guesthouse

Added to this historic home, a completely separate suite was opened for business in 2010. This totally private, second-floor, open, open-concept suite is available year-round.

Photo: Vlad Umnov

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Lake O’Hara

Lake O’Hara and the surrounding areas are renowned for offering some of the most beautiful nature in the Canadian Rockies.  This environment contains beautiful lakes, hanging valleys, colourful larches, and teeming wildlife.

Lake O’Hara has a network of well-maintained trails to facilitate your adventuring. Visitors can enjoy this area as day hikers or plan an overnight stay by camping or booking accommodations at the original 1920s lodge. Access to this area has been limited to preserve this sensitive alpine environment. While this guarantees a more peaceful experience, it also means you should plan ahead if you plan to visit this gorgeous lake.

Photos: Vlad Umnov, Esther Lee, flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Takakkaw Falls

The name for the waterfall comes from the word “wonderful” in the language of the Cree First Nations. This stunning waterfall truly lives up to that description. The water makes an impressive 992-foot drop, making it the second-tallest waterfall in Canada.

The falls can be easily accessed, with a short, paved walk from the parking lot bringing you right to the spray of the cascading glacier water. For those seeking more adventure, Takakkaw Falls can serve as the starting marker for many hikes and backcountry camping spots. The impressive rock face next to the falls is often ascended by thrill-seeking rock climbers. This stunning waterfall and the surrounding areas are a must-see on any trip through Field in the summertime.

Photo: James Wheeler, flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Sherbrooke Lake

Sherbrooke lake is a stunning Glacier-fed lake surrounded by towering mountains. The lake can be reached through beginner-level hikes for the whole family. The trail takes you through a wooded path, with stunning views to reward you at its end. During the summer, diving in turquoise waters is a perfect way to cool off. Sherbrooke Lake is one of the three largest lakes in the Yoho Valley, but it can often be enjoyed with fewer crowds than some of the other iconic, easy-access lakes in the Canadian Rockies.

Photo: CutOffTies, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Twin Falls Tea House

The Twin Falls Tea House allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the first explorers of the Rockies. This site was constructed in association with the Canadian Pacific Railway, with the project beginning in 1908. Additional buildings were added in 1922 and 1925, serving as examples of different types of design and construction during these three other times. This site was designated a national historic site in 1992 and is now operated by the Alpine Club of Canada.

The historic tea house caters to those looking to explore one of the most popular backcountry routes in Yoho National Park. It is located an 8.5 km walk from the Takakkaw Falls parking lot. From mid-June to mid-October, hikers can rest on the rustic porch, rewarding themselves with lunch and refreshments while enjoying the stunning views of twin falls. The Teahouse also offers accommodation and catered meals for those who reserve overnight stays. This location offers a glimpse back into history, and paths forward on your adventure, such as a footpath that leads to a narrow gorge between these falls. The Twin Falls Tea House offers a backcountry experience like no other.

Photo: Redonebird, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Top 20 Places to Visit in

Field | British Columbia

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