Turquoise Emerald Lake with mountain reflections in Yoho National Park Canada

    Emerald Lake’s vivid turquoise waters reflecting surrounding peaks in Yoho National Park, British Columbia.

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    Emerald Lake

    Water Feature

    Emerald Lake is a glacial lake in Yoho National Park known for its vivid green colour from glacial rock flour. The lake is surrounded by mountain peaks and forest. The composition resolves through the lake's colour and shoreline leading toward the mountain backdrop.

    51.44375, -116.53166

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    Gallery

    Turquoise Emerald Lake with mountain reflections in Yoho National Park Canada

    Emerald Lake’s vivid turquoise waters reflecting surrounding peaks in Yoho Natio…

    Emerald Lake turquoise water with forest and mountain in Yoho National Park Canada

    Turquoise waters of Emerald Lake bordered by forest with mountain backdrop in Yo…

    Canoe on turquoise Emerald Lake with forest and mountains in Yoho National Park Canada

    Canoeing across the turquoise waters of Emerald Lake surrounded by forest and pe…

    Emerald Lake reflection with mountains and lodge in Yoho National Park Canada

    Emerald Lake reflecting surrounding peaks and lodge in calm evening light, Yoho …

    Emerald Lake with lodge and mountain reflections in Yoho National Park Canada

    Emerald Lake Lodge and surrounding peaks reflected in the calm waters of Emerald…

    Emerald Lake with Wapta Mountain and forest shoreline in Yoho National Park Canada

    Emerald Lake shoreline with Wapta Mountain rising above the forest in Yoho Natio…

    Red canoes at Emerald Lake with mountain reflections and lodge in Yoho National Park Canada

    Canoes lined along the shoreline at Emerald Lake with the lodge and surrounding …

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Short Walk

    5–15 min

    Elevation Gain

    20 m

    Best Light

    Sunrise
    Golden Hour
    Overcast

    Calm conditions allow reflections across the lake surface while soft or low-angle light preserves colour and detail in both water and surrounding peaks.

    Why This Light

    Reflections
    Wide DR OK

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    The lake is ice-free in summer with strong colour and reflections, while winter introduces frozen surfaces and snow-covered surroundings.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Fee Common

    Accessible via a short walk from parking; subject to national park entry fees.

    Photography Notes

    Photographs are typically made from the shoreline loop where trees, rocks, and water form foreground structure. Small shifts around the lake change how the mountain backdrop aligns and affect reflection symmetry across the water.
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