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History
When British Columbia joined the Confederation of Canada in 1871, it became necessary to create a national railway to unite both sides of the country. During the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s, Field was created as a resting spot for construction workers and as a tourist site for potential investors.
Today, Field is a small community of less than 200 residents, and consists primarily of those who work in Yoho National Park and those who simply want to be closer to nature.
Location
Field lies at the centre of Yoho National Park, on the western side of the Rocky Mountains. It can be reached from the west coast of BC or from Alberta by taking the Trans-Canada Highway.
Places to See
- Yoho National Park
Established in 1886 to preserve the natural beauty of the area surrounding Field, Yoho National Park contains 28 mountain peaks, the third highest waterfall in Canada (Takakkaw Falls), and over 400 kilometres of scenic hiking trails.
- Takakkaw Falls
The rushing waters surge downward 254 metres, making Takakkaw Falls the third highest waterfall in Canada.
- Hoodoo Creek Campground
After a steep hike, visitors can marvel at another unique Yoho sight: Hoodoos - balanced boulders on pillars of glacial debree.
- Lake Louise Mountain Resort
Located in nearby Banff National Park, Lake Louise contains 4200 skiable acres, making it one of the largest sking areas in North America. The season runs from November to May, with gentle slopes and long-cruising runs for beginners and intermediates, and endless chutes, glades, gullies, and remote bowls for expert skiers. Buy the latest ski and snowboard gear from the sports boutique or enjoy upscale dining at one of the four available alpine lodges.
Things to Do
- Camping
Yoho National Park offers 297 campsites during the peak season, all available on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy hot showers and an outdoor theatre with interpretive programs at the Kicking Horse Campground, or head to the walk-in campground at Takakkaw Falls and enjoy the unbeatable view.
- Canoeing
Enjoy a slow, scenic paddle through Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, or Lake Louise. For those seeking adventure, the Kicking Horse River in nearby Golden contains class III and IV rapids.
- Fishing
Catch brook char and rainbow trout at Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park's most popular fishing destination. Travel west of Field to the Kicking Horse River and catch cutthroat and rainbow trout, brook char, dolly varden, and whitefish.
- Mountaineering
Surrounding Field are three popular sites for mountaineering: Mount Stephen, Mount Burgess, and Mount Field.
- Rock Climbing
Banff National Park, just twenty minutes away from Field, offers a variety of beginner and expert routes for climbers. Surrounding Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are some of the most popular alpine climbing areas in North America, ranging from moderate scrambles to more serious alpine faces. There are extensive trails for easy access.
- River Rafting
The Kicking Horse River is one of the most popular spots in Canada for whitewater rafting, with three sections that change from class I to class V. Take your family on a moderate whitewater trip that includes some class II and III rapids, or traverse the entire river and experience 27 kilometres of upper and lower canyon rafting.
- Hiking
There are over 400 kilometres of hiking trails in Yoho National Park, all of which feature breathtaking views. Descriptions for most of the trails can be found in the Yoho National Park Backcountry Guide, which can be obtained at the Visitor Centre.
- Mountain Biking or Horseback Riding
A number of former fireroads within Yoho National Park have been converted into trails, allowing visitors to ride bikes or horses through the gorgeous backcountry.
- Waterfall Ice Climbing
The Canadian Rockies are one of the world's top waterfall ice-climbing destinations, featuring good access, reliable conditions, hundreds of options, and a long season. Be wary of avalanche hazards.
Events
- Golden Rodeo
An annual 3-day August event in nearby Golden that features a parade, music from local musicians, rodeo performances, and- perhaps best of all- cowboy poetry.
- Mount 7 Psychosis
The world's most demented downhill mountain bike race! It takes place every July in Golden and features nearly 4000 vertical feet of single track, an alpine start with 150 metres of 40 degree locked up shale surf and an optional 43 feet air over the crowd. Wow!
Contact Information
Yoho National Park of Canada
P.O. Box 99
Field, B.C.
Canada V0A 1G0
Phone: 250-343-6783
TTY: 1-866-787-6221
Fax: 250.343.6012
Email: yoho.info@pc.gc.ca
Website: Yoho National Park
Travel Guide to Field, British Columbia and Yoho National Park
Website: www.field.ca
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