Update: The Siding has reopened as the Yoho Corner Store, very exciting! See below.
The village of Field, BC, resides within Parks Canada’s Yoho National Park site, in the Kicking Horse River valley. It is the first community inside the province of British Columbia along the Trans-Canada Highway, and it borders Banff National Park. Named in honour of Cyrus West Field, a telegraph cable worker who visited the area in 1884 in conjunction with the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR – now Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway).
Field has a certain small-town charm about it, where unique friendships are made, often due to its location in Yoho. You’ll find a tight-knit family community in this small mountain village, set against the natural magnificence of the Rocky Mountains.
Several village artisans, such as the Velvet Antler, make their home here, thriving in the mountain lifestyle. The townsite is currently managed by Parks Canada.
The origin of Field, BC
Originally, in the 1880s, the creation of the Field townsite was little more than a settlement of tents and shacks. It was put together to house the CPR construction workers building the railway. Homes for the Swiss Guides were built soon after; many of those guide houses remain today and have largely been refurbished.
Field soon became a hotbed of activity in the area, with an influx of amateur mountaineers and wealthy tourists drawn to the hiking trails. It is also home to the Burgess Shale, discovered by early CPR workers.
Deep connection to the railway, the Confederation of Canada
William Cornelius van Horne, with his promise to push the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada from Montreal to the west coast of British Columbia, is largely responsible for the development of this area.
Significant CPR developments brought railway access to the area, followed by the establishment of a variety of mountain hotels. The cross-country railway aided in the Confederation of Canada.
Today, Field is a thriving, albeit small, community
Field and Yoho National Parks are home to many attractions, among them Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge and Takakkaw Falls, to name but a few. The town itself is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking and snowshoeing opportunities.
Thanks to its rich history and stunning natural surroundings, Field continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Its ties to the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Confederation of Canada serve as a reminder of the country’s past and how it has shaped this small but vibrant community.
In addition to its historical significance, Field also offers a unique cultural experience through its diverse population. With its proximity to Banff National Park, many seasonal workers from around the world come to work at the various hotels and lodges in the area. This creates a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds that adds to the charm and character of the town.
Yoho National Park offers many things to do
While in Yoho, plan to visit Emerald Lake Lodge and Cilantro on the Lake. It’s an amazing place to spend a weekend, and the food is amazing. There is also a dining room at the Lodge and a lounge serving excellent cocktails.
Cathedral Mountain Chalets is only a few minutes up the road and offers a tranquil location for visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
In downtown Field, the Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge is the perfect place to eat dinner. They have an exciting menu that they update with each season. Honestly, it’s one of the best places to eat in the area, bar none. It’s definitely worth the experience, you won’t be disappointed.
Yoho Corner Store
The Siding has reopened (2026) as the Yoho Corner Store. Serving coffee and sweets, together with a sandwich menu, there’s also a fairly extensive wine selection.
