Friends of Yoho: In a meaningful step toward preserving one of Canada’s most cherished natural landscapes, Emerald Lake Lodge is proud to announce a new partnership with the non-profit organization, Friends of Yoho. This collaboration will support a range of initiatives, including ecological research, cultural preservation, educational programming, and vital trail restoration efforts throughout the Yoho National Park region.
Beginning July 1st, $2 from every room reservation at Emerald Lake Lodge will be donated to Friends of Yoho to help advance their mission of protecting and stewarding the park’s unique natural and cultural heritage. This will be retroactively applied to all stays dating back to January 1, 2025. This contribution is not an added charge for guests, but rather a portion of the existing room rate that is being redirected to help preserve this beloved natural setting.
“As stewards of this land and passionate advocates for the guest experience, we’re committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of Yoho National Park,” said Larkin O’Connor, President, Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts. “Preserving access and the cultural heritage of these world-class natural spaces requires ongoing care and investment. That’s where partnerships like the one between Emerald Lake Lodge and Friends of Yoho can make a meaningful and lasting impact.”
Since 1885, Canada’s National Parks have been protected places where people can connect with nature, learn from the landscape, and experience the country’s natural beauty firsthand. Created to serve the benefit, education, and enjoyment of all Canadians, these parks reflect a national commitment to conservation and access.
One of the many projects that Friends of Yoho is working on in partnership with Parks Canada is upgrading and maintaining the eastern section of the Emerald Lake trail, along the Mt. Burgess/Wapta side. This popular and highly used route is showing signs of erosion, root exposure, trail braiding, and widening — all of which impact both safety and the surrounding environment.
Longtime trail user and President of the Board of the Friends of Yoho, Michale Lang, shared her perspective:
“Having run and hiked the Emerald Lake trail for more than 50 years, I have been disappointed to see its condition deteriorate over that time. I am overjoyed that Friends of Yoho will be working to restore the trail for both locals and Yoho Park’s many visitors.”
Friends of Yoho, in collaboration with Parks Canada, is undertaking a series of trail improvements aimed at protecting the environment and enhancing the visitor experience. Planned upgrades include the installation of boardwalks and other sustainable trail construction techniques designed to reduce further damage and improve trail conditions. These efforts will enhance trail safety, elevate the overall experience for visitors, and ensure the long-term preservation of the natural landscape.
“To complete more work like this, Friends of Yoho is looking to raise an additional $45,000 over the next three years to help fund construction materials required for trail improvements in addition to other stewardship projects,” says Lang.
“The support and financial contributions from Emerald Lake Lodge will play a meaningful role in reaching this goal, while also contributing to additional initiatives throughout the surrounding area.”
Trail work at Emerald Lake will be carried out by Parks Canada trail crews, who will manage the staging of materials, construction, and labour. Friends of Yoho will purchase materials for the project annually and work closely with Parks Canada to evaluate progress and review work plans each year before committing to future phases of the project. The work is expected to begin in Summer 2025 and be completed by Fall 2027.
Through this partnership with Friends of Yoho, guests of Emerald Lake Lodge play an active role in preserving the ecology and culture of one of the most iconic and cherished landscapes in the Canadian Rockies.
In addition to the nightly contribution program facilitated by Emerald Lake Lodge and Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR), Friends of Yoho encourages anyone who loves Emerald Lake to get involved.
Whether you’re a frequent visitor, an occasional hiker, or simply someone who values accessible outdoor spaces, you can support their many initiatives by donating directly or becoming a member of Friends of Yoho.
Learn more and contribute at friendsofyoho.ca.
