Due to the innate danger of walking around in the wilderness, any national park is going to have the occasional accident and Yoho is no exception. One recent Yoho National Park incident in 2023 saw six visitors fall through a crumbling ice sheet into the freezing cold water of the Kicking Horse River. An onlooker recorded the fall and posted it online. Although nobody was seriously injured, this accident should act as a reminder to treat nature with respect and care, even in the relative safety of a national park.
The strong rivers and high waterfalls in Yoho National Park can be dangerous if you’re not careful. In 2023, a visitor to the park died after he slipped and fell into the water at the top of Takkakaw Falls, the tallest waterfall in Yoho. When hiking near the water, make sure you take your steps carefully and wear proper footwear that won’t slip on the wet rocks. These attractions are just as beautiful from a distance as they are up close, so don’t risk your life climbing near the water unless you’re confident in your capabilities.
Despite the occasional hiking injury or death, the greatest risk you face when visiting Yoho National Park is a car accident. Driving is the most dangerous thing most of us do in our day-to-day lives, and the winding roads that cut through the Canadian Rockies are particularly risky. Make sure to stay alert and drive carefully when visiting any national park, including Yoho.
While accidents in a national park are always publicized, the truth is that Yoho National Park is a very safe place to visit. Just take care when climbing or driving and you’ll be fine.
To make the most of your trip, check out our Yoho National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
