Hike the epic Skoki circuit over four unforgettable days
While the selection of incredible backpacking routes in the Canadian Rockies is too long to name, the Skoki Circuit stands out for its jaw-dropping beauty. The Hiking the Skoki Circuit tour is an excellent way to enjoy this region of Banff National Park, taking care of the logistics so you can just soak up those views.
The Hiking the Skoki Circuit tour takes you through the mountains near Lake Louise, passing gem-blue lakes, wide alpine meadows, and above the treeline to gaze at the mountains that surround you. Hike each day, then get comfy each night in a campsite nestled under the summits. Laugh with your group as the sun sets over the peaks, reminiscing about the top-notch scenery you discovered that day. This isn’t one to miss!
Highlights of the Hiking the Skoki Circuit
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Hiking the Skoki Circuit Itinerary
Day 1 Meet in Canmore, Lake Louise to Hidden Lake
Your adventure begins with a meeting in Canmore before hitting the road to Lake Louise. You’ll begin hiking at the Fish Creek lot near the Lake Louise ski resort. Hike to Halfway, Hut, a historic log cabin once used as a shelter for hikers on their way to Skoki Lodge. You’ll camp near this cabin tonight.
Before setting up camp, hike to Hidden Lake, a fantastic mountain bowl beneath Mt. Richardson. You’ll spend some time exploring the ridge before enjoying dinner.
Overnight Location: Camping in Banff National Park
Distance: 7.3km, 510m elevation gain
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Hidden Lake to Merlin Meadows
Get your first full day of hiking under your belt with a trip up the valley to Boulder Pass, where you can see Ptarmigan Lake surrounded by meadows and mountains. Skirt the lake to reach Deception Pass, then descend into the Skoki Valley. You’ll rest a moment at the Skoki Lodge, built in the 1920s and popular with backcountry skiers.
Continue from the lodge, hiking downhill for a short while to Merlin Meadows. You’ll camp here tonight, but first, hike up a headwall to Merlin Lake, a stunning spot!
Overnight Location: Camping in Banff National Park
Distance: 8.5km, 275m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Merlin Meadows to Baker Lake
After a warm coffee in your sleeping bag, start a circumnavigation to Fossil Mountain. You’ll climb to Cotton Pass, crossing through forest to a group of expansive meadows under even more expansive mountains.
Make camp at Baker Lake, then take some time to hike around the many ridges and peaks nearby. If you’re feeling more inclined to relax, you can do just that on the lakeshore.
Overnight Location: Camping in Banff National Park
Distance: 8.1km, 225m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Baker Lake to Lake Louise
Break camp for the last time, then head down to the trailhead via Ptarmigan Lake and Boulder Pass, high-fiving and cheering your completed route on the shore of the perfectly turquoise Lake Louise. From there you’ll be transferred back to Canmore.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 13.1km, 150m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking the Skoki Circuit Price and Dates
This guided backpacking tour is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you). Please note that due a very high demand and limited availability in campgrounds it is necessary to plan your trip a long time in advance.
Prices below are per person:
Accommodation on the Hiking the Skoki Circuit Tour
This tour is based in campsites in the Canadian Rockies. Facilities may be basic or limited, so you should be comfortable with a true backcountry experience. Tents will be provided.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
There are no single rooms available on this tour as all accommodations are communal. The minimum group size is 3 people, so please contact us about joining an existing group if you are a solo traveller.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Camping in the Canadian Rockies
Spend each night camping in gorgeous spots in the mountains, enjoying an authentic backcountry experience with your group. Facilities may not be available.
What’s Included in the Hiking the Skoki Circuit Tour?
Meals
3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included. Please pack any additional snacks you may want. Meals to suit dietary requirements are available but may incur an additional fee depending on your needs.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 3 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation During the Tour
You will be driven from Canmore to the trailhead on Day 1. You will be responsible for your own transportation to Canmore and back from Lake Louise on the final day. We recommend booking shuttles or renting a car.
Also Included
- Tents
- Expert guide services
Not Included
- Flights
- Hotels
- Meals, drinks, or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Special dietary requirement meals
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking the Skoki Circuit
Located in Canmore, Alberta at the gates of Banff National Park, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is one of Canada’s premier providers of mountaineering, rock & ice climbing, backcountry skiing, hiking, and trekking experiences in the Canadian Rockies. For over 40 years, we have hosted thousands of clients from Canada and all over the world. Our brand is known for quality mountain experiences, safety, and well-organized itineraries. We have some of the best mountain guides and hiking guides in the industry. All Yamnuska Mountain Adventures climbing guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
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