Hiking the Skoki Circuit
Hike the epic Skoki circuit over four unforgettable days
Guided
Hiking the Skoki Circuit Overview
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!
Trip highlights
Hike one of the most rewarding backpacking routes in the Canadian Rockies, the wonderful Skoki Circuit.
See more stunning lakes, high alpine meadows, forests, and mountains than you could possibly count.
Spend each night cozied up in a new campsite, unplugging from it all and relaxing in the wilderness.
End your hike at turquoise Lake Louise, one of the most visited sites in Banff National Park.
Day By Day Itinerary
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
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, 375m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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, 100m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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, 710m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 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 for 3 nights are included in shared tents. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be booked as a supplement. You should arrive to Canmore one day before the tour start for a briefing.
- You will be driven from Canmore to the trailhead on Day 1, as well as driven back to Canmore after the tour concludes. Any other transfers or transportation are not 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
Non-Standard Cancellation
- 60 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 10% of the total trip cost (at least $150 CAD).
- 59 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You don’t need any previous experience backpacking for this tour, but you should be fit enough to hike an average of 8 km-13 km per day for consecutive days at high altitudes. You will also need to be comfortable sleeping in very basic conditions on this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
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.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Please verify that your insurance covers the included activities on this tour. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). We recommend renting a car or booking a shuttle as you’ll need to find your way to Canmore and back to the airport at the end of the tour.
Yes, you will be led by an experienced guide.
Yes, you will carry everything you need, as well as a share of the common food and equipment.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions concerning your packing list for this trip. As a start, we recommend bringing:
- Boots
- Multiday pack (55-75 litres)
- Bladder or water bottle (1-2 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Pillow
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Blister kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug spray
- Utensils and bowl
- Trekking poles
- Insulated jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Hiking pants
- Light footwear for camp
- Rain gear
- Personal toiletries
The tour ends in Canmore.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Hiking the Skoki Circuit with 10 Adventures?
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Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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