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Highlights
Hike the epic Skoki circuit over four unforgettable days
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.
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!
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!
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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:
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Finish
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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.
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, as well as driven back to Canmore after the tour concludes. Any other transfers or transportation are not included.
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
- How hard is the Hiking the Skoki Circuit tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Hiking the Skoki Circuit tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Canmore to start this tour?
- Is the Hiking the Skoki Circuit tour guided?
- Do I need to carry my gear myself?
- What should I bring?
- 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
- Where does the Hiking the Skoki Circuit tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
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 8-13km 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:
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.
Customer Ratings
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.
