Hike of the Week: Skoki Loop

This weekly series highlights an outstanding day hike or backpacking trip. We want to inspire you to get out and see these places for yourself. For us, seeing amazing photos and reading about a great hike are enough to get us motivated!

This week's hike is the Skoki Loop in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Featured Photo: Skoki Country (photo by Jock Rutherford)

Why This Hike?

The Skoki Loop is a classic multi-day backpacking route that showcases the best of Banff’s backcountry: alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, dramatic mountain passes, and the historic Skoki Lodge. This moderate loop offers a rewarding experience for seasoned hikers looking to explore a quieter side of the Canadian Rockies.

Distance: ~40–45 km (25–28 miles)
Type: Loop (with a lollipop-style approach)
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: ~1,200–1,300 m (3,900–4,300 ft)
Best Time to Visit: Mid-July to early September
Duration: 3–4 days
Highlights: Baker Lake, Merlin Lake, Ptarmigan Lake, Boulder Pass, Deception Pass, wildflower meadows, Skoki Lodge

Note: The route is in grizzly bear territory; proper precautions are essential. Refer to this Bear Safety information from Parks Canada.

How Do I Get There?

The trail begins at the Fish Creek Trailhead near Lake Louise Ski Resort, accessible via the Temple Fire Road.

Closest Airport: Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the nearest major airport. From there, it’s about a 2-hour drive (185 km / 115 miles) to Lake Louise. Rental cars are readily available at the airport, and this is the most convenient way to reach the trailhead.

Driving Directions: From Calgary, drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) for approximately 185 km. Take the exit for Lake Louise Ski Resort and follow Whitehorn Road. Park at the Fish Creek Trailhead lot. Note that you’ll begin the hike with a 4 km (2.5-mile) walk along the Temple Fire Road before reaching the actual backcountry trail. Arrive early, as the parking area can fill up quickly in peak season.

Trailhead Coordinates: 51.4410° N, 116.1610° W

Map of Recommended Route

The following map outlines our recommended route. Click the "Load Interactive Map" button to load the correct map. Once loaded, you can navigate along the route and view recommended campsites.

For even more detailed mapping, including being able to print a copy for yourself, click the "Open in CalTopo" button at the top of the map once it's loaded into view.

You will also receive an excellent map of the trail with your permit. This includes campsites, places of interest, and distances.

The following are our recommended campsites:

Day 1: Fish Creek Trailhead to Baker Lake Campground (~13 km)
Day 2: Baker Lake to Merlin Meadows via Fossil and Skoki Mountain (~12 km)
Day 3: Merlin Meadows to Fish Creek Trailhead via Skoki Lodge and Deception Pass (~15 km)

Trail Description

Day 1: Fish Creek Trailhead to Baker Lake Campground (~13 km)

The day starts with a gradual climb up the Temple Fire Road, a wide gravel path that eases you into the trek. After about 4 km, you'll veer onto singletrack trail and start ascending gently through subalpine forest. The highlight of the day is reaching Boulder Pass, where the landscape opens up dramatically. Ptarmigan Lake shimmers below the rugged backdrop of Mount Redoubt, offering a stunning rest stop. From here, descend briefly toward Baker Lake, a quiet and scenic spot nestled in a glacial basin. The campsite sits beside the lake, surrounded by alpine peaks and wildflowers in mid-summer. Be prepared for possible wind exposure at this high-elevation campsite. Hikers should also be aware that porcupines frequent this area and have been known to chew on gear and boots—stow everything inside your tent or hang it safely overnight.

Day 2: Baker Lake to Merlin Meadows via Fossil and Skoki Mountain (~12 km)

From Baker Lake, continue around the northern edge and begin your scenic arc toward Fossil Mountain. This stretch is less-traveled and includes rugged, rocky paths, high alpine meadows, and sweeping views of the surrounding ridgelines. Keep an eye out for lingering snowfields early in the season, and expect a slow pace over uneven terrain. The route curves around the base of Skoki Mountain, offering excellent vantage points across the Skoki Valley. There is also a short but steep scramble near a waterfall as you approach the valley, which may require careful footing. As you descend into the Merlin Valley, you’ll begin to see patches of larch forest and, in late summer, colorful wildflowers along the creeks. Arrive at Merlin Meadows to find a peaceful forested camp nestled near a clear-flowing creek. This is a beautiful area to unwind after a high alpine day.

Day 3: Merlin Meadows to Fish Creek Trailhead via Skoki Lodge and Deception Pass (~15 km)

After breaking camp at Merlin Meadows, make your way past the historic Skoki Lodge. This log-built backcountry lodge is well worth a short visit, especially if you’ve arranged a cup of tea in advance. While overnight stays must be booked far in advance, it's a charming point of interest for passing hikers. Continue ascending gradually to Deception Pass. The trail switchbacks through open terrain with sweeping views in every direction, including distant glaciers and the rolling Slate Range. After the pass, descend steadily back into the Boulder Pass area and retrace your steps past Ptarmigan Lake. The final descent down Temple Fire Road is an easy coast to the parking area. This closing leg brings the journey full circle, with alpine vistas and pristine wilderness capping off a classic Banff loop.

What Will I Need?

Due to the alpine exposure, rapidly changing mountain weather, and a mix of forest and rocky terrain, gear selection is important on the Skoki Loop.

A lightweight backpacking tent like the Bryce 1P offers great protection from high-elevation winds without adding bulk to your pack. For overnight comfort, a down quilt rated to around 30°F is ideal for the cool nights common in the Canadian Rockies, paired with an insulated sleeping pad to protect against cold ground temperatures.

The trail includes several uneven and rocky sections, so trekking poles will help with stability and reduce strain, especially when ascending passes like Deception or Boulder.

A lightweight set of trekking poles like our Tri-Fold Carbon Cork trekking poles can be invaluable on the steep sections of the trail.

For cooking, use a titanium pot and stove setup that can handle wind and cold mornings. Don’t forget your water filter, as streams and lakes are your only water sources on trail. Finally, bring a rain shell and warm layer—even in August, snow and hailstorms are possible at high elevations.

Additional useful items include a rain shell, bug spray (mosquitoes can be persistent in summer), gaiters for mud and rocky terrain, and bear spray for wildlife protection. If you're hiking early or late in the season, be prepared for snow travel and colder overnight temps.

If there's anything else you need to complete your pack, visit our full line of high-quality, affordable backpacking gear.

Shop Backpacking Tents
Shop Ultralight Tarps
Shop Backpacking Quilts
Shop Down Sleeping Bags
Shop Insulated Sleeping Pads
Shop Backpacking Pillow
Shop Folding Trekking Poles
Shop Titanium Cookware
Shop Tent and Tarp Accessories

Finally, to make sure you don't forget something at home, use our Ultimate Backpacker's Packing List. It even includes a convenient printable checklist!

Do I Need a Permit?

Yes, a backcountry permit is required to camp along the Skoki Loop. Reservations are managed by Parks Canada and can be booked online through the Parks Canada Reservation System. You’ll need to reserve specific campgrounds for each night of your trip—Baker Lake and Merlin Meadows are the two main designated backcountry sites for this loop. A valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass is also required for entry into Banff National Park. If your preferred dates are booked, third-party services like Schnerp can help you monitor cancellations.

Stays at Skoki Lodge must be booked separately and often fill well in advance. Visit the Skoki Lodge website for more details and booking.

Resources

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a loop that combines remote wilderness, mountain grandeur, and optional lodge luxury, the Skoki Loop delivers. The trail offers a taste of true Canadian Rockies backcountry and showcases why Banff is such a legendary hiking destination. Whether you're soaking your feet at Baker Lake or snapping photos above Deception Pass, this route leaves a lasting impression.

Have you hiked the Skoki Loop or have another favorite Canadian trek? Let us know in the comments!