Skoki Lodge is the oldest backcountry ski lodge in the Canadian Rockies, a National Historic Site built in 1930, and one of the most magical places you can stay in Banff National Park. Reaching it requires an 11 km hike through some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in the Rockies — and that's exactly the point. There are no roads, no cell service, no WiFi. Just mountains, meadows, home-cooked meals, and the kind of quiet that modern life has forgotten.
Getting There
- Distance: 11 km one way from the Fish Creek parking area at Lake Louise ski resort
- Elevation gain: 775 metres
- Time: 4–6 hours hiking in
- Trail: Well-maintained but remote. The trail crosses Boulder Pass (2,475m) and Deception Pass before descending to the lodge
The hike itself is spectacular — you'll pass through dense forest, cross alpine meadows, traverse two mountain passes, and arrive at the lodge set in a valley surrounded by peaks. Most guests hike in with a daypack (the lodge provides everything you need for your stay) and carry only personal items.
The Lodge
Skoki Lodge sleeps about 22 guests in a combination of the main lodge and several surrounding cabins. The buildings are rustic log construction — think wood-burning stoves, kerosene lamps, shared outhouses, and no electricity or running water. It's glamping at its most authentic.
The real luxury is the food and hospitality. The lodge staff hike or ski in all supplies, and the kitchen produces remarkably impressive meals. Expect multi-course dinners with wine, packed lunches for day hikes, and hearty breakfasts. Afternoon tea and fresh-baked cookies are served when you return from the trail.
What to Do
- Day hikes: Explore Merlin Meadows, Skoki Lakes, Zigadenus Lake, and Red Deer Lakes — all within a few hours of the lodge
- Wildflowers: The meadows around Skoki explode with colour in late July and August
- Wildlife: Marmots, pikas, mountain goats, and occasionally grizzly bears
- Photography: The light in the Skoki Valley is extraordinary, especially at sunrise and sunset
- Simply relax: Read a book by the fire, play cards, stargaze — the absence of technology is liberating
Booking
- Season: Open late June to early October (summer) and late December to mid-April (winter/ski)
- Rates: Approximately $250–350 per person per night, all meals included
- Book early: Skoki fills up months in advance, especially for summer weekends. Book through the lodge website as soon as dates are released
- Minimum stay: Two nights minimum is typical and recommended
What to Bring
- Hiking boots and layers for the hike in
- Sleeping bag liner (bedding is provided but some guests prefer their own liner)
- Headlamp (no electricity)
- Camera and binoculars
- A book — you won't have a phone signal
Combine your Skoki visit with time in Lake Louise or Banff — find accommodation on Expedia. Browse guided Banff adventures to fill the rest of your trip.