
Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle worth booking?
Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle is a 8-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $148 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 31 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (31)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $148 per person
Everything you want in a Canadian Rockies hiking experience, without the crowds. Hidden behind the Lake Louise Ski Resort, the Skoki Backcountry is normally only accessible by first hiking a 9km return fire road. Skip the fire road with our exclusive van shuttle to the edge of the ski area boundary, to start our hike in the pristine wilderness of the Skoki backcountry. Hike with us as we travel through pristine forests, along clear mountain creeks and fields of mountain wildflowers to reach turquoise high alpine lakes nestled among the towering glacier-clad peaks of the Canadian Rockies We’ll provide transportation, a professional driver and interpretive guide with commentary and local stories as they whisk you away to your hiking adventure. We’ll bring everything you need, including lunch.
What you get
About this experience
Everything you want in a Canadian Rockies hiking experience, without the crowds. Hidden behind the Lake Louise Ski Resort, the Skoki Backcountry is normally only accessible by first hiking a 9km return fire road. Skip the fire road with our exclusive van shuttle to the edge of the ski area boundary, to start our hike in the pristine wilderness of the Skoki backcountry. Hike with us as we travel through pristine forests, along clear mountain creeks and fields of mountain wildflowers to reach turquoise high alpine lakes nestled among the towering glacier-clad peaks of the Canadian Rockies We’ll provide transportation, a professional driver and interpretive guide with commentary and local stories as they whisk you away to your hiking adventure. We’ll bring everything you need, including lunch.
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
7 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
31 verified traveler reviews for Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful hike!
Wonderful day and an amazing hike!! It’s so wild to be able to climb almost 8000 ft above sea level and be above the tree line! Incredible Lake Ptarmigan is where we had lunch. Incredible views and an even more incredible guide: Michelle was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the area. 5 stars!!
via Viator
Great walk
We had a great day with Michael and Calvin. The organisation was great, packed lunch above expectations and the scenery spectacular. The walk was about 12km at a pace that gave us time to stop and admire the views and take photos. We had the added bonus of seeing bears ( at a safe distance!). Would recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. Skoki is a special place for all the reasons you listed. It's always a thrill to see one of our local bears, and glad to hear your were able to enjoy from a safe distance. We will share your kind words with Michael and Calvin. We hope you can join us on another adventure during a future visit to Banff.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic day in Skoki!
Hiking in Skoki was absolutely amazing! The area is not very popular, so it felt like being just us. No crowds at all! Michelle was our guide for the day and she was fantastic. She was really friendly and knowledgable and made it a perfect day! I highly recommend it!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We love to recommend Skoki when people ask for a true hidden gem. As our exclusive van shuttle saves you 8km of fire road hiking just to get to the trailhead, most hikers otherwise give this area a pass in favour of trailheads closer to the highway. Their loss, your gain. Happy to hear you enjoyed your day with Michelle. We will say hi for you!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
The Skoki backcountry hike was fantastic! The views were amazing. It was great to have access past the gated area. Mark was a great guide. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. He made us feel very safe as we travelled through the backcountry. We would highly recommend White Mountain Adventures and Mark as a guide!
Response from the operator: Hi Jennifer, Thank you for your review and your recommendation! We are really proud of this hiking offer, as the exclusive access past the gate allows us to offer clients a true backcountry hiking experience away from crowds. Glad to hear Mark took such good care of you, and helped to make your day in the Canadian Rockies that much more special.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic hike
Our hike was to Stanly glaicer as Skoki conditions were not favorable. We had an amazing hike with our guides Alina and Nicolas. Our guides were extremely friendly and full of knowledge about the nature around us.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! High alpine hiking has been a challenge this summer with a big snowpack and cool temperatures in Spring and Summer so far. We are glad to here you enjoyed your day with Alina and Nicolas.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.
How much does Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle cost?
+
Prices start at $148 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Banff usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle take?
+
Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Banff is not rushed.
Is Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 31 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Banff, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle?
+
Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Banff can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Banff and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Banff within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Banff?
+
On Outty we rank every Banff experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour, Lake Louise Emerald Lake Natural Bridge Half Day Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Banff?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Banff?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What happens to Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Banff. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle?
+
Across 31 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Exclusive Skoki Backcountry Guided Hiking in Lake Louise with Van Shuttle.
Pick your date




