Skoki Loop Backcountry Camping Permit
Banff National Park · Alberta, Canada
A 36.8 km loop from the Fish Creek trailhead near Lake Louise, with backcountry campgrounds at Baker Lake (Sk11) and Merlin Meadows (Sk18). A backcountry permit is mandatory for every overnight trip in Banff.
Get an alert when any night of your Skoki Loop itinerary opens.
How booking the Skoki Loop works
Skoki Loop Backcountry Camping: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Parks Canada takes the bookings. Booked on the Parks Canada Reservation Service, online at reservation.pc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.
How to get a Skoki Loop permit
- Type
- Backpacking
- Location
- Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Group size
- Up to 10 people
- Distance
- 36.8 km (22.9 mi)
Step 1: How it is booked
Booked on the Parks Canada Reservation Service, online at reservation.pc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.
Step 2: Book with the agency
Book Skoki Loop on reservation.pc.gc.ca. Have your dates, group size and payment ready.
Step 3: Get an alert when a spot opens
If your dates are full, set an alert at the top of this page. We check reservation.pc.gc.ca and tell you when a spot opens for your whole group.
Step 4: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, release days and closures change. Confirm the current rules on the agency's page before your trip.
Skoki Loop landmarks
- 1Boulder Pass
- 2Ptarmigan Lake
- 3Baker Lake
- 4Deception Pass
In an emergency, call 911. When the operator answers, say you are in the backcountry of Banff National Park, have an emergency and need the Warden Service. With a satellite phone, call 1 403 762 4506. Cell phones are not always reliable in the backcountry.
How much a Skoki Loop permit costs
Skoki Loop permit fee: CA$15.00 per person per night; reservation fee CA$11.50 online or CA$13.50 by phone, per stay.
Skoki Loop FAQ
How do I book Skoki Loop camping?
Reserve Baker Lake (Sk11) and Merlin Meadows (Sk18) on the Parks Canada Reservation Service at reservation.pc.gc.ca. A backcountry permit is mandatory.
When does Skoki Loop camping reservation open?
Banff, Kootenay and Yoho backcountry camping launch together. In 2026 that was Monday, January 26 at 8 am Mountain time. Parks Canada had not published the 2027 date on October 29, 2026.
How long is the Skoki Loop?
36.8 km (22.9 mi) round trip, from the Fish Creek trailhead.
Where do I park for the Skoki Loop?
The Fish Creek trailhead is 4 km up the Temple access road, which has no vehicle access. Lake Louise village is 3.5 km from the trailhead.
Can I get a Skoki Loop reservation if it is full?
Campsite nights from a cancellation go back on sale. Set an alert on this page and we'll tell you when a spot opens.