BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 126

rock pile—the result of rock slides on the imposing Tower of Babel (3,100 meters/10,170
feet)—before entering a dense forest of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir and following
Babel Creek to the lower lake. The wide valley affords 360-degree views of the surround-
ing jagged peaks, including Mount Temple back down the valley and Mounts Bident and
Quandra at the far end of the lakes.
Skoki Lodge
• Length: 14.4 kilometers/8.9 miles (5 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 775 meters/2,540 feet
• Rating: moderate/difficult
• Trailhead: end of Fish Creek Road, off Whitehorn Road 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) north
of Lake Louise interchange
The trail into historic Skoki Lodge is only one of the endless hiking opportunities tucked
behind the Lake Louise winter resort, across the valley from all hikes detailed previously.
The first four kilometers (2.5 miles) of the trail are along a gravel access road leading to
Temple Lodge, part of the Lake Louise winter resort. From here, the trail climbs to Boulder
Pass, passing a campground and Halfway Hut, above Corral Creek. The pass harbors a
large population of pikas and hoary marmots. The trail then follows the north shore of
Ptarmigan Lake before climbing again to Deception Pass, named for its false summit. It
then descends into Skoki Valley, passing the Skoki Lakes and eventually reaching Skoki
Lodge. Just over one kilometer (0.6 mile) beyond the lodge is a campground, an excellent
base for exploring the region.
OTHER SUMMER RECREATION
In Lake Louise, “summer fun” means hiking—and lots of it. You may see small fish swim-
ming along the shore of Lake Louise, but the fishing in this lake and all others in the area
is poor due to the super-cold glacial water. Talking of cold water, everyone is invited to
take a swim in Lake Louise to celebrate the country's national holiday, Canada Day (July
1). You don't need to be Canadian to join in—just brave.
Through summer, Brewster Adventures (403/522-3511) offers two-hour horseback
rides to the end of Lake Louise for $82, half-day rides to Lake Agnes Teahouse for $135,
and all-day rides up Paradise Valley, including lunch, for $285.