Skoki Lodge, Lake Louise

 Porcupine!

At the start of the trail up to Skoki lodge we saw a porcupine on the trail. It is the first porcupine that I have seen! It was a lot bigger than I thought and I didn't realise that they can climb trees.

 Creek on the way up

The weather was overcast and about 13 degrees for the hike up to Skoki, which made it a little easier to hike up with a backpack on.

Hidden Lake

This lake is about 2km off from the main trail. 

Ptarmigan Lake

In January, this lake was frozen over and we snowshoed across it. This time we walked / hiked up around to the left of the photograph. 

Hoary Marmot

We heard this little guy before we saw it. It whistles or calls at a high pitch and at first we thought that it was someone blowing a whistle. It sat on the rock for a long time and wasn't that fussed about us edging closer to get a photo.

Ptarmigan Lake

 The lodge

The trail up to the lodge is about 13 km from the Lake Louise ski area. It is open in winter and in summer, and closes for the shoulder seasons between. They provide bedding, food and drinking water for the guests. There is no running water or electricity (and no mobile phone reception) so it feels like a good (but short) getaway!

 The lodge

 Our cabin

Last time we came, we stayed in the main lodge (dorm rooms), but this time we got a cabin between 4 of us to share. 

View from Merlin Pass 

Once up at the lodge, we had access to more hikes and beautiful scenery.

 Merlin Lake

Despite it being late June, there was still snow around in places and ice in parts of the lakes. After the first day, we had gorgeous sunny weather with temperatures in the low 20s.