Trip Overview

Calling all wild-at-heart adventurers for an exhilarating week with AdventureWomen in the Canadian Rockies. Discover a new passion as you explore glaciers, caves, spelunk, bicycle, and hike through element-carved landscapes. At the end of each amazing day, celebrate the like-spirited camaraderie of new friends. Please note that this trip will be operated without an AdventureWomen ambassador.

Canada’s gorgeous Kananaskis Country, lying just west of Calgary, Alberta, is an untamed wilderness shared by bald eagles, lynx, black and brown bears, moose, and bighorn sheep. The crystalline mountain air and dazzling 360-degree panoramas create a feast for the senses and the perfect backdrop for summertime fun, with multiple chances to try something new in the great outdoors!

Follow your expert Canadian guide into the heart of the Rockies, learning about their geology, wildlife, and hidden beauty.

Explore Calgary in the Canadian Rockies

Meet your fellow AdventureWomen travelers in Calgary and begin imagining the week ahead over a delicious welcome dinner in Lake Louise.

Take a drive along the Columbia Icefields Parkway, “144 miles of Ooo and Ahh,” passing cliff-hanging glaciers and some of the highest peaks in North America. Don your Yaktrax for a memorable hike on Athabasca Glacier and explore a starkly beautiful world as you negotiate the crevasses with your experienced guide.

The next day you’ll explore the pristine environment of Rat’s Nest Cave with its natural rockslide, stalactites and stalagmites, and caverns whose incredible acoustics just might invite an outbreak of song!  With no lights, no handrails, and no walkways, you’ll get to experience it just like the explorers who first discovered it!

Bike along a mountain path and revel in stunning views, maybe even spying on local wildlife. Regroup for a hike together to a sylvan, fern-rimmed waterfall at the close of the day.  After an outdoor lunch, head back to the hotel spa to soak in the hot pools and saunas.

Rally the team at Chinook Rafting headquarters and paddle a raft together on the jade-green waters of the river. Between scenic stretches of placid calm, admire the powerful nature around you and hoot with glee through many sets of heart-pumping rapids and a jump into the river.

Charming Banff

Explore charming Banff and join your friends for a relaxing soak at the iconic Banff Hot Springs (optional expense).

Cap off your Canadian Rockies adventure with a choice between two spectacular hikes, both of which begin in the sublime Valley of the Ten Peaks, then split off on divergent routes to sparkling Minnestimma Lakes. After a picnic lunch, those who wish can hike to the high point of Sentinel Pass to take in the splendid views of the glaciated Ten Peaks Mountains. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner and toast to new friendships, to each other’s “no limits” spirit, and to memories made in one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet.

Main Attractions

  • Discover the Canadian Rockies during a week of non-stop outdoor adventures
  • Enjoy hiking, biking, caving, exploring glaciers, and more!
  • Photograph iconic Lake Louise and enjoy the charming town of Banff
  • Raft the thrilling rapids of a glacier-fed river
  • Follow the fabled Columbia Icefields Parkway, hike on Athabasca Glacier, and discover pristine blue lakes

What You'll See and Do

  • Bicycling
  • Cave Tour
  • Glacier Exploration
  • Hiking
  • Hot Springs
  • National Parks
  • Photography
  • UNESCO Site
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Wildlife Viewing
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive at Lake Louise
Lake Louise is world famous for its vibrant turquoise lake and dramatically beautiful mountains. Lake Louise, also named Lake of the Little Fishes by the Stoney Nakota First Nations people, is a glacial lake within Banff National Park. Banff, Canada’s first national park, was established in 1885 to help preserve the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

During your adventure, you’ll get to know your expert Canadian guide, who will help you discover the local history, mountain names, glaciers, and caves. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and hear from your guides about the exciting upcoming adventures for the week.

After checking in and settling into your room, enjoy a welcome walk with a view of Lake Louise.

Dinner

Overnight: Lake Louise Inn

Day 2

Lake Louise
Travel to the dazzling Columbia Icefield, the largest mass of ice in the Rocky Mountains which drapes across the North American Continental Divide and covers 125 square miles. From its melting snows and many glaciers, waters flow across North America to the Atlantic, the Arctic, and the Pacific oceans. Your ice-walk adventure is on the Athabasca Glacier, a three and a half-mile tongue of ice that flows from the icefield, giving you the chance to peer into ice canyons and crevasses. It is a world few people ever see, let alone experience firsthand. Enjoy lunch on the way.

Enjoy dinner as a group tonight at Lake Louise Station.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Lake Louise Inn

Day 3

Lake Louise to Kananaskis Country
Head to Rat’s Nest Caves to explore an amazing network of underground caverns. With no lights, no handrails, and no walkways here, you’ll get to experience it like the explorers who first discovered it! Your explorations will take you through ‘the Box’, then on to the Five Way Chamber, the Grand Gallery, and finally the Grotto – a chamber full of stalactites and stalagmites with a crystal-clear pool at the bottom of the cave. You will need to crab-walk, fit through small spaces, and have decent upper body strength for this excursion.

Enjoy lunch along the way.

Enjoy dinner as a group this evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Pomeroy Kananaskis

Day 4

Kananaskis Country
Set off on a beautiful mountain bike ride on a stunning path through the mountains. This activity is catered for all abilities, so hop on your bike and go!

Enjoy lunch after your biking adventure.

After your morning activity, you have earned some time to relax in hot pools and saunas as well as enjoy your 60-minute complimentary massage at the spa.

Have dinner with your new friends at the Kananaskis Forte, or enjoy room service if you’d prefer some alone time.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Pomeroy Kananaskis

Day 5

Kananaskis to Banff
Head to Chinook Rafting headquarters for whitewater rafting! The river is renowned as one of the best in the Canadian Rockies for whitewater rafting. The canyons and thrilling whitewater are just right for first-time adventurers and more seasoned paddlers too. Once you are fitted with a government-approved life jacket, helmet, wetsuit, booties, gloves, and spray jacket (all clean and dry) your guide will go over safety procedures and paddling techniques you will use on the river. The rapids, a jump in the river, and being in the middle of Hollywood movie sets are sure to leave you with big smiles. You will not soon forget this excellent river adventure.

Enjoy time to explore the picturesque and historic resort town of Banff, your home base for the next two nights. If you wish, take an optional soak in the world-famous hot springs (at your own expense).

Dinner is on your own tonight in one of Banff’s many restaurants.

Tonight after dinner you will meet with Lynn Martel, a local photographer from Canmore. Lynn will teach you some techniques about how to turn a good landscape photo into a GREAT landscape photo.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Royal Canadian Lodge

Day 6

Banff
You can choose from either the 6-mile, 1,700-foot elevation gain Larch Valley hike, or the Sentinel Pass hike, which traverses 7 miles with a 2,375-foot elevation gain. Both hikes start in the dreamy Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake and lead through a peaceful larch forest and up to a high alpine meadow filled with carpets of alpine wildflowers. Continue to the sparkling waters of Minnestimma Lakes, which reflect the sapphire skies and towering peaks of the ten attendant mountains, an awe-inspiring panorama. Today’s lunch will be picnic style and enjoyed while en route.

Lynn, the photographer from Canmore, will join the group today to give tips and tricks while you practice your newly learned photo skills!

Those who are up for it can continue to the summit of the majestic Sentinel Pass, where 360-degree panoramas make for impressive “we were here” photos! The views are spectacular. Paradise Valley and the breathtaking peaks of the Continental Divide unfold to the north, while the glaciated spires of the Ten Peaks fill the horizon to the south. This is one of those mountain destinations that almost defies description.

Gather for a delicious farewell dinner to celebrate the end of this fantastic and fun week in the Canadian Rockies!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Royal Canadian Lodge

Day 7

Depart Banff
All adventures must come to an end, but it’s just the beginning of great memories!

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home. One group transfer is included; please don’t book any flights departing before noon!

Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

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Traveling to Canadian Rockies



Arrival and Departure Information

July 21, 2024 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC) on July 21, 2024 by 3:00PM.

Depart: Depart from Calgary International Airport (YYC) on July 27, 2024 after 12:00PM.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $210-$280 CAD (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as High Energy. Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Canada.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Release for COVID
  • Additional supplemental whitewater rafting release form

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

July 21, 2024 Final Payment Due Date: April 22, 2024

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional Canadian guides throughout the trip
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Drinking water available in large jugs to refill personal bottles
  • All gratuities except for guides

Not Included

  • Airfare to and from Canada
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

Lake Louise Inn

The Lake Louise Inn provides a perfect base to start your trip nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage site with amazing views of the Canadian Rockies.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is a modern resort nestled in the pines of the mountains. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit!

Amenities: Safe, refrigerator, hair dryer, complimentary WiFi, pool and hot tub

Royal Canadian Lodge

Situated in the heart of the resort town of Banff, the Royal Canadian Lodge is the perfect base for exploration of the region’s fabled mountains and lakes, and just a few minutes’ walk to the downtown shopping and dining center. Enjoy the on-site pool and hot tub during your stay.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; electricity; Wifi

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary