Trip Overview

Spend seven amazing days enjoying active winter adventures in the Canadian Rockies! Cross-country ski, snowshoe, and bike in Alberta, Canada with other women who share your passion for the great outdoors! This active winter adventure in the frosty fresh air, audible quiet, and awesome majesty of the Canadian Rockies put you squarely in touch with the revitalizing forces of nature.

Explore the Canadian Rockies in Alberta

Begin your week by trying out a fat-tire bike and cruising groomed snow trails. Women of all fitness levels will love this gorgeous bike ride, with miles of trail options to suit each cyclist’s abilities. The next day, grab your sunglasses for a full day of cross-country skiing in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Take a one-hour cross-country skiing lesson then set out with professional guides on trails through the quiet, shaded forests. Every skier will find trails that suit her pace, from gentle to challenging.

This is also the habitat of elk, lynx, and wolves so make sure to watch for these beautiful creatures along your route. At day’s end, rejuvenate in a Nordic hydrotherapy spa treatment as you spring into a cold-plunge pool, then wrap yourself in a plush, pre-heated blanket in your own “winterized hammock” for an indescribable calming experience enveloping both body and mind.

Canmore & Lake Louise

Set out on a four-hour snowshoeing expedition surrounded by beautiful views as you trek through the white powder. Then make your way to the beautiful town of Canmore where you’ll spend two nights at a remote hotel. Whether you can land a double-lutz, or never stepped on ice before, the truly grande finale of your trip is 100% Canada: ice skating on glacier-fed Lake Louise, a tour de force of nature. Skate around sparkling ice sculptures such as a crenelated ice castle, Inuit totems, or towering ice wolves chasing a moon.

On your final free afternoon in Banff, splurge on a dip in the Banff Hot Springs before the farewell dinner. Over hot drinks and an exquisite meal, it’s time to toast each other for the amazing things each of you tried and loved, and the Canadian Rockies experiences you’ll never forget.

Main Attractions

  • Enjoy multi-sport winter fun from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking to ice skating
  • Treat yourself with hot pools, cold pool and delicious, nutritious food
  • Spot the tracks of winter wildlife in the snows of Banff National Park and explore ice canyons
  • Warm up around a bonfire and swap stories with your fellow AdventureWomen

What You'll See and Do

  • Bicycling
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Glacier Exploration
  • Hiking
  • Ice Skating
  • National Parks
  • Natural History
  • Photography
  • Snowshoeing
  • Spa Element

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

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Calgary, Alberta
Arrive at the Calgary International Airport before 3PM. Meet near the big horse statue for your group transfer to the beautiful Kananaskis Valley.

After settling into your room, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with an orientation from your guides about the exciting upcoming adventures for the week.

Dinner

Overnight: Pomeroy Kananaskis

Day 2

Kananaskis Country
Hop on your fat-tire bike and cruise groomed snow trails and single track through snow-capped trees and fields of white. Women of all fitness levels will love this gorgeous bike ride, with miles of trail options to suit each cyclist’s abilities.

Enjoy lunch after your biking adventure.

Take a hike this afternoon to stretch your legs and take in some of the beautiful scenery.

Enjoy dinner as a group this evening at the Kananaskis Forte.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Pomeroy Kananaskis

Day 3

Kananaskis Country
You’ll start today’s adventure with a group cross-country skiing lesson tailored to the group’s experience and abilities. After finding your skiing legs, professional guides will lead you on trails through quiet, shaded forests and sun-soaked snowfields. There are a lot of trails to choose from, ranging from gentle flats to challenging rolling terrain. Enjoy packed lunch along the way.

After a long day of skiing, spend some time relaxing at the Nordic Spa. Start in the hot pool, move to a sauna, and then plunge into the cold pool or a snow bank! When you can’t possibly stay in the cold any longer, hop into a warm, winterized hammock to relax.

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 4

Kananaskis Country to Lake Louise
Get out and experience the white wonderland on a four-hour snowshoeing expedition, During your adventure, you’ll have beautiful views while trekking through the white powder, as you will venture high up on a mountain range for exploration.

After snowshoeing, you’ll make your way to the beautiful town of Canmore and then to a remote hotel, where you’ll have time to relax before dinner.

Tonight you will enjoy a catered dinner at your hotel with the group.

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, Dinner

Overnight: Lake Louise Inn

Day 5

Johnston Canyon
Start your day with an early morning hike of Johnston Canyon. Wear ice grippers as you walk on icy trails inside this canyon to photograph frozen waterfalls. Warm up on a quick drive to Marble Canyon, where you will now look at an icy canyon from above. Enjoy the spectacular winter views and deep snow! Get ready for an optional third snowy hike!

Enjoy dinner on your own this evening.

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

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Lake Louise Inn

Day 6

Lake Louise to Banff
What could be better than a true Canadian pastime in a truly Canadian setting? Right near an ice castle, you will go skating on the frozen glacier lake (unless there is a storm the night before, then you and your friends will make snow angels and hike to a frozen waterfall to spot ice climbers near the Victoria Glacier!). A historic afternoon tea and lunch will warm you up in the beautiful Chateau Lake Louise.

After enjoying high tea at Chateau Lake Louise, you’ll drive to Banff where you will have the afternoon free to explore the many shops and cafes, or take some time to sit in the upper hot springs. Banff boasts museums, natural beauty, and, of course, Canadian treats like beaver tails and fudge!

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 Canada
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

Traveling to Canadian Rockies



Arrival/Departure Information

February 25th, 2024 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive at the Calgary International Airport (YYC) before 3:00PM on February 25, 2024. Meet near the big horse statue for your group transfer to the beautiful Kananaskis Valley.

Depart: Depart Calgary (YYC) on March 2, 2024 12:00PM or later.

 

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

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.

February 25, 2024 Departure Final Payment Due Date: November 27, 2023

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

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

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

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

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Accommodations

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

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

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 trails, and just a few minutes walk to downtown shopping and dining. Enjoy the on-site pool and hot tub during your stay.

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

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

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686