Trip Overview

From vast glaciers to towering mountains, this seven-day active, Canadian adventure including hiking, biking, horseback riding, spelunking, and rafting in Canada’s Rockies in August 2019 is sure to take your breath away!

The vast untamed expanses of Canada’s Kananaskis Country, lying just west of Calgary, Alberta, spans diverse ecosystems filled with wildlife including black and brown bear, moose, and big horn sheep. Kick off your Canadian Rockies active adventure with either a horseback trail ride or an mellow bike ride on a stunning path through the mountains. Crisp scents of mountain forests and stunning views in every direction make each a feast for the senses. A beautiful waterfall hike along the cliffs offers incredible vistas. Unwind and soothe your tired muscles in our outdoor hot tub in the evening as you swap stories and get to know the other adventurous women sharing your journey.

You’ll get to choose to spend the next day either winding through (by bike), or burrowing beneath (caving), the imposing mountains of the Canadian Rockies. A long, gentle bike ride over the hills will get your heart pumping. Alternatively, spelunking in the Rat’s Nest Caves offers a chance to explore magnificent geological formations. Exploring The Grotto, a cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites with a crystal clear pool at the bottom, is an unforgettable experience deep within the Rockies’ core. Unwind with a short hike with your new AdventureWomen friends, or relax and share your experiences in a traditional sauna.

The glittering expanses of the Columbia Icefields will dazzle you. Pick your way across the surface of a glacier, a unique and starkly beautiful world unto itself. Marvel at turquoise-blue glacial lakes, reflecting startlingly clear images of the snow-capped mountains towering overhead.

Whitewater rafting at the Kicking Horse River will be a high-adrenaline experience that brings the whole group together! Your rafting guide will lead you through 14 sets of rapids, including “Roller Coaster” and “Shotgun.” Then visit the (much calmer) Lake Louise, famous for its milky blue waters. Cap off your Canadian Rockies journey with one of two spectacular hikes through pristine forests up to the sparkling Minnestimma Lakes. An optional hike to the summit of Sentinel Pass offers truly breathtaking views of the verdant valley below.

This unspoiled land in Canada’s heartland in August 2019 is the perfect setting for new friends, new adventures, and unforgettable memories!

Need more incentive? Read our guest reviews from our 2017 Canadian Rockies trip with AdventureWomen!

Or listen to these Adventure Women send you some inspiration:

And here’s what fun they had rafting!

Main Attractions

  • An unforgettable, active, outdoor adventure
  • Walk on a glacier surrounded by a panorama of mountain peaks
  • Learn about mountain geology on a cave tour
  • Raft the Kicking Horse River and soak in hot springs
  • Hike challenging trails to rewarding views of the surrounding mountains

What You'll See and Do

  • Bicycling
  • Cave Tour
  • Glacier Exploration
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • 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

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kananaskis Country
Meet at 3:00pm at the Calgary International Airport for your group transfer to the beautiful Kananaskis Valley and the Coast Canmore Hotel, your accommodations for the next two nights.

After settling in to your room, enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner before introductions and orientation to hear from your guides about the exciting upcoming adventures for the week.
Dinner

Overnight Coast Canmore Hotel

Day 2

Kananaskis Country
Pre-pick one of these activities:

First option: A classic horseback trail ride from the legendary Boundary Ranch is the perfect way to discover the adventure and serenity of a Canadian tradition on a guided horseback trip. Pristine views, flowered alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife are just a few of the scenic wonders you’ll experience. Ride the ancient trails of the Nakoda people, through pine scented montane forests with beautiful mountain views. Abundant wildflowers and diverse wildlife call these mountains home, so don’t forget your camera!

Second Option: Go on a beautiful bike ride on a stunning path through the mountains. This is a relatively mellow ride. While long, there are not major ascents or descents.

Lunch will be served along the way.

Take a magical hike to a beautiful waterfall rimmed with cliffs and ferns.

Head back into Kananaskis Village to explore or take a relaxing soak in an indoor or outdoor hot tub.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Coast Canmore Hotel

Day 3

Kananaskis Country
You have already chosen one of these options:

First option: Go on a spelunking expedition 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—by lantern light! Thousands of years in the making, a spectacular subterranean world is waiting for your discovery. Your expert guide will introduce you to the fascinating world of caves as you explore the ancient cave formations. Learn about local mountain geology, how the caves were formed, examine fossils up close, and learn the story of prehistoric bones found in the first chamber. 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.

Second option: Ride a mountain bike on an easy 25K gorgeous loop trail. Completed in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Banff National Park, the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail is a paved bike trail connecting the mountain towns of Canmore and Banff. This ribbon of adventure follows the scenic Bow River Valley, with stunning mountain views of the Three Sisters peaks, Mount Rundle, and the sparkling Vermilion Lakes.

Enjoy lunch along the way.

The day ends at a cozy chalet, where you can relax in the sauna.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Baker Creek Mountain Resort

Day 4

Lake Louise
Travel to the dazzling Columbia Icefields, which drapes across the North American Continental Divide and covers 125 square miles. An exciting ice-walking adventure with an expert guide on the Athabasca Glacier offers the chance to peer into mini ice canyons and crevasses while learning the secrets of eons-old glacial formation. Welcome to a world where snow and ice, rock, and sky dominate the land. The Columbia Icefield is the largest mass of ice in the Rocky Mountains – stretching more than 25 kilometers across the Continental Divide. 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 3.5 mile tongue of ice that flows from the icefield, giving us access to this stark alpine world. It is a world few people ever see, let alone experience firsthand. Enjoy lunch on the glacier.

On the drive back, take in the awesome views of glacier-formed Peyto Lake and the reflections of mountains in beautiful Bow Lake.

Arrive back at the resort in time to refresh before dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Baker Creek Mountain Resort

Day 5

Lake Louise to Banff
Head to the Kicking Horse River for whitewater rafting! The Kicking Horse River is renowned as the best of Canadian Rockies whitewater rafting and the Middle Canyon offers an exceptional stretch of whitewater that is 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.

There are over 14 sets of named rapids – such as, “Roller Coaster,” “Hopi Hole,” “Goat,” “Twin Peaks,” “Portage,” and “Shotgun” that are sure to leave you with big smiles. You will not soon forget this excellent river adventure. Go AdventureWomen!

On the way to Banff, stop at Lake Louise, whose legendary milky blue color is created by finely sifted glacial rock.

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 pools (at your own expense).

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

Overnight Delta Banff 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 where carpets of alpine wildflowers fill the meadows. 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.

After a picnic lunch, those who are up for it can continue to the summit of majestic Sentinel Pass, where 360-degree panoramas make for impressive “we were here” posts! 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 Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge

Day 7

Banff and Depart
Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home.
Breakfast

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
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Traveling to Canadian Rockies



Arrival/Departure Information

August 4 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Alberta, Canada on August 4, 2019. The group will meet at 3:00pm at the airport.

Depart: Depart Calgary (YYC) on August 10, 2019 after noon.

August 11 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Alberta, Canada on August 11, 2019. The group will meet at 3:00pm at the airport.

Depart: Depart Calgary (YYC) on August 17, 2019 after noon.

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. Please contact us at:

(800) 804-8686 or (617) 544-9393
email: info@adventurewomen.com

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.

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.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission!) to make the most of your adventure. We have a partnership with FitForTrips, a company that will design an individualized fitness plan for you with this itinerary in mind. Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 25% discount with the code FITWOMEN. Learn more here.

You should come with a flexible, adventurous, and enthusiastic spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor that adventure travel requires.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic. There are no immunization requirements for travel to India, however your local travel clinic may have recommendations for you based on your age, health, and past vaccination history.

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

Money

The currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar. Credit cards are generally accepted and ATMs will be available.

Suggested Gratuities:

  • Guides (2): $15 per day
  • Drivers (2): $8-10 per day

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

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)

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer).

August 4 Departure Final Payment Date: on or before May 6, 2019.

August 11 Departure Final Payment Date: on or before May 13, 2019.

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
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What's Included

Included

  • All accommodations based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Fully-guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional guides throughout the trip
  • Entrance fees
  • Drinking water
  • One AdventureWomen Ambassador

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Canada
  • Optional activities as listed in the itinerary
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Fees for passports, visas, or immunizations
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

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

Coast Canmore Hotel
The Coast Canmore hotel is set in one of the most beautiful locations in all of Alberta. The mountains are always in sight and gorgeous and serene lakes and reservoirs are never far away. With comfortable and spacious rooms, the hotel has all the amenities to make our stay wonderful, from the pool, hot tub, and fitness center to the restaurant, lounge, and free WIFI. The only thing better than the rooms, the views, and the amenities is the friendly and attentive staff.

Baker Creek Mountain Resort
With the cozy charm of a mountain log home and the spectacular setting of Banff National Park, the Baker Creek Mountain Resort is a delightful base for exploration. The individual chalets, furnished with hand-made wooden chairs and tables, each feature a fireplace/wood-burning stove and front porch—perfect for watching the local wildlife amble by. The casual Bistro offers up delicious meals for hearty appetites in a pioneer-times atmosphere. Baker Creek is the winner of the “Banff Heritage Tourism Award” for its authentic mountain lodging experience.

Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge
Nestled in the center of the resort town of Banff, the Delta Banff is the perfect base of exploration for the region’s fabled mountains, lakes, and trails. The airy guest rooms are stylishly furnished with sanctuary beds and table and chairs; amenities include a mini fridge, flat-screen TV, coffee/tea-making facilities, bathrobes, and an ensuite bathroom with tub. The Evergreen Restaurant serves inviting meals made from locally sourced ingredients, and The Grotto Spa offers relaxing massages and wraps.

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 to Bring

As you get ready to pack for your adventure, have a look at The AdventureWomen Store at www.theadventurewomenstore.com - we have picked out our favorite travel clothes and outdoor gear to help make packing easy for you. You can also see our recommendations for this trip on the AdventureWomen Pinterest page.

Weather is always unpredictable in the mountains - dress accordingly. You will want outdoor clothing and gear to be safe and comfortable. Most days you will be comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts, however, even in August, you must be prepared for rain and maybe snow at higher elevations. Layering is key!

Clothing and Gear

  • Duffel bag or small suitcase
  • Daypack with rain cover
  • Medium-weight waterproof hiking boots or shoes (make sure they are broken in!)
  • 1 pair sandals
  • Comfortable shoes for evenings
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof pants
  • 1 medium weight fleece sweater/jacket to layer under rain shell
  • 3-4 short sleeve shirts (quick-dry recommended)
  • 1-2 long sleeve shirts (quick-dry recommended)
  • 2-3 pairs of pants
  • 1-2 pairs of shorts
  • Bathing suit
  • 5-7 pairs underwear
  • 4-5 pairs of wool hiking socks
  • 1 wool or fleece hat
  • 1 pair wool or fleece gloves
  • Sleepwear
  • Two 24-32 ounce water bottles

AdventureWomen Essentials

  • Travel documents (identification documents, airline tickets, money, travel insurance number -- write it down or print it out)
  • 2 spare passport photos in case your passport is lost or stolen
  • Locks for your suitcase/duffel bag (suggested but optional)
  • Travel alarm clock with spare batteries (alternatively, phone or watch works well)
  • Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries
  • Binoculars (optional; 8x40/42 models are excellent choices; center focus models are easiest)
  • Digital camera, memory cards, battery charger (optional)
  • Sunglasses, case, and strap
  • Spare glasses, contact lenses, cleaner, saline, etc. (if applicable)
  • Money belt or neck pouch
  • Your AdventureWomen bottle (optional)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Hand wipes/hand sanitizer
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
  • Small packet of tissues
  • Tampons and panty liners if applicable (avoid plastic applicators)
  • Earplugs: We recommend Mack’s Pillow Soft White Moldable Silicone Snore Proof Earplugs. Available at most drugstores or at www.earplugstore.com
  • Assortment of stuff sacks and Ziploc bags
  • 1-2 bandanas/Buff
  • Reading material/journal and pens (suggested but optional)

Personal First Aid Kit

  • Prescription medicine you usually take
  • Personal epi pen (if you need one, don’t forget to pack it!)
  • Bandages, Gauze, Ace bandage, blister prevention
  • Antiseptic wipes/spray
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Cotton-tipped applicators
  • Oral rehydration tablets/packets
  • Antidiarrheal medication
  • Mild laxative
  • Antacid
  • Cold remedies
  • Ibuprofen/acetaminophen
  • Eye drops
  • Tweezers, scissors (travel size), safety pins

If you prefer to buy a complete kit, we recommend the Smart Travel first aid kit.

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