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Winter Banff Excursion

January 29th-February 2nd 2026

Have you ever dreamed of a true winter adventure deep in the Canadian Rockies? Picture snow-draped peaks stretching beyond the horizon, silent forests cloaked in fresh powder, and frozen lakes shimmering under a crisp blue sky.

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This January, join us for a women’s wilderness escape where you’ll do more than just see the Rockies—you’ll truly experience them. Strap on snowshoes to explore quiet alpine trails leading to breathtaking vistas. Wander through a frozen canyon where towering icicles sparkle above turquoise waters winding through ancient rock walls. Glide across the legendary ice of Lake Louise, then warm your hands around a mug of hot chocolate beside a crackling outdoor fire.

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Feel the thrill of adventure as you ride a gondola to panoramic views of Banff or experience the magic of a dog sledding ride through snow-covered forest paths. Keep your camera ready for unexpected wildlife encounters and the raw, untouched beauty of winter wilderness.

At the end of each invigorating day, retreat to our cozy wilderness hostel—where a wood-burning stove, hearty shared meals, and laughter-filled evenings create the perfect space to connect with like-minded women. We’ll also wander the charming town of Banff and soak in natural hot springs, balancing adventure with relaxation.

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For five days, this all-inclusive women’s journey is crafted to bring you closer to nature, to yourself, and to an amazing community of outdoor-loving women.

Ready to embrace the wild this winter? Join us!

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Itinerary

Day 1: Into the Wild – Canyons & Cozy Cabins
We'll meet you bright and early near the Calgary Airport (we recommend arriving the night before) and kick off our journey with a delicious breakfast in the charming mountain town of Canmore. Then lace up your boots for the stunning Grotto Canyon trail: an easy, 4-mile guided hike through ancient canyon walls and shimmering ice formations, led by our Canadian guide, Shauna. Afterward, we'll head into the iconic town of Banff to explore local shops and soak in the alpine vibe before retreating to our cozy wilderness hostel on the scenic Bow Valley Parkway—our basecamp for adventure in the days ahead.

Day 2: Icefields & Iconic Lakes
We’ll rise early, pack our lunches, and set out along the Bow Valley Parkway—stopping first at the picturesque Morant’s Curve, where passing trains look straight out of The Polar Express. Then we’re off on one of the world’s most breathtaking drives: the Icefields Parkway. Surrounded by towering, rugged peaks, we’ll pause at Bow Lake and lace up for a short hike (0.8 miles) to the stunning Peyto Lake viewpoint. On our return, we’ll visit the legendary Lake Louise to glide across its frozen surface, warmed by the glow of the outdoor ice bar near the Chateau Fairmont. We’ll wrap up the day by gathering around the wood-burning stove at our cozy wilderness hostel, sharing stories and hot drinks as the snow falls outside.

Day 3: Frozen Waterfalls & Winter Wildlife
After packing our lunches, we’ll set off for a guided ice walk through Johnston Canyon—just minutes from our hostel—where our guide Shauna will lead us past frozen waterfalls, towering canyon walls, and glistening icicles. Next, we’ll follow the Bow Valley Parkway to the breathtaking Lake Minnewanka, a serene winter landscape and prime spot for spotting elk and bighorn sheep. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the warmth of our hostel for quiet time to read, journal, or simply unwind by the wood-burning stove before sharing dinner together.

Day 4: Summits, Soaks & Starlit Skies
Today we’ll head into Banff to ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain, where a boardwalk offers sweeping 360° views of the Canadian Rockies. While at the summit, we’ll gather around the fire on the observatory deck to roast marshmallows and soak in the mountain air. We’ll then enjoy lunch with breathtaking views at the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen—one of the most scenic dining spots on earth. After descending, we’ll unwind in the soothing, mineral-rich waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Next, we’ll stop by the Bow Falls Viewpoint before some free time to wander Banff’s charming shops, local art galleries, or grab a drink. We’ll return to our cozy wilderness hostel for our final night—sharing stories around an outdoor fire and, if we’re lucky, watching the Northern Lights dance above the snow-covered forest.

Day 5: Sled Trails & Sapphire Lakes
We’ll pack up our gear and say farewell to our cozy wilderness hostel before heading to the charming town of Canmore. There, we’ll join Snowy Owl Dog Sledding for an unforgettable ride into the mountains—guided by a team of enthusiastic huskies through the breathtaking winter scenery of Kananaskis. After our sledding adventure, we’ll have time to explore Canmore’s local shops and cafés. Then we’ll head to the nearby Upper Grassi Lakes trail for a moderate 2-mile group hike, where vivid blue waters stay unfrozen and crystal clear even in winter’s coldest months. As the sun sets, we’ll make our way back to Calgary, sharing one last round of stories before an evening drop-off around 7 pm at the airport or your local hotel—closing out our week of adventure, laughter, and new friendships.

Due to the nature of this trip, the itinerary may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. 

    What's Included for $2099 

  • Lodging at Hi Castle Wilderness Hostel where we have a shared private room for our entire group

  • Transportation in a van in Alberta

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks

  • Gondola Skyride

  • Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen

  • Banff Upper Hot Springs

  • 2-Hour Dog Sledding Tour

  • Guided Ice Walk with Shauna at Johnston Canyon

  • Guided Hike with Shauna at Grotto Canyon 

  • Ice Skating at Lake Louise

  • Park Entrance Fees

  • Tour of Banff National Park & Must-See Sights

    What’s Not Included

  • Flight to YCC

  • Hotel on the 28th or 2nd

  • Any Alcohol

  • Optional Dining Out in Banff, Canmore or Lake Louise

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"I just finished my first trip with Amy at Wandering Wild in Alberta, Canada. From airports to hotels to hostels, it was an amazing trip. Her passion for travel, adventure and nature will have you embracing the experience just as she described in the itinerary. Go ahead...book your first trip, step out of your comfort zone and embrace the challenge of doing something different. I'm so thankful I did. 

Danielle N, New York

LOGISTICS

Please inform us of any food restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate. 

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For your convenience, we offer flexible payment options through Klarna—pay in 4 easy installments, interest-free, to make this more accessible.

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Meeting 
1/29 @ 8am

  • Calgary International Airport YCC 

  • We recommend flying in the afternoon or evening of 28th and taking a free shuttle to a local airport hotel

  • We will pick-up each woman starting at 8 am within the Calgary Airport vicinity

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Ending
2/02 @ 7pm

  • We will be dropping women off between 6-7 pm the evening of the 2nd in the vicinity of the Calgary Airport

  • If you plan on flying back the evening of 2nd please inform us so we can ensure timely drop off

  • There is a shuttle from Canmore to the Airport if you would like to get an earlier flight after dog sledding​ which ends around 1 pm. 

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Click to view & download the packing list
 

WHAT TO PACK?

Meet the Team

Adventure. Empowerment. Growth.

✨ Ready to lace up your boots, explore frozen canyons and turquoise lakes, and cozy up by a crackling wood stove under the northern sky while building community with adventurous, like-minded women?​​

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Spots are limited — grab yours today and embrace a winter you’ll never forget.

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