During this 7-day retreat, you’ll venture into the heart of Banff National Park and its neighbor to the east, Kananaskis Country. Drawing from our local knowledge and deep personal connections to this enchanting destination, we’ve designed an itinerary that truly maximizes our scenic rewards and avoids the heavily trafficked tourist hubs.
We’ve teamed up with locally based female professional running guides to design an incredible itinerary that takes you to some of the park’s best trail running trails offering incredible views of glaciers, turquoise lakes and jagged peaks. You will stay in off-the-beaten-track cabins and lodges that capture the charm of the Canadian Mountain West and are nestled deep within forests and meadows so stunning that you won’t even notice the fact that your cell phone is useless. Embrace the digital detox!
We’ve minimized the time we’ll spend driving from place to place in order to maximize your time to truly relax, or as the Nordic people call it, “hygge”. You’ll have opportunities to soak in your private jacuzzi tub, lounge around the campfire next to a mountain stream, snuggle under a wool blanket with a good book next to a wood-burning fireplace or drink wine in a rustic log cabin with a group of amazing women.
And we’ll cap the week with an afternoon of Scandinavian-style hydrotherapy at the Nordic Spa, where you can feel your body heal from the week of trail running as you cycle through the warm, hot and cold pools and saunas designed to flush out toxins and speed recovery. You’ll return home invigorated and refreshed despite having run six days in a row!
This retreat is rated Level II. This means it’s suitable for you if:
Learn more about how we manage run pacing here: https://runwildretreats.com/about-the-run-wild-retreat-experience/levels/
Our runs take place generally between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation on well-established trails. All runners–not only those coming from sea level–find it necessary to adjust their running pace to account for the elevation. We have accounted for this slower pace in our allotted run times, giving you plenty of time to run and hike at the speed that suits you best.
THE WEATHER
July is the warmest month of the year here, with daytime temperatures usually between 50 and 75 degrees. However, since we’re in the mountains, weather can change rapidly, so we’ll want to have lightweight waterproof jackets with us in case of some precipitation or even snow.
There is very limited cell phone reception for the first three days of the retreat. There is only weak WIFI offered via satellite at Baker Creek Mountain Lodge. Of course, land lines are available for urgent phone calls. There are also no TVs at the Baker Creek. On the afternoon of day 3 we move to Buffalo Mountain Lodge, which is in the town of Banff and has reliable WIFI and cell phone service, as does the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
About the Run Distances
The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 35 and 45 miles. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners on some days. These run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail closures, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations. Note that the footing in the alpine trails can be challenging at times, and you will be exposed to heights, rocky, loose rocky trails and narrow mountain trails.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll enjoy authentic Canadian Cuisine from locally and regionally sourced ingredients, including wild-caught Vancouver Island salmon, AAA-grade Alberta beef, fresh Okanagan-grown fruit and vegetables.
Breakfast each morning is simple buffet-style served in the main lodge with a variety of hot and cold options, while lunches will be pre-packed picnics of sandwiches and wraps with fruit or a cookie.
Portable energy snacks for use on the trail, such as trail mix, energy chews, salty chips and cookies, will be provided. We can accommodate those who are vegetarian, vegan, diary- or gluten-free.
Please note that alcoholic drinks are excluded, and snacks and beverages outside of meals and trail runs are not included.
Our highly trained retreat leaders provide the space and support for you to have a potentially transformational experience. As experts in mindful leadership, she provides valuable guidance on how to be mindful on and off the trail. Here's more about what you can expect from your retreat leader:
Your package includes three nights at Baker Creek Mountain Lodge's luxurious cabins surrounded by forest and soaring peaks.. Enjoy spacious luxury with this package comprised of 3 nights in a cabin at Baker Creek Mountain Lodge. Your cozy cabin features full kitchen, living room with wood-burning fireplace, full bathroom, two beds and private deck with beautiful mountain views.
A few minutes’ drive up Tunnel Mountain Road brings you to the peaceful Buffalo Mountain Lodge. The lodge is made up of a main building with lounge, restaurant and fitness facilities and a series of two-story wooden annexes around the property. The style is very much in keeping with the natural scenery; each room has a stone fireplace and fresh firewood is replaced daily by porters who are on call to start the fire if needed. Located slightly out of town, this lodge feels more like a peaceful retreat. Primarily surrounded by woodlands, there’s a small shop and laundromat across the road. Banff town center is an easy five-minute drive away, though you can take the complimentary shuttle.
Discover an extraordinary experience at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection, where you're surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern luxury. Nestled against the enchanting Canadian Rockies, our upscale hotel is perfect for unique summer activities. Once you retreat to this alpine resort, settle in the elegant accommodations, complete with free Wi-Fi, rustic décor & plush bedding. Cherish scenic views from the comfort of your room and replenish your soul at our full-service Nordic spa next door.
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Banff, Alberta, Canada 
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