Venture into the heart of Banff National Park and its neighbor to the east, Kananaskis Country, where the Canadian Rocky Mountains' grandeur will take your breath away. There's nothing like standing among these granite giants to make your worries seem small. Each run we do in this stunning landscape will be a mindful movement practice, soothing your nervous system and calming the stream of thoughts racing through your mind.
As the jewel of Canada's national park system and home to the world's most photographed lake (you know the one!), Banff National Park is a busy place, however, we'll do our best to seek out the less-trafficked trails that still offer up tremendous scenic rewards and moments of serenity away from the tourist hoards.
This retreat can be the kind of vacation that truly transforms your state of mind and body, if you're open to it. Our retreats are designed to support you as a whole woman, not just a runner. That means you can expect free time to yourself, away from the group. It means that there are wellness experiences included in your retreat package to support your nervous system reset. This is your chance to heal from the effects of stress and focus on doing the things that energize you, inspire you and feed your soul.
This retreat is rated Level II. This means it’s suitable for you if:
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. 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.
Featuring deluxe accommodations, amenities and a prime Banff Avenue location close to the downtown core, the Royal Canadian Lodge has everything you are looking for when planning your next visit to Banff. On-site amenities include an indoor mineral pool, hot tub, high-speed wifi, steam room, fitness center and dry cleaning services.
Offering a serene and sumptuous atmosphere, it features world-class amenities and top-notch service for discerning travelers seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. Every corner of the room showcases our signature mountain-chic design, making you feel close to the natural splendor outside. Kick off the morning with a bold cup of coffee from your Nespresso Vertuo machine or grab a chilled drink from the fully-stocked mini-bar as you unwind in the evening. The modern bathroom with a walk-in shower is a sanctuary of refreshment, completing your alpine experience. Rooms have either one or two Queen beds. Wifi available in the rooms.
Discover an extraordinary experience at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection, where you're surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern luxury. Enjoy over 350 square feet of space and luxurious comfort with two queen size beds, complete with plush pillow top mattresses and decadent duvets. Rooms have either one or two queen beds, Keurig coffee makers, complimentary wifi and in-room mini fridge.
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.
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.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll enjoy authentic Rocky Mountain cuisine from locally and regionally sourced ingredients, including wild-caught Vancouver Island salmon, AAA-grade Alberta beef, fresh Okanagan-grown fruit and vegetables. Some of the restaurants we'll visit offer Canadian game (bison, elk, caribou, wild boar, venison and pheasant). Lunches will be casual picnic-style sandwiches from local cafes, while some lunches will be on your own. We will provide a limited selection of energy snacks for use on the trail, such as trail mix, energy chews, salty chips and cookies, but if you have specific favorite energy foods you like on the trail, we recommend that you bring those. 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.
Banff, Alberta, Canada 
Arrive early to acclimate to a new climate and time zone, ensuring a relaxed and well-rested start to your retreat. This pre-retreat night also allows you the chance to explore the surroundings at your own pace before the formal retreat activities commence.
After arriving to the Calgary International Airport sometime before noon, meet with your retreat leader and the rest of the retreat participants at 12 noon.
After breakfast at the hotel (at your leisure), we will meet our guides and start our run right from the hotel, heading up onto Benchlands Ridge, from which we hop onto the sublime singletrack of the Montane Traverse, which offers breathtaking views of Canmore's iconic Three Sisters. Your retreat leader will introduce the mindful running principles that help you adjust your stride and posture for these alpine trails, as well as help you start to feel more present. 
This practice creates powerful possibilities for transformation and holistic healing within the mind, body and spirit as we experience combining mindfulness meditation and Yin Yoga. Yin postures are used with a slow and steady approach, held in stillness with passive, long holds while allowing the connective tissues to become flexible and mobile. Creating space within the body and clarity in the mind through meditation, we calm our energy. This class works on the whole self for optimal well-being. 
After breakfast, we’ll check out of the Mountain House and drive approximately 1.5 hours, entering the gates to Banff National Park and making our way to a trailhead between Banff and Lake Louise, where we will being our alpine lake adventure. We’ll savor the solitude and serenity of this lesser-known trail connecting a series of crystal-blue lakes that are arguably just as stunning as those overrun with tourists.
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After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll meet our guides for a sightseeing run close to Banff along the sparkling Bow Falls Trail, including a stop at a viewpoint known as “surprise corner” for reasons that will be obvious when you’re there! Today's run is not only about sightseeing and tapping into the joy of running. Uncover deeper layers to running as a wellness practice that's different from anything you've experienced before. After finishing the run and a short transfer back to the hotel, enjoy some free time to rest, relax, or explore the great shopping in downtown Banff. Lunch today is on your own.
After breakfast at the lodge, we'll depart for a longer day exploring all that Banff has to offer. We'll drive about an hour north past Lake Louise to start off today's trail run up to Ross Lake, one of the area's stunning turquoise wonders. After the drive back to Banff, enjoy some free time. This afternoon we’ll have a sharing circle, facilitated by your retreat leader, during which you can reflect on what this journey has revealed to you so far and hear from others what the experience has been like for them.
Cap your day on the trails with a soothing visit to the Kananskis Nordic Spa, where you can enjoy cycles of hot pools, a cold plunge, steam rooms, sauna, fireside lounges and more for the ultimate rest and recovery afternoon.
After breakfast, check out of your rooms and meet our guide for a private transfer to the Calgary International Airport, a 1.5-hour drive from the resort, arriving at approximately 11 a.m. in plenty of time for your late afternoon or evening flights. From the airport, check in for your flight departure, or if you booked additional hotel nights in Calgary, take a shuttle, bus or taxi to your hotel.
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