Finding Strength on the Trail: Inside Our Banff Women’s Adventure Retreat

There are places that crack you open in the best possible way—where the air feels different, the views stretch wider, and the noise of life finally fades into something gentle and supportive. Banff is one of those places. And this fall, a group of incredible women joined me there for our Banff Women’s Adventure Retreat, a five-day journey built around movement, connection, nature, and the permission to simply be.

These retreats always begin the same way: with women stepping into the unknown, some arriving with excitement, others with exhaustion, and many with both. But by the end of our first evening together, you could already feel it—the softening, the opening, the magic beginning to gather.

This is the story of what happened when we traded our routines for the Rockies and found strength, joy, and sisterhood on the trail.

A Wild Welcome to the Rockies

From the moment we arrived in Banff, the landscape felt like an embrace—crisp alpine air, towering peaks, and the kind of silence that fills your lungs with relief. We settled into our cozy lodge, wrapped in pine forests and postcard views. For many of the women, it had been years since they’d taken this kind of time for themselves. Some had come for healing, others for adventure, and others simply because something inside whispered go.

Our welcome circle set the tone. We shared intentions, hopes, and the quiet truth that we were ready—ready for movement, ready for connection, ready to rediscover our own strength.

E-Biking Through Banff: Power, Ease & Pure Joy

On our first full day, we hopped onto e-bikes for a sweeping tour through Banff National Park—an activity that quickly became one of the group's favorite memories.

Our route led us to the serene Vermilion Lakes, where glassy water reflected the Rockies like a painting. The air was cool, the scene was still, and we paused to breathe it in, grounding ourselves before continuing on.

Next came Bow Falls Viewpoint, where the roar of cascading water and the dramatic canyon views reminded us why Banff is a world wonder. The group gathered near the railing, sharing awe and snapping photos, but also quietly reflecting. Nature has a way of handing you perspective without saying a word.

We continued onto the Banff Golf Course Loop, a peaceful stretch surrounded by open meadows and mountain backdrops so cinematic it almost didn’t feel real. There was laughter, playful racing, slow rolling, and a shared sense of freedom that only comes from movement and fresh mountain air.

By the end of the ride, our cheeks were flushed, hearts open, and spirits soaring.

And the day wasn’t over yet.

Soaking in the Banff Hot Springs

After miles of adventure, we slipped into the warm mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs—a soothing ritual that felt like the perfect ending.

The steam rose around us as the sun lowered behind the mountains. We floated, soaked, laughed, and let the warmth melt away every ounce of tension. Muscles softened. Minds settled. And conversations deepened, the kind that only happen when women feel safe, supported, and completely unrushed.

It was the kind of simple magic that stays with you long after the trip ends.

The Lakes That Take Your Breath Away: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

The next morning was dedicated to two of the most iconic lakes in the world—Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. These places don’t need much introduction, but being there in person is something no picture can prepare you for.

At Lake Louise, the impossibly turquoise water sat still beneath towering peaks and a glacier so pristine it looked carved from ice-blue light. Some women journaled, some wandered the shoreline, some simply stood in silence letting the view wash over them. It was grounding, healing, and humbling all at once.

Then came Moraine Lake, the crown jewel of the Rockies. Its shimmering water, framed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, made our entire group audibly gasp. It was a moment of collective awe—the kind that binds people together without needing words. We explored, took in the sweeping views from the rockpile, and felt small in the best, most expansive way.

These lakes weren’t just sites on an itinerary— they were reminders of beauty, strength, and the vastness that exists both in the world and within ourselves.

Exploring the Wild Beauty of Bow Valley

One of my favorite parts of the retreat was exploring the expansive and stunning Bow Valley. With its rolling landscapes, rugged cliffs, and endless skies, Bow Valley felt like stepping into a living postcard.

We wandered through wildflower meadows, stopped to soak in quiet river views, and let ourselves be guided by curiosity rather than urgency. The valley held space for reflection—moments where women shared stories, opened up, and let nature loosen what they had been holding onto.

It was during this time that many women said they felt “lighter.” Not because the journey was easy, but because the mountains have a way of reminding us that we can carry more than we think—and also that we don’t need to carry everything alone.

Evenings of Nourishment, Intention & Connection

After full days outdoors, we returned to our lodge for deeply nourishing meals, glasses of wine, and nights filled with connection. We practiced gentle movement. We journaled. We shared laughter and tears. And we talked about life—the real parts, the tender parts, the hopeful parts.

This is what makes women’s retreats special: the unfiltered truth, the softness, the belonging.

No one had to perform. No one had to pretend. We were simply women showing up as we are—and finding strength in that honesty.

What We Carried Home

By the end of the retreat, the transformation was undeniable.

Women who arrived tired left revived. Women who came unsure left confident. Women who carried stress left with clarity and calm. Women who arrived as strangers left as friends—real friends.

And all of us took home something precious: the reminder that nature heals, movement empowers, and community transforms. Banff didn’t just give us views. It gave us renewal.

A Few of Our Favorite Banff Must-Visit Spots

No retreat is complete without a little taste of local flavor. If you find yourself extending your stay in Banff (and trust me… many women do!), here are a few of our must-visits for dining, sipping, and shopping between adventures:

Restaurants

The Maple Leaf – A warm, upscale Canadian restaurant perfect for a celebratory dinner. Think Alberta steak, locally inspired dishes, and cozy mountain-chic ambience.

Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar – Campfire-inspired cooking and small-batch spirits made right onsite. Great cocktails and comfort food after a long hiking day.

Block Kitchen + Bar – A global-flavor fusion spot with an intimate vibe. Small plates to share, local ingredients, and always delicious.

Cafés + Coffee Shops

Wild Flour Bakery – Fresh breads, pastries, wholesome meals, and the best cozy breakfast atmosphere in town.

Whitebark Café – A local favorite for perfectly crafted coffee and a peaceful place to journal or people-watch.

Good Earth Coffeehouse – Sunny, relaxed, and ideal for grabbing a latte before heading into the park.

Shops + Boutiques

Rocky Mountain Soap Co. – Natural, handmade Canadian soaps and skincare (everyone leaves with something!).

Branches Marketplace – A beautiful collection of artisan goods, home décor, candles, and Canadian-made gifts.

Monod Sports – Iconic Banff outdoor shop with hiking gear, cozy layers, and local expertise.

These spots are perfect for a little post-adventure indulgence, souvenir shopping, or grabbing a treat before your next trail.

Join the Next Sunny & Turquoise Adventure

If your soul is craving movement, connection, nature, and time to breathe deeply again, join us on a future retreat. These experiences are designed to support you, nurture you, and remind you of your strength and beauty.

The mountains are calling— And you deserve to answer.

Check our next Banff Adventure here: [Banff Women’s Adventure Retreat]