This women-only hiking tour through the Canadian Rockies covers the best of Banff, Kananaskis, Kootenay, and the Icefields Parkway from a comfortable base in Banff or Canmore. The hiking is moderate and rewarding, moving through turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, and glacier viewpoints with a small group of up to 12 women and a local guide who knows these mountains inside out. Private transport, 3-star accommodation, and most meals are all taken care of. Show up, hike, repeat.
Arrive in Banff and settle into the hotel, ringed by the rugged peaks of the Canadian Rockies. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner and orientation, a chance to meet the group, set the tone for the week ahead, and breathe in that first hit of crisp mountain air.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
We’re up early for the drive to Moraine Lake, where the Ten Peaks mirror perfectly in still water at sunrise, one of those sights that earns the early alarm. From there, we head to Lake Louise for a 3-hour hike through forested slopes and alpine meadows, gaining around 400 m (1,300 ft). Optional afternoon extras include canoeing on the lake or afternoon tea at the Fairmont; public buses run regularly between Lake Louise and Banff for anyone who wants to linger.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Hiking: 10 km (6 mi), 3 hrs
Elevation: +400 m (+1,300 ft)
Today we head into Kananaskis Country, quieter, less visited, and just as spectacular as the national parks nearby. Our likely destination is Picklejar Lakes: 10 km (6 mi) of trail through open alpine meadows and past a string of serene mountain lakes with 600 m (2,000 ft) of elevation gain. After the hike, we round out the day with a local experience, either a cozy mountain lodge or a character-filled ranch, depending on the season. Note: access roads here can be winding, so anyone prone to motion sickness may want to come prepared.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Hiking: 10 km (6 mi)
Elevation: +600 m (+2,000 ft)
We wind north along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s great scenic drives, with a stop at Peyto Lake for its turquoise waters framed by rugged peaks. Today’s hike is a moderate 3-4 hour climb of around 400 m (1,300 ft), with unobstructed views down onto the Athabasca Glacier and the vast Columbia Icefield. Bighorn sheep are regular company up here. Our guide shares stories of the region’s geology, history, and wildlife throughout the day.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Hiking: 10-12 km (6-7 mi), 3-4 hrs
Elevation: +400 m (+1,300 ft)
We start the morning in Kootenay National Park, just over the Continental Divide into British Columbia, with a walk through Marble Canyon, an easy 1.6 km (1 mi) trail along a narrow turquoise gorge carved through white and grey limestone. Then we ride the gondola and chairlift up to Sunshine Meadows, where the landscape opens above 2,400 m (7,900 ft) into sweeping alpine terrain: wildflower meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and panoramic views across the Divide. Marmots and pikas dot the path. We’re back in Banff by late afternoon for a farewell dinner to close out the week.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Hiking: 5-8 km (3-5 mi)
After a leisurely breakfast, we say our goodbyes. It’s time to go back home filled with memories of this amazing all-women adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
Good fitness is required for this women-only Banff hiking tour. The hiking is varied rather than extreme, but you should feel comfortable being active every day and hiking up to 10 km (6 mi) on moderate terrain, with up to 600 m (2,000 ft) of elevation gain.
Clothing:
Gear:
Optional:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing
A Banff hiking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this all-women Banff hiking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of your Banff hiking tour is Banff. To get there, most people fly into Calgary Airport (YYC). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Banff.
You will meet your guide at the hotel in Banff on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.