Banff 2024 is SOLD OUT!
If you’d like to join the waiting list or learn more about our 2025 Banff trek, click the link below:
Daily SUMMARY:
DAY 1: Welcome to Canada
DAY 2: Moraine Lake Forest Bathing and Hike + Lake Louise Picnic
DAY 3: Begin Our Backpacking Journey
DAY 4: Day Hiking Near Penny Peak
DAY 5: Backpack along Marvel Peak or Marvel Lake
DAY 6: Backpack Out, Return to Calgary
Take a look at our Founder, Breanne’s, most recent trip to banff:
What Makes This Retreat Special?
With crisp early morning walks, hiking through wondrous colors as the sun spreads over the mountain peaks, sharing a drink with friends at the end of a golden day, soaring over the snow-covered mountain peaks to explore the heights of the Rockies you'll leave with beautiful memories and bonded friendships.
Join us for a supportive backpacking adventure with curious, open, and challenge-seeking individuals. This trip is for anyone interested in pushing their limits and helping others reach new goals.
FEATURES:
+ Moraine Lake Forest bathing and hike
+ Lakeside picnic at Lake Louise
+ 2 nights hotel in Banff town center
+ 3 nights camping and backpacking
+ Daily movement and mindfulness activities
+ Backpack training plan
+ Team of support for personal guidance
Plus:
+ 1 Root Expert Tour Leader
+ 1 Root Sustainability Expert
+ Experienced local guide
+ 2 pre-trip Zoom calls
+ Post-trip integration guide
+ 2 post-trip Zoom calls
+ Talk to a real human when booking and planning your trip!
Why backpack in BANFF?
REFLECTIONS FROM A PAST PARTICIPANT, Dana
“At the time, I was craving for deep exploration outside of my comfort zone. Banff has always been on my bucket list and so was backpacking, so when I saw that Root Adventures was leading a beginner-friendly backpacking trip in Banff I couldn't pass up the opportunity to explore this beautiful land with others who also craved similar sense of adventure. This trip fulfilled my desires and more!
From the crisp and clean air, blue skies, and bluer lakes — I was in awe to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. Imagine waking up to the sounds of a nearby stream, movement of the trees and birds singing.. just wow! Sharing these moments with the group was just magic. Cheering each other on as we carried our packs into the between campsites felt both endearing and empowering. One of my favorite moments was singing fun songs and chants as we made our final descend down our last peak. We held each other and were strong together! We trailed through some tough terrain, weather climates, and the natural motions of nature. This trip reminded me of my inner strength and oneness with nature. I'll always be in awe looking back.”
- Dana M, Banff 2022
FAQ’s
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Included in your trip cost is:
-Transportation: All transportation is included from arrival at the Calgary International Airport and return.
-Food: All breakfasts from Day 2 to departure day, all lunches from Day 2 to Day 6 and all dinners from arrival day to day 5 are included as outlined in the itinerary.
-Accommodation: Accommodation during the backpacking portion of the trip will be in shared, modern, lightweight 2- and 3-person weather-proof tents.
-Equipment: Trip participants will be responsible for providing their own hiking clothing, rain gear, day packs, and sturdy hiking footwear. We will provide group camping gear along with sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks and hiking poles. The guides will provide the group safety gear such as tarps, emergency communication devices and bear spray.
-Safety: As with all our trips, safety is our number one priority. We expect the unexpected and will have plans for anything that could happen while on our adventures. We will have radios and other types of emergency communication devices, evacuation plans, and all of our guides have current Advanced Wilderness First Aid Certificates.
-Root Expert Tour Leaders who will facilitate mindfulness/wellness practices
-Daily mindfulness activities
-2 pre-trip calls
-2 post trip calls
-Access to our Director of Traveler Experience who can help answer all your questions!
-All tips/gratuities
-6 Week Post-Trip Meditation Series to help integrate your experience
-Lifetime access to the Root Community
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Souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and anything not detailed in the itinerary.
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July is one of the best times to visit the Canadian Rockies! The days are long (16 hours of sunlight a day) with warm sunshine and low rainfall. The average temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit during the day with lows in the 40’s at night.
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You’ll need to arrive in Calgary, Canada by 2pm on July 11. Please depart from Calgary, Canada any time after 6pm on July 16.
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We classify this trip a difficulty level of 5 out of 5. Which means prior hiking and backpacking experience is required. You must be able to carry a 35+ lb pack for multiple days on trail for sustained daily time. Expect elevation gain, variable terrain and weather conditions. Below are approximate daily mileages with elevation gain/loss.
Day 1: 0km
Day 2: Hiking: This can be variable depending on how the group is feeling. Anywhere from 5-12km. There are many hikes available in this area.
Day 3: Approximately 6.5km with 600metres gain
Day 4: Day Hike – multiple option available depending on how the group feels
Day 5: 11km, 200 metres gain, 600 metres loss
Day 6: Approximately 9.5km
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Sleeping accommodations are a combination of hotel stays and camping as detailed in the itinerary.
Your first two nights will be in a hotel - Canalta hotel or similar.
Accommodation during the backpacking portion of the trip will be in shared, modern, lightweight 2- and 3-person weather-proof tents.
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On the third day of the trip you’ll begin the backpacking portion of your adventure. Backpacks will be provided so feel free to pack normal luggage, which will be stored. Expect for your pack to be heavy, 35+ lbs, carrying all that you need with you for a 3.5 day hike.
You can find a packing list here. We will also go over gear in much more detail on our two pre-trip calls.
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Recipes are cooked in small batches in our outfitters commercial kitchen in Canmore, Alberta, Canada and then they are dehydrated.
They use high quality ingredients in their recipes which are designed to balance nutrition, calories, flavor and ultimately, carrying weight of the dehydrated meal.
All dietary restrictions are taken into consideration as well!
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On the days you’ll be camping there is no access to electricity and minimal access to cell phone service.
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On the backpacking portion of the trip there will be no access to showers or toilets. Your guides will show you how to practice “leave no trace” practices for elimination on trails and outdoors.
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Here is a packing list. We will also go through gear questions in more detail in our two pre-trip calls.
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It is recommended that you do practice hikes, walks, or strength and cardio conditioning to prepare for this trip. When you sign up you’ll receive a training plan outline.
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Please email info@rootadventures.com or schedule a call. We would love to hear from you!