7-Day Mindful Hiking Retreat In Banff National Park

This 7-day guided hiking adventure explores the most iconic and awe-inspiring trails in Banff National Park along with a day visiting waterfalls across the Continental Divide in Yoho National Park.

From turquoise lakes and hanging glaciers to thundering waterfalls and sweeping alpine views, every day brings a new landscape and a new sense of wonder.

You’ll hike through wildflower meadows, ascend rocky passes, and wander along glacier-fed rivers while keeping an eye out for mountain goats, marmots, moose, elk and maybe even a grizzly from a safe distance.

Each hiking trail on this Mindful Hiking Retreat is handpicked for its beauty, variety, and the kind of jaw-dropping views that make you pause and say “wow” without realizing it.

Each day, we will explore all our senses through mindful hiking practices that help you get out of your head and into an embodied state of presence, awe and wonder.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just have a solid fitness base and love the outdoors, this trip delivers a mix of moderate and challenging trails.

You’ll earn every view, and every night you’ll sleep deeply with the mountains whispering outside your window.

Day 1: Takakkaw Falls & Little Yoho Valley (Yoho National Park)

We begin the journey at the base of Takakkaw Falls, the highest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies where glacial meltwater plummets 373 meters into the Yoho Valley. Just standing at the base gives you a taste of the power of this place. It’s a natural amphitheater of rock, water, and fresh mountain air.

Our hike follows the Iceline Trail, climbing steadily into the alpine zone with constant views of glaciers and distant peaks. You’ll pass streams, scattered boulders, and wildflowers in a landscape carved by ice. It feels otherworldly up here, like stepping into a mountain dream.

We loop through Little Yoho Valley,  visiting Laughing Falls and Hidden Lake. This is a big day with big rewards. Afterward, we return to Banff for a cozy night near the park’s edge, feeling that satisfying mountain fatigue kick in.

Day 2: Moraine Lake to Sentinel Pass (Banff National Park)

We will get an early start to beat the crowds at Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed spots in Canada. The hiking trail begins gently through the forest, opening into the beautiful larch trees of Larch Valley.

As we climb toward Sentinel Pass, the air gets thinner and the panoramic views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks expand. Behind you, the Ten Peaks tower over Moraine Lake. Ahead, Paradise Valley unfolds like a secret world waiting to be discovered. The final push is steep but worth every step.

At the top, we will take in one of the most dramatic views in the Canadian Rockies. We’ll rest, snack, and soak it all in before descending back the way we came.

Day 3: Rest Day in Banff — Culture, Canoes & Hot Springs

After two big hikes, today is for relaxing, exploring, and soaking in the charm of Banff. We start with a gentle morning paddle on the Bow River and nearby Vermilion Lakes. The reflections of Mount Rundle on the water are unreal, especially because we’re going to be lucky enough to catch it on a calm morning.

Next, we’ll visit the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. This mountaintop hub is home to galleries, performances, and quiet spaces perfect for journaling or sketching if you’re feeling inspired. It’s a creative retreat nestled right in the Rockies.

In the afternoon, we tour the historic Banff Springs Hotel — aka Canada’s Castle in the Rockies — and wrap up the day with a long soak at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. This is what recovery looks like in the mountains: relaxing, beautiful, and full of low-key magic.

Day 4: Lake Louise to the Big Beehive

We will start the day with a peaceful walk along the turquoise shore of Lake Louise. The early light reflecting off the water is unreal. From there, we climb gradually to Mirror Lake, a quiet gem tucked beneath the Big Beehive.

We’ll pause at Lake Agnes and grab a snack from the historic Lake Agnes tea house. It’s a great mid-hike recharge. Then we push up to the Big Beehive. The trail gets steeper but manageable, with switchbacks and panoramic views opening up as we gain elevation.

From the top, the lake below looks like a jewel dropped into the forest. You’ll see the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise from above and distant glaciers beyond. After soaking in the view, we return the same way and enjoy a relaxing evening in Banff.

Day 5: Rockbound Lake via Castle Mountain

This is a quieter trail with fewer crowds but it packs a lot of awe-inspiring beauty. We begin near the Castle Mountain Junction and follow a gradual forested trail that opens up to Tower Lake, a great spot to rest and snap a few photos. The air gets cooler and crisper as we ascend.

Above Tower Lake, the trail gets rocky as we climb a short headwall to reach Rockbound Lake. It sits in a wide cirque surrounded by towering cliffs and raw, untouched alpine terrain. You feel small in the best kind of way.

This hike is long but steady, offering solitude and a sense of discovery. It’s ideal for photographers and nature lovers who want time to reflect. We head back down and spend the night in Banff to relax and recharge a little.

Day 6: Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer Adventure

Next, we will hit the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives on the planet. Towering peaks, hanging glaciers, and endless alpine views line the route as we head toward the Columbia Icefield. It’s a road trip with nonstop photo ops.

Our day includes a guided Ice Explorer tour onto the Athabasca Glacier. You’ll ride a massive all-terrain vehicle onto the ancient ice, step out onto the glacier itself, and feel the chill of a frozen world beneath your feet. It’s humbling, powerful, and unforgettable.

After that, we visit the Skywalk, which is a glass-floored viewing platform hanging 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. We’ll end the day with a spectacular sunset drive back to Banff after a more low-key day of exploring.

Day 7: Bow Glacier Falls & Bow Summit Lookout

We start at Bow Lake, with a scenic and gentle hike to Bow Glacier Falls. The trail hugs the shoreline and crosses a wooden bridge, revealing views of cliffs, waterfalls, and glacial outflows. It’s a great contrast to the previous days’ massive icefields.

As we approach the falls, you’ll feel the spray and hear the thunder of water carving through rock. This is a raw and dynamic landscape, shaped daily by meltwater from the Wapta Icefield above. It’s a shorter hike, but no less dramatic.

Next, we’ll also stop at Bow Summit and hike to the Peyto Lake viewpoint. It’s a short climb but offers one of the most iconic panoramic views in the Rockies. From there, we wrap up the tour and return to Banff for a well-earned rest.

Join This Mindful Hiking Retreat In The Canadian Rockies

In just a week, you’ll experience some of the best hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll see glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and alpine ridges that few people take the time to fully explore. And you’ll do it all with good company, good food, and expert guidance.

This Mindful Hiking Tour is about more than just the views. It’s about slowing down, breathing deep, and connecting with nature in a way that stays with you long after the boots come off. You’ll leave with stronger legs, a clearer mind, and a camera full of unforgettable moments.

Ready to lace up your boots and step into the wild? The Canadian Rockies are calling.

The Mindful Hiking Retreat Pricing:

Price: $4,500 CAD per person ($3,250 USD)
Group Size: Max 10 guests for an intimate, personalized experience
Dates: Multiple departures June–September

Includes:

• 7 days of guided hikes and cultural activities
• 7 nights of accommodation in Banff, Lake Louise, and Field (3 star hotels)
• All ground transportation from Banff
• Columbia Icefield Explorer tour and Skywalk
• Banff National Park entry fees and activity passes
• Daily breakfasts, trail lunches, and 5 group dinners
• Canoe rental, hot springs entry, and Banff Centre visit
• Mindful hiking practices, journaling prompts, and reflection moments led by your guide

Not Included:

• Flights or transport to Banff
• Personal snacks, souvenirs, and tips
• Dinner on 2 free evenings (Banff and Lake Louise have lots of great options)
• Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
• Cost of obtaining a visa or passport
• Alcohol Beverages
• Guides Gratuities

Location