Banff, Canada + Outdoor Activity + Women = Empowerment, Adventure and Friendship, which is exactly how our Banff Escape can be described. Our first day of adventure began with a somewhat terrifying yet empowering bang, as we climbed ladders, crossed suspension bridges and hiked up, down, around and across Mt. Norquay. The prize was the breathtaking panoramic view of Banff, the encouragement and fellowship during the climb and the glory of exerting and stretching our bodies, minds and spirits. It was indeed an accomplishment that we will never, ever forget. On the following days, we hiked alongside Lake Louise and up to the Plain of 6 Glaciers, where we witnessed an avalanche—something even our guides had never seen! We spent down time on Lake Moraine, which, like Lake Louise is a mesmerizing deep blue. We enjoyed a full day of cycling in and around Banff and alongside Lake Minnewanka. Our trip ended with a day of white water rafting and cliff jumping in the Bow River, and every day ended in the hot tub. It was truly a spectacular experience that made each of us grateful for many things: our health and physical, mental and spiritual fitness, which allowed us to courageously participate in each activity; female friendships and relationships (new and old) which pick us up and encourage us when are tank is empty; and a sense of humor which makes all of life doable and turns the even the worst situations into something beautiful.

View more photos from this trip here.