Meetings in Alberta can offer groups a range of engaging activities from the adventurous to the serene. If you’re looking to help your group find fresh perspective, why not try an exhilarating helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies followed by a cliffside yoga session?
There’s no better time to meet in Alberta than 2017, as Canada is offering free admission to all of its National Parks in celebration of its 150th anniversary. Groups can explore Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton National Park, Elk Island National Park and Wood Buffalo National Park—all for free.
For an adventurous team building experience, consider Mount Norquay in Banff’s own Via Ferrata, where climbing gear is built right into the mountain. The challenge offers stunning views and a unique perspective on the landscape for all climbing levels. Heli-yoga or heli-hiking takes attendees via helicopter to some of the wildest and highest locations in Banff National Park for a wilderness trek or serene yoga session with sweeping mountain views.
“With a trend in incentives toward well-being and the influence of millennials seeking authentic experiential activities, the Canadian Rockies’ vast, unspoiled wilderness offers an ideal setting and complementary activities to fulfill these goals,” says Kyla Knudson, East Coast USA MICE director at Travel Alberta.
To this point, another winter activity is an “Evening Ice Walk” through Johnston Canyon, where attendees don ice cleats and hike along steel walkways built into the canyon walls using headlamps and flashlights to navigate their way.
Those seeking a less strenuous adventure can explore western Canada on a historic Royal Canadian Pacific luxury train. The train consists of 10 Canadian Pacific Railway 1920’s-era business cars coupled to two 1950’s locomotives, all of which have been restored to their original splendor. Attendees enjoy gourmet F&B on the journey and stops for activities such as fly-fishing, championship golf courses or historical tours.
“Though the area is stunningly beautiful,” Knudson explains, “Banff and Lake Louise are also a place to be explored, and authentic experiences such as dogsledding, ice walking, snowshoeing and eco-yoga are plentiful. These alpine towns have amenities that create magical experiences that will reward and motivate attendees for years to come.”
