Curated Experiences
Breathtakingly
Backdropped
Retreats at River Retreat Kananaskis
Reconnect · Rejuvenate · Rediscover
Nestled along the banks of the Highwood River with breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, River Retreat Kananaskis offers the perfect sanctuary for wellness, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re planning a yoga retreat, corporate off-site, wellness weekend, or creative workshop, our intimate and inspiring setting invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in nature.
Why Host Your Retreat With Us?
Serene Natural Setting
Boutique Accommodations
Wellness-Focused Spaces
Locally-Inspired Nourishment
Shared Gathering Spaces
Retreat Types We Host
What’s Included
Ready to Create Something Special?
Let us help you bring your vision to life. Whether you’re a seasoned retreat host or just getting started, River Retreat Kananaskis provides the backdrop, support, and magic to make your retreat unforgettable.
Full-Service Planning
River Retreat Kananaskis owners Todd and Jaxy can look after everything. From concept development to menu planning, centre-pieces, and set-up, they’ll lend their expertise to help ensure your special occasion is one to remember.
A La Carte Options
Weddings, anniversaries, vow renewals, and other important events are not one-size-fits-all. Each couple, and each event is different, which means we’re happy to discuss the personal touches you’d like at your event.
Personalized Experiences
Chances are you’ve already been picturing a certain theme or particular style to accent your special event. We’d love the opportunity to personalize your experience and make your vision come to life!
Curated Experiences
Mindful Wellness
River Retreat Kananaskis is the ideal spot for reconnecting with yourself, with nature, and with those you care about. Whether you’re coming as a couple, an extended family, or a group of any other configuration, we’ll help you select the right accommodations – whether guest rooms or private cabins – and take care of the details, such as menus and meeting spaces. We can also help you arrange treatment seminars for larger groups, practice treatments for smaller ones, and individual massages, reflexology treatments and other therapeutic therapies in our wellness centre. We know from experience that the serenity of mountain views and river waters provide an ideal setting for reconnections of every kind.
Exclusive Excursions
Adventure, Only When You Want It
Surrounded by wilderness and wonder, River Retreat Kananaskis is your basecamp for both adventure and ease. Explore nearby golf courses, world-class fly fishing, snowshoe trails, skiing, or kayak the rushing waters of the Highwood River. If quiet calls to you, stay close. Read by the fire. Listen to the river. Gaze at the stars as they rise over the Canadian Rockies. Whether you move or remain still, every experience is yours to shape.
Corporate Retreats
Where Nature Inspires Productivity
Escape the hustle of the city and elevate your next corporate event at River Retreat Kananaskis. Nestled along the banks of the Highwood River with breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, our boutique venue offers a serene and inspiring setting for team building, strategic planning, leadership retreats, or client appreciation events.
Learn More
What We Offer:
- Exclusive Access to our Kananaskis Wellness & Conference Centre
- Fully Equipped Meeting Spaces with natural light, high-speed internet, and flexible seating arrangements
- Team Building Experiences that harness the power of nature—guided hikes, riverside mindfulness sessions, firepit gatherings, and more
- Customized Catering Options featuring locally inspired menus
- Luxurious Accommodations in boutique guest suites and private cabins, perfect for overnight retreats
- Recreational Amenities including scenic decks, a conservatory with a wood- burning fireplace, a covered bar area, and riverside trails
Why Choose Us:
At River Retreat Kananaskis, we believe that innovation and collaboration thrive in tranquil environments. Our space offers a rare blend of modern comfort and raw natural beauty, allowing your team to unplug, reconnect, and return refreshed—with fresh ideas and stronger bonds.
Whether you’re planning a half-day off-site meeting or a multi-day executive retreat, our team will work with you to craft a tailored experience that aligns with your goals.
Escape & Elope
Say “I do” in one of the most breathtaking and intimate settings in Alberta. Our elopement weddings are designed for couples who want a deeply personal and stress-free experience surrounded by the raw beauty of nature. Nestled along the Highwood River with the Canadian Rockies as your backdrop, our private venue offers the perfect escape for your romantic celebration.
Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful riverside ceremony, a cozy moment under the trees, or golden hour photos on our scenic decks, your day will be filled with unforgettable moments.
Our Certified Reflexologist Ernie Bird also offers Riverside treatments in our cabana
Reserve with us Today
Couples Wellness Retreat
May 31, 2025
Fly Fishing Course
June 21, 2025 with Hustle Trout Fly Fishing
Foraging and Cooking in the Foothills!
This special workshop is great for learning to identify edible, wild plants, how they taste, what season to harvest them and how to cook with them! We take a walk through the wilds to find seasonal, edible plants and learn to ethically forage them. Foraging baskets, bags and tools are provided.
Once we return to River Retreat Lodge, you will be given a “sous chef” task to prepare the wild foods. I will bring along some traditional foods to complement the new wild vegetables. Together we will create a multi-dished meal! Add a few herbs, spices and locally processed sausages and VOILA! Time to enjoy a wild feast. What a great way to build your confidence in safe, ethical foraging and eating a few wild plants!
The day includes: An opening prayer ceremony, a guided foraging walk, a cooking workshop, delicious local sausages, and your choice of wild crafted tea. Cutlery, cups, condiments and all cooking facilities are included.
Bring: Your own water bottle, snacks for the walk and any personal meds you require, EG puffer for allergies. Good footwear, dress for the weather, personal gardening or leather gloves and possibly scissors. An opening and closing prayer ceremony is included in the day to share our gratitude to the Plant Kingdom and all of Creation.
BIO
Julie has worked in the outdoors as a professional hiking guide and Cross country ski instructor for over 30 years. In 2014 she transformed her Outdoor education company, to focus full time, on awareness of our native plant landscapes and the Ethical foraging of our edible, wild plants. She ran P.D. programs for the instructors of the SAIT school of Hospitality and Tourism. She has worked with Alvin Many Chiefs of the Pikani, Hank Snow of the Nakoda Nation and Tim Patterson of the interior Salish Peoples. Julie has studied Earth Medicine formally for 4 years and informally as a life student since the early 80’s.
Tickets $199.00
⛳ Golf Getaways with Turner Valley Golf Course
From $419.00 | Includes Accommodation, 18 Holes & Cart
Elevate your escape with our curated Golf & Stay Packages in collaboration with the beautiful Turner Valley Golf Club — one of Alberta’s most scenic and historic courses.
Just a short drive from River Retreat Kananaskis, this hidden gem offers lush fairways, mountain views, and a relaxed pace that perfectly complements your stay with us.
Your Golf Package Includes:
- 1-Night Stay in a luxurious, adult-only boutique guest suite or private cabin
- 18 Holes of Golf at Turner Valley Golf Club
- Power Cart Rental included for your round
- Mountain & River Views to unwind between tee times
- Access to the Broadbent Lounge and Conservatory Dining Room
- Optional add-ons: Gourmet meals, massages, and spa access
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a quiet weekend away, our Golf Getaways offer the perfect blend of recreation and relaxation.
Booking Information:
📅 Available May to October
💲 Packages start at $419 per night
📍 River Retreat Kananaskis + Turner Valley Golf Club
Tee up your next mountain escape.
Our Guests
Tom & Linda Tracey
“River Retreat Kananaskis is an absolute gem! Our stay could not have been better. Todd and Jaxy are warm and welcoming hosts. Our room was immaculate with a lovely view of the mountains. The bed was so comfy and we were impressed by all the high quality personal touches that make this place feel like a 5 star hotel. The decor is classy and unpretentious. Antiques are classed and skillfully blended with contemporary modern features. The food was excellent, with the freshest ingredients, and the ambiance of the dining room was lovely. An ideal setting for a romantic evening. The location of River Retreat Kananaskis at the base of the mountains and river is beautiful. Sitting on the benches along the river and listening to the sound of the flowing water was so peaceful. We would book again without hesitation.”
Mario S.
“What a wonderful experience we had. It’s hard to explain the detail and love that went into the creation of this beautiful retreat. We instantly felt welcomed on our arrival. The room was gorgeous and well-appointed. The view was outstanding. When you stood back and looked towards the main window it felt like you were looking at a painting. It was our 10th anniversary and I don’t think we could have found a better location to celebrate it. Do yourself a favour and book your own experience here. Be sure to have supper as the food is mouthwatering. Breakfast was one of the best we ever had. Nothing like home cooking to start your day. Time to start planning our next visit!”
