Women and Non-Binary Backpacking Leadership Camp

Expand your confidence in the backcountry

Women and Non-Binary Backpacking Leadership Camp

Expand your confidence in the backcountry

Build skills in a supportive backcountry setting with certified guides

Connect with women and gender-diverse adventurers in an inclusive space

Backpack Kananaskis through alpine trails and to summits

Stay supported with planning help, meals, and group gear provided

Trip Description

Through this course, you will spend four days random camping in the awestriking Kananaskis backcountry. Your course will be run by two ACMG Hiking Guides who have designed a curriculum specific female identifying and non-binary recreators who are looking to bring their backcountry hiking skills to greater heights and gain confidence in their ability to lead others on multiday excursions.

Be prepared to carry ~40 lbs, for a maximum of 10 km in a day. The route will include sections above treeline and across scree, and most travel will take place off-trail. All meals will be provided by PeakEats based in Canmore, AB. You will need to pack your own bowl, mug, utensils and favourite adventure treats (if you want). Breakfast on day 1, lunch & dinner on our final day and drinks are not provided. While food is provided on this trip, you will be responsible for carrying it with you. Everyone is expected to help with cooking and clean up for meals. Since the group may camp in sparsely treed areas, we also have bear-proof food bags that will be provided. The ACC will provide all fuel and stoves for cooking.

Accommodation on this trip will be tent based. If you do not have access to a backpacking tent you can contact the ACC Mountain Adventure Coordinator to discuss borrowing options. We will not be setting up tent partners for this trip. However, if you have concerns about sleeping arrangements please let us know. If you don’t have everything on the gear list and aren’t ready to invest in your own, there are many awesome local business that rent out all of the equipment you will need. Be sure to reserve your rentals ahead of time to make sure everything you need is available for you when you need it.
  • Coming from the Bow Valley? Check our Gear Up. ACC members 10% off all gear rentals!
  • Coming from Calgary? We recommend renting your gear from the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre.

Itinerary

Experience the pristine wilderness of the Elbow Sheep Wildland are in Kananaskis. This multi-day trek will take you from camp to camp. Spend your days connecting with like minded individuals, experiencing stunning views and learning from expert guides on how to take your back country adventures to the next level. Whether you’re coming to take in the landscape, connect with new people or elevate your skills this trip has it all.
Day 1

Meet your group for breakfast in Bragg Creek for a safety briefing then convoy to the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, your guides will brief you on a few more things, such as bear spray use, Leave No Trace principles, and to help you adjust your pack before departure.

Once on the trail, the group will begin ascending towards an alpine basin, where the group will set up camp for the night.

Day 2-3

All other days will be spent exploring the front ranges of the Elbow Sheep Wildland and working on expanding leadership skills under the guidance of ACMG-certified Hiking Guides. On day 3, the group will try for a summit, then head back to camp for the final night.

Day 4
The last day will be spent slowly meandering back to the trailhead and back down to the vehicles to meet for a final group lunch in Bragg Creek!

Location

Alberta's wilderness destination

Nestled in the eastern Canadian Rockies in Kananaskis Country, Elbow Sheep Wildland Provincial Park offers pristine backcountry experiences with dramatic mountain landscapes and crystal-clear streams. Explore trails through dense forests and alpine meadows while watching for bighorn sheep, elk, and bears. This remote wilderness area provides authentic mountain adventures for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking solitude in Alberta’s spectacular scenery.

Guides & Staff

Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 12.29
Bree Kullman (she/her)
Bree has over 15 years of wilderness leadership and instruction experience. She has worked with Alberta...
Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 12.37
Meaghan Buisson (she/her)
Across the last decade, Meaghan has taught wilderness skills and led expeditions in Western Canada and...
Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 12.29
Bree Kullman (she/her)
Bree has over 15 years of wilderness leadership and instruction...
Learn More
Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 12.37
Meaghan Buisson (she/her)
Across the last decade, Meaghan has taught wilderness skills...
Learn More

We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips

Open

Details

* Camps are subject to minimum enrollment in order to run.

Adventure Hazards

Terrain

Terrain is uncontrolled, unmarked and not inspected, risks include but are not limited to: Cornices, Crevasses, Cliffs, Trees, tree wells, forest dead fall, and tree stumps, Creeks, rocks and boulders. Holes and depressions below the snow surface. Variable and difficult snow conditions. Variable and difficult walking terrain. Snowcat roads and road banks, fences and other man-made structures. Snow immersion. Impact or collision with other persons, vehicles or objects. Extreme variation in trails or terrain. Encounters with domestic or wild animals. Loss of balance or control, slips, trips, and falls. Becoming lost or separated from the group.

General Hazards

Risks include but are not limited to: ​Slips, trips and falls indoor or outdoor. Equipment failure. Infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Negligent first aid. Negligence of other persons, including other guests. Negligence of the guide including failure to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from, or warn you of risk, dangers, hazards, on participating in ACC activities. Changing weather conditions including but not limited to high winds, lightning, forest fires, effects of high altitude including pulmonary edema and cerebral edema, incomplete warnings or instructions, negligence of other people, including trip coordinator and other guests. Negligence includes failure on the part of ACC Guides (if applicable) to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from or warn you of the risks, dangers and hazards of wilderness activities.

Communication and Rescue

Risks include but are not limited to:Communication can be difficult and in the event of an accident, rescue and treatment may not be available. Adverse weather may also delay the arrival of treatment and transport out of the field. If an Injury occurs in challenging terrain movement to an evacuation point may be slow.

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