Just a 45-minute drive from Cochrane, Alberta, Heartening Valley Wilderness Retreat provides an inclusive, thoughtfully designed environment where everyone belongs, voices are heard and guests are celebrated.

We are dedicated to offering adaptable and inclusive spaces for individuals, groups, and organizations to connect, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories. Through meaningful experiences and the harmony of our natural surroundings, we inspire growth, celebration, and a sense of belonging for everyone who visits.

Immerse yourself in a sanctuary built for growth, reflection, and lasting connections.

Heartening Valley Wilderness Retreat provides an inclusive, thoughtfully designed environment that supports diverse physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional needs.

Whether attending an outdoor school, hosting a camp for kids or a group wellness getaway, guests will find adaptable spaces and carefully crafted programs that ensure each experience is accessible, enriching, and unforgettable.

Heartening Valley Wilderness Retreat specializes in hosting large groups events, including:

Ceremonies

Creative Workshops

Cultural Programs

Corporate Retreats

Family Or Social Retreats

Intimate Group Gatherings

Camps for kids

Meditation Practices

Overnight Stays

Special Events

Storytelling Sessions

Training Workshops

We provide versatile spaces perfect for a variety of events, including;

Expansive Sleeping Spaces:

We comfortably host up to 60 guests during the summer months and up to 50 guests throughout the winter season.

Your stay includes bedding, full access to all our retreat facilities, amenities, and activities, as well as the use of all recreational equipment.

Classroom

A versatile rental space ideal for: Crafts

School-based indoor activities and learning sessions

Therapeutic or meditative practices

Wellness or fitness sessions.

It can also serve as sleeping quarters when needed.

Fully Equipped Kitchen

Full access to the kitchen is provided when it is not reserved for private events.

Meal service is available when booked in advance, serving a minimum of one and a maximum of sixty guests.

Food shopping, meal preparation, and cleanup are all handled for you.

**When the kitchen is reserved for a private event, six barbecues and fire pits remain available for general use

Games room

Our games room is a welcoming common space designed for everyone at the retreat.  

🎨 Craft Corner – Stocked with basic craft supplies, guests can unleash their creativity through simple art projects, drawing, or DIY activities. Whether you're crafting solo or collaborating with friends, it's a space to spark imagination.


📚 Cozy Book Nook – Shelves lined with a variety of books offer the perfect escape for readers of all interests. Curl up with a good story, explore new ideas, or simply enjoy the quiet moments surrounded by literature.


🏓 Ping Pong Fun – Challenge a friend or practice your skills at the ping pong table, available to all guests. Whether it's a lighthearted match or a competitive rally, it's a great way to bring energy and connection to the space.


Designed to be inclusive and welcoming, the games room is a place where guests can create, relax, and engage—a hub for fun and connection within the retreat.

Sustainable sanitation Composting toilet

Sustainable sanitation Composting toilet - an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flush toilets that utilizes natural processes to decompose waste into compost, reducing water usage and environmental impact.

Shower House

Men's and women's showers, multiple shower stalls, spacious changing areas, and sinks.

Complimentary shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels are provided to enhance your experience

Sweat Lodge and Temazcal

Experience a traditional ceremony centered on healing, purification, and spiritual connection.

Led by an experienced Elder, ceremonies include access to the lodge or temazcal

All necessary supplies, and

Optional cultural teachings to enhance understanding. 

**Must be booked in advance to ensure Elder availability.**

Tipis

Our tipis are sacred spaces for spiritual practices, storytelling, and rituals honoring Indigenous traditions.

They provide a welcoming environment for gatherings, camping, and educational opportunities to learn about cultural heritage and history.

Outdoor Adventures & Activities – Explore, Play, and Discover!

Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, our retreat offers a variety of outdoor experiences for all seasons:


🌿 Year-Round Exploration – Enjoy 460 scenic hiking trails for walking or mountain biking. Bring your own gear or use the bikes and helmets provided.


🏖️ Summer Adventures 

  • Glide across our serene lake in a canoe or kayak, taking in the breathtaking natural surroundings. Canoes, kayaks, and DOT-approved lifejackets and all necessary equipment is included! 
  • Stay energized with beach volleyball, refreshing swims, and precision-testing archery—all designed to spark adventure and connection. All necessary equipment is included so you can focus on fun, connection, and making unforgettable memories.

**Prefer your own gear? Bring your own along!


❄️ Winter Fun 

  • Embrace the snowy season with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Whether you bring your own gear or use the skis and snowshoes provided, the wilderness is yours to explore.

Every activity is designed to inspire exploration, foster connection, and create lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bookings can the retreat accommodate at one time?

The number of bookings the retreat can accommodate at one time typically depends on its guest capacity and the type of bookings.

Since the retreat can host up to 60 guests in the summer and 50 guests in the winter, the number of bookings would vary based on whether it's individuals, families, or groups reserving spaces.

A single large group booking could fill the retreat, or multiple smaller bookings could do the same.

Contact us for more information on customizing your private retreat at Heartening Valley.

Are meals included in the lodging packages?

Meals are not included in the lodging packages, but we do offer meal services for groups and special events.

Guests can also use the fully equipped kitchen facilities in the communal area to prepare their own meals if the kitchen is not reserved for an event.

What should guests know about the surrounding area and road access to the retreat?

The gravel road leading to the retreat offers a rustic and scenic journey, but conditions can vary greatly depending on the season and weather.

Please note that the road is not maintained year-round and is only graded periodically to ensure basic accessibility.

In the spring, expect possible muddy patches and uneven terrain due to melting snow and rainfall.

During summer, the road may be dusty with areas of loose gravel requiring cautious navigation.

In the fall, rainfall can create slick surfaces, and fallen leaves may obscure parts of the road.

Winter conditions may include snow, ice, and frozen patches, which can make travel challenging.

“I had the most amazing time at Heartening Valley. The serene surroundings and warm hospitality made it a truly unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.”

Address

📍 73197 Highway 40, Ghost River Reserve, Alberta
📜 Legal Land Description:

PTN SE-17-27-8 W5

📍 Coordinates:

51°18'14.3"N 115°05'07.7

Email

📧  info@hearteningvalley.com

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