3 Outdoorsy Bachelorette Party Ideas

If you’re planning a bachelorette party for a bride-to-be who loves the great outdoors, use her passion as the theme! Gather up all of her girlfriends and try one of these outdoorsy bachelorette party ideas:

1. White Water Rafting

A whitewater rafting trip for the bride-to-be and several of her closest friends can be an exhilarating way to celebrate together. Find out which whitewater rafting trips are available near you, and book a group excursion. Select a reputable company with experienced tour guides, and let them know about the celebration ahead of time because they may offer special services for bachelorettes. Coordinate a post-rafting picnic with champagne and snacks for a special touch. You’ll be hungry from your workout, and a little bubbly will be the perfect way to cool down.

2. Boating

If you live close to the northern border between the U.S. and Canada, consider planning a bachelorette getaway to Lake Louise and Banff National Park. During the spring and summer, the scenic lake features plenty of water-related activities as well as horseback riding, hiking trails and breathtaking views. Rent a boat and head out onto the lake for a day on the water. Make sure to have your boater operator card in tow for proof of certification. Decorate with a nautical theme and bring light hors d’oeuvres to enjoy at sunset.

If you’re heading out during the fall or winter, Banff National Park is the place to be. It offers sledding, skiing, ice skating and dog sled rides. The Lake Louise Fall Festival runs from early September through early October and includes hotel deals, dining specials in the area’s top-notch restaurants and a variety of special events, including horseback rides, meditation hikes and outdoor photography workshops.

Splurge on a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which Conde Nast Traveler describes as one of the most picturesque locations in the world.

3. Camping…or “Glamping”

If your bride-to-be loves connecting with nature, suggest setting out for the great outdoors and pitching a tent for the night. You can make s’mores over a campfire, tell ghost stories and watch for shooting stars.

But, if your almost-bride likes her modern-day amenities, book a “glamping” trip. This involves plenty of outdoor time and the comfort of an overnight stay in a cabin or yurt. Glamping is all about enjoying nature without giving up creature comforts, says Glamping Hut, an online resource where you can browse locations for some of the best glamping accommodations.

The tent bungalows are available for around $100 a night and are a great place to relax and unwind after day spent hiking and horseback riding. If you want to get your spa on, several locations offer massage services, aromatherapy treatments, hot tubs and saunas, which are sure to help your bride take a break from the stresses of wedding planning.

So, forget Vegas and Atlantic City. Make this bachelorette party one to remember by gathering up your girlfriends and heading into the great outdoors.