6-Day Family-Friendly Banff Itinerary: Top Kid-Friendly Hikes, Attractions, and Tips for Exploring Banff National Park
Start your adventure with a scenic drive from Calgary to Banff. Pro tip: Stay at Moose Hotel and Suites for easy access to Banff Avenue and a laid back family-friendly atmosphere.
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary & Explore Banff Town
- Arrive in Calgary and enjoy the scenic drive to Banff National Park.
- Check into your family-friendly hotel. We highly recommend Moose Hotel and Suites—it’s spacious, comfortable, and conveniently located just a short walk from Banff Avenue, perfect for accessing restaurants and shops. The rooftop hot pools are a great spot for parents to relax while kids can enjoy a splash.
- Explore Banff Town with a stroll through the town’s charming streets. Don’t miss the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the mountains.
Dine in a private dome with panoramic views of the mountains and enjoy this one-of-a-kind dining experience. Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise: A must-do with kids! Book the Junior Explorer Cruise to keep little ones entertained with fun facts about the lake’s history and wildlife.
Day 2: Banff Sightseeing & Lake Minnewanka
- Wake up early and visit the picturesque Bow Falls, perfect for family photos.
- Breakfast at Fairmont Banff Springs, or experience the 360 Dome dining if available.
- Stop by Surprise Corner Viewpoint for photos of the stunning Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
- Hike Tunnel Mountain, an easy, family-friendly hike with rewarding views.
- In the afternoon, visit Lake Minnewanka, where you can choose from the Junior Explorer Boat Cruise (designed for children) or a regular boat tour, both offering scenic views and an exciting adventure for the whole family. https://www.
banffjaspercollection.com/ attractions/lake-minnewanka- cruise/experience/junior- explorer-cruise/ - End the day with dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar and grab dessert from Beavertails.
Johnston Canyon’s Lower Falls trail is an easy, family-friendly hike that takes you through the scenic canyon to a waterfall. Lake Louise’s iconic turquoise lake offers incredible views lakeside, by hike or by canoe. Capture your family’s unforgettable moments with a professional photoshoot. The stunning backdrop of Lake Louise and the mountains makes for picture-perfect memories taken by Banff Photography.
Day 3: Johnston Canyon & Lake Louise
- Check out of your hotel and drive to Johnston Canyon, where you can hike to either the Lower Falls (easy) or Upper Falls (a bit more challenging but doable for older kids).
- Afterward, head to Lake Louise and check into the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or nearby family-friendly accommodations.
- Spend the afternoon canoeing on Lake Louise and take the easy Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail.
- Tip: Schedule a professional family photoshoot with Banff Photography to capture memories with the stunning backdrop of Banff’s natural beauty.
Mistaya Canyon: A hidden gem with fewer crowds. The short trail offers stunning views of the canyon’s rushing waters and beautiful rock formations. Peyto Lake’s second viewpoint offers stunning views without the crowds. This short hike is worth it for the panoramic views of the glacier-fed lake. Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Treat the family to an elegant afternoon with stunning lake views—an experience both parents and kids will love. Horseback Riding with Timberline Tours (located right next to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise): Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure through the scenic trails of Banff.
Day 4: Mistaya Canyon, Peyto Lake & Afternoon Tea
- Drive to Mistaya Canyon and enjoy a short family-friendly walk along this beautiful, less crowded spot.
- Visit the stunning Peyto Lake, and take a short hike to the second viewpoint for fewer crowds and spectacular views. Read more on how to find this viewpoint.
- In the afternoon, enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Fairview Bar and Restaurant inside Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
- End your day with an unforgettable experience by going horseback riding with Timberline Tours—great even for toddlers! http://www.timberlinetours.ca
Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle: Waking up early is worth it for this unforgettable experience. Book the shuttle in advance and watch the sunrise over Moraine Lake’s stunning turquoise waters—one of my favorite views in Banff. Takakkaw Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in Canada, an easy walk for a rewarding scenic view.
Day 5: Moraine Lake Sunrise & Takakkaw Falls
- Wake up early and catch the sunrise at Moraine Lake. Book the Moraine Lake Sunrise Shuttle in advance, as no private cars are allowed. https://
morainelakesunriseshuttle.com - Later in the day, drive to Takakkaw Falls for another family-friendly hike and stop at the Meeting of the Waters for a scenic spot where two rivers merge.
Emerald Lake is the perfect peaceful end to your trip. Enjoy a family canoe ride or a leisurely walk along the lake’s shoreline while taking in the incredible scenery.
Day 6: Emerald Lake & Return to Calgary
- End your trip with a visit to the beautiful Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. You can either canoe or enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake’s shoreline.
- After checking out of your hotel, drive back to Calgary to catch your flight home.
Additional Kid-Friendly Places to Visit and Activities to Consider:
- Banff Upper Hot Springs: A perfect way to relax and unwind with the family after a day of adventure.
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site: An interactive museum where kids can learn about Banff’s history and the birth of Canada’s national park system.
- Cascade Ponds: Ideal for picnics and casual strolls, these shallow ponds are great for kids to explore.
- Lake Louise Gondola: A scenic ride up the mountain, offering great wildlife viewing opportunities—perfect for families!
- Banff Wildlife Safari: A guided wildlife tour around Banff, where kids can spot elk, deer, and even bears in their natural habitat.
- Banff Park Museum: This charming little museum is full of stuffed wildlife displays, giving kids a chance to learn about the animals native to the Canadian Rockies.
Winter-Specific Activities:
- Ice Skating on Lake Louise: Enjoy skating on a frozen Lake Louise with breathtaking mountain views. Rentals are available, making it an easy and fun winter activity for families.
- Snowshoeing: Rent snowshoes and explore Tunnel Mountain or Fenland Trail, two great, easy options for beginners and young kids.
- Sleigh Rides: Book a cozy sleigh ride around Lake Louise or through the snowy trails of Banff National Park—perfect for creating magical winter memories.
- Banff Gondola in Winter: Even in winter, the Banff Gondola is a must-do. The summit offers incredible snowy views of the Rockies, and the interpretive center has plenty of family-friendly activities.
- Winter Wildlife Tours: Winter offers a unique chance to see wildlife in Banff. Book a guided winter wildlife tour to spot elk, deer, and more in their natural snowy habitat.
- Hot Chocolate at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: After a day of ice skating or snowshoeing, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate by the fire at the Fairmont.
- Alberta: Banff, Elk Island, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes National Parks
- British Columbia: Glacier, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and Yoho National Park
This pass covers your vehicle’s access and is valid at all national parks and historic sites across Canada. It’s perfect for families planning to visit multiple parks in one trip or several trips throughout the year. Be sure to display the pass on your dashboard. The pass may also be purchased ahead of time online (https://parks.canada.ca/
Tip: If you don’t have your own car, Banff’s major attractions are also easily accessible by Roam Transit, a convenient and eco-friendly public transportation option. Some places include Johnston Canyon, Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka and more. You may also book a Parks Canada shuttle ride to Lake Louise and/or Moraine Lake. Visit https://www.banfflakelouise.
// Comments are closed //