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When traveling to Banff with kids, it’s important to pack both essentials for the outdoors and comfort items to keep little ones happy and safe. Here’s a list of must-bring items for a successful trip:
1. Clothing for Layering (All Seasons)
- Warm base layers: Thermal tops and bottoms for insulating against the cold.
- Fleece or wool layers: Mid-layers that trap heat while wicking away moisture.
- Waterproof outer layers: Insulated, waterproof jackets and snow pants to protect against snow, wind, and rain.
- Winter boots with good grip: Essential for icy or snowy conditions. Make sure they are insulated for warmth.
2. Sun Protection (Even in Winter)
- Sunscreen: The sun’s rays can be just as strong in winter, especially with snow reflecting UV rays.
- Sunglasses or ski goggles: Protects eyes from bright snow glare and cold winds.
3. Hydration & Snacks
- Insulated water bottles: Keeps water from freezing during outdoor activities.
- Thermos for hot drinks: Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or tea for keeping warm on the go.
4. Portable car seat, Child Carrier Backpack, Baby Carrier, or Stroller
- If you are renting a car, you can either rent one a car seat from the rental company or bring your own. We opted to bring our own since we know the kids are familiar and comfortable in them.
- For little ones, a baby carrier with a sunshade or hiking backpack carrier can still be helpful in winter, providing protection from both the sun and cold winds.
- Strollers are useful for getting around town or in hotels, but not ideal for most winter trails.
5. Bear Safety Items (Mainly Summer/Fall)
- In winter, bear encounters are rare, but it’s still important to be cautious in some areas.
- Bear spray, bear bell or whistle (these items can also be easily found in Banff to purchase)
6. Travel Entertainment
- Books, small toys, or games: For keeping kids entertained indoors or during long car rides.
7. First Aid Kit
- Stock your kit with Children’s Tylenol or Motrin for unexpected fevers or discomfort.
8. Baby or Toddler Necessities
- Diapers, wipes, and changing pad: Still a must for younger kids.
- Small portable potty: Great for road trips or when restrooms are hard to find.
9. Camera, Tripod, and Phone
- Don’t forget your tripod for those timer family shots, portable phone chargers
10. Winter-Specific Gear
- Insulated gloves: Make sure they’re waterproof and insulated for keeping hands warm and dry.
- Beanies and neck gaiters: Warm beanies and neck gaiters or scarves will keep heads and necks warm in sub-zero temperatures.
- Hand and foot warmers: Small, portable warmers that fit into gloves or boots to keep extremities warm on cold days.
- Ski socks: High-quality wool or thermal socks to keep feet warm and dry, especially for outdoor activities like snowshoeing or sledding.
- Ski goggles: Especially important if you’re planning to ski or do other snow activities, as they protect from wind, snow, and glare.
- Winter boots with traction: Opt for boots with good grip and waterproofing to handle icy sidewalks and snow.
Stroller Use and Baby Carrier:
In winter, a baby carrier with a sunshade is helpful for keeping little ones warm on walks. A stroller is still handy for naps in town but won’t work on snowy or icy trails.
Additional Tips:
- Small portable potty: Ideal for long winter drives where restrooms may be closed or hard to find.
- Hot drinks in a thermos: Perfect for warming up during breaks from the cold.
- Parks Canada Discovery Pass: A must-have for unlimited access to Banff and other national parks
This comprehensive list will help make sure your Banff adventure is enjoyable, no matter the season!
The Osprey Poco carrier backpack was so helpful to have on the longer hikes, even our older more petite daughter had her turn in the carrier when she was tired. The WAYB Pico car seats we always bring along for easy and efficient travel. Hats and beanies are also very helpful to have on hikes especially with the possibility of quick change in weather.
Here are a few of my most favorite items that were so useful on our Banff trip:
The Osprey Poco SLT lives up to Osprey’s reputation for quality. It’s incredibly lightweight yet sturdy, which makes a big difference on long hikes. The padded child seat is comfortable. The inner strap system is also great—it’s easy to put on and take off, making it quick to secure or remove your child. However, when they fall asleep, their head tends to fling around a bit, which is hard to avoid in any child carrier.
One feature I really appreciate is the spacious compartment underneath the child seat, perfect for packing essentials like diapers, snacks, and other hiking necessities.
The only downside is the lack of an included sunshade, which I consider essential for a child carrier backpack. While the sunshade is pictured, it’s not included in the purchase. It’s also not available on Amazon as of now, and finding it from a third-party retailer was tricky. Thankfully, it’s available directly on Osprey’s website as the Poco LT Sunshade.
Overall, this is an excellent child carrier backpack—lightweight, durable, and comfortable for both parent and child. Just make sure to track down the sunshade, and be mindful of the head flopping if your little one naps along the way!
Lightweight, portable and foldable car seat, great for travel. Ideal for children ages 2+ and within 22-50lbs and 30-45 inches. Weighs just 8 pounds, is fast to install, easy to clean and can also fit 3-in-a-row. Love how it comes with a backpack so you can easy fold and go. The backpack also has a strap to put over the handle of rolling luggages.
This is my absolute favorite to always keep in my car. Both of my girls loved this one and it’s so easy to use, sturdy and comfortable for the kids. If you have to fly and need to cut down on how much space the potty can take, the Nuby On-the-Go or the OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty are also great options that break down and are more efficient when it comes to packing.
- UPF 50+
- 100% recycled, wicking main body fabric
- Dark underbrim reduces glare
- Reflective details
- Wicking sweatband and stretch-comfort adjustable sizing
- UPF 50+ Crown Ventilation
- Removable Neck Cape
- Water and Stain Resistant
- Stretch Comfort