Required fields are marked *. We thoroughly recommend it for a family trip and hope you can take some inspiration from this post. All of the info on these hikes is in our Lake Louise post. We welcome all Bow Valley families to join us for stories, play and socializing. The Rocky Mountain town of Banff, Alberta, is internationally renowned for its first-class skiing, luxurious spas, fine dining and breathtaking vistas.However, children have a different checklist when it comes to evaluating places, and that’s not why the area appealed to me as a kid. If you’re lucky you’ll see Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, hoary marmots, and gray jays too. WITH KIDS: older kids will love the challenge of biking through the Bow Valley. Hopefully, you’ll be photobombed by the famous Banff Squirrel or one of his furry cousins. While my family could walk the length of the skywalk, I could not. Banff & Lake Louise is sure to capture you and your children’s imagination. We stayed in Canmore which was a little less expensive and only 20 minutes from Banff. Our kids are typical kids and love to explore in great detail. It’s also home to the iconic hotel Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. We arrived at 7 am and the road had been closed off because the car park was full. The water was also the most turquoise of all of the lakes. If you want a relaxing time, it is best to go early as it can get crowded. Mix this with the grandeur of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Resort, the historic hotel built in 1888, and golf-loving families have a veritable paradise. Banff Inn. I was impressed to find that Banff has numerous kid-friendly hotels. But one chance glimpse of a picture of Lake Louise while searching for things to do in Canada was enough to make us organise an epic 1500 km Vancouver to Calgary roadtrip to go and see it. But it’s not the most popular tourist attraction in the country for nothing. Banff is both a town and a protected mountain area. Culture Trip rounds up the most exciting activities for you to do here with your kids. The current park fees are: If you are not into camping or you don’t manage to get the spot you want, then there are many other options available to you. The steam from the hot spring in the cave on the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain is what the three railway workers saw which is what lead to the creation of Banff National Park. I recommend getting a rental car to get there. Photo Credits: Claudia Laroye. The scenery from the road is just breathtaking. Historic Banff Avenue is home to shops, restaurants and unique boutiques featuring all kinds of Canadian kitsch as well as outdoor recreation outfitters. This is a guest post from writer, editor and Canada native Catherine Forth. Banff Upper Hot Springs BANFF, ALBERTA—Canada—Whether you’re long overdue for some family bonding time, or faithfully take a family vacation each year, Banff, Alberta is a great place to plan your next family getaway. The springs are around 37-40 degrees so if you are going on a hot summer day, you probably won’t want to stay in long. At the Lake Minnewanka Cruise, kids sail free every day at 3 PM. The towns of Banff and Lake Louise are surrounded by incredible adventure opportunities. We loved the shorter hikes around Lake Louise which gave us a good intro into hiking in Banff  with kids but there are so many more hiking trails to explore than we had time for. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'thetravellingmom_ca-box-4','ezslot_5',119,'0','0'])); You may recognize the impressive scene of Moraine Lake from that Canadian $20 bill in your pocket. We did all of this, and we still broke down in Lake Louise. We participate in various affiliate marketing programs. Here are the things that you should not miss out on a family vacation with kids, toddlers, or babies. Stay together – there are around 65 grizzly bears in Banff and while it might be hard to spot one, you don’t want your child to be running ahead and having a surprise encounter with one. You can do self guided tours or you can take a tour and learn about the birthplace of the Canadian parks. It was certainly nice to ride on a comfortable shuttle and dropped off directly at our hotel door. There is so much opportunity for spotting wildlife in Banff, especially if you go on a hike and get away from the crowds. Photo Credit: cones9 Lake Louise is the jewel of Banff. Coming from the South Eastern part of the United States, the trip to Banff with two children under the age of three was completely and utterly exhausting. Here is a great list of family-friendly hikes around Banff town. The sulphurous water is supposed to have healing properties. Kids (and adults) are almost sure to love the great outdoors at Banff, especially in the summer months. Given that all children under the age of 5 get to ride for free, it is actually quite a steal compared to renting a car for a week. Staying in Banff National Park is an amazing way to experience the Rocky Mountains and allows you to easily explore the region. This can attract unwanted bears but it can also kill wildlife. We didn’t want the kids clambering on the rocks as it didn’t look particularly safe. For the July 4 th holiday weekend, my family of three visited Banff National Park in Canada, in an RV, with a toddler no less. Keen to saddle up and ride out into the sunset? Ground squirrels are particularly friendly. My fear of heights kicked in big time. And it moves, due to the kinetic energy of visitors. Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and get terrific travel tips and dreamy destination inspiration. If you want to learn about the history of the Canadian parks, you should definitely pay the Cave and Basin National Historical site a visit. So here’s a primer of all you need to know about taking your young family to Banff … Banff National Park was created in 1885, two years after the discovery of a series of hot springs by railway workers (although indingenous peoples had known about its existence for thousands of years). The natural hot mineral waters bubble up from miles below the earth’s surface. Banff & Lake Louise is the perfect location for family vacations. This site shares modern-mom-tested family travel sanity tips, destination advice, and inspiration to stay ever curious and create lifelong travel memories. Read The Sweet Lowdown on Where to Eat in Banff. Most parents searching Google and travel forums for helpful tips and insight on whether traveling with a toddler to Banff and the Canadian Rockies will likely find similar answers. Yes, leaking steering fluid is a thing. Central Park is worth a visit for a leisurely picnic lunch by the Bow River and there’s a lovely natural playground for the kids to explore. Twin Cairns and Monarch Viewpoint (7.2km roundtrip) 3. Disclosure: The Travelling Mom thanks Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, Brewster Travel Canada, and Parks Canada for their hospitality and support in visiting Banff. Visiting Petra with Kids: The Ultimate Guide, The 10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2020, Things you need to know when visiting Banff with kids, make it to Jasper there’s loads to do too, 30 Best National Parks in the World for Families - Travel Melodies, One Day in Churchill with Kids - TravelingMel, The 10 Best Family Holiday Destinations For 2021 – The Best, A Day in Drumheller with Kids | The Ultimate Dinosaur Adventure, The 10 Best Family Holiday Destinations for 2020 ????????️??? The Family Connections Play Space is for parents and caregivers of young children aged 0-5. Do not pick plants or remove rocks – we instilled a look but don’t touch approach during our visit. If you’re lucky, you might spot either a grizzly […], Your email address will not be published. So, I would stay in Banff or Canmore for all your nights and base your adventures out of there. Over the years it has grown from 16 sqkm to 6,641 sqkm and encompasses many lakes, mountains and historical sites and is home to a huge array of wildlife. Planning a trip with a toddler requires a lot of planning and thinking ahead. It gets incredibly busy. Booking.com “Awesome! This casual, kid-friendly restaurant is also in the Clock Tower Village Mall (110 Banff Ave), but it’s upstairs. Family Resource Network. Included in your gondola ticket is admission to the new multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre. Reservations for each summer will open in January and you have to be quick off the mark to get a spot. You’ll be glad you did. This is truly the best way to explore Banff. It is the busiest and... Ride the Banff Gondola. There is an extra charge for this, which we wouldn’t have minded paying, but we just didn’t have the time. The great thing about Lake Louise is that there are a couple of very easy hikes for the kids. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Or in my teen’s case, a 40-minute run down the mountain, for fun. s.async = true; Banff is a magical wonderland when seen through young eyes. Make sure to book as early as you can. Flashpacking Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Banff Candy is a candy lovers dream store! The Bow River runs through Banff, and funnels through the Bow Falls, a beautiful waterfall that is an easy walk from town or from the historic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Banff's Family Resource Network (FRN) delivers prevention and early intervention programs and services for families with children aged 0 – 18.. Family Connections Play Space. The view from the road is spectacular – the mountain peaks are a like a gallery of giants, one after the other. We enjoyed a very pleasant 5.5 km hike down Sulphur Mountain. This picture was taken from the main viewing platform, although people were going past the barriers to get their photo taken away from the crowds. Banff and its neighboring community of Canmore have excellent on- and off-road cycling networks with plenty of easy grades for kids, as does Jasper. You can enjoy a cup of tea and fresh scone or pie at this historic Tea House. but there is so much more to see. There are daily activities available too. Hi! Here’s how we recommend exploring beautiful Banff with kids. We took the kids early one morning to see the old railway bridge. Banff National Park was created in 1885, two years after the discovery of a series of hot springs... Visit the Lakes in Banff. Adult (18-64)  – $8.30 You can check this helpful guide from Parks Canada to see other seasonal closures in Banff so that you are not left disappointed and having to plan a last minute alteration to your schedule. You can make frequent stops along the way which we find is always advisable with kids to break up the journey. It’s a sobering sight. The Sweet Lowdown on Where to Eat in Banff, A discerning Guide to the best Hotels in Banff, Canada. If you feel like ‘going beyond nature’s edge’, take the day trip drive along the Icefields Parkway to the Glacier Discovery Centre at the Columbia Icefield. Begin your day early. It’s skyline is dominated by the peaks of Mt. Check out our helpful guide to the best kids backpacks. Banff National Park was established in 1885 as Canada’s first National Park. That yes, it is VERY common to see toddlers and small kids in this region of … Canmore old railway bridge It’s located about 60km north of Banff town on the Trans Canada Highway. A huge range of safe and accessible things to do year-round, a variety of accommodations, a full calendar of events, and family-friendly restaurants and amenities will make your trip easy and fun. Johnston Canyon (5.9km roundtrip) 4. You can wait a long and frustrating time for entrance to most attractions. Banff in summer is crowded and very, very busy. Banff has certain regulations which we had to explain to the kids. Spotting wildlife in Banff There is also an interactive mobile game that brings the Rockies to life. Banff Ave Brewing – Casual, kid friendly restaurant located upstairs in the clock tower mall. Hotel is located on Banff avenue, a bit away from the town center. From the shoreline of Lake Louise, you can choose between two alpine tea house hikes – Lake Agnes or the Plain of Six Glaciers. With a little research we discovered that there were many beautiful lakes, mountains and waterfalls. We were initially drawn by the brilliant turquoise of Lake Louise. Soar to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Children will have fun, learn new things, get good food and will not get bored in long queues. Accommodation in Banff National Park. Looking for that bird’s eye view of Banff National Park and the valley? If you have time to spend a full day in Lake Louise, perhaps rent a canoe, paddle across the emerald-colored waters and feel a quintessential Canadian moment in this iconic and spectacular landscape. Take a seat lakeside to enjoy the view. I’m Claudia, an adventurous mom who loves to explore the world and travel with my family. If you’re visiting Banff National Park, you must visit at least one of the lakes. Youth (3-17) – $6.30 Based on pictures (see below) and on what people have told us, we would recommend trying to go. Markers show the glacier tongue’s retreat by each decade. If you found this post useful, why not bookmark it, share it with others or pin it for later?! Set on Banff Avenue a 7-10 minute walk into downtown Banff, this hotel offers unpretentious, affordable, clean, bi-level loft units (families of 5 or 6) with mini-fridges, and coffeemakeres. Banff’s lakes, mountains and glaciers live in locals’ imaginations too. Photo of Lake Minnewanka by James Wheeler on Unsplash. We had a large sunroof with our car which was great for the kids because they could look up and see the mountains towering over us. There is a bus right in Banff … and give you access to the most variety of areas. Banff Ave Brewing Company. If you were thinking that Whistler is just a premier winter sports destination, think again. Back home this may mean picking plants while we’re out on a walk or picking up rocks and pocketing them for later. Drive the Icefields Parkway Early morning reflections in Moraine Lake. Share your favorite memories and tips in the comments. We waited and circled and eventually found a spot. There is so much to see and do there with lots of accommodation options and restaurants. One of the great ways to experience Banff is to stay in one of the Parks Canada campgrounds. Cascade and the streets are lined with timber framed shops giving it the feel of an old town. Beware the ever-changeable mountain weather. If the trail is clear, rent bikes and cycle from Canmore to Banff. Sulphur Mountain Skywalk, Banff The Skywalk is an easy one-kilometre hike along a boardwalk, with the only real challenges being the staircases. (Sidenote: those mountains make for some fantastic hiking around Canmore.). Take in the view from Banff Gondola.. Any visit to Banff with kids in summer should start with a ride on the Banff... 2. We have written a post on visiting Lake Louise with kids where you can find out how to get the most out of a visit to Lake Louise and avoid the crowds. The hiking trails in the area are great for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Taking the 8 minute Banff Gondola ride (located to the south of town near the Upper Hot Springs) will give you an incredible 360 degree panoramic view of Banff and the Bow Lake Valley. Children 17 and under are free. We hope not. Wild Flour Bakery – Grab something to go or stop and have breakfast or lunch. 10 Things to do in Banff with Kids this Winter. This also includes cookies and an activity book. If you’re an early riser, head to the Avenue to capture the sunrise on Mount Rundle, the mountain overlooking Banff village center. The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper National Parks. It offers beautiful views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains. Take in the views of Victoria Glacier and angle your way through the crowds to a great family photo. Looking for that bird’s eye view of Banff National Park and the valley? Discover the ultimate places for kids in Banff, be it water parks, theme parks, or playgrounds. Banff National Park represents the epitome of the wild natural beauty that exists throughout this vast country. Rundle and Mt. View of Peyto Lake from the viewing platform. Youths 17 and under are free. This is included in the ticket price. The best Banff luxury resorts are the famous historic Fairmont hotels in Banff Springs and Lake Louise. Your email address will not be published. Situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is the busiest and most visited national park in the country. Thanks for your insight, Catherine! Lake Minnewanka is located only 5 km from Banff town. From there it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the town of Banff. Summer Fun at Banff National Park with Kids 1. It’s famous for its striking turquoise water and imposing mountain peaks. Our family’s summer road trip to explore Banff is a highlight among many years of family trips. Millions of people come each year to experience the natural beauty of Banff. Both offer incredible views, and a good workout up and down.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'thetravellingmom_ca-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',118,'0','0'])); We chose the 6.8 km (return) Lake Agnes Trail. Need a backpack for the kids? We […], […] or winter for some extreme sports action. If the kids get restless then be sure to check out the Banff central park playground. Banff National Park was established in 1885 as Canada’s first National Park. This glass floor is all that separates you from a 918 foot drop. You can fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) and drive into Banff within a couple of … It sounded like our kind of place. Located at Sunshine Village Mountain Resort, this area has several hikes which can take you to alpine lakes and into the mountains. Peyto Lake (2.6km return) 5. Sunshine Meadows is an easy hike with kids in Banff National Park. Even if you’re not normally an outdoor loving family, it will make you want to get outdoors and explore. Get ready to go play in the mountains and make some incredible family travel memories. s.type = 'text/javascript'; Check out the rope swing at Johnson Lake We had a great time snowshoeing at Lake Minnewanka! Most bike-rental companies offer children’s bikes, child helmets and protective pads, as well as child chariots and ‘tag-a-longs’ for younger children. ?️☀️, 14 Alternatives to Center Parcs that won’t break the bank, Best family-friendly beaches in southern Sri Lanka. Things you need to know when visiting Banff with kids Visit Lake Louise A 40 minute drive from Banff is the famous Lake Louise. Which is walking on the cantilevered, see-through walkway over the Athabasca River valley. And the best part, all of them were totally accessible to families who may not want to/be able to/have the time to hike long distances to see them. (function(d, sc, u) { Be aware that this hotel lacks a pool. Family (2 adults & 2 youth) – $24.50. It’s important to preserve the beauty of the park for others. You could also just go up here for a meal with a view. For many international visitors, Banff IS Canada. Make sure to read the guidelines on being bear aware. We’re passionate about adventurous family travel, and by sharing our detailed itineraries, travel tips and inspiration, we hope to provide you with the confidence to leap into the world of adventurous travel with kids too. Plus, they'll pick up tons of cool new learning facts courtesy of our Junior Explorer booklets. Fun Things to Do in Banff with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Feature and Lake Louise images courtesy of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, Paul Zika Photography. It’s just a pedestrian bridge now so there’s no need to worry about cars coming by if you want to take photos. The turquoise waters and rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks are nature at its most awe-inspiring. There is a fairly large car park but it was full when we visited at 11am. 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