Banff With Kids: The Ultimate Family Adventure Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Banff with your family, you’re in for a treat. We just spent a week and a half in this breathtaking part of Canada, and it was an incredible experience for our entire family. Not only are the views incredible everywhere you look, but Banff is packed with family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained the whole time. 

I’ll be the first to admit that I was VERY overwhelmed with planning our trip to Banff because there is just so much to do and see.  After spending months planning, talking to locals, and researching, we came up with the perfect family itinerary to Banff.  With our 5 kids ranging from 7 to 17, we were able to find things that everyone enjoyed.  Here are our top recommendations for activities to include in your family itinerary to Banff.  

Best Time of Year to Visit Banff with Kids

The best time to visit Banff for outdoor activities (outside of snowsports), is from mid-June until mid-October.  In the summer months, the weather is fantastic, but the crowds are pretty big (understandably).  The larch tress will be changing colors in the fall, so you’ll get an impressive display of colors if you visit in late September and October.  

Animal Safety in Banff with Kids

Banff is packed full of animals, which is equally exciting and nerve-wracking when traveling with kids. The most important thing to remember is that education is one of the best things you can do to keep both you and your kids safe.  Here are some of our top tips for staying safe around commonly encountered animals in Banff:

• Keep Your Distance: Always stay at least 100 meters away from bears and 30 meters from other large animals like elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
• Carry Bear Spray: Make sure you have bear spray accessible at all times and know how to use it properly.  Watch this video for instructions on how to use bear spray.
• Hike in Groups: Traveling in groups reduces the risk of wildlife encounters and makes you more noticeable to animals.  Certain areas will require hikers stay in groups of 4 or more at some times of the year.
• Stay on Designated Trails: Stick to marked trails to avoid surprising wildlife or stumbling upon their habitats.
• Make Noise: Talk, clap, or sing while hiking to alert animals of your presence, especially in dense forest areas.  This is rarely a problem with kids 😉
• Store Food Properly: Use bear-proof lockers, put food inside of your car, or hang food high out of reach when camping or picnicking to avoid attracting wildlife.
  
• We also watched this video with our kids so they each knew more about how to stay safe around bears:

Best Places to Stay for Families in Banff

Choosing a good place to stay for your family trip to Banff can make or break your family vacation.  Banff isn’t an especially cheap place to stay, especially in the summer, but here are our top recommendations:

Basecamp Suites: Tons of room options from a standard room to a large apartment.  Perfect for larger groups, or for when you want to cook at home.  The on site spa is a great perk for parents who need a little relaxation!

Moose Hotel and Suites: Indoor pool, fire pit, and a hot tub will all be a major hit with the family!

Peaks Hotel and Suites:  The suites here are perfect for cooking in your room, and we love that you can do laundry here too!

Best Things to do in Banff with Kids

Now that you have some of the basic information about the area out of the way, it’s time to get right to the best things to do in Banff with kids.  There really are so many options, so pick and choose what’s the best fit for your family!

Hike at Moraine Lake

Let’s start with one of the most iconic spots in all of Banff, Moraine Lake.  It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful, and well worth the effort it takes to get there.  Personal cars are not allowed, so you’ll need to book a shuttle reservation well in advance of your visit (we booked ours 4 months in advance).  Once you get to Moraine Lake, the classic view is from the top of The Rockpile Trail.  It’s short and steep, and a very popular viewpoint, so expect some pretty big crowds at the lookout.  The kids liked scrambling up to the top of the rocks, but honestly, the views from walking around the lakeshore were a little more natural since you weren’t surrounded by hoards of people.  Everyone told us that we should be fine if we took an early shuttle, but it was still very crowded (we were on the 7am shuttle).

Hike to Consolation Lakes

If you’re visiting Moraine Lake, consider adding the hike to Consolation Lakes to your itinerary. This trail is less crowded than some of the others in the area and the entire thing is really beautiful.  The trail is about 3.6 mile roundtrip, but it was one of the least crowded trails we hiked in Banff. The kids loved playing on the rocks by the water, and we spent a good chunk of time with the lake almost to ourselves.  It’s a great add-on to the traditional Moraine Lake visit.   

Hike at Lake Louise

Lake Louise is another must-see destination in Banff, though as you’ll quickly see, most people just sit by the dock and take photos.  However, there are some incredible hiking opportunities and the views keep getting better as you get higher up above the lake. 

We decided to hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse, a moderate trail that takes you through the forest and up to a charming teahouse overlooking another alpine lake.  There’s a teahouse at the top and we grabbed some treats for everyone there which was a great reward for their good hiking.  The entire hike has a gradual uphill, so keep that in mind if you have really young kids, and take your time.  Stopping at Mirror Lake on the way up was a great place for a picnic and much less crowded than Lake Agnes.  
Note: There is limited parking at Lake Louise, but most shuttle reservations include Lake Moraine and Lake Louise on the same ticket, so plan on visiting both lakes on the same day.  

Drive the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world, and it’s a great way to explore the stunning landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks. We visited right after the Jasper fires of 2024 started, which destroyed so much of the forest and town of Jasper, so we could not go all the way to Jasper, since it wasn’t considered safe.  I was sad because this was one of my most anticipated days of the trip, so if you’re going when conditions are better, you’ll want to plan a full day doing short hikes all along the way (we still could do part of it and it was an amazing half day).  Pack plenty of water and a picnic because there are so many great stops. Here are the top places you should stop and see:  Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and the Glacier Skywalk.

Discover the Secret Lookout at Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is famous for its striking blue color, and the main viewpoint platform can get CROWDED.  If you’re feeling adventurous and your kids are a little older, keep walking for a much better view.  Honestly, my kids were SO EXCITED about this viewpoint, which absolutely shocked me.  They loved that they could see the wolf shape of the lake more and that we had this better viewpoint all to ourselves, instead of getting stuck in the crowds.  There are a lot of rocks here and some exposure, so I wouldn’t recommend this section with little kids, but for older kids and teens, it’s pretty amazing.  Read all about how to get to the secret lookout at Peyto Lake.  

Hike Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most popular hikes, and it’s easy to see why. The trail takes you through a narrow canyon, past waterfalls and over bridges that offer stunning views of the rushing water below. It was one of the more crowded hikes we did while in Banff,b ut it felt like an adventure the entire way with all of the bridges and boardwalks.  The hike to the Lower Falls is relatively short and easy,though be prepared for a long wait to take a photo in front of it.  To avoid the crowds and still get a great photo, start hiking a little bit toward the upper falls, and at the first big switchback, you’ll get a great view.  If your kids are up for more, continue on to the Upper Falls, where the views are even more impressive. While the falls were great, I think that this is a hike that the scenery all along the way is just as good as the view at the end, so make sure to enjoy the whole trip.  

Soak in the Banff Hot Springs

After a long day out on the trail, a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs really hits the spot.  The pool is medium sized, and can get crowded in the evenings, it’s such a great way to relax. The warm, mineral-rich water is the perfect way to soothe tired muscles, and the views from the pool are incredible. The kids will enjoy the novelty of swimming in a hot spring, and it was a great way to unwind as a family. The hot springs are located just a short drive from downtown Banff, up near the Banff Gondola, overlooking the town.  

Stroll Downtown Banff

Downtown Banff is a charming and lively place to explore with kids. We spent an evening strolling along Banff Avenue, popping into shops, and grabbing snacks from local restaurants. The kids loved the candy stores and souvenir shops, and we all enjoyed watching street performers and people watching. 

In the summer, Banff Avenue is closed to car traffic, making it really pedestrian friendly.  If kids need a break from all the people, head down to the Bow River Trail, which runs right through town and offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains.  The natural play structures at Central Park Playground were also a big hit with our younger kids.  

Check Out Bow Falls

Bow Falls is a short but powerful waterfall located near the Banff Springs Hotel. It’s located right next to the parking lot and the kids enjoyed feeling the mist from the fall. The trail along the river is flat and accessible, making it a great spot for a family walk. This is a short and sweet spot, but with such a beautiful waterfall that’s so easy to reach, you won’t want to miss this one.  

Ride a Gondola

They say that no trip to Banff is complete without riding one of the gondolas, though sadly we didn’t end up taking a ride due to some stormy weather.  However, it’s a great addition to your Banff itinerary with kids if you can go when the weather is good.  The Banff Gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain and is located just outside of town.  The ride itself will be exciting for kids, and once at the top, you can explore the boardwalks and take in the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There’s also a small interpretive center where everyone can learn about the local wildlife and geography. If you have time, the Lake Louise Gondola is another great option, with the added bonus of potential wildlife sightings (often bears) on the way up.

Go Biking on the Banff Legacy Trail or Along the Bow Valley Parkway

If your family enjoys biking, the Banff Legacy Trail is a must-do. This 22-kilometer paved trail connects Banff to Canmore, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. We did it with our older kids and it was a huge highlight. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat (very gradual uphill heading towards Banff), making it a really great ride.  (sorry, no photos, since my phone was totally dead).  Our kids loved that even though the trail is right next to the highway, there was usually a berm or barricade so that they felt more secluded.  

If we were visiting earlier or later in the year, we would have loved to bike along the Bow Valley Parkway.  The Parkway is closed to cars from May 1- June 25 and again from August 30-September 30.  This makes it the perfect place to bike, and to see wildlife as well.  If you’re in the area while the Bow Valley Parkway is closed, biking it is a must do activity. 

Check Out the Overlook from the Hoodoos Trail

The Hoodoos Trail offers a unique view of Banff’s landscape, with its striking rock formations and panoramic views of the Bow Valley. The trail is an easy walk, and the overlook is a great spot for family photos. The kids loved seeing the Hoodoos, much like we have at home in Bryce Canyon.  The trail is also a great place to spot wildlife, and we saw several deer along the way.

Hike to Grassi Lakes

The Grassi Lakes hike, located near Canmore, is an absolute must-do. This family-friendly hike is very popular, but the setting at the lake is breathtaking.  When we went, the easier trail was under construction, so all visitors had to take the more difficult trail (there are normally 2 open).  Even with taking the “more difficult trail” it wasn’t too hard, and we saw several toddlers and older hikers doing just fine.  The kids loved exploring the rocks around the lakes, and we even spotted some marmots at the top. The hike is short but rewarding, and the vibrant colors of the lakes are a great reward for all of your hard work.

Explore the Canmore Nordic Centre

Another great stop in Canmore is the Canmore Nordic Centre, which offers a fantastic mix of outdoor activities. During the summer, the Nordic Centre’s trails are perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and even roller skiing. If your kids are into biking, the wide variety of trails will keep them entertained, with options ranging from easy loops to more challenging terrain. Since our kids love to bike, this was a no-brainer, and they loved exploring the Nordic Center in Canmore and the great views they got all along the trails.  

Final Thoughts About Planning a Trip to Banff with Kids

Banff is an incredible destination for families, offering a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, stunning scenery, and opportunities to relax and enjoy nature. Whether your kids are young or older, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We packed A LOT into our time in Banff, but the best thing about a trip like this is that you can customize what you do to what your kids like most.  We love hiking and exploring, so we made sure to prioritize lots of hikes, but also were able to fit in so many other kid-friendly activities in Banff.  Our time in Banff was unforgettable, and I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that your family will love just as much as we did!