Seat yourself wherever you like, and your server will bring crayons and placemats for the kids to colour. That yes, it is VERY common to see toddlers and small kids in this region of … Twin Cairns and Monarch Viewpoint (7.2km roundtrip) 3. It’s located about 60km north of Banff town on the Trans Canada Highway. Rundle and Mt. Hi! Explore Banff on horseback.. I’m Claudia, an adventurous mom who loves to explore the world and travel with my family. Simply mosey over to Banff Trail Riders... 3. Ground squirrels are particularly friendly. Located at Sunshine Village Mountain Resort, this area has several hikes which can take you to alpine lakes and into the mountains. Soar to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. ?️☀️, 14 Alternatives to Center Parcs that won’t break the bank, Best family-friendly beaches in southern Sri Lanka. You can enjoy a cup of tea and fresh scone or pie at this historic Tea House. Planning a trip with a toddler requires a lot of planning and thinking ahead. 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. If you’re an early riser, head to the Avenue to capture the sunrise on Mount Rundle, the mountain overlooking Banff village center. We waited and circled and eventually found a spot. Photo Credits: Claudia Laroye. Photo of Lake Minnewanka by James Wheeler on Unsplash. WITH KIDS: older kids will love the challenge of biking through the Bow Valley. 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 water was also the most turquoise of all of the lakes. There is a fairly large car park but it was full when we visited at 11am. It’s skyline is dominated by the peaks of Mt. Just make sure you research family-friendly (easy) hikes, have some sturdy footwear with you, take your obligatory snacks (although make sure to leave no litter or food waste) and some water. There’s also a huge amount for families to do in Banff National Park and the less-visited Jasper National Park. If the trail is clear, rent bikes and cycle from Canmore to Banff. For many international visitors, Banff IS Canada. Cascade and the streets are lined with timber framed shops giving it the feel of an old town. Included in your gondola ticket is admission to the new multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre. Some places to consider going with kids include: Coyotes – Southwestern food served in a casual atmosphere. Remember to switch drivers if you can so that you can both get a chance to look at the scenery. Banff National Park was established in 1885 as Canada’s first National Park. The view from the road is spectacular – the mountain peaks are a like a gallery of giants, one after the other. Hopefully, you’ll be photobombed by the famous Banff Squirrel or one of his furry cousins. For a more diverse range of trail options, a backpack-child carrier is a … If you were thinking that Whistler is just a premier winter sports destination, think again. Ski at nearby Sunshine Village. Banff National Park was created in 1885, two years after the discovery of a series of hot springs... Visit the Lakes in Banff. 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 are planning for a 5 day trip (4 nights) and hoping to cover the major attractions in the Banff area. 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. We had a great time snowshoeing at Lake Minnewanka! 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. So here’s a primer of all you need to know about taking your young family to Banff … Get your mechanic to do a once over and top off fluids and check brakes. In Calgary for sure hit up the zoo and TELUS Spark – a great science museum with a special area for toddlers. If you want a relaxing time, it is best to go early as it can get crowded. Markers show the glacier tongue’s retreat by each decade. A destination for all ages, it is extremely family-friendly with lots to discover – including the town itself and the village of Lake Louise beyond. The scenery from the road is just breathtaking. Make sure to read the guidelines on being bear aware. Historic Banff Avenue is home to shops, restaurants and unique boutiques featuring all kinds of Canadian kitsch as well as outdoor recreation outfitters. Moraine Lake is the one that got away. It’s a 230km mountain road that connects the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park to Lake Louise in Banff. Taking photos is difficult when you can’t let go of the handrail. As for musts, take the Banff Gondola, take a dip in the Upper hot spring. Answer 1 of 5: Hi, We are a couple from Toronto really excited to plan our first trip to Banff with our 2.5 year old toddler in early June. If, like us, you are a family who loves the great outdoors, then you will find so many things to do in Banff with kids. Johnston Canyon (5.9km roundtrip) 4. 10 Things to do in Banff with Kids this Winter. You didn’t come all this way to not explore the mountains, did you? Fun Things to Do in Banff with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Hotel Phone: +1 403 762 4485. Keep an eye out for Parks Canada red chairs, and the local wildlife. Be prepared for the crowds, and book your hotels, restaurant reservations and excursions months in advance. You’ll be glad you did. This can attract unwanted bears but it can also kill wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might spot either a grizzly bear […], […] of the ideal place for an outdoor adventure with kids, it’s up there with the incredible Banff National Park. Banff is both a town and a protected mountain area. Banff National Park: hiking with kids; 1. You can fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC) and drive into Banff within a couple of … You have to just go and see it for yourself to believe it. Check out our helpful guide to the best kids backpacks. The 10 Coolest Things to do in Whistler in Summer, A Day in Drumheller with Kids: The Ultimate Dinosaur Adventure, Royal Tyrrell Museum: The Best Dinosaur Museum In The World, Athabasca Falls: An Absolute Highlight of Jasper National Park, […] offering great skiing in the winter months and hiking in the summer months.The reason why Banff is great for families is that it is so accessible. Some just pass through on day trips. Take an eight-minute gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain in the Banff Gondola. It will be a holiday highlight for your family for years to come. Many of the top sights in the park such as Lake Louise or the […], […] is just one of many fun places we like to visit in Canada, Banff with kids is high on the list, […], […] summer or winter for some extreme sports action. Child (Under 3) – Free There is an extra charge for this, which we wouldn’t have minded paying, but we just didn’t have the time. Parking can be tight so unless you are getting there early, you can park in town and get a free shuttle bus. There are lots of family-friendly hiking trails around Banff. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; There is so much to see and do there with lots of accommodation options and restaurants. Peyto Lake was actually our favourite lake because it was a little less busy than Lake Louise and it felt more natural and rugged (without the large concrete hotel). The closest major airport to Banff National Park is Calgary International Airport. We can’t vouch for this but it is a lovely way to relax after a long hike. Check out the rope swing at Johnson Lake In Banff and the surrounding area you have a far wider selection of things to do inside, including kid friendly museums, shopping, eating, rec centres etc. 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. The town of Banff is located in Banff National Park. We stayed in Canmore which was a little less expensive and only 20 minutes from 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). Sulphur Mountain Skywalk, Banff The Skywalk is an easy one-kilometre hike along a boardwalk, with the only real challenges being the staircases. Accommodation in Banff National Park. Check out A discerning Guide to the best Hotels in Banff, Canada, including the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Ticket prices vary depending on the day from around $53 to $61 on a Saturday. 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. Being the jewel of Banff, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Banff. Booking.com It’s famous for its striking turquoise water and imposing mountain peaks. Could you do this? This is included in the ticket price. Banff has certain regulations which we had to explain to the kids. We also have useful parking tips because these days, finding parking there can make or break your visit. 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. Reservations for each summer will open in January and you have to be quick off the mark to get a spot. Early morning reflections in Moraine Lake. Banff’s lakes, mountains and glaciers live in locals’ imaginations too. 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. There is so much opportunity for spotting wildlife in Banff, especially if you go on a hike and get away from the crowds. Family (2 adults & 2 youth) – $24.50. From the shoreline of Lake Louise, you can choose between two alpine tea house hikes – Lake Agnes or the Plain of Six Glaciers. 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. The kids had a blast in this store and the hardest decision of … Make sure your vehicle is road trip worthy. The towns of Banff and Lake Louise are surrounded by incredible adventure opportunities. Sign up for our quarterly newsletter and get terrific travel tips and dreamy destination inspiration. There are daily activities available too. Here is a great list of family-friendly hikes around Banff town. s.type = 'text/javascript'; We participate in various affiliate marketing programs. It would have meant parking in Lake Louise car park and taking a shuttle bus. It’s a moderate hike that will take between 2.5-3 hours return. This is truly the best way to explore Banff. The Agnes Tea Trail hike is a bit longer but you get to stop for a break and a cup of tea! Take a Stroll along the Glacier Skywalk. Situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is the busiest and most visited national park in the country. What to Do in Banff with Kids Banff Travel Tips. There are parking lots off of the main avenue, or take a hotel shuttle if provided. The turquoise waters and rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks are nature at its most awe-inspiring. While my family could walk the length of the skywalk, I could not. There are also hikes and bike trails, although there is a seasonal trail restriction from 10th July to 15th September to allow grizzly bears to eat berries without being interrupted. I recommend getting a rental car to get there. Need tips on where to dine out? 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. The water is heated geothermally, coming from 1.8 km under the earth’s surface. Even if you’re not normally an outdoor loving family, it will make you want to get outdoors and explore. You could also just go up here for a meal with a view. but there is so much more to see. It’s also home to the iconic hotel Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Unfortunately we didn’t get to go because of the crazy parking situation. Discover the ultimate places for kids in Banff, be it water parks, theme parks, or playgrounds. (Sidenote: those mountains make for some fantastic hiking around Canmore.). Things you need to know when visiting Banff with kids Staying in Banff National Park is an amazing way to experience the Rocky Mountains and allows you to easily explore the region. But the teens review? Children 17 and under are free. 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. Required fields are marked *. Keen to saddle up and ride out into the sunset? Begin your day early. At the Lake Minnewanka Cruise, kids sail free every day at 3 PM. All of the info on these hikes is in our Lake Louise post. And it moves, due to the kinetic energy of visitors. With a little research we discovered that there were many beautiful lakes, mountains and waterfalls. Children under 5 are free and children (6-15) go free with paying adult if you visit before 10 am on a family experience ticket. Golf packages are available for the whole family at the internationally acclaimed Banff Springs Golf Course, including CPGA lessons for children 4-18 years old. Claudia Laroye is a travel writer, editor and blogger specializing in adventure, family, luxury and sustainable travel. We find Booking.com has the best selection of accommodation. Being in the park itself, Banff town is a great place to stay, although it has become very popular and in peak season the prices of Banff National Park hotels can skyrocket. At an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft), you’ll enjoy an incredible vista of six mountain ranges from the spectacular Banff Gondola Summit.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'thetravellingmom_ca-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',117,'0','0'])); This facility has restaurants, interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre, and a 360-degree rooftop observation deck. It’s important to preserve the beauty of the park for others. 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. ‘Taking the waters’ at Banff Hot Springs has been a tradition since the hot spring was discovered in 1883. Banff is a magical wonderland when seen through young eyes. Visit Lake Louise A 40 minute drive from Banff is the famous Lake Louise. This casual, kid-friendly restaurant is also in the Clock Tower Village Mall (110 Banff Ave), but it’s upstairs. When we first booked our trip to Vancouver, Banff was not on our radar. If you’re lucky you’ll see Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, hoary marmots, and gray jays too. This is a guest post from writer, editor and Canada native Catherine Forth. Youth (3-17) – $6.30 Make sure to download the Agents of Discovery app before visiting. Get ready to go play in the mountains and make some incredible family travel memories. Banff Ave Brewing – Casual, kid friendly restaurant located upstairs in the clock tower mall. The sulphurous water is supposed to have healing properties. The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper National Parks. We thoroughly recommend it for a family trip and hope you can take some inspiration from this post. You can make frequent stops along the way which we find is always advisable with kids to break up the journey. 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. 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. The views of the mountains, including Mount Rundle, are just as invigorating. It sounded like our kind of place. The hiking trails in the area are great for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. You can download to the valley on the gondola. Senior (65+) – $7.30 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. The Icefields Parkway drive has to be one of the most scenic drives you will ever do and is up there with the most beautiful drives in the world. This glass floor is all that separates you from a 918 foot drop. Here’s how we recommend exploring beautiful Banff with kids. Banff Upper Hot Springs Feature and Lake Louise images courtesy of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, Paul Zika Photography. Children will have fun, learn new things, get good food and will not get bored in long queues. Those mountain roads and steep and curvy – is your car or RV up for the drive? View of Peyto Lake from the viewing platform. Here are 10 activities to do on your next trip to Banff! 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