Banff With Kids
Our Journey Through the Canadian Rockies
Banff, or more broadly, the Canadian Rockies, might just be our favorite National Park trip ever. Imagine waking up each day to a panorama that feels like it was pulled straight from a dream: the winding roads of the Icefields Parkway, reflecting the towering peaks and endless forests; the turquoise waters of lakes like Emerald, Lake Minnewanka, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake, shimmering under the vast sky; the jagged mountains standing tall like nature’s guardians; and the cascading waterfalls that seem to sing a song of serenity and adventure. Every moment here feels like a gift, a reminder of just how beautiful and majestic our world can be
Traveling with kids, we knew we had to keep our pace slow and steady. We didn’t make it to some of the iconic spots—Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon—but in hindsight, that turned out to be one of our best decisions. By skipping these crowded spots, we avoided the hassle of lugging the kids onto required shuttles and dodged the massive crowds that often swarm these areas. Instead, we found ourselves in quieter, equally stunning places where we could fully relax and enjoy the experience. It kept us sane, allowed us to soak in the beauty around us, and made our trip all the more meaningful. We weren’t just visiting Banff; we were living it, one peaceful day at a time.
Originally, our plan was to spend two nights in Jasper, but due to the wildfires in Jasper, we had to pivot. Instead, we spent two nights in the nearby Kananaskis. While we were initially disappointed to miss out on Jasper, Kananaskis turned out to be a hidden gem with its own unique beauty. It was equally a great place to explore, offering us a different but equally rewarding experience.
6 Day ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrival in Calgary
We flew into Calgary, checked in at a hotel, and unwound. We were pleasantly surprised by how smooth the security check process was at the Calgary airport. They’ve got these nifty machines where you just scan your passports, visas, etc., print out a receipt, show it to security on the way out, and you’re done. Excellent work, YYC airport—bravo!
Banff National Park (& Yoho)
Day 1: Journey to Banff
We kicked off our trip with a scenic drive to Banff. On the way, we made a pit stop at Safeway in Canmore to gather supplies—because snacks are a must when traveling with kids. We reached our hotel around 1 PM, but our room wasn’t ready yet, so we decided to tackle the Tunnel Mountain Hike. Before starting our hike, we quickly swung by the Banff Convenience Store to pick up some bear spray—better safe than sorry when you’re exploring bear country!
This beautiful 3-mile hike offers excellent views of Banff town and the river. It’s a bit of a workout with its uphill climb, but totally worth it. Aryan, our youngest, was chilling in the backpack carrier, taking in the sights and sounds, while Raynuv, our older one, braved the hike all on his own. He was super tired, but with a little motivation, he pushed through and completed the hike like a champ. Afterward, we checked into our hotel.
Day 2: Icefields Parkway Adventure
Our first full day in Banff was all about experiencing one of the most breathtaking drives in the world: the Icefields Parkway. We hit the road early, around 8:30 AM, ready for an epic day. Pro Tip: Download the app called Guide Along and grab the Icefields Parkway Tour. It’s a total game-changer, guiding you through the entire drive with tips on where to stop for quick views, the best hikes, and picture-perfect spots.
The highlight of the day was the Columbia Icefields Tour, where we hopped on the Ice Explorers and walked around on the Athabasca Glacier—an experience that’s as cool as it sounds. Along the way, we made other memorable stops at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and Waterfowl Lake. We also enjoyed a short but sweet hike at Mistaya Canyon. It was a day packed with incredible sights and unforgettable moments.
Day 3: Banff Gondola & Yoho National Park
We had another early start, this time heading straight for the Banff Gondola. Honestly, this one surprised us. We’ve been on gondolas before, and while they’re usually fun, they can sometimes feel a bit overrated. But the Banff Gondola? This one was way cooler. First off, you get a private gondola for the family—max capacity is four (or five with kids)—so it’s an intimate little ride with just your crew. The views on the way up are absolutely stunning, and once you reach the top, you’re treated to even more breathtaking vistas. There’s also a short hike at the summit that offers amazing views of Sulphur Mountain and Banff town. If you’re feeling fancy, there’s a great restaurant called Sky Bistro at the top, but be sure to make reservations in advance.
After our gondola adventure, we headed to Hankki, a Korean restaurant in Banff, for lunch. If you’re ever in the mood for something different, their hotdogs and fried chicken rice bowls are a must-try—perfect comfort food to fuel the rest of your day.
With full tummies, we drove to Yoho National Park, which is a scenic journey in itself. Our first stop was the Spiral Tunnels, and we lucked out because a train was passing through just as we arrived. Watching the train spiral out of the tunnels was pretty cool, especially for the kids.
Next, we made our way to the serene and stunning Emerald Lake. Unlike some of the more crowded spots in Banff, parking here was a breeze. We took a short hike around the lake, soaking in the views, and then decided to rent a canoe. Canoeing on Emerald Lake with the kids turned out to be one of the coolest things we did on this trip. The water’s color is just mesmerizing, and being in the middle of the lake was so peaceful—it felt like time stood still for a moment.
We spent about 2-3 hours at Emerald Lake before driving to Takakkaw Falls. The drive itself is beautiful, with narrow, winding roads that keep things interesting. We made a few quick stops along the way and then hiked the short trail to the falls. Unlike some hikes where you trek miles only to find a trickle of water, Takakkaw Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Canada, and it’s truly awe-inspiring. The power and scale of the falls make it a must-see. After another full day of adventure, we headed back to the hotel and unwound in the pool—a perfect end to a packed day.
Kananaskis Country
Day 4: Exploring Lake Minnewanka & Arrival in Kananaskis
Our last day in the Banff area began with a scenic drive around the Lake Minnewanka loop. We spent about an hour at the lake, where you can even hop on a cruise that takes you around the stunning waters. The drive itself was a treat, and we were lucky enough to spot a bunch of mountain goats along the way—definitely a highlight for the kids.
After that, we headed to our super cool Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. The drive into Kananaskis is simply beautiful, with towering peaks and lush forests guiding you to your destination. Once we checked into our room, we took a hike along the Village Rim Trail, which offered some fantastic views. Later in the evening, the kids had a blast splashing around in the waterpark, making it a perfect end to the day.
Day 5: Adventures in Kananaskis
The next morning, we set off for the Upper Kananaskis Lake area. The drive was gorgeous, with clouds draped over the mountains, making the landscape look even more surreal. We made a few scenic stops before arriving at the Blackshale Suspension Bridge. It was a short hike to the bridge, and crossing it was a unique experience—especially with Raynuv trying to shake the bridge and give Mommy a little scare!
Our next stop was the beautiful Upper Kananaskis Lake. We hiked around the lake, taking in the stunning scenery before heading back to the lodge for lunch. We enjoyed some fantastic coal oven pizzas at the Forte Restaurant. Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with little ones, kids’ meals are free for children under six at all the lodge’s restaurants, and they even didn’t charge for our 7-year-old, which was a nice surprise.
After lunch, we drove to the Troll Falls trailhead for a family-friendly hike. It was a fun and easy trail, which even our older one enjoyed. In the evening, the kids were back in the waterpark while Mommy, who wasn’t feeling well, stayed with them. Dad took the opportunity to check out the Nordic spa, known for its Hydrotherapy.
Day 6: An Unexpected Adventure
Our final day started with packing up and checking out of the hotel. We expected a quiet day, but it turned out to be the best day of our trip. We decided to rent bikes and explore the amazing Bill Milne Trail. With Dad, Mom, and Raynuv on bikes and Aryan riding in the bike trailer, we set off on what would become an unforgettable adventure.
Just as we started our ride, we encountered a mama bear and her two cubs right on the trail. We quickly backed up, keeping the bear spray in hand, and watched from a safe distance. The cubs were super cute, with one trying to climb a tree and adorably failing. It was such a special moment. Just as we were considering finding another trail, a large group of bike riders came by and let us know the bears had moved away, so we continued our ride.
The Bill Milne Trail was breathtaking, with gorgeous views throughout. We stopped at many scenic viewpoints to snap pictures and soak in the beauty. We biked about 5 miles one way before deciding to turn back. The ride back, especially the last stretch, was a bit steep, but it was still a blast. The trail was excellent, and our encounter with the mama bear and her cubs made the whole ride extra special. It was the perfect way to end our Kananaskis adventure.
We woke up early to catch our morning flight, giving ourselves what we thought was a comfortable cushion of 2.5 hours. But it turned out to be a close call. The lines for checking in our luggage were massive, and after that, we had to go through Canadian security. To our surprise, US immigration was also right there in the Calgary airport, which we hadn’t anticipated. We barely made it to our gate on time—thankfully, the flight was delayed by 15 minutes, giving us just enough breathing room. The silver lining? Since we’d already cleared US immigration in Calgary, we didn’t have to deal with any further checks at our home airport, so we were quickly out and about once we landed.
Total Cost (Family of 4)
Let’s be real—Banff isn’t a budget destination, especially when you’re traveling as a family. Flights, car rentals, and activities will cost you a finger, but the lodging? That’ll cost you a whole hand. The average hotel in the area will set you back $300+ per night, so planning and booking ahead is crucial if you want to score a nicer hotel at a more reasonable rate.
For a recommended 6-10 day trip, you’re looking at a total cost between $6K-9K USD. We managed to save a chunk of money by using credit card points, but even with that, our trip still ended up costing us around $3,700. It’s definitely an investment, but trust us—every penny spent in Banff is worth it for the incredible memories you’ll make with your family.
Car Rental (Transportation)
When it comes to exploring Banff, renting a car is pretty much a must, especially if you’re traveling with a family. Sure, you can make it work by flying into Calgary and using the Banff Airporter, then relying on Roam, Parks Canada, and other available shuttles (check out the options here). But let’s be honest—nothing beats the convenience and flexibility of having your own wheels. Plus, there’s something truly magical about driving the Icefields Parkway at your own pace, pulling over whenever the scenery takes your breath away.
There is a shuttle that can take you along the Icefields Parkway (more info here), but it’s pretty pricey. Moral of the story: if you can rent a car, do it. Trust us, it’ll make your trip so much smoother and more enjoyable. And if you need tips on finding the best deals, check out our Car Rentals Guide for some solid advice.
Now, let’s talk about Lake Louise and Moraine Lake—two iconic spots with their own set of challenges. Moraine Lake is the wild one, with no private car parking allowed, so you’ll need to rely on Parks Canada or private shuttles to get there. Lake Louise does have some private parking, but spaces are extremely limited and fill up fast. Your best bet is to park at the free Parks Canada lot and hop on their shuttle. Just remember, shuttle spots are also limited and need to be booked in advance (more info here).
In short, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Banff at your own pace, without worrying about shuttle schedules or missing out on the best spots. So, if it’s within your budget, go for it—you won’t regret it!
Hotels and Lodging in Banff: Where to Stay
Banff
Let’s get this out of the way—staying in Banff can definitely burn a hole in your pocket. But there’s a reason it’s so pricey. The town is simply amazing, and the convenience of being close to all the top attractions makes it worth the splurge for many. If you’re looking to stay in Banff without completely blowing your budget, there are some solid options. The Juniper Hotel, Peaks Hotel and Suites, and Moose Hotel and Suites offer great stays at relatively decent prices. But if you’re in the mood to splurge, nothing beats the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs—seriously, it’s like staying in a castle. And if you want to double down on the luxury, there’s another Fairmont right on Lake Louise, but be prepared—it’s very pricey.
Canmore
If you’re looking to save some cash, consider staying in Canmore instead. This beautiful town is just a short drive from Banff and offers slightly more affordable lodging options. Clique has two great lodges here: Blackstone Mountain Lodge and Falcon Crest Lodge, both of which are excellent choices. Another standout in Canmore is the Malcolm Hotel, which combines comfort and style in a beautiful setting.
Pro Tip: Book early for the best prices and availability. Banff and Canmore are popular for a reason, and the best spots get snatched up quickly!
Banff Hotels with Credit Card Points
Calgary
After landing at Calgary airport, we kicked off our trip by staying at the Hyatt Place near the airport, using just 8K points. It’s a solid spot with spacious rooms and a great breakfast to fuel up before hitting the road. There are plenty of other hotel options around Calgary that can be booked with points as well, so you’ve got flexibility depending on your preferences. We also stayed here again for our last night before flying out—an easy and convenient choice.
Banff
Now, when it comes to Banff, options for using points were basically non-existent—until now. Thanks to the newly opened Moxy Hotel by Marriott, you can finally use points to stay in the heart of Banff. We booked three nights here for 50K points per night, and it was totally worth it. The Moxy has a cool, fun vibe, perfect for families. The main lobby area is a blast, with a restaurant, plenty of games, and an ice hockey machine that Raynuv and I couldn’t get enough of. Plus, there’s a nice pool and a hot tub to unwind after a day of exploring.
Kananaskis
For our time in Kananaskis, we stayed at the fantastic Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, which we snagged for 48K Marriott points per night. This place is massive and has something for everyone—a cute waterpark that the kids loved, a relaxing Nordic spa for the adults, and excellent restaurants on-site. Plus, there are fantastic hiking and biking trails that start right from the lodge, so you’re never far from adventure.
Flights: Getting to Banff
The closest and most convenient airport to Banff is Calgary International Airport (YYC). It’s about an hour and a half drive from Banff, making it a great starting point for your adventure.
Once Jasper fully reopens, another option worth considering is flying into Edmonton Airport (YEG). This gives you the flexibility to fly into one airport, explore both Banff and Jasper, and then fly out of the other, saving you some travel time and letting you experience even more of the Canadian Rockies.
For tips on finding the best flights, be sure to check out our flight booking guide.
Banff Eats: Restaurant Recommendations
Under Construction