11 Incredible Things to Do in Banff with Kids

Looking for some awesome things to do in Banff with kids? Since Banff National Park is one of the most spectacular places in Alberta, you definitely won’t have a problem filling your itinerary.

Filled with gorgeous mountains and amazing glacial lakes, you won’t know where to look first.

So during our recent trip to Alberta, we decided to explore all the amazing things to do in Banff with kids!

Things to Do in Banff with Kids

There are an incredible number of things to do in Banff with kids. And depending on how adventurous your family is, your budget, and how much time you have, you won’t have a problem filling up your itinerary!

1. Ride Above the Clouds in the Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola is an epic way to get a bird’s eye view of the town.

This attraction takes you up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you can spend the day exploring the interpretive center and theatre, enjoying a stroll along the boardwalk, or having a tantalizing meal in the restaurant.

The gondolas seat 4 people comfortably, which means most families will have a private and comfortable ride up the mountain.

The ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain takes approximately 8 minutes and is incredibly scenic. This was definitely one of our favourite things to do in Banff with kids.

Once you arrive at the top, you enter the visitors’ center. Here, you will find a gift shop, Sky Bistro (an award-winning restaurant), and an interpretive center.

Observation Deck

The Interpretive Centre is a great place to learn about flora and fauna in the area, as well as about the mountains themselves. Many of the displays are interactive, making it fun for all ages.

Once you head outside, you can enjoy the 360-degree views from the observation deck or go for a walk on the boardwalk.

I was thrilled, of course, to find some Red Chairs out on the observation deck.

That was an unexpected surprise! Given my current obsession with Parks Canada and their Red Muskoka Chairs, I was pretty happy.

Banff-Banff-Gondola-Observation-Deck-Red-Chairs

The Boardwalk and Sanson’s Peak

The views from the observation deck are incredible! On a clear day, you will be able to see the town of Banff and the entire Bow Valley spread out below.

From the observation deck, you can then make your way down to the boardwalk. The boardwalk is a 2km long trail, which will take you to Sanson’s Peak and the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station.

Banff-Banff-Gondola-Boardwalk-Stairway-to-Summit

The Cosmic Ray Station is actually a National Historic Site of Canada! It will take you less than half an hour to walk the entire boardwalk at a leisurely pace.

You will find several informative signs posted along the boardwalk, as well as a second set of Red Chairs. Just be aware that the boardwalk gets pretty slippery when it is wet or snow-covered.

For the more adventurous souls, there is a pretty steep hiking trail that takes you from the Upper Hot Springs parking lot, along some challenging switchbacks, to the summit ridge and upper terminal of the Gondola.

This 5.5km hike has a 655m elevation gain and will take you 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. On the plus side, if you get to the top and don’t feellike hiking back down, you can purchase a single ride on the Gondola (instead of a round-trip fare).

2. Stroll through Downtown Banff

Walking through the townsite is definitely one of the fun things to do in Banff with kids! With such an eclectic collection of shops, you are sure to find the experience enjoyable for the whole family.

From candy to clothing, and high-end sculptures to fun little souvenirs, shopping will definitely be an adventure. Our kids had a blast searching for the perfect Canadian goodies!

And once you have worked up an appetite, be sure to stop at one of the fabulous restaurants that line the main street.

From quick treats to fine dining, you will find a really great variety of food establishments.

3. Take a Dip at the Banff Upper Hot Springs

The Banff Upper Hot Springs is the highest-operating hot spring in Canada. And seeing as it is the only hot spring in Banff National Park that is open to the public for bathing, it is one of the most popular year-round attractions in Banff.

The water is geothermal heated and bubbles to the surface from a fracture in Sulphur Mountain.

The temperature varies between 47°C (116°F) and 27°C (81°F), depending on the season. These temperatures, not to mention the incredible surroundings, make it a perfect place for a relaxing soak!

The Banff Upper Hot Springs were once considered a place of holy healing waters by the First Nations.

Today, the hot springs are still valued for their soothing and healing properties, as well as for being a place for rest and relaxation.

4. Cling to the Side of a Mountain During a Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata means “Iron Road” and originated in Italy. Basically, it is a mix of hiking, scrambling, and a little rock climbing. Mt. Norquay is home to the only via Ferrata in Banff National Park.

A Via Ferrata is an assisted climbing adventure. It has all the fun of rock climbing, but you are wearing full safety gear and are clipped into the course at all times.

The course consists of trekking across exposed mountains, climbing ladders, and crossing suspension bridges. Metal rungs and steps have been drilled into the rock face, giving you places to hold on and step up on.

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This excursion ended up being one of our most memorable things to do in Banff with kids. It was both challenging and extremely rewarding for our family to be able to do this together!

5. Go for a Hike in a Canyon

There are a ton of incredible hiking opportunities in and around Banff. A quick search through Parks Canada’s website will get your family out exploring, no matter what hiking level you are at.

One of the best and most popular hikes near Banff is Johnston Canyon. The Canyon is a year-round destination, being accessible in both summer and winter.

💡 Marianne’s Tip: The Johnston Canyon area is popular and parking is limited. Plan to arrive either early or late in the day, or take Roam Public transit.

Johnston Canyon is an incredible natural chasm located in Banff National Park. Over thousands of years, Johnston Creek has carved out a breathtaking gorge from the soft limestone rock.

The Canyon is filled with lush vegetation, which overhangs its high walls. It is definitely a must-do hike and the perfect destination for a family outing.

The Hikes

The hike through Johnston Canyon to the Upper Canyon Falls takes approximately 2-3 hours return and covers just under 6.0km. It’s a pretty easy and manageable trail, with only a gentle elevation gain through the canyon.

If you are short on time, the hike can be broken up into two shorter hikes as well:

🥾 Lower Falls
Length: 1.2 km one way to the Lower Falls from the trailhead
Elevation gain: 50 m
Hiking time: 1 hour round trip

🥾 Upper Falls
Length: 2.5 km one way to the Upper Falls from the trailhead
Elevation gain: 120 m
Hiking time: 2 hours round trip

If you want to extend your Johnston Canyon hike, you can follow the trail past the Upper Falls viewpoint until you reach the Ink Pots.

The Ink Pots are found in a meadow past the falls and are the result of water bubbling from deep below the Earth’s surface.

🥾 Ink Pots
Length: 5.7 km one way to the Ink Pots from the trailhead
Elevation gain: 330 m, elevation loss: 140 m
Hiking time: 4 hours round trip

6. Spot Some Wildlife

Banff is home to a lot more than just tourists. The most famous residents of Banff are actually the wildlife!

Deer are commonly seen wandering around the village, and on occasion, elk and caribou will also make an appearance.

Bighorn sheep and bears also call Banff home but are less commonly found in the village.

Critter spotting was definitely one of our favourite things to do in Banff with kids.

With more than 50 species of mammals calling Banff and the surrounding Rocky Mountains home, you are bound to catch sight of at least one of the ‘locals’ during your trip.

It is very important to keep in mind that these are wild animals and can be extremely dangerous.

If you happen to see some wildlife while out and about, do not approach it! And if you come across an animal when driving, do not get out of your car.

If you give the animals plenty of space, they are less likely to be spooked. This means you can observe them safely from a distance for quite a long time.

If you head into Banff National Park, you will have the best chance of seeing some wildlife. In fact, you may even have the opportunity to see moose or black bears.

We have never seen so many different types of wildlife during a simple drive as we did during our time in Alberta. It was amazing!

And if you are planning on hiking during your time in Banff, the best way to stay safe is to do a little research on wildlife viewing best practices.

7. Explore Cave and Basin National Historic Site

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the geographical birthplace of Canada’s National Park System in 1885. It is because of this site that Banff became Canada’s first National Park.

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is filled with interactive displays, exhibits, and interpretive trails that are perfect for families to explore.

Naturally occurring, warm mineral springs can be found inside the cave, as well as outside in an emerald-coloured basin.

Aside from the interactive displays that teach travellers about the importance of this location, you can also learn more about the site’s history on a Discovery Tour.

Learn how the sulphurous hot springs were used by Indigenous Peoples for hundreds of years, as they gathered in this area for trade and bathing in the healing waters.

The cavern is absolutely stunning and definitely one of the coolest things to do in Banff with kids.

8. Explore Banff on horseback

An amazing and truly unique way to explore Banff National Park is on horseback. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced rider, there is a tour to suit your needs.

Tours range from one hour to half or full-day adventures. And if you are really adventurous, you can also sign up for an overnight backcountry trip.

In any case, prepare to experience incredible views of the soaring mountain peaks, as you ride by the historic Cave and Basin area, or along Banff’s tranquil Bow River.

For a truly authentic experience, sign up for a cowboy cookout! This lunch or dinner is held at a remote cabin or outpost. You can get there by horseback, or for younger kids or more nervous riders, by wagon.

Another one of the unique things to do in Banff with kids is a sightseeing tour of the town of Banff by way of a private horse-drawn carriage. This relaxing, family-friendly experience comes complete with a cowboy driver as your personal guide!

9. Find the Red Chairs

Have you ever wondered why there are apparently random red Adirondack Chairs (or Muskoka chairs for us Ontarians) in many of Canada’s National Parks and Historic Sites?

To celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary, Parks Canada decided to add a little red accent to our wonderful country.

200 red chairs were placed in some of the most picturesque locations in Canada, as a way to encourage people to get outside and explore our country.

Parks Canada is hoping that the scavenger hunt-style program would encourage visitors to explore the parks, relax and admire the views, and enjoy nature, all while trying to appeal to the social media generation.

Visitors are encouraged to share their red chair photos via Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #ShareTheChair.

A complete list of the chair locations can be found online (some even have GPS coordinates), so all you have to do is head to the park and enjoy the scenery!

Banff-Banff-Gondola-Boardwalk-Red-Chairs

Finding the Red Chairs is one of my favourite things to do in Banff (as well as in the rest of Canada). In fact, we have found almost all of the ones in the Banff area!

10. Bike the Legacy Trail

The Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail is a 26.8 km paved trail that connects Canmore to Banff. The 3-meter-wide trail was built to commemorate Parks Canada’s 125th Anniversary.

Although the Legacy trail runs parallel to the highway, you will still be treated to some incredible mountain scenery along the way. The trail is very family-friendly and extremely popular.

If you are planning to do a round trip on the Legacy Trail, it will take you approximately 2 – 3 hours.

The route only has a 30 m elevation gain, and there are numerous rest stops and photo opportunities along the way.

But if that seems like a lot of biking to do with kids, you can always decide to ride it only one way.

💡 Marianne’s Tip: Riding the Trail from Banff to Canmore is easier as it is mostly downhill the entire way!

Once you get to Canmore, just hop on the Roam Transit Canmore-Banff Regional (Route 3) to get back to Banff.

Just keep in mind that the bus can only accommodate six bikes at a time on its front rack.

11. Paddle on a Glacial Lake

You can’t visit Banff National Park without heading to either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. And one of the most iconic things you can do at either of these places is canoe (or paddleboard) on the lake!

Both lakes have places where you are able to rent canoes. Of course, if you have your own, you are more than welcome to bring it along!

But the combination of the vibrant blue water with the mighty Victoria Glacier in the background makes Lake Louise one of the most desirable places in Canada to canoe!

And of course, what better way to explore the famous destination than opting to paddle in one of the iconic red canoes!

Just picture yourself floating across the turquoise, glacial waters, while surrounded by a forest of Alpine larches.

It’s not difficult to see why canoeing on Lake Louise has become one of the must-do summer activities for visitors to the Canadian Rockies.

Where is Banff Located?

Now that you know what to do in Banff National Park, let’s talk about the basics.

Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is Canada’s oldest national park. Located in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, Banff encompasses 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 sq mi) of mountains, glaciers and ice fields, dense forests, and alpine landscapes.

Banff National Park is home to the Columbia Icefield, which is the largest uninterrupted glacial mass in the Rockies.

The Town of Banff is located right in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. It is surrounded by Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain.

💡 Fun Fact: With an elevation of 1,383 meters, Banff is the highest town in Canada.

The Banff townsite can be found inside the boundaries of Banff National Park. It is located on the Bow River, just off Highway 1, and is 128 kilometres (80 miles) west of Calgary, 401 kilometres (250 miles) southwest of Edmonton, and 850 kilometres (530 miles) east of Vancouver.

How to Get to Banff

There are many options available for getting to Banff. Where you are coming from, what you are planning to do, and your budget will be the biggest factors in determining which route you should take.

By Air

If you are coming from a distance, the closest airport to Banff is Calgary International. It is only a 90-minute drive and is by far the easiest way to get to Banff.

Edmonton International Airport is also a reasonable option. From there, it is a 3-hour and 38-minute drive to Banff and will take you through Calgary.

From either airport, you have several options to get to Banff. You can either rent a car and drive, take a bus, use a shuttle service, or grab a ride-share.

By Car

If you are driving from Calgary, the quickest way to Banff is via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Highway 1A is another possibility. Although it is about 15 minutes slower, it is a little more scenic and will take you through Cochrane and Morley.

If you are driving from Edmonton, the quickest way to Banff is via the AB-2 South and Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). This will take just under 4 hours.

If you are driving from Jasper, the quickest way to Banff is along the Icefields Parkway. This 288-kilometre drive can be done in just over three hours if you don’t make any stops.

Things to do in Alberta - Icefields-Parkway-Glacier

However, to be quite honest, this may be pretty impossible! The Icefields Parkway has been touted as the most scenic drive in Canada, and for good reason.

We would definitely recommend a minimum of a full day to do this popular road trip. And if you’re planning on hiking some of the popular trails along the way, you may need even longer!

If you are driving from Vancouver, the quickest way to Banff is just over 9 hours long, or 870 kilometres. It is an extremely scenic route as well, so you may want to take your time.

We would recommend a stopover in Kamloops to help split up your drive.

By Train

Unfortunately, you cannot travel to Banff from either Calgary or Edmonton by train. However, if you are coming from Vancouver, the Rocky Mountaineer has some amazing options to make the journey a vacation in and of itself.

By Bus

There are a few bus services with routes to Banff from Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary. Taking a bus from Calgary to Banff, however, has the best options with the most direct routes.

Do You Need to Pay Admission to Get into Banff?

Yes. Banff National Park requires a Parks Canada pass in order to enter. The park gates are approximately 100 kilometres west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway

Passes can either be purchased at the gates, or they can also be purchased in advance online. For more information, visit the Parks Canada website.

As far as the passes go, you also have a couple of options to choose from:

Purchase a Day Pass

A day pass allows entry into Banff National Park for one day. The daily passes expire at 4 pm the following day. The cost is:

Adult: $10.00
Senior: $8.40
Youth (up to 17 yrs.): FREE
Family/group (up to 7 people): $20.00
Commercial group (per person): $8.40

Purchase a Discovery Pass

A Parks Canada “Discovery Pass” can be purchased and used for multiple days and is valid for one full year. The cost is:

Adult: $69.19
Senior: $59.17
Family/group: $139.40

How to Get Around Banff

Banff is a pretty small town, with many ways to get around. Depending on your needs, options include everything from strolling the trails to taking a shuttle to the attractions.

Parking

The Town of Banff has plenty of street parking spots as well as parking lots. However, due to the sheer volume of visitors, the spots tend to fill up quickly.

Just like what many cities in Europe have, Banffparking.ca is a website that makes it really easy to find parking in town. Just select your vehicle type – car, bicycle, or RV – then the online map gives you the location of open spots.

Rental Car

If you take a shuttle or bus service into Banff, you can always rent a car while you are there. Banff has a few rental companies in town to choose from.

Transit

Roam Transit will get you around the towns of Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. Just be aware that some routes require a local fare, while others require a regional fare.

You can check the Roam Transit website for current fares, routes, and schedules.

Shuttle Bus

If you don’t have access to a car but are interested in visiting some of the local attractions, then taking a shuttle is a great option.

Places like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, and Lake Minnewanka all have dedicated shuttles that will make your trip stress-free.

You can have a look at this website to check routes and schedule information.

Taxi Cab Service

There are two taxi services available in town – Taxi Taxi and Banff Taxi. The services offer everything from compact cars to full-size vans, ensuring that most groups can be accommodated.

Trails/Walkways

The town of Banff is also pretty walkable. There are many walking trails along the main streets, making exploring downtown Banff an easy task!

Where to Stay in Banff with Kids

Just as there are a ton of awesome things to do in Banff with kids, there are many amazing places to stay in downtown Banff that are both family- and budget-friendly.

Elk + Avenue Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown Banff, amidst the quaint streets, ample restaurants, and unique shops, the Elk + Avenue Hotel is the perfect place for a family getaway. The hotel is clean and modern and has a ton of amenities at your fingertips.

In the lobby, you will find the Good Earth Coffeehouse for your early morning coffee fix, or to grab a quick breakfast before heading out for the day.

Pursuit Adventure Centre is also located in the lobby. There, you can book all your top Canadian Rockies experiences.

After a long day of sightseeing and adventure, head back to the hotel for their in-house restaurant, Farm & Fire, for a locally sourced, family-style meal.

Loft Room

We opted for the Loft room during our stay. With a large sitting room, an upper loft with two queen beds, and a desk and work area, the Lofts are ideal for up to four adults and larger families.

Tunnel Mountain Resort

Tunnel Mountain Resort has everything you need for a perfect Banff vacation. The 105-unit resort in Banff National Park has a wide variety of accommodations, from the Tunnel Mountain Condos to Cabins and regular Suites.

We found the accommodations to be great for a perfect family getaway. The rooms were clean, spacious, and filled with some wonderful amenities. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this resort!

The resort is located approximately a 5-minute drive from downtown Banff (or a 20-minute walk). And we noticed a Roam Transit stop right outside the hotel grounds.

Although we found no issues with parking availability, I can imagine this may be different during the peak season.

Mountain Cabins

We opted to stay in the Mountain Cabin. This free-standing unit consists of a master bedroom with a queen bed, a full kitchen, a full bathroom, a living room area with wood wood-burning fireplace, and an upstairs loft with two double beds.

The Cabin had just enough room for the kids to spread out while giving Hubby and me a little space of our own. The rear patio faced a forested area in the rear, which is perfect for privacy.

This resort does have an indoor pool. However, just be aware that you will need to walk outside to access it.

Since we stayed in mid-October, we were not crazy about the kids leaving the warm pool to run across a frozen parking lot back to our cabin!

Where to Eat in Banff with Kids

Farm & Fire

Located inside the Elk + Avenue Hotel, this quaint little restaurant serves up some delicious comfort food, family-style. The restaurant specializes in wood-fired fare like whole-roasted chicken dinners and house-made cornbread.

Farm + Fire celebrates all things local by transforming simple, Canadian-grown ingredients into inventive dishes while boasting vibrant flavours.

Relax and have a leisurely meal by the fire, or takeaway for a casual meal in your hotel room. We enjoyed our dine-in meal immensely with knowledgeable and polite staff, clean surroundings, and tasty food.

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Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant

If you are looking for a great burger and casual pub fare, along with craft beer that is brewed on-site, the Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant is the place to go.

We found the restaurant to be clean and comfortable, with friendly staff and delicious food.

The boys and I ordered the house burger, which was amazing. Miss Somersault opted for a Tuna Melt, which she devoured in record time!

We loved the atmosphere and the fact that the restaurant was in the heart of town. It is within walking distance from all the great shops, making it easy to pop in as soon as the hunger pangs set in.

Final Thoughts

With so many awesome things to do in Banff with kids, we couldn’t possibly squeeze them into a single trip!

Our family is definitely looking forward to returning to Banff and exploring more of the spectacular things it has to offer.