10 Kid-Friendly Outdoor Adventures in Banff, Alberta
Banff is a small resort town within Banff National Park. It’s known for picturesque mountain views, world-class ski resorts and a multitude of options for year-round outdoor adventure. It’s a destination that’s popular with world-travellers and locals alike, but if you’re visiting the town with kids in tow, planning your stay in Banff might feel a bit trickier. Luckily, there are plenty of great kid-friendly outdoor activities in the area—you just need to know where to look.
Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola
The Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola offers a unique opportunity for the whole family to take in the beautiful sights of Lake Louise from 2,088 metres elevation. Riders often report seeing wildlife such as moose, mountain goats and grizzly bears below the path of the gondola. Once at the top, families can take in panoramic views on the viewing deck, dine at one of the site’s five restaurants and learn about the area’s wildlife through interactive stations and exhibits at the Wildlife Interpretive Centre.
Read more: lakelouisegondola.com
Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise
Kids aged five and under ride free on the Lake Minnewanka Cruise, which is a one-hour boat ride across the lake’s sparkling emerald-green water. The cruise is guided by the boat’s captains who narrate the ride with stories of the area’s wildlife, folklore and history.
Read more: banffjaspercollection.com
Tour Banff on Horseback
Banff Horseback Rides offers trail rides that are ideal for families travelling with young children. The company offers several different tours ranging from one to three hours in length with the option of ending the trail ride with a barbeque cookout. Riders have the option to ride horseback or in a wagon.
Read more: horseback.com
Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing at Mount Norquay
Mount Norquay’s Snow School program helps skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels get acquainted with the snow. Lessons are available to those aged three and older. Families looking for something a bit more exciting might enjoy tubing at Norquay’s eight-lane tube park.
Read more: banffnorquay.com
Hiking at Tunnel Mountain
The Tunnel Mountain hiking trail is known as one of Banff’s oldest treks. It’s a clean and well-maintained trail, which makes it a great choice for beginner hikers, especially those with tiny feet.The hike takes about two to three hours and covers just over four kilometers.
Read more: banff.com
Visit the Shops on Banff Avenue and Bear Street
No visit to Banff is complete without a stroll along Banff Avenue. The town’s main street is home to a variety of gift shops and shopping centers, as well as multiple candy stores to appease the kids. On Bear Street, families can visit an eclectic selection of boutiques and sporting goods stores to stock up for their next big adventure.
Read more: banfflakelouise.com
Take a Dip in Banff Hot Springs
Banff Hot Springs is a natural hot pool. The warm waters flow out of lower Sulphur Mountain and are said to have healing properties thanks to abundant minerals. The springs are open year-round and are a popular destination for families visiting the area. All ages are welcome, though parents should be aware the temperature ranges between 27°C and 47°C, depending on the season.
Read more: banfflakelouise.com
Go Tobogganing on Spray Meadows Hill or Cascade Ponds
Tucked in behind the Banff Springs Hotel is Spray Meadows Hill, an area that’s favoured by locals for tobogganing. Families with smaller children may prefer to visit Cascade Ponds, an area with smaller hills that are safer for toddlers. Both areas are free to visit.
Read more: banff.ca
Camp in the Mountains in an oTENTik
oTENTik is a cross between a cabin and a tent. These cool accommodations offer a unique opportunity to safely and comfortably experience camping under the stars in Banff National Park. Located just outside of Banff at Two Jack Lakeside Campground, oTENTik comes with plenty of space and sleeps up to six.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Try a Dog Sled Tour
Guided dog sled tours aren’t something you can experience just anywhere. Banff offers a variety of dog sled tours ranging in location and length, each one sure to be an experience that no parent or child could forget.
Read more: banfflakelouise.com