How to Plan the Perfect Fall Family Vacation to Banff and Lake Louise

Banff is the ultimate family vacation destination, and fall, when the lush Rocky Mountain landscape transforms into golden hues, is a particularly magical time to experience it.

In fall, the weather is cool and crisp, and if you’re lucky enough to catch the first snowfall, the snow-dusted mountain peaks create the perfect backdrop for family adventures. 

From wildlife viewing to scenic nature walks to relaxing in the hotel pool after a day of exploring, there’s no shortage of ways to create lasting memories with your family. Here’s a game plan with what to see and do on your family vacation in Banff.

Is fall a good time to visit Banff and Lake Louise?

Fall is a magical time to visit Banff and Lake Louise. As the leaves transform into vibrant hues of gold, orange, and crimson, the landscapes become a breathtaking canvas of colour.

Imagine hiking with your family through tranquil forests, where the air is crisp and the scent of pine fills your lungs, all while the majestic mountains of Banff National Park stand guard in the background.

Where to stay on your Banff family vacation

When planning a family trip to Banff, finding just the right hotel (read: pool time!) can be a lifesaver for keeping kids entertained after adventuring in the Rockies. Fortunately, Banff offers several stellar, family-friendly hotels with an indoor pool.

The Douglas Fir Resort

Douglas Fir Resort consistently scores top marks for having not one but two giant indoor waterslides. This indoor water park also sports a dedicated kiddie pool, plus indoor and outdoor hot tubs.

But that’s not all. You can also tire the tots out at their indoor playground. Guest rooms range from A-frame chalets to those with multiple bedrooms and full kitchen facilities.

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

At Banff Rocky Mountain Resort, there are multiple-bedroom units in its suites and condos. It also plays the family card with indoor and outdoor hot tubs, an indoor pool, on-site bike rentals, and a complimentary shuttle to downtown Banff.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

For something bigger, you can’t beat the hide-and-seek factor at Fairmont Banff Springs. The Fairmont boasts one of the biggest indoor pools in Banff, plus a dedicated kiddie pool and a large outdoor pool that feels like a hot tub.

Head to the on-site spa after checking kids aged three to twelve into a Kids @ The Castle experience.

Lake Louise Inn

In Lake Louise, look to the Lake Louise Inn with its three hot tubs and large indoor pool. This laid-back property welcomes families with laundry facilities, complimentary bike rentals and a seasonal mini-golf course.

Best family fall activities in Banff

What’s great about Banff is it’s so easy to combine outdoor adventures with lower-key interactive experiences that kids love. You’ll want to see the brilliant turquoise tones of Lake Louise and take the tykes on an easy hike.

Top hikes for families include Fairview Lookout right at Lake Louise. A little way back towards Banff is Johnston Canyon, or back in Banff town, Tunnel Mountain is a good challenge for the whole family.

Capitalize on the opportunity to see Banff’s incredible wildlife on a guided wildlife tour. Kids will be wowed with the chance to spot elk, bighorn sheep, and maybe even bears while safely guided by knowledgeable experts who share interesting facts and stories.

One of the most popular destinations for families is Sulphur Mountain. Sure, you can hike it, but it’s way more fun to be swept up on the Banff Gondola, taking in thebreathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

At the top are interactive exhibits, kid-friendly boardwalks, and a rooftop observation deck. Heads up: the summit offers tons of photo ops for your holiday card.

To experience the Wild West, kids over eight can saddle up with their parents and mosey through spruce-scented forests with Banff Trail Riders. Horseback riding tours and carriage rides run until mid-October.

Kids over five can get their “horse-on” experience in Lake Louise with Timberline Tours. This is an amazing way to get the whole family out into the back country without having to carry all those crucial trail snacks.

Even if you scored a hotel with a pool, it’s still worth soaking in the historic Banff Upper Hot Springs.

The water isn’t too hot for wee-ones, and there’s a shallow area for toddlers. More importantly, all those therapeutic minerals in the water promote a great night's sleep. 

For a stealth educational opportunity, go to Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Here, you’ll find a real underground cave with bubbling hot springs, which feels like a hidden world for kids to explore.

Where to eat

One thing's for certain. After all your alfresco adventures, you'll need to fuel up those kids.

Throughout Banff and Lake Louise, you’ll find great restaurants, but visiting families need to know which eateries cater to them.

Classic Canadian

Dining at Park Distillery is a pure Canadiana experience. While famed for its campfire-inspired cuisine, you'll also find several plant-based dishes and a dedicated children's menu.

If you’re craving some famed Alberta beef, Melissa’s is a Banff institution with a kid’s menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.It’s a big place too, so lots of nooks and crannies for the kids to explore!

Italian

For Italian, The Old Spaghetti Factory is a favourite, with large portions and a welcoming vibe. Staying on the Italian theme, everyone will love the pizzas and pasta turned out at Bear Street Tavern. Because it’s quite buzzy, the occasional tantrum likely won’t be noticed.

Fondue for everyone

Grizzly House is an old-school fondue restaurant with landline phones on each table.

Yes, your kids can call other diners while waiting for their meal. Curious about the taste of alligator, rattlesnake, ostrich or frog legs? Order the exotic fondue.

Lake Louise spots

In Lake Louise, Trailhead Cafe and Laggan’s Mountain Bakery and Deli are casual outposts serving hearty soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. These are ideal for picking up food for a day on the trail, or as a post-adventure warm treat.

Snack time

Every parent knows the importance of having snacks on hand to stave off the hangry episodes. Luckily you're never too far from a place to pick up a bite.

Coffee

Wild Flour Bakery is the local go-to when a light bite or to-go snack is in order. In addition to scrumptious sandwiches and baked goods, there are several vegan and gluten-free options. They have an amazing selection of teas and coffees too.

For caregivers needing a jolt of caffeine, Whitebark Cafe will be your saviour. Their flat whites will perk you right up, and why not get a babyccino for the kids so they can enjoy their treat too!

Sweet Treats

For a quintessentially Canadian treat, head to BeaverTails. Its signature pastry, served piping hot, is shaped like a beaver tail and slathered with sweet spreads of your choice.

Probably, you won’t be able to walk down Banff Avenue without one of your crew dragging you into a candy store.

Banff Candy Store, Banff Sweet Shoppe and the Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe Lake Louise all dole out handmade fudge, retro and international candies, and house-made chocolates (find out first-hand what Banff’s signature chocolate, bear’s paw is).

The sweetest ending to any day surely has to involve ice cream. COWS handcrafts over 30 flavours and has a super cute retail section worth poking around.

Where to pick up souvenirs in Banff

You can’t go on a once-in-a-lifetime Banff family vacation and return home empty-handed, now can you?

The littles will love the toys, books and child-focused souvenirs offered at Duck Duck Moose. Kids also adore sifting through the minerals and fossils at Rocks & Gems Canada.

Look to Monod Sports in Banff and Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise for a large selection of outdoor clothing and gear.

Featuring the work of two local artists, the Paper Den is where you’ll find mountain-inspired journals and prints of all sizes. This is the perfect place to bring home some unique school supplies from Banff.

Tips for travelling with kids to Banff

Fall weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable, so dress in layers. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while midday might be warm. Pack hats, gloves, and waterproof jackets, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Don't over-schedule your day. Take breaks between activities, allowing time for rest, especially if you're travelling with younger kids. Luckily, there's no shortage of stunning viewpoints in Banff National Park to catch a breather.

Public transportation on Roam Transit can get you to all of Banff’s top attractions, including Lake Louise. Children under 12 years can ride these buses for free.

There’s so much to see and do in Banff, you don’t want to rush it. To fit everything in on your Banff family vacation and not tire out your little ones, staying for a few nights is your best bet.

Planning things out in advance can be stressful, so to make this process easier, create your ideal trip in our Trip Builder below