Family-Friendly SnowDays Getaway
- 5 Days
- 15 Experiences
This winter, turn Banff into your family’s playground with the magic of SnowDays. From the first sip on the Hot Chocolate Trail to the hands‑on fun of the Weekend of Wonder. Kids can carve ice, explore science through an Indigenous lens, and laugh their way through giant games at the Play Zone, while parents soak in the festive atmosphere of a town transformed by snow sculptures and mountain charm.
With exciting adventures like tubing, skiing, dog sledding, and skating, paired with cozy cabins and hearty mountain dining, this five‑day getaway blends excitement with comfort. To experience the festival at its best, plan your trip for January 23 – 27, 2026, when SnowDays events are in full swing.
We recommend booking accommodation for 3 nights in Banff and 2 nights in Lake Louise.
Who's it For?
- Adventurous Families
- Winter Enthusiasts
- Nature Lovers
When to Go
- Jan. 23 - 27, 2026
Trip Itinerary
Getting to Banff and Lake Louise
With plenty of transportation options to get you to and from the Banff and Lake Louise area, you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to plan a seamless journey from start to finish.
Learn about getting here.Day 01
Arrive in Banff and kick off your SnowDays getaway with a cozy stop on the Hot Chocolate Trail. Then head to Mount Norquay for an afternoon of tubing thrills the whole family will love. End the day with a hearty mountain-inspired dinner at Three Bears Restaurant, the perfect spot to refuel and relax.
Shuttle
Distance: 140km
Use a convenient shuttle to travel from Calgary Airport or donwtown Calgary to your hotel in Banff. Then set out on foot for the Hot Chocolate Trail.
Shuttle
Distance: 7km
Take the free shuttle from downtown Banff to Mt. Norquay. There are a number of pickup points to choose from.
Day 02
Begin with breakfast at Farm & Fire, then head to the Weekend of Wonder for family fun. Kids can try Lil Chippers ice carving and explore hands-on learning with IndigeSTEAM activities. After a hotel break, return for a Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival screening of short films for kids - don’t forget to pick up your free tickets in advance. Wrap up the day with a cozy fondue dinner at the iconic Grizzly House.
Walk
Distance: 0.2km
Located on the 400 block of Banff Ave, farm & Fire is an easy walk from most Banff hotels.
Walk
Distance: 0.3km
Walk from Farm & Fire to Bear Street where you'll find Weekend of Wonder.
Day 03
Fuel up with a lively breakfast at Tooloulou’s, then head to the SnowDays Play Zone for curling, fat biking, and giant games the whole family can enjoy. Spend the afternoon wandering through Banff to admire the incredible snow sculptures that transform the town into a winter gallery. End the day at Hello Sunshine, where Japanese cuisine meets karaoke fun for a memorable family night.
Walk
Distance: 0.3km
Located on Caribou Street, Tooloulou's is an easy walk from most Banff hotels.
Walk
Distance: 0.2km
After breakfast take an easy walk to Central Park where you'll find the Play Zone.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
Stroll through the Snow Sculptures at Central Park, the Mason Hall and Bear Street.
Day 04
Pack your bags and make your way toward Lake Louise, stopping at The Juniper Bistro for breakfast with a view. Then it’s off to Sunshine Village Ski Resort for a day on the slopes - you can rent all the gear you need right at the hill. Refuel with the famous nachos at Trappers, then end your adventure-filled day by settling into your cozy cabin at Baker Creek.
Car
Distance: 2km
Plan to pick up a rental car first thing in the morning and then take a short drive to Juniper Bistro.
Day 05
End your SnowDays getaway on a high note with a thrilling dog sledding ride in Lake Louise. Refuel with lunch at Alpine Social in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Then, if the kids still have energy, enjoy a magical skate on Lake Louise. Wrap up the adventure with one last cozy night at your Baker Creek cabin.
Car
Distance: 12km
Drive from Baker Creek and park at the Great Divide Trail, the starting point for your dog sledding adventure.
Car
Distance: 0.5km
Drive up to the main Lake Louise Parking lot, where you'll pakr and then walk a short distance to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise where Alpine Social is located.
Where to Stay
Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:
Reservations & Booking
Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:
Hot Chocolate Trail
Tubing at Mt. Norquay
Weekend of Wonder
SnowDays Play Zone
Snow Sculptures
Ski & Snowboard at Sunshine Village Ski Resort
Dog Sledding in Lake Louise
Ice Skating on Lake Louise
Restaurants & Dining
Good to Know
Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips:
Get a Park Pass
Make a reservation for gear/ activities in advance
Book public transit and shuttles in advance
Check the weather forecast