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Trip Ideas

Ultimate Family Friendly Adventure

Duration
5 Days
Num of Experiences
14 Experiences

One of the best parts of Banff National Park is that you can find something for everyone! With plenty of adventures that the whole family can enjoy, spending time together has never been so easy. Enjoy a mixture of activities, experiences, and good old fashioned family time throughout this five-day itinerary.

To make the most of your time we recommend 3 nights accommodation in Banff followed by 2 nights accommodation in Lake Louise

Who's it For?

  • Adventurous Families
  • Multi-generational Families

When to Go

  • June - October

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

Start your Banff and Lake Louise adventure with a day full of beautiful scenery and history in the town of Banff.

Horse riding in BanffHorse riding in Banff

Horseback Riding in Banff


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
See details about Horseback Riding in Banff
Family of four looking at the spring in the Cave at the Cave & Basin National Historic SiteFamily of four looking at the spring in the Cave at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site

Cave & Basin National Historic Site


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Cave & Basin National Historic Site
View from Cascade Gardens looking down Banff Avenue on a summer morningView from Cascade Gardens looking down Banff Avenue on a summer morning

Cascade Gardens


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Cascade Gardens

Day 02

Spend another day exploring the town of Banff and it's surrounds with a focus on wildlife, nature and lot's of time outdoors in the fresh air.

A family viewing the exhibit at the Banff Park MuseumA family viewing the exhibit at the Banff Park Museum

Banff Park Museum National Historic Site


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Banff Park Museum National Historic Site
A person taking a break on the Bow River Trail on the way to Bow FallsA person taking a break on the Bow River Trail on the way to Bow Falls

Hike the Bow River Trail to Bow Falls


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Hike the Bow River Trail to Bow Falls
A group of people taking photos of elk on a guided wildlife tour with Discover Banff ToursA group of people taking photos of elk on a guided wildlife tour with Discover Banff Tours

Guided Wildlife Tour


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Guided Wildlife Tour

Day 03

Wake up and say yes to adventure with a family paddle on Vermilion Lakes, pick up your canoe(s) at the Banff Canoe club and paddle echo creek into Vermilion Lakes. Refuel with lunch and then spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and keepsakes in the Banff downtown core.

Two people in kayaks paddling on Vermilion Lakes at sunriseTwo people in kayaks paddling on Vermilion Lakes at sunrise

Paddle Vermilion Lakes


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
May - Oct
See details about Paddle Vermilion Lakes
Shopping Bear StreetShopping Bear Street

Shopping Bear Street


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Shopping Bear Street
Shopping Banff AvenueShopping Banff Avenue

Shopping Banff Avenue


Duration
1-3 hrs
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Shopping Banff Avenue

Day 04

Hit the road and take the scenic route along the Bow Valley Parkway as you head to your next destination in Lake Louise. Stop at Johnston Canyon on the way for short hike to see breathtaking waterfalls.

A car driving down a scenic stretch of the Bow Valley Parkway with Castle Mountain in the backgroundA car driving down a scenic stretch of the Bow Valley Parkway with Castle Mountain in the background

Drive the Bow Valley Parkway


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Drive the Bow Valley Parkway
Hike Johnston CanyonHike Johnston Canyon

Hike Johnston Canyon


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year Round
See details about Hike Johnston Canyon

Day 05

For your final full day in the Canadian Rockies you'll explore the Lake Louise area and experience everything it has to offer.

Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing GondolaLake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola

Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola


Duration
1-3 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Sep
See details about Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola
A couple sits on the lakeshore of Lake Louise at sunriseA couple sits on the lakeshore of Lake Louise at sunrise

Lake Louise


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Year round
See details about Lake Louise
Moraine LakeMoraine Lake

Moraine Lake


Duration
< 1hr
Difficulty
Easy
Operating Dates
Jun - Oct
See details about Moraine Lake

Where to Stay

Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:

Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
See details about Douglas Fir Resort and Chalets

The Fox Hotel & Suites

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Dining
  • Hot Tub
  • Onsite Parking
See details about The Fox Hotel & Suites

Tunnel Mountain Resort

Hotels & Inns
Location
Banff Town Area
  • Onsite Parking
See details about Tunnel Mountain Resort

Mountaineer Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Mountaineer Lodge

Lake Louise Inn

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Lake Louise Inn

Deer Lodge

Hotels & Inns
Location
Lake Louise Area
See details about Deer Lodge
See more options

Reservations & Booking

Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:

Cave & Basin National Historic Site

  • Cave & Basin National Historic Site

Banff Park Museum National Historic Site

Guided Wildlife Tour

Paddle Vermilion Lakes

Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola

Moraine Lake

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

  • Learn about the best ways to get around

  • Check the weather forecast