72 hours in Banff with kids

What to do in 72 hours in Banff with kids? Turns out, you can cover all of the highlights in 3 days. Banff is about 90 minutes drive from Calgary, which is a city that you can visit as part of your trip to Banff.

Yes, there are indeed some very challenging hikes in Banff, especially when the weather is cold, but there are many family friendly things to do that allow everyone in the family to take in the beauty of Banff.

Banff with kids in 72 hours – let’s go!

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Day 1: Banff Town Exploration and Banff Gondola

Set off first thing in the morning from Calgary. Once you drop off your bag at the hotel (jump to hotel options), you are ready to start your Banff adventures, starting with the town itself.

Morning: Banff Town and Banff Sign

• How to Get There: Banff town is easily accessible by car or shuttle from Calgary. The Banff sign is located along Banff Avenue at the town’s entrance, making it a perfect first stop. Be warned that you may have to wait your turn to take your photo with the sign!
• Activities:
  • Stop by the iconic Banff sign for a family photo.
  • Take a leisurely walk through Banff’s cute downtown to explore souvenir shops, grab snacks, and check out family-friendly dining options and famous local ice cream.
  • Consider stopping at the Banff Park Museum, where kids can learn about local wildlife.

Afternoon: Banff Gondola

• How to Get There: The Banff Gondola is about 5 minutes from downtown Banff. Driving and shuttle options are available.
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adults (16+): Approx. $60-70 CAD
  • Youth (6-15): Approx. $30-35 CAD
  • Children (5 and under): Free with a paying adult
• Activities:
  • Take the scenic gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, with panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
  • Once at the top, explore the interpretive center, family-friendly restaurants, and short hiking trails with breathtaking lookout points.
  • Wrap up with a stop at the gift shop before heading back down.

Day 2: Johnston Canyon and Banff Upper Hot Springs

Morning: Johnston Canyon

• How to Get There: Johnston Canyon is a 30-minute drive from Banff along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A). Arrive early, as parking fills up quickly.
• Activities:
  • Enjoy the hike along Johnston Canyon, which is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. The trail to the Lower Falls is an easy 1.1-kilometer (0.7-mile) walk, perfect for young kids.
  • Visit the Lower Falls and continue to the Upper Falls if the family is up for a bit more of a challenge. You get to see the deep pools that feed the falls at the very top.
  • Watch for wildlife along the trail and enjoy the scenic views of the canyon’s waterfalls and rock formations.

Afternoon: Banff Upper Hot Springs

• How to Get There: Banff Upper Hot Springs is a short drive from downtown Banff and is near the base of Sulphur Mountain.
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adults: $10 CAD
  • Youth (3-17): $9 CAD
  • Children (under 3): Free
• Activities:
  • Relax in the warm mineral waters with stunning mountain views. Children are welcome, and the hot springs are a popular family destination.
  • Towels and swimwear are available for rent if needed.

Day 3: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Morning: Lake Louise

• How to Get There: Lake Louise is a 40-minute drive from Banff. Arrive early, as parking fills up by sunrise in peak season. Alternatively, take the Parks Canada shuttle, which requires advance reservations.
• Booking: During high season (April-Oct), reserve a shuttle in advance for guaranteed access as the Lake’s parking lots fill up before sunrise.
• Ticket Prices:
  • Parking: $21 CAD per vehicle, or use the Parks Canada shuttle
  • Parks Canada Shuttle: Adults: $8 CAD (single direction)Youth (6-17): Free
• Activities:
  • Walk along the lakeshore trail for beautiful views of Lake Louise’s turquoise water and surrounding mountains.
  • Rent a canoe from the Lake Louise Boathouse (open seasonally, approx. $145 CAD per hour, life jackets included) and paddle across the lake for unique perspectives.
  • Families can also visit the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, where kids can grab hot chocolate, and parents can enjoy coffee with lake views.

Afternoon: Moraine Lake

• How to Get There: Moraine Lake is about 20 minutes from Lake Louise. As is the case for Lake Louise, starting in 2023, access is only via shuttle buses, bikes, or approved tours.
• Booking: Book a Parks Canada shuttle or private shuttle to access the lake (same shuttle and ticket as Moraine lake)
• Activities:
  • Explore the Rockpile Trail, an easy, short hike perfect for families, to get the iconic panoramic view of Moraine Lake.
  • Stroll along the lakeshore and let the kids enjoy the rocky beach area.
  • Capture photos of the unique color of the water, which comes from glacial sediment.

Are you planning on a trip to Banff with kids? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments, or if you have anything you would add to this itinerary!

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