Banff & Lake Louise

Travel, through a family lens: Cozy winter escapes, vibrant summer lakes, and adventures beneath towering pines.

Family Travel Journal

Banff was our first big trip post-pandemic—booked before Canada had even officially reopened to visitors—and it ended up being the perfect way to ease back into travel. Banff is also where our kids learned to ski, which made it a milestone trip for our family.

Be warned - it was extremely cold and not what we were used to with skiing in California, but that also meant the snow was plentiful and the landscapes were pure winter magic. The hotels felt especially cozy, with fireplaces, hot chocolate, and fun indoor activities that kept the kids happy between ski lessons and time on the ice. But their favorite memory? Skating on Lake Louise in front of the Fairmont, gliding between ice sculptures and pretending they were in Frozen. 

-Annie, Cofounder

Quick insights before you dive into planning…

Perfect for: Travelers seeking stunning natural beauty, active outdoor adventures, and the cozy charm of a mountain town.

Ages: All. Plenty of outdoor adventures for older kids, cozy hotels that cater to families, and simple joys—like playing in the snow or joining an easy hike—for the little ones.

When to Visit: There should already be plenty of snow for skiing over winter break. Summer is also a nice time to visit for hiking and lake activities.

Trip Length: At least 4 nights in Banff, but we recommend an additional few nights at Lake Louise.

Combine with: Great as a destination on its own, especially with easy access from the West Coast US.

Destination Fit

At a glance

Banff and Lake Louise are located in the heart of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, nestled within the stunning Rocky Mountains. The two towns are just a short 45-minute drive apart, making it easy to explore both during a family trip. The area is famous for its turquoise lakes, towering mountain peaks, and abundant outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and skiing.

Banff and Lake Louise are easily accessible from the United States, with Calgary International Airport just about 90 minutes away by car. The region offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations and activities, from cozy hotels with kids’ programs to gentle trails and kid-approved adventures like ice skating and wildlife spotting. It’s a destination that balances breathtaking natural beauty with practical amenities, making it a great choice for families of all ages.

Our Favorite Things

Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.

  • There are plenty of options across Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise, but we loved the Fairmont for its indoor kids’ activities—like the kids’ club and scavenger hunts—and the convenience of on-site winter gear rentals.

    • Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff) - the only downside is that it’s a bit outside of town, but it’s otherwise a great option for families with all of the amenities.

    • The Kenrick Hotel (Banff) - newly opened in Spring 2025, this stylish downtown Banff hotel offers a prime location in the heart of the city. While it doesn’t have all the amenities of the Fairmont, its design and family-friendly rooms—including double rooms and spacious suites—make it a stay we’d definitely recommend.

    • Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Lake Louise) - the location is unbeatable, sitting right in front of the lake, which in winter serves as a natural ice rink. The hotel offers all the classic Fairmont amenities, including on-site ice skate rentals and activities that start right from the property.

  • If you stay at the Fairmont, you will likely enjoy at least some of your meals at the hotel, but there is no shortage of great options in Banff. These are ones we’d go back to.

    • Sky Bistro- great for lunch after checking out the panoramic views at the top of the Banff gondola. Best to book ahead to avoid a wait.

    • Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont- always a great idea. The kids were in heaven with their bubble gum tea and the dessert options on offer.

    • Lupo - it’s hard to go wrong with Italian, but we loved this slightly elevated but still casual dinner spot downtown that satisfied both adults and kids.

    • BeaverTails - popular Canadian pastry shop known for its delicious, hand-stretched fried dough treats.

  • Activities vary quite a bit depending on the season. These were our favorites when visiting during the winter.

    • Ski Big 3 (Banff & Lake Louise) - The slopes here are incredible. Norquay is beginner-friendly, while Banff Sunshine and Lake Louise have more variety.

    • Dog Sledding (Canmore & Lake Louise) - great family activity where even kids as young as 2 can join the ride, and little ones will love meeting and interacting with the dogs before heading out.

    • Ice Skating (Lake Louise) - seeing photos of people ice skating among ice sculptures with snow-covered peaks rising in the background is what first inspired our trip to Lake Louise, and it was just as magical as we imagined.Tip: Choosetour companies, experiences, or guides carefully. Details like private vs group tours, group size, and the style of experience can make all the difference in how your family enjoys it.

    Tip: Choose tour companies, experiences, or guides carefully. Details like private vs group tours, group size, and the style of experience can make all the difference in how your family enjoys it.

  • Banff offers a great selection of boutiques and outdoor gear shops, perfect for finding both memorable and practical souvenirs. However, our kids were most excited about exploring the local candy shops and bringing back sweet treats for our friends and family.

There's so much more to explore. For a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered), reach out for a custom itinerary.

Tips

Getting there and round

Getting to Banff is simple—fly into Calgary, then it’s just an easy 1.5-hour drive to the mountains.

Accessing the slopes

There are 3 ski resorts across Banff and Lake Louise connected through "Ski Big3” with shuttles from both Fairmont hotels as well as other places in Banff.

Dog sledding

This is a highly weather-dependent activity. Also, be sure to arrive early—there’s separate transportation up to the mountain and an orientation before the sledding begins.

Kids eat free at the Fairmont

One of the family-friendly perks of staying at the Fairmont is that kids 5 and under eat free, and ages 6 to 12 enjoy meals at half price.

Preparing for winter weather

It can get very cold, and having the right gear is essential. It was below 0 Fahrenheit every day we visited in December, but there were plenty of shops where we were able to pick up additional layers, which also made great souvenirs.

Summer vs. Winter

Summer is also a wonderful time to visit Banff and Lake Louise, with warm-weather activities like canoeing, hiking, and horseback riding taking the place of winter activities like skiing, skating, and dog sledding.

Expect to spend

Banff and Lake Louise are a great budget-friendly alternative to ski towns and resorts in the US. Lift tickets average $100-150/adult/day and $50-70/kid/day. Kids under 5 ski free. Hotels and food costs are also lower, though they may be generally less luxe.

Trusted Family Voices…

  • Tik Tok Logo

    Watch on Tik Tok

    @kyla

    “My favourite time of year in Banff ❤️”

  • Watch on Instagram

    @thewaltonadventure

    “Oh man let me tell you about our winter trip to Banff and Lake Louise…”

  • Mia, age 7

    I went when I was 4 but this is one of the places where when I see photos, I remember exactly where we were, how much snow there was, and the moose everywhere!

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