Are you planning a trip to Banff National Park soon and looking for a fun Banff itinerary for 2 days?
We’ve got a fun itinerary for your family to spend 2 days in Banff. There are SO many things to do in Banff that it’s hard to narrow it down to only two days.
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Day 1: Jonhson Lake, Banff Gondola & Hot Springs
Arrive early to Banff National Park. Make sure you pack some sandwiches, fruits, and snacks.
You’ll pass the Banff National Park gate, where you’ll need to get your park permit.
You can use the right lane if you already have a Discovery Pass from Parks Canada. Otherwise, you’ll have to use the left lanes and stop at one of the booths to purchase your pass.
It costs $10.50 per day per adult (18+ years old) or $21.00 per family.
Once you pass the gate, enjoy the drive and have your Banff audioguide on (Gypsy Audioguides are so much fun while driving in the Canadian Rockies).
Your first stop will be Johnson Lake.
Johnson Lake
To reach Johnson Lake, you’ll follow the sign to Lake Minnewanka. You’ll use the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, then turn on to Johnson Lake Drive.
This is a great and easy hike for the family. The trail around the lake is flat and well-groomed, and the scenery is stunning. The kids will love exploring the shoreline, spotting wildlife, and playing in the water. Make sure to make a slight detour to see the Hermite Cabin.
Once you’re done with your hike, find a picnic table. You can even brave the cold water and jump on the lake on a warm summer day. Johnson Lake is one of the warmest lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
When you are ready, head back to the car.
You’ll be going to the Banff Gondola next.
Banff Gondola
If you’re traveling during the summer, I recommend parking at the Free parking lot by the train station and taking the ROAM Transit to get to the Banff Gondola. If you’re traveling off-season, you can take a chance and park right by the Gondola.
On this scenic 8-minute ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The kids will love exploring the observation deck and the interpretive center and using the boardwalk to see the Cosmic Ray Station.
Plan for 2 hours to enjoy the Gondola and the top of Sulphur Mountain.
💡 Not sure if the Banff Gondola is worth it? Read our review here!
At this point, your family may be pretty tired. It can be the perfect time to unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
If you drove to the Banff Gondola, the Banff Upper Hot Springs parking lot is at the roundabout when you leave the gondola’s parking lot.
You can soak in the warm water and enjoy the stunning mountain views while relaxing after this busy first day.
Head back to downtown Banff and check in at your hotel. There are many family-friendly hotels in Banff. I recommend that you stay at one of the following downtown hotels:
You can have a laid-back evening at the hotel or have dinner downtown. The Pacini Italian restaurant is a great option for families.
Day 2: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Bow Falls
Start the day with a breakfast from your hotel. Make sure to fuel up before a full second day of exploring!
The first stop of the day will be at the iconic Lake Louise.
Lake Louise
The drive to Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful in the world and takes about 45 minutes from downtown Banff.
If you’re traveling in July and August, you’ll want to book your Parks Canada shuttle in advance. The parking lot at Lake Louise filled up quickly, so I don’t recommend going with your car during the peak season (unless you wake up at dawn or visit the lake at sunset).
Plus, as of 2023, driving to Moraine Lake is impossible. Access is only possible through the park shuttle.
Once you’re at Lake Louise, you can admire the views and stroll on the Lake Louise Lakeshore trail. Make sure to take a look at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
If you’re feeling adventurous (and have the budget), you can rent a canoe and paddle across the lake from mid-June to the end of September. The canoe can fit two adults and two young kids (under 55 lbs each).
I would recommend renting a canoe for 2 hours (1 hour may be too limited for the family) to have enough time to enjoy and row up to Victoria Glacier. It costs CAD $135 per hour for non-hotel guests and CAD $95 per hour for hotel guests.
For more information on canoe rentals at Lake Louise, check out the Fairmont Lake Louise hotel website.
Moraine Lake
If you are visiting from mid-June to early October, don’t miss visiting Lake Moraine. Your shuttle tickets include both lakes.
After a busy morning visiting two of the most beautiful lakes in the world, it’s time to head back to downtown Banff.
Your next stop will be Bow Falls.
Bow Falls
Cliffs and trees surround the Bow Falls waterfall. Families will love to walk around and go up the stairs following the Bow Falls Viewpoint. It offers great views, so be sure to bring your camera!
If you haven’t eaten yet, you may want to go to the Waldhaus Restaurant & Pub. You can access the stairs from the Bow Falls parking lot and walk directly to the Bavarian restaurant.
In the winter, you can end your last day with a horse-drawn wagon ride through the streets of Banff. This is a fun and unique way to see the town and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The ride takes about 40 minutes.
Otherwise, enjoy downtown Banff, go shopping and maybe stop at the Cascade of Time garden.
If you Have a Few More Days in Banff
If you have a few more days in Banff, here are some things you don’t want to miss:
Driving on the Icefields Parkway.
The Icefields Parkway is a once-in-a-lifetime drive that will blow you away. This 230 km drive separates Lake Louise from Jasper. The drive goes through Banff and Jasper National Parks. It is filled with turquoise lakes (including the wolf-shaped Peyto Lake), mountain peaks and glaciers (including the Athabasca Glacier).
Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
The Cave & Basin National Historic Site is a great place to visit with your family. You can learn about the park’s history, search for hot spring snails in the Basin, walk down the Cave and hike through the trails to discover natural hot springs. The site offers a beautiful view of the Rockies. Plus, it’s where the National Parks of Canada started.
Here is an article with a lot more things to do in Banff with kids.
How to Get to Banff National Park
If you were flying, you’ll arrive at Calgary International Airport, a 20-minute drive from downtown Calgary. You can rent a car or a campervan directly from the Calgary airport.
Make sure to reserve your car in advance by comparing options on DiscoverCars.com.
You can read our guides to renting a car in Calgary or renting a campervan in Calgary for more information.
When you’re ready to hit the road, follow the signs for the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1 West).
Continue driving until you reach Banff National Park. From the Calgary Airport, it takes about 1h30 to get to Banff, but you’ll start seeing the mountains pretty quickly as you leave Calgary.
Final Thoughts: 2 Days in Banff With Kids
This was your itinerary for 2 days in Banff with the kids. There are so many things to do in Banff that 2 days may not be enough, but it will get you a good overlook at the National Park.
Related Posts – Alberta Itineraries
If you’re planning a trip to Banff and Alberta, you may also like to read the following articles:
- Your Guide for Planning a Trip to Banff and the Canadian Rockies
- Drumheller Valley and the Alberta Badlands: 3-Day Itinerary
- The Ultimate 7-Day Calgary, Banff, & Jasper Itinerary
