Are you planning a trip to Banff National with your kids, but have NO idea where even to start? You’ve come to the right place! On this page, you’ll find a lot of information on how to plan the best trip to Banff National Parks with kids (or without them).
📍 BANFF ITINERARIES | 🥾 THINGS TO DO IN BANFF | ❄️ BANFF IN WINTER | 📅 PLANNING A TRIP TO BANFF | 🛏️ WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF
I’ve created the 85+ page activity book for your kids to do while exploring Banff National Park. It’s filled with engaging activities to do while in Banff. There are also daily journal entries to come back home with lots of memories. 👉 Purchase the Banff Activity Book.
7-Day Calgary-Banff-Jasper Itinerary
I’ve created the ultimate 7-day Calgary to Jasper road trip itinerary for families traveling with kids. You’ll get a daily playbook for exploring 3 of western Canada’s prettiest cities. 👉 Check the Itinerary.
Looking for something tailor-made for your trip to Banff and the Canadian Rockies? Our personalized itinerary service caters to your family’s unique interests and needs. Share your preferences with us, and we’ll create a custom road trip plan that ticks all your boxes. 👉 Read More.
BANFF ITINERARIES
The Perfect Canadian Rockies Itinerary for Adventurous Families (10-Days)
The Ultimate 7-Day Calgary to Jasper Road Trip (7-Days)
10-Day Banff to Glacier National Park Itinerary Road Trip (10-Days)
A Fun Banff Itinerary for 2 Days With the Kids (2-Days)
THINGS TO DO IN BANFF
21 Fun Things to Do in Banff With Kids
Easy Hikes in Banff: 17 Kid-Friendly Hikes Under 10km
How to Get to Moraine Lake: All Your Questions Answered
Is the Banff Gondola Worth it? Honest Review from a Local Family
Epic Stops on Icefields Parkway: You Won’t Believe It’s Canada
BANFF IN WINTER
Is Banff Worth Visiting in Winter? Opinion from a Local
17 Things to Do in Banff in Winter [Activities for Families]
13 Best Winter Hikes in Banff for Families (All Skill Levels)
Your 3-Day Itinerary for Visiting Banff in the Winter
PLANNING A TRIP TO BANFF
What’s the Best Time to Visit Banff to Avoid the Crowds (When and What to Do)
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Visiting Banff in November
Renting a Car in Calgary or in Banff? Everything To Know
Camper Van Rental in Calgary: What’s Your Options?
WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF
HI Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel : Our Honest Review
Cabins Near Lake Louise: Baker Creek Mountain Resort Review
Hi! I’m Emilie!
I live only an hour away from Banff National Park. We go to Banff National Park at least once or twice a month. We know this national park really well and all the fun things to do with kids (and even without kids), from easy hikes to winter fun. From its colorful Lake Louise to its epic Icefields Parkway drive and fun hikes, there is something fun to do in Banff National for everyone.
We answer all the questions you may have about Banff National Park
How to Get to Banff National Park
Given its popularity as a tourist destination, getting to Banff National Park is relatively straightforward:
✈️ By Air: Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Alberta (Canada) is the closest airport to Banff, Canada. It’s about an hour and a half from the Calgary airport to downtown Banff. It’s well-connected with major cities around the world.
🚙 By Road: After landing in Calgary, you can rent a car and drive to Banff (or you can even rent a campervan). The drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). The drive is scenic, especially as you approach the mountains.
Banff is accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway from the east and the west. If you’re coming from British Columbia, you’ll pass through the beautiful Yoho National Park before reaching Banff.
🚌 Shuttle Services: Several shuttle services operate between Calgary International Airport and Banff. These shuttles can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.How to Get Around Banff National Park
Getting around Banff National Park requires some planning, as the park is vast and crowded.
It’s best to have your car in Banff National Park to explore more outside the downtown and the main tourist attractions. But some places are bustling, and parking lots are limited. So you’ll want to do a mix of using your car and using public transport.
How to Get Around Banff National Park
The best way to get around Banff National Park is a mix of your car and public transportation. Having your will allow you to go everywhere and get to all trailheads. But using public transport for some busy attractions will ensure you don’t spend too much time finding a parking spot.
Here is what I recommend:
- For exploring downtown Banff: find a hotel centrally located, so you can walk around OR park at the Railway FREE parking lot and walk around.
- For visiting Lake Louise (and Lake Moraine): use one of the shuttles to get to Lake Louise in the summertime. Use the Parks Canada’s shuttle or the Roam transit route 8X.
- For visiting the Upper Banff Hot Springs and the Banff Gondola: use the Roam transit route 1. Parking is minimal. It’s often full.
- For the rest: Use your car.
You can also opt for guided bus tours, such as:
- Discover Banff Tour,
- Open Top Touring, or
- Banff Hop on Hop Off Tour.
The fun thing about guided bus tours is that you’ll learn a lot of fun facts about the park with your guide, but it can get expensive for a family.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Banff National Park?
No. You don’t need a car to visit the main attractions in Banff National Park, such as the Banff Gondola, Upper Banff Hot Springs, downtown Banff, Lake Louise, and Lake Moraine.
You can use Parks Canada’s shuttle or Banff town public bus. But if you want to venture on the more off-the-beaten-path or must trailhead, you’ll want to have your car.Do I need a park pass to visit Banff National Park?
Yes. You’ll need a Parks Canada pass to enter Banff National Park. The pass must be valid for the length of your stay. If you plan on staying more than 7 days (in total in any of Parks Canada’s national parks across the country, I recommend purchasing the Discovery Pass, which allows you unlimited access to all national parks (and national historic sites) in all of Canada.
How to Get to Moraine Lake
Since 2023, the road to Moraine Lake, the Moraine Lake Road, is closed for personal vehicles (unless you have a disabled parking tag). It means you’ll need to use one of the public transportation and shuttle to visit this iconic lake.
Here is all the information you need to plan your visit to Moraine Lake.
When is the Best Time to Visit Banff National Park?
Most people visit Banff National Park from June to September. During these months, the park’s iconic turquoise lakes thaw, and the scenic roads and trails are accessible.
The weather is nicer, and there is no snow (usually).
However, the park is busy during the peak summer months of July and August. But, just like Glacier National Park and many other national parks, it’s also the time when Banff sees the most visitors, making popular spots crowded.
Another thing to consider is that Lake Moraine is open only for a few months. It’s usually opened from early mid-June to Thanksgiving (Mid-October). Outside those months, the only way to see this iconic lake is to hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski the Lake Moraine Road. It’s 13 km (one-way) to the lake.
But honestly, Banff is a real year-round destination and it’s even fun in November 😉How Many Days Do You Need to See Banff National Park?
The number of days needed to see Banff National Park can vary depending on individual preferences, interests, and the pace you want to explore. However, a general recommendation is to spend at least 3 to 5 days in the park to experience its major highlights and enjoy various activities.
But it’s also possible to see the main highlight in only 2 days in Banff.
What accommodation options are available in Banff National Park?
Banff offers a range of accommodations, including hotels, lodges, hostels, and campgrounds. The Fairmont Banff Springs, Canalta Lodge, and Tunnel Mountain Campground are popular options.
Overall, Banff is an expensive place to stay, so book your accommodation as soon as possible.
One of our family favorites is the Canalta Lodge in downtown Banff. We also love Baker Creek Mountain Resort near Lake Louise.
Can You Camp in Banff National Park?
Yes. Parks Canada manages all of Banff National Park’s campgrounds. But you need to start booking your campsite early in the season, as soon as the national campground reservations open.
Wild camping (boondocking) is not possible within the national park. However, you might find some options outside the park.
What hiking trails are suitable for kids?
There are so many short and easy hiking trails in Banff National Park that are suitable for families. Some are even stroller-accessible.
Some easy and family-friendly trails include Johnson Lake, Fenland Trail, and Bow River Falls.