Banff National Park is one of the best family destinations in Canada during summer. With warm days, long daylight hours, and endless outdoor activities, it's a place where kids of all ages can connect with nature while parents soak in some of the most stunning mountain scenery on the planet. Here's how to make the most of a family summer trip to Banff.
Easy Family Hikes
Banff has dozens of trails suitable for families, ranging from flat stroller-friendly paths to moderate hikes that older kids will love.
Johnston Canyon (2.4 km to Lower Falls)
This is the quintessential Banff family hike. A steel-catwalk trail clings to the canyon wall above a rushing creek, leading to a thundering waterfall. Kids love the adventure of walking along the narrow catwalks, and the Lower Falls viewpoint is only about 30 minutes from the trailhead. The Upper Falls adds another 2.7 km for families with more energy.
Fenland Trail (2.1 km loop)
A flat, shaded loop through a marshy forest near the town of Banff. It's perfect for toddlers and young children. You'll often spot beavers, birds, and elk along the way. The soft forest floor is easy on little feet.
Lake Louise Lakeshore (4 km return)
The flat trail along the shore of Lake Louise is stroller-friendly and impossibly beautiful. The turquoise water and the glacier backdrop are mesmerising for adults and children alike. Stop for a picnic on one of the beaches partway along.
Bow River Trail (various lengths)
This paved trail runs along the Bow River through the town of Banff. You can walk as far or as little as you like, and there are playgrounds, picnic spots, and river access points along the way.
Lake Adventures
Banff's lakes are a playground for families in summer. The water is cold, but kids don't seem to mind.
- Canoeing on Lake Louise: Rent a canoe from the Fairmont boathouse and paddle across the iconic turquoise lake. Kids love being on the water surrounded by mountains
- Two Jack Lake: A quieter alternative with a sandy beach area where kids can wade, build rock towers, and splash around. It's also great for stand-up paddleboarding
- Johnson Lake: The warmest lake in the park, perfect for swimming on hot days. There's a picnic area with fire pits and a short loop trail around the lake
- Vermilion Lakes: Calm, shallow water ideal for family kayaking and bird watching
The Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola whisks you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in eight minutes. At the top, there's a boardwalk with panoramic views, interpretive displays, and a restaurant. Kids are fascinated by the gondola ride itself, and the boardwalk at the summit is manageable for all ages. On clear days, you can see for over 40 kilometres in every direction.
Wildlife Spotting
Summer is prime wildlife season in Banff, and spotting animals is one of the highlights for kids.
- Elk: Commonly seen grazing on lawns around the town of Banff, especially in the early morning and evening
- Bighorn sheep: Often found along the road between Banff and Lake Minnewanka
- Black bears: Occasionally spotted along the Bow Valley Parkway and Icefields Parkway. Always maintain a safe distance (100 metres)
- Marmots and pikas: Found on rocky slopes along higher-elevation hikes
Consider bringing a wildlife checklist for kids — it turns every drive and hike into a scavenger hunt.
Rainy Day Activities
Even in summer, rainy days happen. Banff has plenty of indoor options:
- Banff Upper Hot Springs: Warm mineral pools with mountain views — kids love it
- Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies: Local art, history, and interactive exhibits
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site: Where Canada's national park system began, with interactive displays and a cave to explore
- Banff Public Library: A surprisingly beautiful space with a children's section and mountain views
Practical Tips for Families
- Start early: Parking fills up fast at popular spots. Arrive before 9am for the best experience
- Pack layers: Mountain weather changes fast. Even in July, mornings and evenings can be cool
- Bring bear spray: Available at outdoor shops in Banff. Adults should carry it on all hikes
- Shuttle services: Use the Parks Canada shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to avoid parking stress
- Sunscreen and hats: UV is intense at altitude. Reapply sunscreen every two hours
Book family-friendly accommodation in Banff on Expedia. Add guided family tours and kid-friendly adventures for hassle-free fun.