🇨🇦Banff

Banff is a world-class family destination with gondola rides, hot springs, wildlife spotting, and stunning national park trails for all ages.

Your family guide

Banff with kids: gondolas, wildlife and mountain trails

“Ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain and watch your kids spot elk grazing in the valley below, then soak in the hot springs as the peaks turn pink at sunset.”

— San & Jo

Banff is one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away, and not just because of the altitude. Sitting at 1,400 metres inside Canada's most famous national park, this small mountain town is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, impossibly turquoise lakes, and forests full of wildlife. For families who love the outdoors, it is hard to imagine a better base.

The town itself is compact and walkable, with restaurants, shops, and the famous Banff Avenue all within easy reach. But the real excitement happens the moment you step outside. Whether you are riding the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, soaking in the hot springs, or spotting elk grazing near the Vermilion Lakes at sunset, Banff has a way of making every family member feel like an explorer.

What makes Banff work so well for families is the range. There are gentle paved boardwalks for little legs, wildlife spotting that needs no special skills, and more challenging hikes for older kids ready to push themselves. You can pack as much or as little into a day as your family needs, and the scenery makes every single moment feel special.

1,400 m elevationSecond-highest town in Canada

6,600+ km²Banff National Park

Best June to SeptemberWarm days, cool nights

Best things to do

Best things to do in Banff

Banff Gondola

Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain at 7,486 feet and take in panoramic views of six mountain ranges. The Sky Bistro at the top makes for a memorable lunch with spectacular mountain views.

Book your gondola ticket in advance, especially in summer. The summit boardwalk is easy for all ages.

2-3 hours

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Canada's highest elevation hot spring is a fantastic way to end an active day. The warm mineral pools with mountain views are relaxing for parents and genuinely fun for kids who love splashing around in outdoor pools.

Go in the early evening when the crowds thin out and the mountain light turns golden.

1-2 hours

Johnston Canyon

A 2.7 km paved boardwalk trail clinging to canyon walls leads your family past rushing waterfalls. The path is well-maintained and accessible, making it one of the most rewarding easy hikes in the park for families with younger children.

Start early to beat the crowds. The Lower Falls are around 1.1 km in and worth every step.

2-4 hours

Wildlife Spotting

Elk, moose, bears, and even the occasional lynx roam freely in and around Banff. The Vermilion Lakes area near town is a brilliant spot for families to watch wildlife at sunrise or sunset without needing to hike far at all.

September and October bring elk mating season right into town. Keep a safe distance and never approach wildlife.

1-2 hours

Vermilion Lakes

Just a short walk or cycle from the town centre, these calm lakes reflect the surrounding mountains in the most spectacular way. The flat paths alongside the water are perfect for families with bikes or pushchairs.

Sunrise and sunset here are spectacular. Pack a snack and take your time.

1-3 hours

Icefields Parkway Drive

The Icefields Parkway begins near Banff and is widely considered one of the most scenic drives on the planet. Pull over at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake for views that will make even the most screen-addicted teenager look up from their phone.

Pack plenty of snacks and plan your stops in advance. There are limited services along the route.

Half day to full day

Explore Downtown Banff

Banff Avenue is lined with restaurants, bakeries, and shops all within a five-minute walk of each other. Pick up a BeaverTail pastry topped with Nutella or cinnamon sugar and let the kids lead the way through this lively mountain town.

BeaverTails on Banff Avenue are a must-try Canadian treat. Perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

1-2 hours

Our verdict

How Banff scores for families

Kids

Gondola rides, hot springs, wildlife spotting, and easy boardwalk trails make Banff genuinely exciting for children of all ages. There is always something new to discover.

Nature

This is Banff's strongest card. The national park is world-class, and you do not need to go far to feel completely surrounded by wilderness.

Food

The food scene punches above its weight for a small mountain town. Wild game, Alberta beef, and locally sourced ingredients feature heavily, and there are plenty of family-friendly options too.

Culture

Banff is more about nature than museums, but the town has a warm character and a genuine sense of place that families will enjoy soaking up.

Budget

Banff is not a cheap destination. Gondola tickets, national park fees, and dining out add up quickly. Plan your budget carefully and look for self-catering options to keep costs manageable.

Planning your visit

How long should you stay in Banff?

2 days

Quick visit

Gondola, hot springs, and a walk along Johnston Canyon. You will get a taste but leave wanting more.

sweet spot

4 days

Sweet spot

Enough time to explore the highlights, take a day trip along the Icefields Parkway, and still have a lazy morning by the Vermilion Lakes.

7 days

Deep dive

A full week lets you settle into the rhythm of mountain life, try longer hikes, explore nearby Lake Louise, and really let the kids run wild.

Fun facts

Things to know about Banff

A town inside a national park

Banff became a municipality in 1990 and holds the unique title of being the first town in Canada to be incorporated inside a national park. That means even the town itself is protected wilderness.

Canada's longest cave system is here

Hidden in the northwest corner of Banff National Park lies Castleguard Cave, the longest cave system in Canada. It stretches for kilometres underground and connects beneath the Columbia Icefield.

The highest hot spring in Canada

Banff Upper Hot Springs is Canada's highest elevation operational hot spring. People have been soaking in these mineral-rich pools since the 1880s, making it one of the oldest tourist attractions in the country.

Taste Banff

Where to eat with kids in Banff

BeaverTail Pastry

Kids love it

BeaverTails Banff Avenue

A flat fried dough pastry topped with Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or caramel. It is the ultimate Canadian street food snack and kids absolutely love them. Find them on Banff Avenue in the heart of downtown.

Burgers and Poutine

Must try

Eddie Burger + Bar

Eddie Burger is a Banff institution for good reason. Their burgers are generous and satisfying, and the poutine (fries topped with cheese curds and gravy) is a Canadian classic your family needs to try at least once.

Thin-Crust Gourmet Pizza

Safe choice

Bear Street Tavern

Bear Street Tavern serves up creative thin-crust pizzas in a relaxed setting that works well for families. Pair yours with a local craft beer if the adults fancy it.

Wild Game and Local Ingredients

Local favourite

The Bison Restaurant

The Bison restaurant has been repeatedly named among Canada's top restaurants. Expect bison ribeye, elk, and seasonal Canadian produce in a warm, welcoming space. A brilliant choice for a special family dinner.

Exotic Fondue

Must try

The Grizzly House

The Grizzly House is a Banff original, serving four-course fondue dinners with game meats like venison and buffalo cooked tableside. It is a fun, interactive experience that older kids in particular tend to love.

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