Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Banff

"Getting to Sunshine Meadows, high in the Canadian Rockies atop the Continental Divide and the border between Alberta and British Columbia, might be a challenge, but the spectacular scenery is worth the effort. The meadows is considered to have the best alpine hiking and scenery in the Canadian Rockies. As spring turns into summer the meadows are in full bloom and ablaze with colorful wildflowers."

"There is a good chance that you will encounter wildlife, most often a squirrel, marmot, or mountain goat. But, like all the other hikes, make sure that you have bear spray. There is a national park fee to access these hikes and the pass can be purchased upon entering the park."

"The scenic blue Lake Minnewanka has much to offer the outdoors recreationalist: hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and booing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is a nature photographer’s dream, with gorgeous scenery and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bears, mountain sheep and elk."

"A glacial lake, the Lake Minnewanka is famous for its scenic drive that is a 15 mile loop. Going clockwise, you can begin by exploring the abandoned coal mines and the mining community and head up to the Lake, the largest lake in the park. The natural beauty you’ll see here is par excellence."

"I recommend you walk eastward along the shore of Banff’s biggest lake. That’s where the lake usually thaws first and offers up a reflection of the surrounding peaks. Paul’s Photography Tip: Look for natural frames to add depth to your compositions (try shooting through trees, for example)."

"For those who do not wish to hike, you can take the famous Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for a panoramic view of Banff as well as the surrounding mountain peaks. The Banff Sighting seeing Gondola is an 8 minute ride that takes you 2281m (~7500ft) above ground to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a 4 people cabin. There are restaurants, cafes, an interpretive center and short hiking trails at the Sulphur Mountain Board Walk. The price for adults is CAD 58 per ticket, and for children aged 6-15 is CAD 29."

"Next on our list is one of the most famous things to do in Banff and that’s taking the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. From the top, the views are absolutely stunning!. To me, the Banff Gondola is the most spectacular gondola ride in Canada."

"After exploring the Banff town, head to the Sulphur mountains. The Banff Sightseeing Gondola is located 5 minutes from the Town of Banff."

"Sitting at the foot of Mount Rundle and a 5-minute drive from the township of Banff, Vermilion Lakes are a series of 3 shallow lakes. To reach them, take Vermilion Lakes Road, a scenic 4.3-kilometre route. When the water is calm, the lakes provide a perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains."

"We were so excited to finally get a break from the light rain and headed to Johnston Canyon in the afternoon. It was easy to understand why Johnston Canyon was a very popular day hike. We saw plenty of families here including grandparents and babies. There were even a few who took their strollers/prams on the trails."

"Lake Minnewanka and Johnston Canyon are two fan favourites. Take a tour through the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and take in the amazing architecture, followed by a stroll down the Bow River that flows directly through town. You also can’t leave without taking the gondola up Sulphur Mountain!"

"While Two Jack Lake is not a glacial-fed lake and is not nearly as blue as the lakes mentioned above, it’s still a must-visit in Banff. Two Jack is only a short drive away from town, and besides being a fantastic lake to canoe on, sup on, or even swim in, it’s also one of the most photographed spots in the park. Thanks to its neverending views of Mount Rundle, photographers flock from all over to get a shot of Two Jack Lake."

"There are too many spots in Banff to take in views and enjoy a picnic lunch but our favourite is Two Jack Lake. You’ve got water, a perfect view of the mountains, and of course, some friendly wildlife. Depending on the season, you can also hike, fish, dive, and camp on one of the secluded camp sites."

"After the turnoff to Johnson Lake, the loop road reaches Two Jack Lake. There’s an excellent campground here (book early!), with one section on the lake shore and other on the other side of the road. Two Jack Lake is incredibly beautiful and is a great spot for all kinds of water activities."

"Best for: Adrenaline junkies and those who are deficient in vitamin DAccessed by a long gondola ride, Sunshine Village has terrain for every level of skier, but is famously teeming with slopes of the extreme variety. There is one area of cliffs and chutes -- Delirium Dive -- that can only be accessed through a gate where you must first scan your avalanche beacon (so if you don’t have one or don’t know how to use one, don’t even think about going). On a clear day, you’ll understand why the place is called Sunshine Village and will have to pack and reapply an appropriate amount of SPF."

"Cows: If you want ice cream in Banff then Cows is the place to be. There is usually a line out of the door but for good reasons. Cows offers many traditional as well as unique flavors and our favorite was the Wowie Cowie (Vanilla ice cream with English toffee marble, chocolate flakes & moo crunch) in a chocolate dipped cone. There is a gift store attached to the ice cream shop that sells cow themed souvenirs (shirts, mugs, stuffed animals, etc)."

"Banff Ave isn't Banff Ave without an omnipresent queue snaking out the door at Cows, a product of Prince Edward Island. Cows' 30-plus ice-cream flavors are topped by the epic Moo Crunch, an extra-creamy blend of... European in Banff National Park"

"Public swimming is available at the Sally Borden Fitness Centre, located at the Banff Centre. The Town of Banff sponsors a free public swim the last Sunday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m."

"Enjoy high-end details at every turn, with a stay at Solara Resort & Spa. This hotel’s collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom suites feature fully equipped gourmet kitchens with cork flooring, oversized windows that bathe the space in natural light, and crackling fireplaces. Don’t leave without visiting the Aurora Theatre — Canmore’s only cinema where complimentary movies are shown nightly."

"They boast of offering spa services at some of the best prices that you can find in the rather expensive town of Banff and have about twenty-five years’ worth of history to show for it. The location only adds to the brilliant experience that the mountain spa offers and the rooftop 360-degree view of the Canadian Rockies are best enjoyed with a beverage that you can get right there. They offer all sorts of services, including massages, facials, hair removals, body wraps, manicures, and pedicures, so that their customers leave feeling like the best version of their physical self."

"They make a great pizza but we often go for one of their burgers, such as the Oarsmen, which comes with an Elk Patty, Pepperjack Cheese, and a Herb Mayo. Another great main is the Baby Back Ribs. One of the reasons we love eating here is that each main comes with TWO choices of sides, which makes for a very filling meal."

"Located upstairs with a crow's-nest view of Banff Ave, this is the town's most refined sports pub, with a decent lineup of beers on tap and live music; the kitchen will fix you up with some good food if you so..."

"Whether you’re on a recovery day or If you’re looking to fuel up for a big adventure, there are some other great options for more of a sit-down breakfast in Canmore. We’ve also added in a couple of our favourite breakfast spots in Banff, just twenty minutes up the road, which could be more convenient for you depending on your plans for the day."

"Tonnes of tacos, endless enchiladas, bounties of burritos, and non-stop nachos – If you’ve got a hankering for Mexican, Magpie & Stump is the place for you. Keen to get the party started?. Try one of their ‘Bulldog’ cocktails, a lime margarita with an upside down Corona."

"This is a local hotspot and serves up delicious Mexcian dishes. Mexican food has long been my favorite cuisines so they get the nod for my favorite restaurant in Banff. The interior is rustic and you get a Mexicana cantina vibe the moment you set foot inside."

"A casual Mexican joint offering all your favorites in a rustic wood setting dotted with antiques. The vibe is Wild-West-meets-Tijuana, and the spot has proved a favorite of people passing through and locals alike."