Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Kananaskis

"Lake Minnewanka is another lake that is just a ten-minute drive away from the town of Banff and right next to Two Jack. The lake is 21 km long, and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power, making it one of the largest lakes in the Rockies and all of Alberta. In the summertime in Banff, it’s a busy place to hike, picnic, and go canoeing, and in the winter, it’s a sight to behold."

"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."

"The lakes in Banff National Park are really some of the most beautiful places to visit. Lake Minnewanka is no different and everyone who comes to Banff to get amazing photos should visit. Lake Minnewanka is located only 15 minutes from Banff town and is most famous for the Lake Minnewanka cruise."

"The gondola in Banff takes you up almost 3000ft up above the town and is a great place to take photos, especially at sunset. If you like hiking then it's possible to walk up there too. It takes around 2.5 hours to get to the top and you can reward yourself with a soak in the Banff hot springs when you come back down."

"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."

"Head west of Banff and you will arrive at a gorgeous set of lakes known as the Vermilion Lakes. The three lakes are formed in the Bow River Valley and this is a real hotspot for wildlife sightings, possibly one of the best-known locations throughout the national park. Mount Rundle in the background is a towering sight but anyone visiting this part of Banff National Park would be hard-pressed to take their eyes away from this spectacular series of lakes."

"Vermilion Lakes is largely a marsh, so it doesn’t hold the brilliant blue waters like many of the other lakes around Banff, but it still makes for an incredible place to enjoy the park. These Banff lakes are well protected by the winds, and the shallow water means that the waters remain calm on most days, so it’s an easier place to canoe, kayak, or SUP. The Vermilion Lakes are prime habitat for wildlife, and it’s a well-known spot for birders."

"This is perhaps the most heavily photographed location in the Canadian Rockies next to Lake Louise. Take the classic shot of Mt. Rundle, but see if you can challenge yourself to create an image of Vermilion Lakes that is unique to you. Paul’s Photography Tip: For a more balanced composition, look for foregrounds that can compete with Rundle in the background."

"Movie buffs may recognize Bow Falls as the falls Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum went over while escaping from Indians in 1953’s River of No Return. The 9-meter (30-foot) high falls is a major waterfall on the scenic Bow River that joins with the Spray River just outside of Banff. Visitors can get a better view of the roaring rapids by taking a ¾-mile trail along the river to the falls."

"A popular tourist attraction, Bow Falls can be accessed from a parking lot or by hiking a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) trail from the town of Banff. Combining Bow Falls with a trip downtown to ice cream at COWS is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Insider Tip for Families: The trail has minimal elevation but does have a few sets of stairs to traverse."

"A wider and shorter waterfall than most, Bow Falls is a scenic attraction that is not quite easily accessible without prior knowledge, or planning ahead. It is a peaceful location that can be enjoyed by either simply sightseeing, or venturing around the water's edge."

"The Cascades of Time Gardens is behind the building and was a great place for a stroll through its gardens and flower beds."

"Just a little way down the road from Barrier Lake in Kananaskis Country, you can find O’Shaughnessy Falls. Only a short walk from the parking lot you’ll be able to spot these beautiful frozen waterfalls. It is a great place for a visit with babies and toddlers as you can see the frozen cascade from the parking lot."

"Before you reach Two Jack Lake or Lake Minnewanka, you’ll come across Cascade Ponds. Which are literally a series of ponds that air under Cascade Mountain. There are plenty of picnic benches and firepits here to enjoy a picnic at, but it’s also a fantastic place to come year-round and grab some photos of the bridges that make walking between the ponds accessible."

"Also located off the Minnewanka Loop, Cascade Ponds has nearby picnic tables, fire pits, and public bathrooms. Swimming in lakes is unsupervised, so visitors swim at their own risk. Most other lakes in Banff National Park are glacier-fed, and are usually too cold for swimming."

"We were so glad to stumble on Cascade Pond. This was one of the most scenic spots for a picnic. We also saw a few people biking on the trail. It was a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll."

"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)."

"My husband LOVES ice cream and has to get it everywhere he goes, so this place was a must do for us. Cows is located in downtown Banff and is a nice treat to get after dinner. The ice cream is very rich and creamy and they have a large variety of flavors to choose from with fun names like Wowie Cowie, Cownonut Cream Pie, and Gooey Mooey."

"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..."

"204 Caribou Street Box 2601 | Alberta, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1C3, CanadaTakeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit CardsCanadian, American, Cajun & Creole, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, Breakfast, BrunchHK$39 - HK$290+1 403-762-2633"

"Tooloulou’s: more known as a brunch place, but they also have sit down dinners that offer Cajun seafood and burgers. I’ve only gone there for brunch and the line is always out of the door starting at 10:30am. It has an extensive brunch list that ranges from Canadian specialties (poutine) to French toasts to sandwiches to eggs."

"It can be incredibly annoying at times when a restaurant offers only one or two vegan options that you’re stuck with and probably wouldn’t usually choose. We’ve all been there, gazing at the menu trying to drum up excitement over the third mushroom burger you’ve eaten this week. Luckily, Parks Distillery and Earls Kitchen + Bar both offer kick-ass plant-based menus."

"Earl’s Banff 299 Banff Avenue (403) 762-4414 11:30am til late. Earl’s is always reliable for good meal. Their menu has burgers, pizza, pasta and other creative entrées, salads and appetizers."

"The Maple Leaf in the heart of downtown Banff offers an enticing brunch menu every day of the week. Their log cabin design is sure to warm your soul no matter the season. Known for their mouthwatering maple bacon as well as their Canadian bacon Benedict, The Maple Leaf is an easy choice for an authentic Canadian brunch."

"The Maple Leaf Grill and Lounge has a warm mountain atmosphere with a lot of Canadian Inspired dishes. They use local Canadian ingredients such as an Alberta beef ribeye and or maple dijon B.C."

"Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | 405 Spray Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta, CanadaReservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free WifiWine Bar, Canadian, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, DrinksHK$126 - HK$267+1 403-762-6860"

"Sporting original crown molding and dark wood paneling from its early days as a ladies' writing salon, this intimate wine bar in Banff's Fairmont makes an elegant spot for afternoon aperitifs. British Columbian..."

"Artisan cheeses, cured meats, house-made bread and so much more at the cozy and intimate Grapes. Make a Reservation on Open Table"

"…meal at Castello Italiana.Looking for a more casual atmosphere?. Join us in the Ramsay Bar!. Dress Code:Smart Casual (no hats, sports wear or torn jeans)…"

"Tasting Italian food at La Terrazza in Banff is like you are on a tour of some of the Italy’s finest food regions. Taste your way across Italy with a culinary tour of some of their finest food regions. The restaurant has a very strategically planned menu which can be enjoyed with stunning views of the mountains from the glass ceilings and windows."

"415 Banff Ave, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta CanadaItalian, Swiss, EuropeanLunch, Dinner, Late NightReservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service+1 403-762-3848http://www.ticinorestaurant.com"