This past summer, we took an unforgettable trip to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. My husband’s sister and brother-in-law live in Calgary, making it the perfect place to escape into the mountains. Camping in another country with toddlers had its challenges, but we made it work, and had a great time!
As a family who loves to move, explore, and adventure together, we never wanted to put travel on hold just because we have young kids. Instead, we figured out how to make it work. By the end of this post, I hope you feel inspired and empowered to take on big adventures with your kids, too!
Getting to Banff National Park with Kids
After flying into Calgary, renting a car, and spending a night at my husband’s sister’s house, we picked up an RV and headed for the mountains. Since we didn’t want to pack up the RV every time we explored, we also kept a rental car. I drove the rental car with the kids while my husband handled the RV. We strategically left around nap time so they could sleep part of the way.
When my daughter (age 2.5) woke up, she exclaimed, “Mommy, I see mountains!” Yes, honey, and these are some of the most beautiful ones you’ll ever see!
We set up camp at Johnston Canyon Campground with several members of Michael’s family. It was the perfect base for exploring Banff National Park with kids. We spent six nights in the RV and were grateful for its heating system as it dropped below freezing most nights, even in June!
Hiking Johnston Canyon
Our first hike was Johnston Canyon, which we could access directly from the campground. It was beautiful but busy. My daughter loved the views so much that she fell asleep in the hiking carrier!
Hiking Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
The next day, we took a shuttle to Moraine Lake, one of the most breathtaking mountain lakes in the world. Because of its high elevation, there was still a significant amount of snow, turning the area into a winter wonderland in early June.
We started what we thought would be an easy three-mile roundtrip hike with some of Michael’s cousins. With both kids strapped to our backs, we set off—only to find the entire trail covered in knee-deep snow. Hiking in those conditions while carrying 40+ extra pounds was exhausting. Although we wanted to push through, we ultimately decided to turn back. At the pace we were going, it would have taken us all day to reach the end!
After leaving Moraine Lake, we took a shuttle to Lake Louise, the most iconic lake in Banff National Park. It was the perfect spot for lunch with a view and an easy walk along the (thankfully snow-free) trails.
Exploring Banff and Taking on the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
After a more relaxed day exploring the town of Banff, I set out on a bigger hiking adventure. My husband stayed back at the campsite with the kids while I joined some of his family for a challenging trek into the mountains.
We tackled the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, a nine-mile roundtrip hike with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain. While some parts were still covered in snow, we made it all the way to the end. The wind was strong, but the views were incredible. One of the highlights was stopping at a remote teahouse near the trail’s end for a warm cup of tea and a snack. It was refreshing to hike deep into the mountains without carrying an extra 40 pounds on my back!
Driving the Icefields Parkway
On our last full day, we drove along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in the world. We barely scratched the surface of what there is to see, but the highlights still made for a great day.
Top Stops Along the Icefields Parkway
- Bow Lake: We hiked around the lake to a stunning waterfall.
- Peyto Lake Overlook: My husband and I agreed this was the most breathtaking view of the entire trip.
- Columbia Icefields: We took in views of the Athabasca Glacier and visited the Jasper National Park visitor center.
The drive itself was as incredible as the destinations. We even spotted some wildlife on our way back to camp!
Tips for Visiting Banff National Park with Kids
Our kids are used to traveling and do well on the road, which we’re so grateful for. Here are my top tips for making a trip to Banff National Park with kids a success:
- Plan driving stretches around nap time. If your kids aren’t going to nap in their bed, the car is the next best thing.
- Pack plenty of extra snacks. Always have more than you think you’ll need.
- Lower your expectations. You won’t get as much done in a day as you would without kids, and that’s okay.
- Embrace the tough moments. Meltdowns happen, but kids are far more resilient than we often give them credit for.
Yes, traveling with kids is more work, but I love sharing these adventures with them and showing them the world.
How We Traveled to Banff National Park for (Almost) Free
Of course, we used credit card points and miles to cover most of our travel expenses. If you’re curious about the cards we used and how we made this trip happen for nearly free, check out this guide.
Want personalized credit card recommendations to make travel with your family more affordable? Click here to get started!
Why Banff National Park Was Worth It
Our trip to Banff National Park was everything we hoped for—breathtaking hikes, incredible views, and quality time with family we don’t see often. Even though I’ve lived my whole life in the prairies of South Dakota, I love spending time in the mountains. Being surrounded by nature and taking in the beauty of creation is always rejuvenating for me.
If you’re dreaming of a trip to Banff National Park with kids, don’t let the challenges of traveling with little ones hold you back. It’s absolutely worth it!
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