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4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Calgary & Banff

Monday, October 9: Arrival in Calgary

Begin your family-friendly adventure in Calgary, Alberta. After arriving at Calgary International Airport, make your way to your hotel. Check here for hotel options and flight prices. Spend the morning exploring the Calgary Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. In the afternoon, visit the Telus Spark Science Centre, where kids can enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. End the day with a walk along Stephen Avenue Walk, a vibrant pedestrian mall lined with shops and restaurants.

  • Calgary Zoo: $25/adult, $15/child | 3-4 hours
  • Telus Spark Science Centre: $20/adult, $15/child | 2-3 hours
  • Stephen Avenue Walk: Free | 1-2 hours
Tuesday, October 10: Exploring Downtown Calgary

Start your day by visiting the Glenbow Museum, which houses a diverse collection of art and artifacts showcasing Alberta's history. In the afternoon, head to the Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city and the nearby Rocky Mountains. Take a stroll in Prince's Island Park, a scenic urban park with walking trails, picnic areas, and a riverfront promenade. For dinner, try some authentic Canadian cuisine at one of the local restaurants in downtown Calgary.

  • Glenbow Museum: $16/adult, $9/youth | 2-3 hours
  • Calgary Tower: $18/adult, $9/child | 1-2 hours
  • Prince's Island Park: Free | 1-2 hours
Wednesday, October 11: Banff National Park

Today, take a scenic drive from Calgary to Banff National Park. Start your morning by exploring the Banff Park Museum, a historic building housing a collection of taxidermy specimens and exhibits about the park's wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the Banff Gondola for a breathtaking ride up Sulphur Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. End your day with a relaxing soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, known for its therapeutic mineral waters.

  • Banff Park Museum: $4/adult, $3/youth | 1-2 hours
  • Banff Gondola: $64/adult, $32/child | 2-3 hours
  • Banff Upper Hot Springs: $8.30/adult, $6.30/youth | 1-2 hours
Thursday, October 12: Outdoor Adventures in Banff

Embark on an outdoor adventure in Banff National Park. Start your morning with a hike to Johnston Canyon, where you'll witness stunning waterfalls and explore picturesque walking trails. In the afternoon, head to Lake Minnewanka for a scenic boat tour or rent a canoe to paddle on the sparkling waters. If time permits, take a short drive to the picturesque town of Canmore and enjoy its charming shops and cafes. End your day with a family-friendly wildlife safari to spot native wildlife such as elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.

  • Johnston Canyon: Free | 2-3 hours
  • Lake Minnewanka: Boat Tour - $54/adult, $18/child | 2-3 hours
  • Canmore: Free | 1-2 hours
  • Wildlife Safari: $110/adult, $55/child | 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Calgary and Banff, don't miss these off-the-beaten-path attractions and local favorites. In Calgary, visit Fish Creek Provincial Park, a sprawling green space with walking trails, picnic areas, and a chance to spot wildlife. In Banff, take a short hike to the stunning Vermilion Lakes, where you can enjoy picturesque views of the mountains reflected in the calm waters. Another hidden gem is the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, a natural thermal mineral springs site offering guided tours and educational exhibits.

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