5-Day Family Friendly Adventure Itinerary in Banff National Park

Day 1: Explore Banff

Banff, Canada

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Whitebark Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Whitebark Café, known for its delicious breakfast burritos and smoothies.
Located just a few minutes from your accommodation in downtown Banff.
CAD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Banff Gondola

Take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for stunning views of the Rockies and an easy hiking trail at the top.
Short drive to the gondola station; parking available.
CAD60, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Bison

Savor a family-friendly lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients with a stunning view of the mountains.
Only a 10-minute drive back to Banff town center.
CAD25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Banff Park Museum

Immerse yourself in the history and nature of the area at this charming museum, perfect for families.
Walkable from The Bison in downtown Banff.
CAD10, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Unwind in the natural hot springs, enjoying the picturesque mountain views while the kids splash around.
A 10-minute drive or a scenic walk from downtown Banff.
CAD40, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Magpie & Stump

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with gourmet comfort food and an inviting atmosphere the whole family will love.
Easily accessible in downtown Banff.
CAD75, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Lake Louise Adventure

Lake Louise, Canada

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Fairview Bar & Restaurant

Fuel your day with a great breakfast with a view of Lake Louise at this mountain-style restaurant.
About a 40-minute drive from Banff to Lake Louise.
CAD30, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Lake Louise Canoeing

Rent a canoe to paddle on the emerald waters of Lake Louise with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Canoe rental located right at the lake.
CAD80, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House

Take a scenic hike along the lakes for a unique family-friendly adventure that ends with tea at the historic tea house.
Well-marked hiking trail from Lake Louise.
CAD15 (for tea), 2.5 hours

2:00 PM

Picnic Lunch at Lake Agnes

Enjoy a packed picnic overlooking Lake Agnes, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
Bring your own lunch or grab something from Fairview Bar.
CAD20 (if purchased), 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Moraine Lake

Check out Moraine Lake, one of Canada’s most photographed lakes, for a stunning family photo op.
A 20-minute scenic drive from Lake Louise.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Post Hotel

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner in a family-friendly atmosphere with a diverse menu for all palates near Lake Louise.
Located near the lake, with easy parking.
CAD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Jasper

Jasper, Canada

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Lake Louise Village Grill

Relish a hearty breakfast before departing for Jasper at this cozy local diner.
A short drive to Lake Louise Village.
CAD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive the Icefields Parkway

Travel along the stunning Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world, taking in breathtaking views and photo stops.
Follow Highway 1 and then Highway 93 North.
Cost of fuel, approx. CAD50, 3 hours drive time, plus stops

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Crossing Cafe

Stop for lunch at this charming café on the Icefields Parkway, serving homemade soup and sandwiches.
Located along the route to Jasper.
CAD40, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Columbia Icefield

Take a tour on the ice and enjoy the incredible views that make this natural wonder a must-see.
Continue on the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield.
CAD100, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Arrival in Jasper National Park

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the scenic views around Jasper.
Drive into Jasper town after visiting the Icefields.
CAD0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Jasper Brewing Company

Enjoy a lively atmosphere with great local brews and a menu featuring burgers and comfort food the whole family will enjoy.
Located in Jasper village, easy to find.
CAD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park, Canada

7:30 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a quick breakfast at your hotel, perhaps a buffet style to satisfy every family member.
Enjoy breakfast in-house.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Yoho National Park

Set out early to explore Yoho National Park, home to dramatic landscapes and waterfalls.
Approximately a 1-hour drive from Jasper.
Cost of fuel, approx. CAD30, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Takakkaw Falls

Marvel at one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls and explore the beautiful trails around it.
Follow signs to Takakkaw Falls from the main road in Yoho.
CAD5 (parking fee), 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Field, BC

Grab a bite at Truffle Pigs Bistro, offering a local twist on classic dishes in a family-friendly setting.
10-minute drive from Takakkaw Falls.
CAD50, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Emerald Lake Hiking Trail

Hike around the picturesque Emerald Lake, perfect for families with a mixture of views, wildlife, and easy paths.
Drive to Emerald Lake from Field, a 20-minute drive.
CAD0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Free time at Emerald Lake

Enjoy some leisure time for picnics, photo-ops, or even renting a canoe on Emerald Lake.
All activities are available at the lake.
CAD40 (canoe rental), 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Emerald Lake Lodge

Experience fine dining with stunning lake views, perfect to finish the day off.
Located on-site at Emerald Lake.
CAD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Relax in Canmore

Canmore, Canada

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Wild Orchid Bistro

Enjoy a delightful breakfast focusing on fresh local ingredients to wrap up your Banff adventure.
Drive approximately an hour to Canmore.
CAD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Canmore Nordic Centre

Participate in various outdoor activities like biking or hiking at this stunning recreation area.
Located in Canmore just a few minutes’ drive.
Free (bike rental approx. CAD15), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company

A casual lunch spot serving delectable pub fare, perfect for families after some outdoor fun.
Only a few minutes away from the Nordic Centre.
CAD50, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre

Engage with the local culture and history of Canmore through interactive exhibits and displays.
A short drive from the restaurant.
CAD10, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Relax at Policeman's Creek

Stroll along Policeman's Creek and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife for your last afternoon in the Canadian Rockies.
Located in downtown Canmore and easily reachable.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Iron Goat Pub & Grill

Wrap up your trip with a hearty dinner at this family-friendly establishment, famous for its local craft beers and delicious dishes.
Located in Canmore, a short drive from the creek.
CAD75, 1.5 hours
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