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7-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Road Trip in Banff National Park

Viewed by 123 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Calgary, Canada

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters

Begin your day with delicious locally roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries to fuel your adventure.
Located in downtown Calgary, easily accessible by car.
CAD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Banff

Enjoy the scenic drive through the foothills, spotting wildlife and stunning mountain views.
Take Highway 1 west from Calgary to Banff.
CAD0, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Banff National Park Visitor Centre

Start your adventure by visiting the Visitor Centre to gather maps and tips for your trip.
Located in the town of Banff, easy walking distance or short drive.
CAD0, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Maple Leaf

Savor Canadian cuisine with a family-friendly menu in a cozy setting.
Walk to the restaurant, conveniently located in downtown Banff.
CAD80, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Banff Gondola

Take a breathtaking ride up to Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views over the Canadian Rockies.
Located just a short drive outside of the town center.
CAD40 per adult, CAD20 per child, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Hike to the Sulphur Mountain Lookout

Enjoy a family-friendly hike with stunning vistas at the summit.
Follow the marked trails after descending from the gondola.
CAD0, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Relax at Banff Springs Hotel

Take some family photos outside this iconic hotel and enjoy the classic architecture.
Drive or walk to the hotel, located just a few minutes from downtown.
CAD0, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at Bear Street Tavern

Grab a casual dinner featuring pizza and craft beer, a perfect end to your first day.
Walk back into the town center where the tavern is located.
CAD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Calgary

Day 2: Lake Louise Adventure

Banff, Canada

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Grab some fresh baked goods and coffee to start your day on a high note.
Located in Banff, just a short drive from downtown.
CAD30, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Lake Louise

Embark on a beautiful, scenic drive to one of Canada's most famous lakes.
Follow Highway 1 and then Alberta 1A to Lake Louise.
CAD0, 45 minutes

9:15 AM

Explore Lake Louise

Wander around the lake, taking in the stunning turquoise waters and surrounding mountains.
Parking available at the Lake Louise parking lot.
CAD0, 1.5 hours

10:45 AM

Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House

Enjoy a moderate family hike to the historic Tea House, where you can sample freshly baked scones.
Follow the clearly marked trail from Lake Louise.
CAD40 (for tea and scones), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Lake Louise Shoreline Café

Enjoy a picnic-style lunch while taking in iconic views of the lake.
Choose easy picnic items from the café located next to the lake.
CAD50, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Rideau Canal Ice & Outdoor Activities

Try canoeing in summer or skating in winter for a memorable family experience.
Equipment can be rented on site.
CAD80, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Explore the elegant hotel, take photos, and enjoy the lovely surroundings.
Short walk from the lake area.
CAD0, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Lake Louise Station Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring local dishes in this historic setting.
Drive to the restaurant, it’s a short trip from the lake.
CAD75, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Banff

Day 3: Yoho National Park Exploration

Lake Louise, Canada

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Laggan’s Mountain Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee to sustain you for the day ahead.
Located near Lake Louise on Highway 1.
CAD30, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Yoho National Park

Take a scenic drive to see one of Canada's breathtaking national parks.
Take Highway 1 west to Yoho National Park.
CAD0, 30 minutes

8:30 AM

Emerald Lake

Explore the vibrant blue waters of Emerald Lake, perfect for family photos and short walks.
Identify parking at Emerald Lake Lodge.
CAD0, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Hike the Emerald Lake Loop

A family-friendly 5.2 km loop that is scenic and offering many spots to stop for photos.
Follow the well-marked trail around the lake.
CAD0, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge

Savor a delicious lunch with stunning views of the lake.
Located on-site near the lake.
CAD60, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Takakkaw Falls

Witness one of Canada's tallest waterfalls, a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Drive to the falls from Emerald Lake and park nearby.
CAD0, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Hike to the Iceline Trail (Family-Friendly Starting Point)

Get a taste of mountaineering with part of this family-friendly scenic hike.
The trailhead is adjacent to Takakkaw Falls parking.
CAD0, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Lake Louise

Enjoy the drive back while soaking in the last views of the Rockies.
Travel back on Highway 1.
CAD0, 30 minutes

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Outpost Café

End your day with family-style casual treats like burgers and salads.
Stop by while in Lake Louise.
CAD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Louise

Day 4: Canmore Adventure

Lake Louise, Canada

7:30 AM

Breakfast at The Baker Creek Bistro

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of organic dishes made with local ingredients.
Head out towards Canmore; it's just off Highway 1.
CAD40, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Canmore

A picturesque 30-minute drive filled with breathtaking landscapes.
Follow Highway 1A south to Canmore.
CAD0, 30 minutes

9:00 AM

Explore Canmore's Town Centre

Stroll through the artisan shops and local markets in this charming town.
Walk around the downtown area; it's very pedestrian-friendly.
CAD0, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Printmaking Workshop at Elevation Gallery

Let your family unleash their creativity in this fun local art workshop.
Visit Elevation Gallery to sign up and participate; booking in advance is recommended.
CAD50, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Canmore Brewing Company

Enjoy lunch featuring locally brewed beer and tasty pub fare in a family environment.
Located in Canmore's town centre.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Grassi Lakes Trail

A fantastic hike with stunning turquoise lakes and scenic overlooks perfect for kids.
Drive to the Grassi Lakes trailhead parking area.
CAD0, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Visit the Canmore Nordic Centre

Rent bikes or stroll through the beautiful trails surrounding the center.
Short drive from Grassi Lakes.
CAD20 (for rentals), 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Iron Goat Pub & Grill

Relax while enjoying hearty comfort food with mountain views.
Drive into town; it's centrally located.
CAD80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Louise

Day 5: Kananaskis Country Day

Canmore, Canada

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Communitea Café

Savor a wholesome breakfast made with local ingredients in a laid-back atmosphere.
Walk over to the café nearby.
CAD35, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Kananaskis Country

Enjoy a journey filled with mountain vistas as you head to this beautiful park.
Take Highway 1A south to Kananaskis.
CAD0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hike the Troll Falls Trail

An easy, family-friendly hike leads to beautiful waterfalls—perfect for kids.
Follow the Troll Falls trailhead from the parking area.
CAD0, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Picnic in Kananaskis

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in a scenic area surrounded by nature.
Bring your own lunch or grab takeout from Canmore before arriving.
CAD40, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Visit the Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Unwind in thermal pools and relaxation areas amidst the stunning mountain scenery (kids are welcome).
Drive to the Nordic Spa, which is well-marked.
CAD60, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Wildlife Viewing

Keep an eye out for elk, deer, and other wildlife while hiking around the area.
Explore the park along marked trails.
CAD0, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Hike at Ptarmigan Cirque

Take on an easier hike offering stunning views without too much elevation gain—perfect for families.
The trailhead is just a short drive away.
CAD0, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Williard

Relish classic mountain cuisine in this warm, rustic setting to cap off your visit.
Drive to this Canmore location.
CAD80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Canmore

Day 6: Bow Valley Wonders

Kananaskis Country, Canada

7:00 AM

Breakfast at The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company

Try some local breakfast dishes paired with freshly brewed coffee to start your day.
Head to Canmore for this breakfast option.
CAD40, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Bow Valley

Embark on a scenic journey towards Bow Valley's breathtaking landscapes.
Head northeast from Kananaskis; it’s a short drive.
CAD0, 30 minutes

8:30 AM

Visit Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park

Take a family-friendly walk or bike ride along scenic trails.
Start your visit at the Nordic Centre; trails are well marked.
CAD0, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Bow Valley Parkway Drive

Enjoy a breathtaking drive along this scenic route, with opportunities to stop and explore.
Follow the Bow Valley Parkway signs.
CAD0, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Visit Johnston Canyon

Hike to stunning waterfalls along this family-friendly hike that includes beautiful views.
Parking is available at Johnston Canyon trailhead.
CAD0, 3 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at the Johnston Canyon café

Enjoy a snack and drinks within the canyon before continuing your exploration.
Located at the Johnston Canyon parking area.
CAD50, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax and unwind in soothing hot springs surrounded by mountain views.
A short drive back to Banff from Johnston Canyon.
CAD50, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Bison Restaurant

End your day with locally sourced cuisine in a warm, rustic setting.
Located in downtown Banff.
CAD90, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kananaskis Country

Day 7: Return to Calgary

Bow Valley, Canada

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Elevation Place Café

Enjoy breakfast, perfect for families with a hearty menu to satisfy everyone's tastes.
Located in Canmore, a short drive from your accommodation.
CAD40, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Exploring the Canmore Nordic Centre

Have one last exploration of the lovely trails with your family.
Located near the town center.
CAD0, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive back to Calgary

Head back on the scenic route with mountain views to enjoy one final time.
Take Highway 1 east back to Calgary.
CAD0, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Calgary Zoo

Spend your last day enjoying the local wildlife before heading home.
Located in downtown Calgary, easy to reach by car.
CAD80, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Charcut Roast House

Indulge in locally sourced dishes in this popular eatery before your journey home.
Drive to the restaurant; it’s in downtown Calgary.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Final stop at Heritage Park Historical Village

Enjoy a glimpse into the past with this family-friendly historical park filled with activities.
Continue to the park after lunch; it's a short drive.
CAD40, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Departure

Reflect on your amazing road trip and all the unforgettable family memories you've created.
Head back to the Calgary airport or your accommodation.
CAD0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Bow Valley
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