Perfect 3-Day Family Adventure in Banff, Canada

Day 1: Explore Banff Town

Banff, Canada on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Evelyn's Coffee Bar

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with locally sourced ingredients and excellent coffee, perfect to start your day energized in Banff. They open at 7:00am.
CAD15, 1h

9:30am

Banff Visitor Centre

Stop by the Visitor Centre to pick up maps, learn about the park's wildlife, and get tips for kid-friendly activities available in Banff National Park.
Free, 30m

10:00am

Banff Avenue Walk and Shops

Stroll along Banff Avenue exploring boutiques, souvenir shops, and charming local stores. Great for picking up a souvenir or two.
Free, 1h

11:15am

Banff Park Museum

Visit this historic museum featuring natural history exhibits and a great introduction to the wildlife and geology of the region.
CAD15 Adults, CAD8 Children, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Maple Leaf

Savor Canadian cuisine with a family-friendly atmosphere in downtown Banff. They offer kids' menu options. Open until 3:00pm.
CAD25 per adult, CAD12 per child, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Cascade Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful walk in these beautiful gardens featuring flower beds and views of Cascade Mountain. Perfect for letting your son explore safely.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Banff Gondola Ride

Take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for stunning panoramic views. The ride is fun for kids and adults alike. Check operating hours 9:00am to 7:00pm in May.
CAD65 Adult, CAD32 Child, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar

End your day with a rustic meal including locally inspired dishes in a kid-friendly atmosphere. They open for dinner at 5:00pm.
CAD30 per adult, CAD15 per child, 1h 30m
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Day 2: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Banff National Park, Canada on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Laggan's Mountain Bakery & Delicatessen

Grab freshly baked pastries and sandwiches to enjoy possibly as a picnic later at the lakes. Opens at 7:00am.
CAD12, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Lake Louise

Enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to Lake Louise, get started early to avoid crowds and find good parking.
Fuel costs approx CAD10, 45m

9:15am

Explore Lake Louise Shoreline

Walk the easy lakeshore trail with spectacular views of the turquoise water and Victoria Glacier, perfect for a family stroll.
Free, 1h 30m

11:00am

Lake Louise Visitor Centre

Learn about the natural features and history of the area at this informative visitor center.
Free, 30m

11:30am

Drive to Moraine Lake

Take a short 20-minute drive to Moraine Lake, noted for its striking blue color and the Valley of the Ten Peaks backdrop.
Fuel costs approx CAD5, 20m

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Moraine Lake

Enjoy your prepared pastries and sandwiches while taking in the magnificent views. There are picnic tables and grassy areas suitable for your child to play.
Your own food cost, 1h

1:00pm

Easy Family Hike: Consolation Lakes Trail

A gentle 3.6 km round trip hike perfect for your 7-year-old, with beautiful scenery and potentially spotting wildlife.
Free, 2h

3:15pm

Return to Banff

Drive back to Banff town for a rest before dinner.
Fuel approx CAD10, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Banff Park Lodge

Enjoy a brief rest; the hotel has a pool and kid-friendly facilities perfect for your son to unwind.
Hotel guest, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Bear Street Tavern

Enjoy casual dining featuring pizza and comfort food with options suitable for children. Open until 9:00pm.
CAD25 per adult, CAD10 per child, 1h 30m
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Day 3: Hikes & Hot Springs

Banff, Canada on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Relax with fresh baked goods and excellent coffee, opening at 7:00am for an early start.
CAD15, 45m

8:30am

Johnston Canyon Walk

Take an easy hike to the waterfalls through a scenic canyon, great for kids with chance to see rushing water and nature. The trail is about 2.7 km one way.
Free, 3h including breaks

12:00pm

Lunch at The Juniper Bistro

Enjoy elevated mountain dining with an inviting atmosphere and kid-friendly menu options, open until 2:30pm.
CAD30 per adult, CAD15 per child, 1h

1:30pm

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax and unwind in the warm mineral waters, perfect for both adults and kids to rest tired muscles. Open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
CAD9 per adult, CAD4.50 per child, 2h

4:00pm

Relaxing stroll around Bow River Trail

Enjoy a gentle walk along the Bow River for some quiet nature time and opportunities for photos.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at The Bison Restaurant

Celebrate your last night with delicious regional cuisine emphasizing local ingredients, with a warm, rustic ambiance friendly to children. Open from 5:00pm.
CAD40 per adult, CAD20 per child, 1h 30m
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