8-Day Family-Friendly Alberta Mountain Road Trip: Budget-Friendly Sightseeing with Kids

Day 1: Start Journey

Calgary to Kananaskis Village, Alberta, Canada on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at OEB Breakfast Co.

Start your day with a delicious, hearty breakfast at OEB Breakfast Co. in Calgary, known for kid-friendly options and creative breakfast dishes.
CAD25, 1h

9:30am

Drive Calgary to Kananaskis Village

Embark on a 1-hour scenic 80 km drive west to Kananaskis Village, offering beautiful mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere.
CAD0, 1h

11:00am

Stop at Barrier Lake

Enjoy a quick picnic or short walk by Barrier Lake to stretch legs and take in turquoise water surrounded by mountains.
CAD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Kananaskis Village Grill

Have a casual lunch featuring sandwiches and burgers at the family-friendly Kananaskis Village Grill, with outdoor seating in summer.
CAD15, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Kananaskis Nordic Spa (Family Outdoor Areas)

Relax after the drive with kid-friendly areas at the Nordic Spa, including walking trails and nature view spots. Spa facilities are for adults only.
CAD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in and rest at local budget lodges or cabins

Stay overnight in a budget-friendly cabin or lodge in Kananaskis Village suitable for families. Reserve early for best rates.
CAD100, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at Chuckwagon Cafe

Finish the day with a casual dinner offering simple Canadian comfort food that kids enjoy.
CAD20, 1h
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Day 2: Mountain Hiking

Kananaskis Village to Canmore, Alberta, Canada on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Front Door

Enjoy hearty breakfast options in Kananaskis Village before heading out for the day’s hike—great pancakes and kid-friendly meals.
CAD20, 1h

9:30am

Hike the Troll Falls Trail

Experience an easy 3 km round-trip family-friendly hike to Troll Falls. The beautiful waterfall is a great photo spot and adventure for kids.
CAD0, 2h

12:00pm

Drive to Canmore

Short 45-minute drive to Canmore, a charming mountain town with plenty of kid-friendly dining options.
CAD0, 45m

12:45pm

Lunch at Red Rock Pizza

Enjoy affordable, kid-approved pizzas and salads in Canmore’s relaxed pizzeria setting.
CAD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Canmore Nordic Centre

Explore this winter sports venue adapted for summer with easy walking paths, mountain biking trails, and picnic areas perfect for families.
CAD0, 2h

4:30pm

Check-in at budget accommodations in Canmore

Choose budget-friendly motel or Airbnb suited for families with kids.
CAD110, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at Crazy Weed Kitchen

Casual dining with options that include kids’ meals, local ingredients, and a relaxed atmosphere.
CAD35, 1h
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Day 3: Banff Exploration

Canmore to Banff, Alberta, Canada on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Communitea Cafe

A cozy spot with healthy options and great smoothies, perfect to energize before a day in Banff.
CAD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Banff

Short 20-minute drive from Canmore to Banff, situated in the heart of the Rockies.
CAD0, 20m

9:30am

Visit Banff Park Museum and Banff Visitor Centre

Learn about local wildlife, geology, and history in a kid-friendly setting with interactive displays. Open 9am-5pm.
CAD0, 1h

11:00am

Walk along Bow Falls and Surprise Corner

Short walk to view spectacular waterfalls and viewpoints near the Banff townsite, easily done with kids.
CAD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Eddie Burger + Bar

Casual burger joint with kid-friendly menu options and classic Canadian comfort food downtown Banff.
CAD30, 1h

2:00pm

Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain

Ride the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic mountain views. Kids enjoy the chairlift and boardwalk. Open 8am-8pm in summer.
CAD70 (family rate), 2h

4:30pm

Return to town and check-in

Stay overnight at a family-friendly budget hotel or lodge in Banff.
CAD120, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at The Bison Restaurant

Enjoy a local culinary experience with some kid-friendly dishes and rustic ambiance.
CAD40, 1h
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Day 4: Banff National Park

Banff, Alberta, Canada on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Pick up fresh pastries and coffee from this popular local bakery to fuel your day.
CAD15, 1h

9:00am

Visit Lake Louise

Drive 45 minutes to Lake Louise for stunning alpine lake views, canoe rentals (from 10am), and easy lakeside walks suitable for children.
CAD45 (canoe rental optional), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lake Louise Village Bakery & Cafe

Casual bakery with sandwiches and sweet treats, great for a quick family lunch.
CAD20, 1h

2:00pm

Hike the Lake Agnes Trail

Moderate 3.5 km trail to Lake Agnes Tea House, offering light snacks. Kids enjoy the adventure and tea house atmosphere. Open 9am-6pm.
CAD0, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Banff

Drive back to Banff for overnight rest.
CAD0, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Park Distillery

Enjoy casual dining with locally sourced meals and kid-friendly options. Lively atmosphere near Banff Avenue.
CAD35, 1h
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Day 5: Icefields Parkway Drive

Banff to Jasper, Alberta, Canada on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Tooloulou's

Early breakfast with hearty portions to prepare for the long scenic drive ahead.
CAD25, 1h

8:00am

Drive Banff to Jasper via Icefields Parkway

Drive about 3.5 hours (ca. 290 km) along one of the world’s most scenic highways with plenty of budget-friendly sightseeing stops and viewpoints.
CAD0, 3h30m

11:30am

Stop at Peyto Lake viewpoint

Short hike to a spectacular turquoise glacier-fed lake viewpoint, perfect for family photos.
CAD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch picnic at Bow Summit

Pack or pick up lunch en route and enjoy a picnic with panoramic views at Bow Summit.
CAD0, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Athabasca Glacier (Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre)

Explore glacier viewpoints near the Discovery Centre; ice walks require booking and fees, but areas nearby are free for walking and photography. Open 9am-5pm.
CAD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Continue to Jasper

Drive about 1.5 hours to Jasper, check into family budget accommodation.
CAD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Jasper Pizza Place

Family-friendly pizza and pasta dinner, perfect after a day on the road.
CAD30, 1h
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Day 6: Explore Jasper

Jasper, Alberta, Canada on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bear’s Paw Bakery

Enjoy fresh baked goods and hot breakfasts with kid-friendly options nearby Jasper town centre.
CAD20, 1h

9:00am

Visit Maligne Canyon

Explore the easy and safe trails over dramatic limestone gorges and waterfalls—a fun and educational walk for kids. Open daylight hours.
CAD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pats Food Court

Casual, affordable dining in Jasper town with varied kid-friendly meals.
CAD20, 1h

1:00pm

Boat Tour on Maligne Lake

Family-friendly boat cruise to Spirit Island, a stunning and iconic Jasper spot. Book tickets in advance. Tours run 10am-3pm daily in summer, approx 1.5 hours.
CAD90 (family rate), 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Jasper town and playgrounds

Relax with some light walking and let kids play at the local playgrounds within town centre.
CAD0, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner at The Raven Bistro

Cozy local restaurant serving creative dishes with several kid-friendly options.
CAD40, 1h
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Day 7: Return Journey

Jasper to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Other Paw Bakery

Light breakfast with fresh bakery selections before starting the drive to Edmonton.
CAD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive Jasper to Edmonton

Longer drive of approx 4 hours (approx 365 km) through beautiful scenery. Plan stops as needed.
CAD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch stop at Hinton – Mongolie Grill

Affordable Asian buffet offering options for kids and adults alike to refuel mid-journey.
CAD25, 1h

2:00pm

Arrive in Edmonton and check-in

Check into an affordable family hotel or Airbnb near central Edmonton.
CAD100, Overnight

3:30pm

Visit Edmonton Valley Zoo

Spend afternoon at the zoo which has many animals and interactive areas for children. Open 10am-5pm in summer.
CAD25 (family passes available), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory

Budget-friendly classic Italian dining with a playful ambiance perfect for kids.
CAD35, 1h
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Day 8: Final Day

Edmonton to Calgary, Alberta, Canada on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sugar Bowl

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with pancakes and family favourite dishes in Edmonton.
CAD20, 1h

9:30am

Drive Edmonton to Calgary

Drive approximately 3 hours (approx 300 km) back to Calgary with scenic stops as needed.
CAD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at River Cafe in Calgary

Celebrate end of trip at this peaceful urban park restaurant offering good value meals and outdoor seating.
CAD40, 1h

2:00pm

Tour Calgary Tower

Take in panoramic city views from the tower’s observation deck. Great for a last sightseeing experience. Open 9am-9pm.
CAD60 (family rate), 1h

3:30pm

Trip ends in Calgary

Conclude your Alberta mountain adventure with memories and photos.
CAD0, N/A
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