5-Night Banff & Lake Louise Family Itinerary

Fly into Calgary International Airport and pick up your rental car. From there, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Banff.

Where we stayed: Moose Hotel & Suites

We absolutely loved staying at the Moose Hotel & Suites. It checked every box for traveling with a young child.

• Walkable to everything in downtown Banff

• Complimentary parking

• Spacious, clean rooms

• Patio or balcony options

• Plenty of space for all of the toddler gear

The real highlight? The rooftop hot pools overlooking the mountains and downtown Banff, plus a cozy rooftop fire pit.

After settling in, enjoy an easy family dinner at Pacini, known for delicious pasta, pizza, and fresh salads.

Breakfast: Wild Flour Bakery

Start your morning with coffee, fresh muffins, pastries, and several gluten-free options.

Banff Gondola

Be sure to purchase tickets in advance since entry is timed.

Located at the base of Sulphur Mountain, the Banff Gondola offers spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies. Our son absolutely loved the ride, and the summit boardwalk provides incredible photo opportunities.

Afternoon lake options

Choose one of these easy, family-friendly stops.

Option 1: Two Jack Lake

• 15-minute drive from Banff

• Parking directly by the lake

• Easy walking paths

• Beautiful emerald-green water

• Stunning views of Mount Rundle

Option 2: Lake Minnewanka

• Parking by the dock

• Wide lakeside walking paths

• Easy stroller-friendly walking

• Boat cruises available

• Great picnic spot

Dinner: Farm & Fire

Grab a table on the patio if the weather allows and enjoy their delicious wood-fired pizzas and family-friendly atmosphere.

Morning: Johnston Canyon

Arrive before 9 a.m. for the best chance at parking.

The Lower Falls Trail is perfect for families.

• 1.2 miles roundtrip

• Mostly flat and easy

• 45–60 minutes total

• Catwalks and waterfalls that kids love

Optional afternoon stop: Bow Falls

• Just minutes from downtown Banff

• Short, easy walk

• Great views and photo opportunities

Or: Marble Canyon

• Located near Kootenay National Park

• Easy bridges and viewpoints

• Less crowded than Johnston Canyon

Explore Downtown Banff

Spend the afternoon wandering downtown.

Don’t miss:

• Shopping for souvenirs

• Ice cream from COWS

• Sweet treats from The Chocolate Shop

Central Park Playground

A fantastic natural-style playground featuring:

• Log climbing structures

• Slides

• Open green space

Dinner: Park Distillery

Great casual atmosphere and often features live music. Check their entertainment schedule before your visit.

Breakfast: Farm & Fire

Order the blueberry French toast—it was one of our favorite breakfasts of the trip. They also offer a great kids' menu.

After breakfast, drive approximately 45 minutes to Lake Louise.

Lake Louise lakeshore walk

Spend some time enjoying one of the most iconic views in Canada.

• Flat lakeshore pathway

• Stroller-friendly sections

• Fairmont dock area

45–90 minutes is usually plenty.

Lunch at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Even if you're not staying at the hotel, I highly recommend making a lunch reservation at the Lakeview Lounge.

Request outdoor seating if available.

The views are breathtaking, and we found it surprisingly kid-friendly despite the upscale setting. The pasta, salads, and fries were all excellent.

Bonus: You can park onsite with proof of your dining reservation.

Afternoon hike: Fairview Lookout

This short hike offers one of the best viewpoints over Lake Louise.

• 1.5 miles round-trip

• Approximately 400 feet of elevation gain

• 45–75 minutes total

Our son hiked the entire way up and rode in the hiking carrier on the way down.

Where we stayed: Post Hotel & Spa

If you're not staying at the Fairmont, the Post Hotel & Spa makes an incredible Lake Louise home base.

We loved:

• Cozy mountain lodge atmosphere

• Spacious rooms

• Exceptional service

• Quiet setting

Dinner: Trailhead Café

Perfect for a casual grab-and-go dinner after a busy day outdoors.

Breakfast at Post Hotel

The dining room was one of the highlights of our stay.

Expect:

• Beautiful buffet

• À la carte options

• Gluten-free choices

• Incredible fresh muffins

• Plenty of kid-friendly selections

Morning activity options

Option 1: Lake Louise Gondola

Perfect for younger kids.

• Unlimited rides

• Beautiful mountain views

• Chance to spot wildlife

• Minimal physical effort

Option 2: Lake Agnes Tea House hike

For families with older children or adventurous hikers.

• 4.3 miles round-trip

• Approximately 1,300 feet of elevation gain

• 2–3 hours total

Not ready for the full hike?

Mirror Lake makes an excellent turnaround point.

• 30–60 minutes from Lake Louise

• Gorgeous scenery

• Much easier with young children

Afternoon: Choose your own adventure

Emerald Lake: One of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies, and often less crowded than Lake Louise.

Relax at the hotel: Parents can take turns enjoying a massage at the spa while kids enjoy the pool and hotel grounds. Also featuring complimentary afternoon coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Dinner: Outpost Pub

A relaxed, family-friendly dinner with great burgers and comfort food.

Enjoy one final breakfast before checking out.

The drive back to Calgary International Airport takes approximately two hours, making for an easy departure day.