Curator’s statement
Banff is one of those dream destinations that feels both wild and peaceful. Visiting with our baby and my parents made the trip even more meaningful. We traded long hikes for slower mornings and learned that Banff can be wonderfully baby-friendly with a little planning and flexibility.
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Day 1: Arrival in Canmore & Grassi Lakes
We landed in Calgary, picked up our rental car, and drove to Canmore. After a quick lunch at McDonald’s with views of the Three Sisters, we hit the Grassi Lakes trail. It’s short but steep, and our baby napped happily in the carrier. Parking fills quickly, so aim for early morning or late afternoon. Dinner was a casual, cozy bowl of ramen at Ramen Arashi.
Tip: Stay in Canmore if you prefer a quieter base with easier parking and more space than Banff town.
Day 2: Tunnel Mountain & Vermilion Lakes
Our daughter admiring the view on Tunnel Mountain!
Tunnel Mountain is a great first hike in Banff—steady incline, big views, and manageable with a baby carrier. Our little one slept most of the way up. Lunch at Three Bears Brewery was perfect for families with strollers. In the afternoon, my husband, dad, and I canoed in Vermillion Lakes with Banff Canoe Club while my mom walked the river path with our daughter.
Tip: The Canoe Club rents hourly, which makes it easy to fit around naps.
Day 3: Lake Louise, Lake Agnes Tea House & Moraine Lake
Made it to the top of Little Beehive with our little one
We started early at Lake Louise for the Little Beehive hike, stopping at Lake Agnes Tea House for snacks. The route is doable with a carrier but parking is tough—book a shuttle in advance or arrive before sunrise. Later, we caught our pre-booked Moraine Lake shuttle while our daughter napped, and the Ten Peaks view was unforgettable.
Tip: Moraine Lake is only accessible by shuttle—plan ahead and time the ride with a nap.
Day 4: Icefields Parkway Drive & Hot Springs
My mom taking some photos along one of our stops on the Icefield Parkway
We spent the day on a mini road trip exploring the Icefields Parkway—Herbert Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, and Waterfowl Lakes. Each stop offered quick scenic walks, ideal for a baby on a flexible schedule. Most naps happened in the car, which made the day relatively easy and stress-free. Back in Banff, my husband and dad soaked in the hot springs while I enjoyed mountain views from the balcony during nap time.
Tip: Bring extra layers and a blanket—weather shifts fast along the parkway.
Day 5: Johnston Canyon & farewell lunch
We wrapped up with a morning hike through Johnston Canyon to the upper falls. The boardwalk sections made it easy with a carrier. Lunch at Bear Street Tavern—pizza, good service, relaxed crowd—was the perfect ending before our drive back to Calgary for a late flight.
Need to know
Getting there: Fly into Calgary (YYC). Canmore is a 90-minute drive and a great base for exploring Banff.
When to visit: August and September offer mild temps and fewer crowds.
Dining note: Most restaurants are casual and family-friendly—go early to avoid waits.
Final takeaway: Banff isn’t just for hardcore hikers. With the right pace and a bit of planning, it’s one of the most beautiful, peaceful places you can experience with a baby.
Travel Advisor
Meghan Dematta
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Banff page.