Banff DowntownThere is so much to do in Banff! It was busy, but it never really felt overcrowded. The longest we waited to do anything was when we got coffee in the morning. The whole main street is easy to walk or take public transit. The street has several blocks closed to traffic, so just pedestrian traffic is there. There is outdoor seating at most restaurants here, and the weather in the summer is outstanding. We had breakfast and dinner on main street while we were in banff taking in the mountain scenery. We also went shopping in many of the stores down here. Such cute things to find here. We also took the walking paths along the Bow River. It is such a walking friendly town, and we felt very safe while being there. We also found the famous Banff sign. There were lines of people waiting to get their pictures here, but everyone was very generous and helpful. We said it felt like the Vail of Canada. We can't wait to go back some day! Fox Hotel![]() We stayed at Fox Hotel, which was a just at the edge of the main downtown area of Banff. It was about two blocks from where the transit and shops started in Banff. We were debating between Moose and Fox Hotels. We decided to go with Fox because they had a townhouse style room that had a kitchen/dining/living room on one level and the bedroom on another level. This was nice because we could put our kids to bed and enjoy the other space still. Moose is right across from the main transit hub and closer to the downtown shops and restaurants. It is also a little more expensive than Fox Hotel. Fox Hotel has a bus stop right outside of the hotel as well, but not all buses stop here like the main transit hub. Fox Hotel also had an amazing hot water pool that was modeled after the hot springs that made Banff famous. The kids loved swimming in the grotto style pool! Lake Louise and Moraine LakeWhen we decided to come here, I didn't realize the impact these two lakes would have. They are truly like nothing we had ever seen before. The beauty was tested however because of the large crowds and challenges that come with busy season. This time of year, you need to shuttle to the lakes, take a guided tour, or go at sunrise to find parking. You also need to book your travel plans earlier, rather than later. Shuttles and tours often sell out in August. We used Roam transit, the express shuttle, from Banff to Lake Louise. It was about a 50 minute drive on a coach bus. It was very comfortable, with young kids however, it was challenging at times. We also bought the super pass which granted us access to Lake Moraine. I am so glad we did this. I thought Moraine Lake was more striking than Lake Louise. Moraine Lake was a vibrant blue color, and Lake Louise had more of a green emerald color to it. The shuttle to Moraine Lake is the only way to get to this lake at this time of year. The road is closed to individual traffic. It is about a 25 minute drive from Lake Louise. When we arrived, we hiked the Rocks trail, which is an uphill hike for about half a mile. You are greeted with beautiful views looking down on the lake. We also walked a little of the lakeside trail before returning to Lake Louise. You are able to canoe here as well, but there are less amenities at this lake. Back at Lake Louise, we headed to the lakeshore. The main view with the pier was so incredible crowded with people trying to get the main view of the lake. However, as we started walking the lakeshore trail and past The Fairmont, the crowds really thinned out. The lake became much more enjoyable down here. We were able to take some time to stop and rest on benches along the trail and let the kids explore the shoreline. We saw fish while we were resting and the kids loved that. The view changes the further along the lake you walk, however it was just as breathtaking down here, if not more. I would highly recommend walking the whole shoreline if possible. When we were done, we rested under a tree by The Fairmont. We got ice cream to enjoy from inside. There was a beautiful wedding taking place on the outdoor patio, so we watched those events unfold while we waited for our return time on the shuttle. It was a long day of exploring, but something we will always remember. Peyto LakeThe third lake you have to see while visiting Banff is Peyton Lake. It is about an 3/4 mile hike, straight up the mountainside to the viewpoint of this lake. But trust me, it is completely worth it! This was probably the favorite of the three famous lakes here. There were crowds, but nothing like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. I didn't know it was possible, but somehow the blue was even bluer here. To get to this lake, it is about another 40 minutes from Lake Louise up Hwy 93 on the Icefields Parkway. You do not need to pay to reach this lake, however you do need to have a National Parks pass to drive this section of the road. Waterfowl Lake SwimAfter a long day of travel and exploring, we came across this roadside lake. Waterfowl Lake was about 10 minutes south of The Crossing Resort. There was a pull off on the road and a few steep steps right down to the water's edge. You could see the glaciers above that feed this lake. The water was stunning, we basically had the lake to ourselves, and it was COLD! It was just the refresh we needed after feeling so tired. I don't know how many people can say they have swam in a glacier fed alpine lake, but our group can! Something I hope our kids will always remember. Icefields ParkwayOne of the most beautiful drives we have ever taken is the Icefields Parkway. This drive is north of Banff, on Hwy 93. Part of the drive is in Banff National Park, and the other part is in Jasper National Park. You are required to have a pass for the national parks to be able to drive on this road. There is a checkpoint north of Lake Louise to continue on the road. There is so much to see on this road, besides just driving it. There are hikes all along the drive, some more popular than others. The road is lined with different mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. The different blues that you see here from sky to lake is breathtaking! Most of our driving happened in Banff, however we did make it up to the southern part of Jasper. The drive here is quieter than the hustle of Banff. We also found out that cell service is far and few between. We stayed at one of the only lodging places we could find along this road, and even they had limited internet on their premises. It was a nice way to unplug and just enjoy the scenery and company. You can drive yourself along this road if that is what works best for your family. However, there are many options for guided day trips between Banff and Jasper. They stop at many of the popular places along the parkway. We were traveling with young children, so we felt having our own vehicles made the most sense. However, it would have been nice to just enjoy the drive and not have to figure out where things were located or coordinate different activities. If you decide to take a tour, use the link below to see the different companies that offer a full day tour along this mesmerizing stretch of Rockies. Banff GondolaThe Banff Gondola is really worth the time and money. We took an early family ride on the gondola to avoid some of the crowds, tour buses, and also not have to worry about parking. Although Banff has amazing public transit with easy to access places, it was nice to not have to rely on it all the time. The early hours also meant that we got a discounted rate. With the purchase of an adult ticket, the kids were included for free. The gondola ride is about 8 minutes one way. When you reach the top, there is more than just views to see. There are four levels of activities. There is a gift shop and coffee shop. There is a hike to a weather outpost that gives you even more amazing views from the point. There are outdoor viewing decks as well to see different views of Banff and the Bow River below. There is a whole interactive kids museum on one of the four floors as well. There is a movie theater with information about Banff as well. The upper floor also has two dining options for those interested. Make sure to book reservations plenty in advance, because this is a popular place to eat. I honestly, cannot stand heights. However, I can endure a little discomfort to see something amazing. This was an amazing sight to see, and I am glad I powered through the ride. Cowboy Dinner Wagon RideWhile in Banff, you need to try to get a horse ride in. We booked through Banff Trail Riders, and they were wonderful to work with. Because we had young kids with us, the only option available to us was a wagon ride along the Bow River to a cookout area. Honestly, I wouldn't trade it for anything else. This outfitter offers all types of trail rides from 1-3 hours, to over night rides, to cowboy cookouts. Our wagon ride was about 45 minutes one way, we were at dinner for a little over an hour, and then another 45 minute ride back to the stables. Along the way, there were stunning views of the emerald blue Bow River, a brief history of the local springs we passed, and entertaining stories along with wildlife sightings. It was about $100 for adults and $65 for kids over three to go on this adventure. And honestly, the amount of food they gave us made up for that cost. We were given large ribeye steaks with all the fixings and a desert. They entertained our kids with roping and horseshoes while we waited for our fresh meals to be prepared. The outdoor setting was recently redone and just a stunning outdoor facility in the middle of the woods. It was another highlight of our trip. Johnston CanyonJohnston Canyon is about thirty minutes north of Banff, and a very popular place to hike. There are two options for hiking. The lower falls and the upper falls. Everyone starts on the same paved path. It is about a half mile hike to the lower falls, and if you want to continue to the upper falls, it is about another mile. If you do the whole canyon it is just over 3 miles of hiking. There were significant crowds of people while we were here. We didn't make it to the upper falls with all the people and young kids along, however what we did see was beautiful. I would consider looking into lodging here in some of the cute cabins they had along the river. There are also guided tours that make stops here along the Icefield Parkways.
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