Family Activities

by Lisa Paulson

If you are bringing your family with you to Banff there is lots to do for kids of all ages. The Parks Canada website has many informative links for family activities. If you want some time away from the kids, myhotelsitter.com can line you up with the childcare you need.

Some recommended family and young children favorites are:

renting a canoe and life jackets (banffcanoeclub.com) for a leisurely paddle up the Bow River,
taking a stroll around the Fenlands loop trail, walking up Johnson's Canyon trail to view the waterfalls or hiking up tunnel mountain to seek out views and the Geocache,
renting mountain/road bikes and chariot from (snowtips-bactrax.com) to do some of the local trails,
rock climbing at sunshine crag,
swimming and playing in the sand at Johnson's Lake on hot days, or
enjoying one of the playgrounds in the Town of Banff.

Enjoy your time in Banff! The fall colours and golden larches will be in there prime!

by Brendan Martland

When a friend with kids comes to town, I always recommend they check out the Banff Centre's Sally Borden recreation facility, where there's a pool, hot tub and splash pool with mountain views, and an indoor climbing wall to learn new skills on. For outdoor fun, riding bikes or walking along the riverside trail that runs to Bow Falls (near the Banff Springs Hotel) from the footbridge in town is always worth the effort. While you're there, exploring the Banff Springs Hotel is an adventure in itself! Stepping it up a notch, you can easily and safely set up a top-rope at Rundle Rock on the Banff Springs Golf Course - car access is possible or a nice short walk from the Bow Falls parking lot. 1.1 km's from the Spray River bridge (at the end of the Bow Falls parking lot) is a 10 metre boulder just beside the road on the right, with a small parking area beside it. Bolts at the top that you can walk to access several easy climbs on the slabby face and a steeper side with a more challenging route. Photo and description in the Banff Rock guidebook.