Explore the Banff Hoodoo Trail | The hoodoo walk trail is close to Tunnel Mountain campground, and is perfect for a family, as the trail comes with a quick payoff, just after embarking on the trail. For this reason, you can choose to go as far, or as close, on the trail from the parking lot as you like. You can go on the trail, venture down closer to the hoodoos and even bring a stroller with you on the adventure.
Quest to the Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon | Johnston Canyon is an easy trail with children, and there’s plenty to keep them encouraged to continue along the way. Not inherently stroller friendly, younger kids can be worn in carriers but even young walkers can venture along the board walks and paths. This is one of the busiest trails and hikes in Banff National Park, so make sure you go early or late to avoid the crowds.
Moraine Lake | To get those gorgeous green hues the lake is known for, visit through the mid to late summer. Even into June, the lake is still thawing. The Rockpile trail is our favourite, kid-friendly choice. It’s a short trail, easy for kids and under a kilometer, and you get the payoff of those fantastic views of the lake without a strenuous, or long, hike for the kids.
Fenland Trail | The flat loop of Fenland trail, with picnic tables around it, is one of the easiest hikes and walks you’ll find in Banff, and one of the best to start with younger children. Entering the trail, you’ll feel like you’re in the woods, without actually venturing too far away from the town. Bonus points for being stroller, and bike-friendly for little kids.
Cave and Basin | Cave and Basin interpretive centre and outdoor area has plenty to explore for children, and there are trails around the space that will provide you with plenty of space to run off any energy. Kids will be excited to venture down into the cave,
Look out over Surprise Corner | Only a five minute drive from town, Surprise Corner is one of those places that you might miss if you don’t know about it. You can view the Banff Springs, and hoodoos in the distance, and it’s best viewed in the morning. The kids will love seeing the ‘castle’ far off in the distance.
Johnston Canyon | Even if you only make it to the lower falls, the walk through the canyon is exciting. Through the summer, the crowds and tours are rampant, so you’re going to want to head out as early in the morning as possible to have the best vantage points. If you’ve got kids that are willing to make the trek up to the paint pots, it’s a fantastic place to have a bit of a snack before you head back down. Find more tips for hiking with kids, at www.familytravelist.ca. You might also want to check out the hidden cave!
Peyto Lake | Okay, Peyto Lake lookout is more of a walk than a hike – so perfect for little kids! If you’re feeling like a bit of a challenge, you can also hike down to the lake itself and then towards the Peyto Glacier.
Bankhead Ghost Town | Just outside of Banff there’s a ghost town that the kids can run through, walk through and explore through. There are bits and pieces of buildings and machines left with plaques describing what you are seeing, and it’s one of those hidden gems that’s not filled with tourists, so a fun little side-trip if you’ve already gone through all the tourist-stuff.