Are you looking for a family-friendly winter getaway that combines the excitement of skiing with the beauty of the Canadian Rockies? Look no further than Banff, a charming town nestled in the heart of Banff National Park. With its breathtaking mountain views, world-class skiing, and welcoming small-town vibe, Banff is the perfect destination for a winter adventure with the whole family.
In this itinerary, we’ve put together a five-day plan that includes skiing at some of the best slopes in North America, mountain biking through scenic trails, and a unique overnight stay at Sunshine Village. Get ready for an unforgettable winter vacation that the whole family will love!
7 Day Family Adventure Banff Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Banff National Park
9 am -3pm – Arrival at Banff National Park
You can purchase a Parks Canada Pass at various locations in Banff National Park, including at the Banff Visitor Centre or at the park gates. It’s important to have a Park Pass with you while visiting Banff National Park as it grants you access to the park’s facilities and services.
3:00 pm – Check-in to your hotel
We stayed at Banff Park Lodge and would highly recond doing the same. It’s a resort hotel located in a peaceful area near Bow River. It provides easy access to downtown Banff, which is lively and vibrant. The lodge offers various amenities, including an indoor pool, steam room, exercise facilities, and whirlpool, but visitors are encouraged to explore the outdoors and cultural events in Banff.
4:00 pm – Pick up SkiBig3 Lift Tickets
Head to the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub and pick up your lift tickets for the week. The Adventure Hub has a wide range of skiing and riding apparel and accessories available for purchase too.
5:00 pm- Dinner in Banff
Experience the delicious dining options in Banff with a variety of cuisines to choose from. On our first night, we had dinner at Farm and Fire, a fantastic wood-fired pizza restaurant with something for everyone to enjoy.
Finally, return to Banff Park Lodge to relax and get a good nights sleep.
Day 2: Skiing Mt. Norquay as a Family
7:30 am – Breakfast
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at Crave Mountain Grill, located within the Banff Park Lodge Hotel. This restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options including classic dishes like eggs benedict, pancakes, and French toast, as well as lighter options like oatmeal and fresh fruit. Plus, guests of the hotel can enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the restaurant, making it an easy and convenient choice for your morning meal.
9:00 am – Let’s Go Skiing!
After breakfast, head over to Mt. Norquay, Banff’s closest ski resort, for a full day of skiing. With 60 runs spread over 190 acres, you’ll find terrain suitable for all levels, from gentle green runs to the challenging steeps of the famed North American Rockies.
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, Norquay Snow School offers the best value in the area. And if you want to try something different, check out the Norquay Tube Park, which boasts the longest, fastest sliding lanes in Western Canada! You can also rent snowshoes and explore trails through lodgepole pine. For a different perspective, take the sightseeing chairlift and enjoy the breathtaking views of Banff and the surrounding mountains.
12:00 pm – Time for Lunch
Grab lunch in the village, There are several great places to get lunch at Mt. Norquay. Here are a few options we’d recommend:
- Lone Pine Pub: Located in the Cascade Lodge, the Lone Pine Pub offers a variety of pub-style food, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pizza. They also have a good selection of beer on tap.
- Cliffhouse Bistro: This mountaintop bistro offers breathtaking views of the Bow Valley and surrounding mountains. They serve a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees like grilled Alberta beef and wild salmon. They also have a great selection of wines and beers.
1:30 pm – More Laps of Norquay or Nap Time
Take advantage of the remaining time at Mt. Norquay to catch a few more exhilarating runs on the mountain. With a variety of terrain suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, there’s always something new to explore. Kids can spend the afternoon in day care to play quietly or take a nap.
4:30 pm – Back to Banff
After a fun day on the slopes at Mt. Norquay, return to the Banff Park Lodge for a relaxing evening. Take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, such as the indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and sauna, to unwind and soothe your muscles.
6:00 pm – Explore Banff’s Food Scene
For dinner, you can enjoy a delicious dinner menu at the Crave Mountain Grill. Or, if you’re in the mood to explore Banff’s culinary scene, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Mt. Norquay that offer delicious meals and a great atmosphere for a nice dinner. Here are some recommended places to check out:
- The Bison Restaurant & Terrace – This restaurant offers contemporary Canadian cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. They have a cozy and rustic ambiance and a great selection of wines and cocktails.
- Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar – This restaurant serves delicious food made from scratch and offers a unique dining experience with their in-house distillery. They also have a patio with a fire pit and blankets for a cozy outdoor dining experience.
- Nourish Bistro – This vegetarian restaurant offers a healthy and delicious menu that is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. They have a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and their menu changes seasonally.
Make sure to get a good night’s rest so you’ll be ready for another exciting day tomorrow!
Day 3: Skiing Lake Lousie
7:30 am – Grab breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery, a charming café located in downtown Banff. They offer a variety of fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and hot beverages to start your day off right.
9:00 am – Hit the slopes at Lake Louise, one of the most popular ski destinations in the area. Be sure to arrive early to get the best skiing and to take advantage of the first tracks down Boomerang and the thrilling drop-in on the backside.
12:30 pm – Lunch at Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Mountain Resort offers a variety of dining options to choose from, including quick grab-and-go options or sit-down restaurants, like the one at Mountain Restaurant. With a range of cuisines and menus to suit all tastes.
1:30 pm – Head back to the hill for more skiing fun.
5:00 pm – Dinner and Shopping in Banff
After a full day on the slopes, head back to Banff and explore the town’s incredible dining scene. There are many different styles of cuisine to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds. Here are a few places to choose from:
- Block Kitchen and Bar – This restaurant offers a mix of Asian and Western cuisine, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. They have a cozy and modern atmosphere and a great selection of wines and cocktails.
- The Juniper Bistro – This restaurant offers stunning views of the mountains and delicious Canadian cuisine made with local ingredients. They have a cozy and rustic atmosphere and a great selection of wines and cocktails.
Stay overnight at Banff Park Lodge
Unwind and rejuvenate at Banff Park Lodge, your home away from home. After an exhilarating day of skiing and exploring, retreat to the comfort of your hotel room and get ready to recharge for another exciting day on the slopes tomorrow. Experience a peaceful evening and a restful sleep, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and energized for your mountain adventures.
Day 4 – Bike & Explore Banff Town
8:00 am – Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at Good Earth Coffeehouse. Choose from a variety of breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and pastries, along with their famous coffee.
10:00 am – Join the Family Ride with Bikescape, a complimentary activity offered by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. Explore the majestic Canadian Rockies on a mountain bike or fat-tire winter bike. Our certified instructors are passionate local guides eager to help give you the confidence and skills to take you on their favorite, off-the-beaten-path trails.
1:00 pm – Enjoy lunch at Hello Sunshine offers unique Asian-fusion cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
2:00 pm – Explore Downtown Banff
Some suggestions include:
- Visit a historic site or museum
- Enjoy an easy stroll on a nearby trail
- Check out Vermilion Lakes
- Walk to Surprise Corner for the best view of the Fairmont Banff Springs
- Explore Bow Falls
- Shopping in Banff and Lake Louise
5:00 pm – For dinner, we recommend checking out Magpie & Stump Restaurant. Not only do they have a great selection of vegetarian options, but they also offer tasty meals for kids.
Day 5 – Skiing Sunshine
7:30 am – Grab breakfast at Crave Mountain Grill
8:30 am- checking out of Banff Park Lodge in the morning.
10:00 am – Drive up to Sunshine and follow the signs to the Sunshine Mountain Lodge. Check-In, drop off your luggage, and the staff will direct you where to park and how to get up the to the lodge. The staff at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge base check-in will take your bags and have them sent up to your hotel room.
11:00 am – Have an early lunch at Flamingo Smoothie Bar, a trendy juice bar that serves delicious smoothie bowls and fresh juices.
12:00 pm – Ski Sunshine
Once you’ve eaten, take the gondola up to the top of the mountain and hit the slopes. Sunshine Ski Resort has more than 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, ranging from gentle beginner runs to extreme big mountain runs. Delirium Dive, one of the resort’s off-piste destinations, has been named one of the top 10 in the world.
3-5pm – Check-in at Sunshine Mountain Lodge
6:00 pm – While staying at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, we recommend eating at one of three amazing on-mountain restaurants.
8:00 pm – Finish the day relaxing in your hotel room for some quality family time.
Note: alternative activities you could do at Sunshine with kids;
- Snow Tubing: If you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family, try snow tubing at Sunshine Village. The resort offers several tubing lanes, and you can ride as many times as you like.
- Cross-Country Skiing: If you want to try something new, go cross-country skiing on one of the many trails in the area. The Banff National Park offers over 100 kilometres of groomed trails for all skill levels.
Day 6 – Skiing Sunshine
8:00 am – Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your own pace. For a quick grab-and-go breakfast and great coffee, check out Java Lift Coffee Bar, located on the main floor of the Sunshine Mountain Lodge. Java Lift Coffee Bar offers hand-crafted beverages, freshly baked pastries, sweet and savory crepes, and house-made croissants and bagels.
9:00 am – Start your second day skiing at Banff Sunshine! The lifts start spinning at 9:00 am.
12:30 pm – Grab some lunch at one of the on-mountain restaurants;
- Java Lift Coffee Bar
- Flamingo Smoothie Bar
- The Alpine Grill
- Beavertails (at Goat’s Eye)
1:30 pm – Get in a few more runs and enjoy your final laps of Sunshine. Kids can also enjoy time in the on-mountain day care.
5 pm – Relax at a sit-down dinner with the family before relaxing at the lodge.
Day 7: Banff Gondola & Home
8 am – Breakfast on the mountain and check out.
9:30 am – Drive from Sunshine down to Banff Gondola. With six stunning mountain ranges and the sweep of the Bow Valley laid out before you, views from the Sulphur Mountain summit are breathtaking.
12:00 PM – Enjoy lunch at the top of Banff Gondola at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen. The buffet-style restaurant serves hit-the-spot favourites that beckon back to core alpine cuisine, from classic ski lodge comfort food to the hearty packed-away meals of early mountain guides.
The menu is inspired by local flavors and ingredients, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers. There are options for everyone, including Alberta beef burgers, wild salmon, and vegetarian options like grilled cauliflower steak.
2:00 pm – Download the gondola and prepare for your drive home or on to wherever your adventure takes you next.
Banff is truly an amazing family-friendly destination, offering a wide range of thrilling activities and stunning scenery to explore. Throughout our week-long stay, we were able to experience all that this wonderful location had to offer, including trying out various outdoor activities and visiting local attractions.
Overall, spending a week in Banff with your family is an unforgettable opportunity to create cherished memories, have fun in a welcoming and family-friendly environment, and marvel at the natural beauty of the area. It’s a destination that’s sure to leave a lasting impression and make you want to come back for more.