Plan the Best Winter Family Getaway in Canmore, Banff & Kananaskis

Winter family trips can feel a bit like an Olympic sport—layering up the kids, and chasing runaway mittens. Here’s the good news: Canmore, Banff, and Kananaskis offer the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, indoor activities, fun local events, and cozy stays to keep everyone happy.

The Bow Valley is your go-to for making winter memories. Whether your crew is all about maxing out every daylight hour on the slopes or prefers a more relaxed itinerary (think hot chocolate and scenic strolls), you’ll share experiences that will have your kids talking about this trip for weeks. 

Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

Planning a winter getaway with kids can be exciting—but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some essential tips:

Buy Park Passes Ahead of Time

A Parks Canada Pass is required for driving into Banff National Park, and Kananaskis requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Buying these online before your trip saves time and helps you avoid extra stops.

Make Dining Reservations

Banff and Canmore’s most popular family-friendly restaurants can have long wait times, especially at dinner. 

Rent Gear Instead of Packing Everything

Bringing all your ski and snow gear can be a challenge. Basecamp Resorts guests get an exclusive discount on rentals at GearUp, making it easier to travel light.

Book Accommodations & Activities in Advance

Winter is a busy season, and the best hotels, ski lessons, and guided tours fill up quickly. Booking early secures the best options, especially during the holidays.

The Best Family Accommodations

A great stay makes all the difference. Whether you want space to spread out or a cozy home base, these family-friendly spots offer comfort, convenience, and easy access to winter adventures.

Banff & Lake Louise 

20 minutes from Canmore | 45 minutes from Kananaskis

For families who want to be in the middle of it all, Banff is the place to stay. You’ll be steps from world-class skiing, the Banff Gondola, and some of the best winter festivals in the Rockies.

• Basecamp Banff Suites: Spacious, fully-equipped suites downtown, ideal for families who want convenience without cramming into a small hotel room.
• Baker Creek: A cozy, log cabin retreat between Banff and Lake Louise with firepits, a sauna, skating, and more winter adventures right outside your door.

Canmore

20 minutes from Banff | 30 minutes from Kananaskis

Canmore delivers breathtaking views, a laid-back vibe, and easy access to winter fun. Whether you want a walkable downtown or a quiet mountain retreat, there’s a stay to match your style.

• Basecamp Resorts Canmore or Basecamp Suites Canmore – Spacious, apartment-style suites with full kitchens, cozy living spaces, rooftop hot tubs, and stunning mountain views.
• Basecamp Lodge Canmore or Northwinds Hotel Canmore – Traditional hotels with a modern twist, offering budget-friendly stays near Canmore’s best restaurants and activities.
• Lamphouse Hotel – A boutique stay on Main Street, blending mountain-inspired design with easy access to shops and trails.
• MTN House By Basecamp – A refined mountain retreat with elevated comfort, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to adventure.

Top Things to Do with Kids in the Bow Valley

Banff & Lake Louise 

Banff is the ultimate winter playground, offering everything from world-class skiing to outdoor hot springs and exciting indoor attractions. 

Outdoor Adventures

Ride the Banff Gondola – Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for stunning views, interactive exhibits at the summit, and a fun mountaintop boardwalk.

Skiing & Tubing at the Big 3 – Perfect for families, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Sunshine Village, and Mt. Norquay offer beginner-friendly ski runs. For extra fun, Lake Louise and Norquay both have tubing parks, where no ski gear or experience is needed—just hop on and enjoy the ride!

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Marble or Johnston Canyon Ice Walk – A must-do winter adventure where families can walk along a catwalk through a frozen canyon to see spectacular ice-covered waterfalls.

Ice Skating on Lake Louise or the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre – Skating on Lake Louise is a magical experience, but for a smoother surface and rentals, head to Fenlands for indoor and outdoor rinks.

Sleigh Rides with Banff Trail Riders – Cozy up under a blanket for a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a snowy meadow with stunning mountain views.

Indoor Fun

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies – Dive into Banff’s history through exhibits on mountaineering, Indigenous culture, and early explorers.

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity – Check their calendar for family-friendly performances, film screenings, and live music.

Banff Park Museum – A fascinating historic museum showcasing wildlife displays and artifacts from Banff’s early days, perfect for curious kids.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site – Learn about the birthplace of Canada’s national parks, explore underground caves, and see naturally bubbling thermal waters.

Canmore

Canmore offers cross-country skiing, outdoor skating, and scenic snowshoeing. Stay warm at Elevation Place, explore the Canmore Museum, or unwind in local cafés and shops.

Outdoor Adventures

Ice Skating at The Pond – A classic Canadian experience. This outdoor rink in downtown Canmore is free to use and beautifully lit at night for an extra magical atmosphere.

Dog Sledding Adventures – Book a family-friendly dog sledding tour with companies like Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours for an unforgettable ride through the snowy backcountry.

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing – Rent gear from GearUp Sports and explore: 

• Canmore Nordic Centre
• Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk – 4 KM (2.5 mi)
• Grotto Canyon – 4 KM (2.5 mi)
• Grassi Lakes – 4 KM (2.5 mi)

Indoor Fun

Elevation Place – Canmore’s recreation hub features an impressive indoor climbing wall, a swimming pool with a waterslide, and a kids’ play area, making it a perfect option for an active day inside.

Canmore Museum – A great spot for curious kids to learn about the region’s history, including the early days of coal mining, mountain culture, and Indigenous heritage.

Paint-Your-Own Pottery at Crock A Doodle – A cozy indoor activity where kids can paint their own pottery to take home as a keepsake.

artsPlace Canmore – This creative hub offers family-friendly art workshops, drop-in crafts, movie screenings, and live performances throughout the winter season.

Kananaskis

Outdoor Adventures

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides – Take a magical sleigh ride through snowy meadows with Boundary Ranch.

Snowshoeing at Troll Falls – A short 4.7KM (2.90 mi), family-friendly hike leading to a stunning frozen waterfall, perfect for a winter adventure.

Blackshale Suspension Bridge – A 1KM (0.62 mi) scenic winter walk leads to this impressive suspension bridge, offering incredible views of the surrounding snowy peaks.

Nakiska Ski Area – A great ski hill for families, offering tubing, beginner-friendly runs, lessons for kids', and affordable lift tickets.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary – Get up close with wolfdogs and learn about their conservation in a unique, educational experience.

Where to Find Family-Friendly Dining 

Banff and Canmore offer plenty of family-friendly restaurants to refuel after a day of winter adventure. While Kananaskis and Lake Louise have limited dining options, they’re both within easy driving distance of Canmore or Banff. Many visitors to these areas opt to bring their own snacks or plan meals around time spent in Banff and Canmore.

Banff: 

Farm & Fire – A top breakfast and brunch spot serving the classics and healthy options.

Wild Flour Bakery – A cozy stop for fresh bread, pastries, and warm drinks.

The Bear Street Tavern – Famous for its pizzas and nachos, plus a great kids’ menu.

Eddie Burger Bar – Customizable burgers and fun milkshakes, great for all ages.

Park Distillery – Campfire-inspired dining with house-smoked meats, rotisserie chicken, and kid-friendly options in a cozy, lodge-style setting.

Canmore: 

Electric Wolf – A stylish yet relaxed eatery serving fresh grab-n-go options. 

Rocky Mountain Bagel Co. – A breakfast staple with fresh bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and homemade spreads.

Red Rock Pizza – A local favorite serving up handmade pizzas with plenty of kid-friendly topping choices.

Rhythm & Howl – A warm, welcoming space with craft coffee, gourmet sandwiches, and après-ski bites the whole family will love.

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From gliding across frozen lakes to cozying up with hot chocolate after a day in the snow, Canmore, Banff, and Kananaskis offer endless ways to make winter memories with your family. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring icy canyons, or unwinding in a mountain lodge, every moment is an opportunity for adventure.

Book your stay at Basecamp Resorts and make the most of your winter getaway. With spacious suites, cozy retreats, and unbeatable locations near all the action, your perfect mountain escape starts here.

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