CANADIAN SKI & SNOWBOARD VACATION EXPERTS

For the perfect family vacation, there are a few key elements to get right. You need accommodation to keep you all comfortable; activities to keep everyone entertained; and, most importantly, the kind of destination that will keep you reminiscing as a family for many years to come.

Banff has long been a charming ski town, but it’s become one of Canada’s favourite family destinations for a reason. With plenty to do, there’s something here to keep everyone happy – whether you’re a die-hard skier or the type of person who prefers après and a wander around the stores.

Here are our top reasons for family skiing at Banff.

Banff_family_LakeLouise_Credit ©Devaan Ingraham
Banff family Lake Louise – ©Devaan Ingraham

The variety of ski fields

Three in total – Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay. They all have their perks (you can find more info on that here), but they’re all easily accessible with the SkiBig3 lift ticket and free shuttle from Banff. We suggest trying all three and exploring all the terrain on offer. A free shuttle operates between downtown Banff and all three ski hills, so it’s super easy skiing Banff, to get the family from one resort one day, to another the next!

Caters to all ages and abilities

Children at the ski resorts are covered, with facilities such as ski school and daycare on offer to cater from the tiniest of tots through to teenagers. All three resorts also have dedicated slopes for beginners of all ages to hone their craft, or for more advanced skiers to challenge themselves. Lake Louise even has a green run from the top of every chairlift – guaranteeing that, as a family, you can explore the entire mountain together.

The endless activities

If you can name the winter activity, it probably happens in Banff. And this is ideal when you have a variety of personalities within the family to cater for. Strap some ice picks onto your shoes and go climbing up Johnston Canyon (much easier than it sounds); take the entire family dogsledding; relax into a hot spring; discover the history of the area on a trip up the Banff sightseeing gondola; take a romantic sleigh ride; or simply wander around the many restaurants and bars to be found around town for some well-deserved snacks and drinks.

Banff - family fun ©Devaan Ingraham
©Devaan Ingraham

The fairytale vibes

If your children love ‘Frozen’ and want to be immersed in their own winter wonderland – where better to do it than at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise? On the banks of a frozen lake and with ice sculptures, horse-drawn sleigh rides and ice skating on offer, it’s a dream waiting to come true.

Plenty of accommodation to choose from

Banff offers everything from hotel rooms to self-contained suites, cabins and lodge-style accommodation. Families can even choose from different areas – downtown to stay close to the hustle and bustle of the nightlife, Tunnel Mountain for a peaceful mountain retreat, or ski-in, ski-out at Sunshine Village. Many of the options include kitchen facilities to make a quick meal, which is key with little ones in tow!


Ready to book Banff, or find out more? Get in touch with our ski experts and find the best package for your family by clicking here.