Family Friendly Winter Activities in Banff [Eat, Play & Stay]

There are so many great winter activities in Banff! My family of 5 has had the pleasure of visiting both in the Summer and in the Wintertime.

The last time I wrote about Banff, I shared some family-friendly activities in the summer. You can find that post here.

Now, our family had the opportunity to visit during the winter, and can I just say how magical it is? And, if you’re reading this you’re probably looking for some winter suggestions, and you’re in luck!

Where to Stay | Mount Royal Hotel

First things first, let’s chat about where to stay! Can I suggest the Mount Royal Hotel for you and your family to call home for a few days? Mount Royal Hotel is located right on Banff Avenue, in the heart and center of downtown Banff. Steps away from my absolutely favourite spot to grab dessert! Beavertails anyone? Trust me you’re going to want to grab one while you’re in town.

Also, the room rates are affordable for Banff Hotels and they also offer free breakfast if you book through this link (offer available until April; 30, 2021). You will also have access to Free parking, Wifi, a Rooftub lounge and hot tubs. (Currently, the rooftop lounge and hot tubs are closed due to the Big C- as I like to call it).

So please call ahead to ask about that (just in case).

With that all being said, there are plenty of things you can still do, just keep reading!

Where to Eat | Sky Bistro

Ok ok, let’s grab some grub! Our kids love to visit “the restaurant in the sky”. Because that’s exactly what it is (Elevated dining at 7,510 ft)! Located inside the Banff Gondola, enjoy some tasty eats in front of some incredible one-of-a-kind views.

They have a kids menu, which makes it easier for us parents. The menu is delicious and my personal fav is the Fish & chips from their Lunch menu. Bon appetite!

Book a table now!

Where to Play | Banff Gondola

Personally, I feel like you can’t visit Banff, without doing some “touristy” things like taking a ride up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola.

It’s so fun and exciting for the kids and those views, incredible! If you have the time, and kids who are willing, trek onto Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak. But don’t worry, if you can’t make it up the 1km with the kids in tow, you’ll still get to experience the 360 from the observation deck.

Overall, it’s definitely a “must-do” while you stay in Banff, Alberta. Oh! and don’t forget to smile on your ride down and grab yourself a souvenir:)

HOT TIP: One free child admission for each paying adult, daily before 12 PM. Offer valid online only. Grab your tickets here.

Winter Activities in Banff

We definitely have embraced the outdoors in the wintertime more than ever before. Banff Alberta in the wintertime is absolutely magical!

So here are some ideas for you and your entire family-friendly winter activities for you to enjoy!

Ice Skating on Lake Minnewanka (bring a shovel and hot chocolate to keep warm)
Visit Mount Norquay and go tubing (they also offer skiing, snowboarding, etc).
Banff Gondola Ride
Snowball Fight in the park
Explore a frozen canyon
Stroll down Banff Avenue and Grab a Beaver Tail
Dog Sledding
Visit Lake Louise (Bring ice skates and check out the Ice castle!)

These are just a few of the winter activities in Banff for all of you to check out! Of course, if you’re traveling with kids you have to be mindful of how much time you have and how long you are staying in Banff.

My kids are 3, 6, and 13 and still get a little bit tired from all the adventuring! Of course, if you are just going for the day, just doing one or two of those things can be exhausting! That’s why I like to stay overnight so that we have twos instead of one to explore the mountains.

I hope you found this helpful and happy adventuring!