Family-Friendly Adventures in Banff!

Columbia Icefield

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating family adventure at the Columbia Icefield, nestled in the majestic Canadian Rockies between Jasper and Banff National Parks. This spectacular area, accessible via the scenic Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North), is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world.

Day 1: Icefields Parkway & Glacier Adventure

Start your journey early from either Jasper or Banff. The drive itself is a treat, with stunning vistas of towering peaks and vast valleys. En route, stop at the Icefields Parkway’s numerous viewpoints like Peyto Lake and Bow Summit to stretch your legs and capture breathtaking photographs.

Upon arriving at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, explore the interactive exhibits that delve into glaciology, teaching kids about the formation and impact of glaciers. Next, hop on the massive Ice Explorer—a specially designed bus that travels directly onto the Athabasca Glacier. Feel the thrill of walking on ice that’s deep enough to bury the Eiffel Tower!

Day 2: Skywalk & Hiking

Start your morning with an awe-inspiring walk on the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform extending 30 meters over the Sunwapta Valley—a perfect spot for panoramic views and eagle-eyed wildlife spotting.

In the afternoon, take a guided hike to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier or explore nearby trails such as Parker Ridge or Wilcox Pass, offering spectacular views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Interesting Facts

- The Columbia Icefield spans an incredible 215 square kilometers.

- Its meltwater feeds three major oceans: the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific, making it a critical source of fresh water.

Remember to dress in layers, carry water, and have your camera ready at all times! This icy wonderland offers a unique, educational, and thrilling experience that your family will remember for a lifetime.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Athabasca Glacier

Why Visit?

Day 1: Journey to Athabasca Glacier

Morning: Arrival at Jasper

- Start your adventure in Jasper, Alberta. This picturesque town is a perfect base, just a 103-kilometer scenic drive from Athabasca Glacier via the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), known for its breathtaking views. Rent a car in Jasper for a comfortable and flexible journey.

Afternoon: Icefields Parkway

- Drive towards Athabasca Glacier, stopping at the Tangle Falls and the Sunwapta Falls on the way. These spots offer great photo opportunities and short hiking trails suitable for all family members.

Evening: Check-in at the Glacier View Lodge

- Stay at the Glacier View Lodge for an immersive experience. The lodge offers stunning views right from your room window and includes guided tours to the glacier.

Day 2: Exploring Athabasca Glacier

Morning: Ice Explorer Tour

- After breakfast, take the all-terrain Ice Explorer ride which will transport your family directly onto the glacier. Professional guides explain the glacier"s geology and environmental importance. Remember to fill your water bottles with pure glacier water.

Lunch: Picnic on the Glacier

- Enjoy a unique picnic lunch on the ancient ice, packed from the lodge or nearby facilities.

Afternoon: Glacier Skywalk

- Next, head to the Glacier Skywalk, just a short drive from the glacier. This glass-floored observation platform extends over the Sunwapta Valley, offering thrilling views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Evening: Stargazing

- Return to the lodge and after dinner, join a stargazing tour. The clear skies of Jasper National Park, a designated Dark Sky Preserve, make it an ideal spot for viewing constellations and the Milky Way.

Day 3: Departure

- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before heading back to Jasper. Stop at any missed viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway to complete your family’s memorable visit to the majestic Athabasca Glacier.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling family adventure to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, an awe-inspiring journey set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This unique attraction is easily accessible via the Icefields Parkway, one of North America’s most scenic drives, located 1 hour from Jasper and 2.5 hours from Banff.

Day Plan

Morning

Start your day early by driving to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. This is your gateway to the Skywalk. Purchase your tickets here, which also include a shuttle service as private vehicles cannot directly access the Skywalk. The first shuttle leaves at 10:00 AM. Pro Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to secure your spot and avoid long wait times.

Midday

Hop on the shuttle for a short, informative ride to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Arriving at the site, you"ll step onto a glass-floored observation platform suspended 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. It’s not just adrenaline-pumping views; interpretive displays tell the story of the unique ecosystem, the geological history, and the surrounding glaciers.

Afternoon

After soaking in the panoramic vistas and capturing family photos, take the shuttle back to the Discovery Centre. Enjoy a late lunch at the on-site restaurant, which offers spectacular views of the majestic surroundings. Post-lunch, consider joining a guided Ice Explorer tour that takes you directly onto the Athabasca Glacier - a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can learn about glaciology and even drink from pure glacial water!

Fun Facts

- The Skywalk’s glass is made of layers tough enough to bear the weight of 35 moose!

- The entire Columbia Icefield area is part of a triple continental divide.

End of Day

Return to your accommodation, cherishing the memories of an exhilarating day spent among some of the most stunning natural wonders of the world.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Medicine Lake

Why Visit?

Welcome to your action-packed family adventure to Medicine Lake, nestled in the stunning Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada! Here’s your itinerary to make the most out of your visit.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Medicine Lake

- Morning: Start your day early from Jasper, driving approximately 20 minutes southeast on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) and then onto Maligne Lake Road. You"ll be greeted by the tranquil views of Medicine Lake.

- Activity: Enjoy a leisurely morning walk around the lake. The lake is famously known as the "disappearing lake" because it drains like a bathtub each summer, a unique hydrological phenomenon due to its karst system.

- Lunch: Have a picnic by the lakeside, basking in the natural beauty and watching for wildlife—keep an eye out for elk and deer!

Day 2: Maligne Canyon and Adventure Time

- Morning: Drive 10 minutes further to Maligne Canyon, one of the deepest in the Canadian Rockies. Start at the Fifth Bridge and walk back to the First Bridge to see the most spectacular parts of the canyon.

- Activity: Join a guided walking tour to learn about the geological history of the area and see frozen waterfalls and fossils. In winter, consider a guided ice walk, which is an enchantful experience for all ages.

- Afternoon: Head back towards Jasper and stop at the Jasper SkyTram for a breathtaking ride up Whistlers Mountain. The views from the top are spectacular—you can see six mountain ranges!

Day 3: Last Day Leisure

- Morning: Dedicate this day to leisurely activities. Start with a short, easy hike near Medicine Lake to spot more wildlife or for bird watching enthusiasts, the area is abundant with varied species.

- Lunch: Return to Jasper for a comforting meal at one of the local diners.

- Afternoon: Explore the quaint shops in Jasper, picking up souvenirs and enjoying the small-town charm before you head home.

Make sure to check the weather and park advisories and book your accommodations in advance as Jasper is a popular spot, especially in summer. Enjoy your family trip filled with nature, adventure, and relaxation at Medicine Lake!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Jasper SkyTram

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of the Canadian Rockies with a visit to the Jasper SkyTram, one of Jasper National Park"s premier attractions. Located just a short 7km drive southwest of Jasper townsite, the SkyTram is easily reachable by car or via shuttle services that operate from various points in Jasper.

Morning: Ascent to Whistlers Mountain

Start your day early to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit. The Jasper SkyTram whisks you up to an elevation of 2,263 meters on Whistlers Mountain, presenting breathtaking panoramic views. During the approximately 7-minute ride, engage the kids with fun facts: the SkyTram is the highest and longest aerial tramway in Canada! Once you reach the Upper Station, take a leisurely hike to the summit (about 1.2km one way), where you can enjoy even more spectacular vistas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including marmots and ptarmigans, which are often spotted by visitors.

Lunch at the Summit

Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top, or dine at the Summit Restaurant, where you can relish delicious meals with a view. The restaurant offers a variety of family-friendly options, making it a perfect stop to refuel.

Afternoon: Explore and Descend

Spend the afternoon exploring the mountain top. Visit the interpretive boardwalk to learn more about the unique alpine ecosystem and the history of the area. Kids will love the interactive learning experience. As the day winds down, take the tram back to the base, enjoying the changing light on the mountains — a perfect photo opportunity.

Evening: Stargazing

If your visit happens during a new moon, consider staying a bit later to stargaze. Jasper is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, offering some of the best stargazing in the world.

This family-friendly excursion promises scenic views, educational opportunities, and plenty of fresh mountain air, making Jasper SkyTram a must-visit on your Jasper adventure!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.