This past October, we packed our kids into the van, along with my sister Kendra and her husband Nolan, and drove out to Banff National Park. We had seen that prices on AirBnb were really low because of Covid so we figured why not!? We made the drive out over two days, stopping in Regina for the night, and the kids did really well! I’ve always insisted that our lives can’t stop just because we have kids and I love to travel so it was time to try something a little bigger than a hike or a weekend away. Plus we know our kids are super chill and easy-going so that made it less scary.
I love visiting Banff in Fall because the crowds are fewer, but the weather is still great for hiking and being outside all day. PLUS the tamarack’s turn yellow and it’s just a beautiful contrast to the grey of the mountains and the evergreens.
Road trip!
Day 1: We spent our first full day in Banff doing some exploring around the town of Banff (getting Beaver Tails for a mid afternoon snack) and then we got all dressed up and took some family photos at Two Jack Lake. In the evening, Kendra and Nolan stayed in the with kids so Joel & I could go on a little date to our favourite restaurant in Canmore, Georgetown Pub. They have such great Irish pub food and the atmosphere to match.
When you travel with kids, you have to budget time for throwing rocks in various bodies of water.
Bow Falls
The Town of Banff
Two Jack Lake
Day 2: On Wednesday morning we hiked up the rock pile at Moraine Lake. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to hike up to the top of the pile to get these views. It’s a lot of stone stairs and gravel paths. Then we drove over to Lake Louise. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are pretty close to each other so I usually do them both in one day.
Always make sure you put your camera down and sit and enjoy the views with your eyeballs.
We packed a lunch and had a picnic beside Lake Louise. We followed the path all the way around Lake Louise. It’s stroller/wheelchair accessible till you get to the back side of the lake and then you have the option to start a hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House, but we didn’t have time to do that because I had a photo shoot back in Canmore at 5pm.
More Rock Throwing
Day 3: Thursday was our last full day in Banff and we went up the Gondola for some epic views of the mountains, enjoyed some delicious soup at Evelyn’s Coffee Bar in Banff and strolled along the Bow River just taking in the views. Then we headed out for a drive to the Vermillion Lakes just outside the town of Banff. It’s a great spot for some photos without other tourists in them and without having to walk far from your car.
The Banff Gondola
Aaaaaand more rock throwing.
Vermillion Lakes
Bringing Kendra & Nolan along was brilliant. The adult to kid ratio was ideal.
Probably looking at birds.
Emmett brought his fishing rod everywhere.
Uncles are the best.
Day 4: Friday morning we walked along the river in Canmore and the boys did some fishing before starting the drive back east to Manitoba.
Car naps, Georgetown Pub and a Trout (i think).
It was a wonderful, beautiful week and we are so thankful that we snuck in a little trip before the lockdown. It all felt very safe and the park wasn’t crowded at all. We wore our masks in the town of Banff and all around it was an awesome trip!
I have to give my sister Kendra credit for a lot of these photos. So much easier to hand your camera to your sister than set up a tripod. How will I ever travel without her?
