Planning a family trip to Banff National Park is always a good choice! Between the impossibly blue waters of Lake Louise in the summer, abundance of wildlife and world-class skiing in the winter, it’s easily one of the most magical places we’ve ever taken our kids.
Accommodation in Banff can be quite expensive, space is limited, and places book out months in advance. It’s also easy to get overwhelmed when trying to decide where to stay in Banff; Townsite, venturing out to Lake Louise, or saving money in nearby Canmore.
We’ve been to Banff across all the different seasons and have learned exactly which properties make traveling with kids effortless and which ones to avoid! Whether you need a cozy condo with a full kitchen to save on meals, a resort with an epic indoor pool or a quiet mountain cabin, this guide breaks down the absolute best family-friendly lodges and where to stay in Banff National Park with Kids.
Best Family Resort: Fairmont Banff Springs
Best Condo with Kitchen: Airbnb stay in Banff
Best for Winter Access: Hotel Canoe & Suites
Best Budget Friendly: Airbnb stay in Canmore
Pro Tip Before You Book: Banff accommodations sell out fast, often 6-9 months in advance for summer and peak winter season. If you find a property with free cancellation that fits your dates, lock it in early!
?? Winter (Perfect for public transit): Winter brings unpredictable weather and makes driving in the Rockies tricky especially with snowy passes, and tight parking. Fortunately, you can easily get by without a car! You can rely on the Roam Transit regional bus running between Canmore and Banff, plus dedicated ski shuttles that pick up right in town to take your gear and kids straight to the mountain bases. There’s also an Airport Shuttle Bus that can pick you up straight from Calgary Airport and bring you to Banff.
?? Summer (Better with a Car): While Roam Transit runs year-round, having a car during summer makes exploring around Banff and Canmore much easier. It gives you the flexibility to chase early-morning parking at popular spots like Lake Louise or Johnston Canyon without sticking to a rigid bus schedule, as well as driving up to Jasper or Yoho National Parks.
Top Family Resorts in Banff Town
- Fairmont Banff Springs
This castle resort is absolutely gorgeous. It’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying here as it looks absolutely magical year round.
Why Families Love It: Large family rooms with bunk beds, huge indoor pool, large outdoor hot pool, skating rink in the winter, kids activities
Room Layouts: Suites, family rooms, or connecting rooms.
Family Logistics: incredible buffet breakfast, easy bus ride into town, ski shuttle pick up
Book here
2. Hotel Canoe & Suites
This resort is across the street from the first ski shuttle stop, which means you get first dibs on the ski shuttle! We stayed a little further up the street and sometimes had a hard time getting on the ski shuttle during busy days.
Why Families Love it: Walking distance to everything in Banff downtown, large rooms, beautiful outdoor heated pool
Room Layouts: Suites, 3-bdr with kitchen
Family Logistics: includes one parking spot, walking distance to restaurants, first on the ski shuttle route.
Staying near Lake Louise
If you want a secluded mountain getaway steps from the famous Lake Louise, there are a handful of options in this area.
3. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
This luxury resort is the one in all the classic postcards of Lake Louise. It’s straight out of a fairytale and has similar vibes to the Fairmont Banff Springs. In the winter there’s horse-drawn carriage rides, skating on the lake, ice castles and of course you’ll be super close to the Lake Louise ski resort. In the summer, this resort is in the most perfect location for hiking some of the busier trails. No parking struggles, and you can have sunrises/sunsets all to yourself!
Why Families Love It: Convenience, luxury, and proximity to trails
Room Layouts: Suites, family rooms, or connecting rooms.
Family Logistics: Onsite parking, dining, shuttles to ski resorts / into town
4. Paradise Lodge and Bungalows
If you want to be steps away from Lake Louise without the luxury price tag, this is a great budget option. Paradise Lodge and Bungalows is just a short 20 minute walk from the lake – still close to trails, no need to worry about parking and comfortable rooms!
Why Families Love it: Great locations, separate cabin options, and on-site playground
Room Layouts: 1&2 bedroom suites or deluxe cabins.
Family Logistics: kitchenette and full-kitchen cabin options, only open from Mid-May to mid-October, onsite laundry.
Best Value Stays in Canmore (just outside of Banff!)
Staying just outside of Banff is a perfect choice if you prefer to save money on lodging and food, and don’t mind driving everywhere.
5. Dead Man’s Flat Airbnb Stay
We love this condo as it’s clean, quiet, and comes with a large outdoor pool. It’s also close enough to Canmore for groceries
Why Families Love it: Spacious 2-bedroom condo, full kitchen, quiet, easy parking, en-suite laundry.
If you need a little bit more space, this 4 bedroom condo comes with a hot tub, excellent views of the mountains, and right in the heart of Canmore.
Why Families Love it: Spacious 4-bedroom condo, BBQ, fully equipped kitchen, easy access to grocery stores!
Essential Tips for Booking Banff with Kids
- Make sure to book well in advance; 6-9 months ahead for summer season, and 3-4 months ahead for ski season
- Parks Canada Pass: Reminder that staying in Banff requires a park pass, unless you’re staying in Canmore. If you plan to drive into Banff, you’ll still need the pass however!
Next up: read our full 7-day Banff winter itinerary with Kids