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Educational Adventures, Summer Adventure, Travel, Winter Adventure

Things to Do with Your Family in Banff National Park, Canada

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things to do in banff, Canada with the Family. Be adventurous!

Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is a stunning destination for families with children of all ages. From hiking and biking to wildlife viewing and hot springs, there are plenty of fun activities for families to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Banff.

Hiking

Banff National Park offers some of the best hiking trails in the world. With trails for all levels, families can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike to the top of a mountain. The easy trail around Johnson Lake is a popular choice for families, while the trail to the top of Sulphur Mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Here’s our How to on Hiking in Banff, Canada

Wildlife Viewing

Banff is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears. Families can take a guided tour or explore on their own to spot these magnificent creatures. The Bow Valley Parkway is a great place to start, as it offers easy access to prime wildlife viewing areas.

Hot Springs

After a long day of hiking and exploring, families can relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. The hot springs offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and are a great way to soothe sore muscles.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Families can explore the beautiful lakes and rivers of Banff National Park by canoe or kayak. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at several locations in the park, including Lake Louise and the Bow River.

Skiing and Snowboarding

During the winter months, families can hit the slopes at one of Banff’s three ski resorts: Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise Ski Resort. The resorts offer a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

Banff National Park is an excellent destination for families looking for an adventure. With hiking trails, wildlife viewing, hot springs, canoeing, and skiing, there’s something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Canadian Rockies.

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Summer Adventure, Summer Travel, Travel

Go Hiking With The Family in Banff National Park, Canada

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Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies, is a hiker’s paradise. With over 1,600 kilometers of hiking trails, there are endless opportunities to explore the stunning scenery and diverse landscapes of the park. From short walks to multi-day backpacking trips, there’s a trail for every level of hiker. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking in Banff.

Trail Difficulty Levels

Banff’s hiking trails are divided into four categories based on their difficulty level: easy, moderate, difficult, and very difficult. Easy trails are suitable for families with young children or for those who prefer a leisurely walk. Moderate trails are a bit more challenging, while difficult and very difficult trails require experience and proper equipment.

Hiking Safety Tips in Banff

While hiking in Banff can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience, it’s important to take safety precautions. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the trails:

  • Always check the weather forecast and trail conditions before heading out.
  • Bring enough food and water for the duration of your hike.
    • Dress in layers and bring rain gear, as weather can change quickly in the mountains.
    • Carry bear spray and know how to use it in case of a bear encounter.
  • Stay on designated trails and follow all park regulations.

Best Hiking Trails in Banff National Park:

With so many hiking trails to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to start. Here are some of the best trails in Banff National Park:

Plain of Six Glaciers

The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is a moderate hike that offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and turquoise lakes. The trail is 14.6 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete.

Johnston Canyon

The Johnston Canyon trail is an easy hike that follows a picturesque canyon and leads to two waterfalls. The trail is 5.2 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.

Sentinel Pass

The Sentinel Pass trail is a difficult hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views of mountains and glaciers. The trail is 11.6 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete.

Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

The Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass trail is a very difficult hike that offers stunning views of fall foliage and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 20 kilometers round trip and takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.

Hiking in Banff National Park is an incredible experience for all levels of hikers. With a variety of trails to choose from, hikers can explore the park’s stunning scenery and diverse landscapes. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

Photo by Kowshik Roy sagor on Unsplash

Photo by Ampersand Studios on Unsplash

How To, Summer Adventure, Things to Do

Taking The Kids on A Whale Watching Adventure Canadian Style

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If you’re like me, you’ve probably gone on at least one whale watch in your life. Maybe it was a big tour boat, while at the Jersey shore. But if you are ready to up your game in some serious adventure-quality whale watching, then you need to take a ride to Les Escoumin in Quebec. It’s about a 12 hour drive due north of New York City so a four day weekend, is definitely doable.

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Les Escoumin is a little town of about 2000 people located on the St Lawrence River that offers so much for the adventure seeking parent. It’s one of the oldest “high north country” towns on the river. There’s fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, scuba diving, kayaking, and blueberry picking, but today we’ll focus on whale watching. In my opinion, whale watching is particularly awesome in Les Escoumin. For starters you can take a ride in a zodiac, the kind you see GreenPeace zipping around in to get between the whaling ships and whales. They are rubber dinghys with a motor and they allow you to get super up close to whole pods of whales.  Here’s a good video I found that shows what you can expect. The boat launched from a nearby town. 

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For your adventure you’ll don an survival suit (The St Lawrence is super cold with Arctic water). Yes, a survival suit. The next thing you’ll do is zip out with the crew to find the whales. There are minkes, blues, beluga, orca, dolphins, and seals. When I went I didn’t know which way to look first. If you really want to get eyeball to eyeball with a whale this is the place.

At LES ÉCUMEURS DU SAINT-LAURENT, the season is from May 30 to early October. Prices at start at $48 Canadian for adults and $38 for kids under 14.
When you are finished with your amazing whale tour, you’ll be happy to know you are in French Canada. And what are the French known for? Food! There are wonderful restaurants, cafes and bakeries in Les Escoumin.To book a room or find out more about Les Escoumin, click here.

More places to book a hotel and tour.