Tag Archives: hiking

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

Summer Adventure, Things to Do, Travel

Summer Adventure Ideas For Families

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Summer Family Fun

Summer of course, is a perfect time, no matter how big your family, to take the kids on an adventure. Here are some ideas on what to do when everyone’s out of school and the weather is great.

1) Take a hike

Yes this is an easy one but it’s often overlooked, or put off because “we can do it tomorrow.” But time goes by fast in the summer, so there’s no time like the present. Check your local area for trails, what parks are around? Pack a lunch. Put some decent hiking shoes on, slather on the sunscreen and bug repellent, print out a map and just go. Don’t forget to check the weather.

2) Go kayaking

The world is filled with lakes, streams and oceans and kayaking is a great way to not only get exercise, but access to things you might normally not be able to from a road or even a hiking trail. Check out your local kayak, sports or outrigger shop to get ideas on where to take the kids.

3) Watersports

There are so many take your pick. Rent a waverunner and put your child on the back. She or he will think you are the coolest parent ever. Rent a sunfish and go sailing. Learning to tack together is a great way to bond and get some rays in.  Kids will love to be able to be in control of a vehicle. That goes for sailboards as well. Renting a boat and doing some waterskiing is also a great way to spend some time on the water. Check out your local boat shops for information on where to rent or take waterski lessons together. For those who don’t just can’t figure out how to get up on skis, well there’s always tubing.

4) Biking

A family that bikes together, gets out and has fun together. Bikes are just the perfect vehicle. Whether it’s a road bike or mountain bike, it’s a faster way to get where you are going and to see the sites. Now more than ever cities are installing bike lanes and really paying attention to their bike loving visitors and citizens. Check your local city or area online and look for bike trail maps.  As for mountain biking it gets your whole family out in the woods, burning up some extra summertime energy that collects when the kids are geeking out on their video games and computers. Just remember the bug spray as Lyme disease is no joke. And neither is getting lost so bring a printed map as back up even if you have a GPS enabled device.

5) Swimming

It’s a great way to beat the heat whether you are at the beach, in a pool or a lake. Just make sure to use common safety practices. Don’t assume the lifeguard is watching your kids. No one will be more diligent about your kids than you. If you are not a strong swimmer, make sure your kids at least are and get them in a water safety program and swimming lessons. And then get yourself in one as well.

photo credits: Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

Photo by Tower Paddle Boards on Unsplash