A road trip along the Icefields Parkway, which connects Lake Louise and Jasper in Alberta, Canada, should be on everyone’s bucket list. The views of the Canadian Rockies are absolutely breathtaking and there are plenty of picture-perfect spots to stretch your legs along the road. That said, a road trip and epic mountain hikes may not sound like a winning combination for a vacation with small children. Let me just say, do not let that deter you! The road itself is an experience you shouldn’t miss, and there are plenty of wonderful activities to enjoy along the Icefields Parkway even if you’re travelling with little ones! We did this trip wit Charlotte when she was 22 months old, and we’re sure to do it again when she’s older. Here’s our list of places to visit and very easy hikes that kids will love (in order from south to north).
Banff
Banff, Alberta is a legitimately beautiful town. Not only are the surrounding mountains positively astonishing, but this little tourist hub, home to about 8,000 residents, feels almost magical. Someday I’ll do a whole post just on what to do in and around Banff, but for now I’ll just mention a few highlights. After shopping (and eating) your way down the main street (Banff Ave.), Central Park and the Cascade of Time Garden are nice outdoor areas to wander around with the kids. In this area you’ll also find several museums: Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, and Buffalo Nations Museum. Wandering further from the town center, you’ll find multiple trail heads leading in various directions. On the southern end of town, Fairmont Banff Springs, a luxury hotel, is reminiscent of Hogwarts (that alone should get some kids excited). Venture even further south and you’ll find Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can soak in naturally heated mineral waters for a nominal fee. Nearby, hop on the the Banff Gondola for a spectacular view from the top of Sulpher Mountain. A pass to the Hot Springs will also allow you to visit the nearby Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Both the Hot Springs and the Cave are great, kid friendly locations.
Lake Louise
About 45 minutes north of Banff, you’ll see the exit for Lake Louise. At first glance, the exit doesn’t look like anything special, but follow the signs to the lake and you’re in for a treat. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a beautiful hotel that resembles a European castle, looks out across a turquoise lake and, on the far side, a glacier. Rooms at the hotel are pricy, but you do not need to be an overnight guest to enjoy the area. An easy, flat trail (flat enough for a stroller!) runs along the north side of the lake, offering spectacular views of the mountains on one side and the chateau on the other. Walk as far (or not!) as you want. For more intrepid hikers, Lake Agnes Tea House and Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse offer perfect destinations for a day of hiking. Back at the Fairmont Chateau, you’ll find several dining options ranging from grab-and-go at the Chateau Deli to upscale dining at the Walliser Stube. Well-kept public restrooms (for those who are not staying or dining at the hotel) are available near the parking areas.
Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon is a narrow, curving slot canyon located right near the Icefields Parkway. There’s a small parking lot on the west side of the Parkway, and from there it’s about a 15-minute hike to a bridge that crosses the canyon offering a spectacular view. Up to the bridge, this is a very flat, kid-friendly hike, and very much worth it. After the bridge, the trail is more rugged, and many tourists wander near the edge of the canyon despite warning signs. If you venture past the bridge, make sure you are prepared to keep your little adventurers close!
Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and Skywalk
If you have ever wanted to stand on a glass walkway 918 feet above a valley… you can do that in Jasper National Park at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Even better, you can take a tour on a giant “Ice Explorer” bus that will give you the opportunity to stand on a glacier AND walk out onto the glass-bottomed Skywalk. The Icefield Adventure plus Skywalk package is expensive (around $100 per person), but children ages 6-15 are half off, and five and under are free, making the price much more manageable for families. Note: it is highly recommended that you make reservations in advance.
Sunwapta Falls
Located right off the road about 30 miles north of the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center, you’ll find Sunwapta Falls, a picturesque pair of cascades on the Sunwapta River. It only takes a few minutes to walk from the car to the falls, and the trails around the area are mostly paved and very well-kept. There are also restrooms near the parking area, making this quite possibly one of the most beautiful and convenient pitstops you might ever encounter.
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is another nice spot to stop along the Parkway. From the relatively large parking area, you’ll head southwest towards the falls. The path is paved at the first portion is accessible, but be warned that when you reach the falls you’ll find a lot of stairs, so you may want to ditch the stroller in the car. After walking across a bridge at the top of the falls, you can follow the trail around to the bottom, through a narrow slot canyon the kids are sure to love. At the bottom, the kids can scramble around on a rocky beach along the river. One of the things that I like about this short hike is that the trails have walls and chain link fencing along any precarious edges, so you can enjoy the views without the constant fear that your little one is going to unexpectedly plunge of a cliff. Do be careful on the rocks at the bottom, however, as the river is very cold and very fast.
Jasper
If you’re going to do the Icefields Parkway in full, you’re going to end up in Jasper. And if you’re going to end up in Jasper, you should stay in Jasper for a couple nights. It’s a great little town, with cute shops and good eats. Our favorite is Bear’s Paw Bakery… YUM! There are hiking trails starting literally right in town, and the centrally located Centennial Park has a nice playground where kids can burn energy while parents relax. Just keep an eye out for the elk, who sometimes roam through town! Jasper’s biggest tourist attraction is the Jasper SkyTram, located just outside of town. The ride on the SkyTram is adventure in itself, but the fun really starts when you reach the Upper Station. The views from the station are breathtaking, and it’s just a short hike (less than a mile) to the summit of Whistlers Mountain. Even little legs can handle this one. Bring your own snacks or, for a dining experience with a view you won’t soon forget, grab a bit at the Summit Restaurant. Note: this is not a very stroller-friendly experience. If your child isn’t walking yet, consider bringing a carrier and leaving the stroller in the car.
