BANFF
historic spa and bathhouse that has been drawing the faithful for over a century, and it’s the ideal place to soak away any family tension or relieve sore muscles. The water temperature isn’t too hot, so it’s safe for babies and toddlers to splash about in the shallow area, you can rent bathing suits and towels onsite, and there’s a café too. Probably the most iconic hotel in the Canadian Rockies, Fairmont Banff Springs has graced many a postcard in its 100-year history. Impressively large, you’ll instantly understand the nickname, ‘Castle in the Rockies’. But despite the grandeur, it’s very welcoming to children, right down to a fun kids’ club and newly renovated family rooms with luxury bunkbeds. Douglas Fir Resort has clearly been designed with families in mind, as not only is there an indoor pool with waterslides, there’s also an indoor playground. Then, as a bonus, the resort offers free shuttles into Banff, so you don’t have to think about parking. Two Jack Main Campground in Banff National Park has equipped Campsites, making camping accessible for families who don’t have their own gear. Sites come equipped with a six-person tent, picnic table, fire pit, and wood. Plus, once you’re settled, a Park’s employee will visit your site and set you up with a camp stove and lantern, plus tips on trails in the area. However, families need to supply their own sleeping gear, food, water, and cooking utensils. Another good solution for families is oTENTik. Exclusive to Parks Canada, these are a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent, but mounted on a wooden floor, and they don’t need any set-up at all.
SOAR AWAY From top: Sunshine Village Gondola; Sunshine Village Gondola view point
There’s a reason Johnston Canyon is one of the busiest trails during summer: waterfall after waterfall gushes beside the paved, buggy-friendly route. Just remember, busy means parking can be an issue, so think about tackling this one first thing in the morning. If you’re not up for hiking, simply hitch a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola. Not only does this legendary ride give you sweeping views of the Bow Valley Parkway, there’s a pretty good chance of spotting cute marmots out and about, as well as herds of impressive bighorn sheep. With six mountain ranges visible, this is also a great spot to snag your iconic ‘us doing Banff’ photo. Once you reach the top, it’s wild views in every direction, and the Mountain Top Sky Bistro Restaurant serves up floor-to-ceiling windows along with lunch. The history of the Gondola is explained in detail at the Explorers interpretive centre, although you might just want a moment of quiet contemplation, in which case the Panoramic Patio is very much the place for that. The intense teal and turquoise waters of Banff’s lakes and rivers beg to be explored, or sailed. Kayaks and canoes can be rented from the Banff Canoe Club on the docks of the Bow River in Banff, and at both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Lake Minnewanka is the only spot in the park where motorized boats are allowed, and rentals are available by the hour or half-day. Or if you prefer to let others do the work for you, take a lake cruise, where you’ll learn about indigenous history, early explorers, and the region’s fascinating geology. That might sound a bit dry for kids, but the guides make it massively entertaining and you’ll be amazed at how much of the information sticks. You can’t go to a destination flush with natural hot springs and not take at least one dip. Banff Upper Hot Springs is a
the lowdown
HOW TO GET THERE Direct UK flights to Calgary from 8 hours, 50 minutes Calgary to Banff National Park from 1 hour, 15 minutes WHERE TO STAY Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Fairmont Gold King Room (2 adults, 2 children) from £541 per night fairmont.com Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets, 2-Bedroom Chalet (2 adults, 2 children) from £171 per night douglasfir.com Tunnel Mountain Village II oTENTik (2 adults, 2 children) from £74 per night parks.canada.ca GOOD TO KNOW Banff National Park information parks.canada.ca Discover Banff Tours banfftours.com White Mountain Adventures whitemountainadventures.com Banff Gondola gondolabanff.com Banff Upper Hot Springs banfflakelouise.com
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