What To Do in Banff with Kids This Winter

Discover the best family friendly winter activities in Banff, from sleigh rides and snow tubing to skiing, icewalks, and winter rentals for kids of all ages.
Heading to Banff with your family during the winter months? You might be wondering what to do, what activities are kid-friendly, and how to maximize fun for the whole family. Keep reading for more information about some of our top picks.
Sleigh Rides
Key details:
- Activity Level: Relaxed
- Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages
- Duration: 40 minutes
Sleigh rides offer you and your family a magical winter experience straight out of a storybook. Our gentle horses will take you on a scenic journey through winter landscapes, with mountain peaks glowing in the afternoon or evening light. You'll hear the jingle of harness bells, breathe in crisp mountain air, and warm up by the fire with hot drinks and treats afterwards. You might even spot wildlife along the trail! Sleigh rides are perfect for all ages and experience levels. Choose from public rides for a social, budget-friendly experience, or upgrade to a private family sleigh ride for a more intimate adventure that's just for your crew.
Snow Tubing
Key details:
- Activity Level: Moderate/Active
- Age Restriction: 4 years and up
- Duration: 3 hours
Looking for pure winter fun? Snow tubing is the activity for you! At Mt. Norquay’s professional tubing park, you can slide down groomed lanes, then ride the magic carpet back to the top and do it all over again! With multiple lanes, a dedicated kids area, and set session times, tubing is easy to fit into your family's winter itinerary without taking over the whole day.
Johnston Canyon Icewalk
Key details:
- Activity Level: Moderate/Active
- Age Restriction: 8 years and up
- Duration: 4 hours (daytime) or 2.5 hours (evening)
A favourite for a reason, the Johnston Canyon Icewalk is the ideal activity for families who are passionate about learning and nature. Your expert guide will lead you through this stunning setting, all while offering unique facts and stories about the Canyon. Banff Adventures offers both daytime and evening options, with provided transportation from Banff, ice cleats, and all the directions you need!
Skiing and Snowboarding
Key details:
- Activity Level: Moderate/Active
- Age Restriction: Varies by lesson and ski resort
- Duration: Half-day and full-day options
Another great pick for active kids, skiing and snowboarding are classic winter activities to do in Banff with kids or as a family. Choose from iconic ski resorts in the area, including Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise, or Sunshine Village. Looking for a lesson? These hills offer both group and private lessons, with specific options tailored for families and children. Wondering which booking is right for your family? Explore your options on our website or call our office—we would love to hear from you!
Note: Most of our skiing and snowboarding lessons do not include lift tickets. For maximum all-day enjoyment, ensure you purchase a pass from your ski resort of choice.
Winter Rentals
For families who prefer to explore Banff independently, our winter equipment rentals give you everything you need to create your own adventure. Rent snowshoes and strike out on quiet trails together, or grab some ice skates and find an outdoor rink for an impromptu family skating session. With quality gear and local advice from our team, the perfect family vacation in Banff is just one rental away.
How to Choose the Right Activity for Your Family
With so many options for what to do in Banff with kids this winter, it helps to think about what your family enjoys most. Ask yourself: Do your kids prefer guided experiences or independent exploration? Are they thrill-seekers or do they prefer gentle, scenic activities? How much time do you have—a quick couple of hours or a full day?
If your kids love being active and crave excitement, skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing might be perfect. If they prefer slower-paced, magical moments, sleigh rides hit the mark. For families who want a mix of education and adventure, the Johnston Canyon Icewalk is ideal. And if your family values flexibility and independence, winter rentals let you set the pace.
Don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Banff Adventures—we know these activities inside and out and can help match your family's interests, ages, and energy levels to the perfect winter experience. We're here to help make your trip unforgettable!
Book Family-Friendly Activities with Banff Adventures Today!
Ready to start building life-long memories? Book your Banff sleigh ride, ski lesson, and more with Banff Adventures now. We can’t wait to help make your experience special.