Open-top cars. Boats. Specialized glacier vehicles. Gondolas. Accessible skywalks. Hot springs.
See the scenery, skip the long hikes. Of course, if you want to hike, there are plenty of options from short, easy hikes to long hikes with elevation, which means if your group likes different things, you can find something everyone will be excited about.
Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies
You may think you are in Switzerland or Scandinavia, but these kinds of turquoise, breathtaking glacial lakes with snow-covered mountains are closer than you think.
Lake Louise may be the most famous (and with good reason), but there are so many more, including Lake Moraine, Emerald Lake, Maligne Lake, Medicine Lake, and the list goes on. There are endless opportunities to see stunning scenery, and most of it doesn’t require hiking, making it perfect for younger kids and grandparents alike.
Most have flat paths around the lake for easy strolls. Many have options for lakeside dining. Several offer boat tours (some need to be reserved in advance) and on others, you can rent a canoe.
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Non-hiking activities in Banff and Jasper for all ages
If you like to hike or walk, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your days in the Canadian Rockies. But, there’s so much to do besides hiking. There are open-top cars where you can look at some of the best scenery with your head not just out the window, but out the roof! And you also get some creative storytelling about the history of Banff from your entertaining and informative guides.
Views from the lakes? There are boat tours available on Lake Maligne and Lake Minnewanka. Rent a canoe at Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, or Moraine Lake.
Want to get the view from the top of the mountains? That’s easy too. Both Banff and Jasper have gondolas that take you to the top for those really epic views with no hiking boots required.
My all-time favorite activity here is walking on the Columbia Icefield. You can do a guided hike or take one of the specialized vehicles that are designed to take you right on the icefields. After your ride, take an easy walk on the stroller-friendly Skywalk, where you can stand on a suspended glass platform over 900 feet above the rugged and massive glaciers. And the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is an amazing drive with countless scenic stops that you can take at your own pace.
Ready to just relax? Have an amazing dinner on a patio with mountain views. Or step up your relaxation and visit the hot springs in Banff or Jasper. Soak in natural warm waters surrounded by stunning scenery.
There’s no shortage of things to do here or ways to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
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Where to stay: Banff, Canmore, and Jasper towns compared
Unlike some US mountain parks, which largely shut down in the winter (think, Glacier), Banff and the Canadian Rockies are a year-round destination with charming towns and winter skiing.
Banff is the largest town and is actually in the National Park. It’s a destination in and of itself. It has the most amenities, a range of hotels, and a great restaurant scene, but also tends to be the most crowded and most expensive. There are a handful of hotels right around Lake Louise, including the famous Fairmont Lake Louise, but not much else to do there besides soak up the gorgeous views after the crowds have left. If it’s out of your budget, you can always have lunch or a drink at their Lakeview Lounge restaurant with an amazing view.
Canmore is about 20 minutes south of Banff. It’s smaller, quieter, and adds a bit of daily driving, but also very charming, picturesque, and still has some great dining options.
The town of Jasper is also right in the National Park. It’s a much smaller, more laid-back town with a more rustic mountain vibe than its more upscale neighbor. But you’ll still find some nice places to stay and dine.
Planning your Banff trip: navigating Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttles and more
I absolutely love this destination for multi-generational families, and anyone who likes beautiful scenery, but it’s become an increasingly difficult trip to plan.
You can’t drive to Moraine Lake unless you stay at Moraine Lake Lodge (which requires reservations very far in advance in peak season). You can drive to Lake Louise, but parking fills up quickly, sometimes as early as 5 am in peak season. Probably hard to rally a multi-generational group for a 4 am departure (depending on where you are staying, but it’s about 45 minutes from Banff).
There are shuttles through Parks Canada and ROAM, but they are complicated to navigate, and tickets can sell out in minutes, so you have to know exactly when they are released and be online, hitting refresh the moment at the exact time, and you still aren’t guaranteed to get them.
If that all sounds overwhelming and stressful, there are other options. There are tour operators and many tours act more as a transfer, giving you several hours at a destination or even up to 5 hours if you want to hike at Lake Louise or Lake Moraine.
Why it’s a perfect multi-generational trip
While the pictures speak for themselves, there are so many things that set this destination apart for families of all ages. It’s convenient to a major airport, Calgary (definitely not true of many national parks). On the scale of relaxed to adventurous, you can have it all. With so many options for different tours and activities originating from Banff, it’s easy for everyone to do what they want and still so many things that will easily appeal to everyone. Who doesn’t want to see some wildlife like this guy in Jasper?
Throw in great dining, beautiful hotels, charming towns…what’s not to love (except for maybe those pesky logistics).
Things to avoid on your Banff multi-generational trip
Don’t assume everyone needs to do everything together
One of the biggest mistakes multi-generational groups make is trying to keep everyone together for every activity. The beauty of Banff and Jasper is that there are so many tour operators and activities originating from the towns. Some family members can take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain while others explore Banff Avenue shops. Meet up for dinner and share stories. Everyone’s happier when they can choose activities that match their energy level.
Don’t skip booking Moraine Lake and Lake Louise transportation early
Here’s where people get into trouble: showing up without a plan for Moraine Lake or Lake Louise. You can’t drive to Moraine Lake unless you’re staying at Moraine Lake Lodge, and Lake Louise parking fills up by 5 AM in peak season. The Parks Canada shuttles and ROAM transit tickets sell out within minutes of being released. Book these the moment tickets become available, or hire a tour operator that handles transportation for you. This isn’t something you can figure out the day before.
Don’t underestimate driving times on the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is only 144 miles, but don’t plan on driving it in 2.5 hours. With stops at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, and countless scenic pullouts, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours. If you have elderly family members or young kids who need frequent bathroom breaks, add even more time. There aren’t many facilities along the route.
Don’t overlook shoulder season for easier logistics
Summer (July-August) is peak season for a reason—the weather is warmest and all activities are running. But it’s also when the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise shuttle situation is most competitive, hotels are most expensive, and crowds are largest. If your group has flexibility, late May-June or September offer stunning scenery, fewer crowds, easier logistics, and lower prices. You might miss some higher elevation hikes, but for a multi-generational trip focused on non-hiking activities, shoulder season is often better.
Don’t rely solely on one town as your base
Staying only in Banff means 45+ minutes to Lake Louise and 3+ hours to Jasper. Staying only in Jasper means you’re far from Lake Louise and the southern attractions. Consider a split stay: a few nights in Banff or Canmore for Lake Louise access, then a few nights in Jasper for Maligne Lake and the Columbia Icefield. Yes, it means packing up once, but it dramatically reduces daily driving for your group.
Don’t forget about dining reservations
The restaurant scene in Banff is excellent, but popular spots book up weeks in advance in summer. If you have a large multi-generational group (8+ people), make reservations as soon as you know your travel dates. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s Lakeview Lounge, for example, is a must-do for many families, and walk-ins rarely get seated during peak times.
Don’t pack like you’re going to a regular summer destination
Even in July and August, temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is cold and windy year-round. Boat tours on Maligne Lake can be chilly. Pack layers for everyone—especially grandparents who tend to get cold more easily. A sunny 75-degree day in Banff town can be a windy 45-degree experience on the Athabasca Glacier.
FAQ: your Banff and Canadian Rockies questions answered
What is the best time of year for a multi-generational trip to Banff?
Late May through September offers the most activities and best weather for multi-generational groups. July and August have the warmest temperatures and all tours running, but also the biggest crowds and most competitive logistics for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. September is ideal if your group can travel in shoulder season—stunning fall colors, fewer crowds, easier shuttle bookings, and lower hotel rates. The Columbia Icefield, gondolas, and boat tours all operate through September.
How many days do you need in Banff and the Canadian Rockies?
Five to seven days gives you time to experience both Banff and Jasper without feeling rushed. A typical itinerary: 2-3 nights in Banff or Canmore (for Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Banff activities), 2-3 nights in Jasper (for Maligne Lake, Columbia Icefield, and Jasper Gondola), with a scenic day driving the Icefields Parkway between them. If you only have 3-4 days, focus on either the Banff/Lake Louise area or Jasper, not both.
Is Banff good for grandparents and seniors?
Absolutely. Banff and Jasper are perfect for seniors because so many activities require minimal walking. The gondolas in both Banff and Jasper take you to stunning mountaintop views with accessible viewing platforms. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is wheelchair accessible. Boat tours on Maligne Lake and Lake Minnewanka require no hiking. Most of the famous turquoise lakes have flat, paved paths suitable for walkers or wheelchairs. Even the Athabasca Glacier experience on the Ice Explorer vehicle is accessible for most mobility levels.
Can you visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake without hiking?
Yes! Both lakes are stunning from the shoreline with minimal walking required. Lake Louise has a flat paved path around the lake, perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. You can rent a canoe and paddle the lake for a different perspective. Moraine Lake has a short paved path to the famous Rockpile viewpoint (the one on the old Canadian $20 bill). The challenge isn’t the hiking—it’s getting there. See the “Things to Avoid” section above for transportation logistics.
Where should we stay in Banff for a multi-generational group?
It depends on your budget and group dynamics. The town of Banff offers the most hotel options, restaurants, and activities within walking distance—great if you have family members with different schedules who want independence. Canmore (20 minutes south) is quieter and often more affordable with full kitchens available in condos, helpful for large groups. Lake Louise has limited lodging but puts you right at the lake. For Jasper, the town of Jasper itself has good options and a more laid-back vibe. Consider vacation rentals or condo-style hotels where multiple generations can share space but have separate bedrooms.
Do we need a car in Banff and Jasper?
You need a car to get between Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. Once you’re in the towns, ROAM public transit can get you to some trailheads and attractions, but it’s limited. For multi-generational groups, having at least one rental car gives you flexibility for those who can’t or don’t want to participate in every activity. That said, many tour operators offer hotel pickup for Columbia Icefield tours, boat tours, and other activities, which can reduce the amount of driving your group needs to coordinate.
What are the best non-hiking activities in the Canadian Rockies?
The gondolas (Banff Gondola, Jasper SkyTram, and Lake Louise Gondola) are must-dos—spectacular views with zero hiking required. The Columbia Icefield experience combines a ride on a specialized glacier vehicle with the glass-floored Skywalk. Boat tours on Maligne Lake and Lake Minnewanka show you scenery you can’t see from shore. Rent canoes at Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, or Emerald Lake. The hot springs in Banff and Miette (near Jasper) are perfect for relaxing. Open-top car tours through Banff offer storytelling and sightseeing without the driving.
How do the Banff Gondola and Jasper Gondola compare?
Both are excellent for multi-generational groups, but they offer different experiences. The Banff Gondola on Sulphur Mountain has more developed facilities at the top—a large restaurant, interpretive center, and boardwalk with 360-degree views. It’s busier and more commercial. The Jasper SkyTram goes higher (7,425 feet) with more dramatic alpine views and feels more remote. There’s a smaller café at the top and an optional 1-mile ridge walk for those who want it. If you can only do one, Banff Gondola is easier to access from most hotels, but Jasper SkyTram has more wow-factor for the views.
Is the Columbia Icefield Skywalk worth it for families?
Yes, especially for multi-generational groups. The Skywalk is a glass-floored platform suspended 918 feet above the Sunwapta Valley with massive glacier views. It’s fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it one of the few ways elderly family members or those with mobility limitations can experience glacier scenery up close. The Columbia Icefield experience (Ice Explorer vehicle + Skywalk) typically takes 3-4 hours total. Book in advance in summer—this is one of the most popular activities in the Canadian Rockies.
What wildlife might we see in Banff and Jasper?
Elk and deer are almost guaranteed—you’ll see them walking through Banff and Jasper towns, grazing near hotels, and along roadsides. Bighorn sheep are common along the Icefields Parkway. Black bears and grizzly bears are frequently spotted, especially in spring and early summer (always view from inside your vehicle, never approach). Moose sightings are less common but possible near Maligne Lake and along the Icefields Parkway at dawn or dusk. For the best wildlife viewing, drive the Icefields Parkway slowly in early morning or evening, and consider booking a dedicated wildlife tour with expert guides.
Need help planning?
I’ll admit, even for me (and I love planning), the logistics of this one get confusing and overwhelming fast. But this is a destination you shouldn’t miss. If logistics aren’t your thing, there are multi-day tours, or a travel advisor can help with a DIY or hybrid option.
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