13 Winter Hikes in Banff Even Kids Can Enjoy

Looking for the best winter hikes in Banff you can do with kids? Winter hiking in Banff National Park is one of our favourite ways to spend time outdoors as a family. We live about an hour away and explore the Canadian Rockies year-round, including through the colder months. 

This guide shares the best winter hikes in Banff for families, from short and easy walks to slightly longer hikes for older kids. Every trail listed here is doable in winter and suitable for different skill levels. Some are even stroller-friendly. 

We hike with our kids every week, even in winter in Banff, and we do not push distances or elevation. These are trails we’ve done ourselves, with real tips about ice, crowds, and what makes each hike work well with children.

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Best Winter Hikes in Banff for Families (Quick List)

If you’re short on time or just want a quick overview, these are some of the best Banff winter hiking trails for families. 

• Johnston Canyon (Lower or Upper Falls): One of the most popular winter hiking Banff trails. Boardwalks, safety rails, and frozen waterfalls make it very family-friendly.
  
• Johnson Lake: An easy loop with a frozen lake and a hidden hermit cabin. Great for younger kids and first-time winter hikes.
  
• Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail: Flat, wide, and stroller-friendly. Walking on the frozen lake can also be fun when ice conditions are safe.
  
• Fenland Loop: Short and quiet, just outside the town of Banff. Ideal for toddlers or a quick winter walk.
  
• Cascade Ponds: More of a winter walk than a hike. Bridges, open views, and small sledding hills make it a hit with kids.
  
• Tunnel Mountain: A short summit hike that gives older kids a sense of accomplishment with big views at the top.

Below, you’ll find the full list of winter hikes in Banff, organized by difficulty and age, with clear tips on ice, crowds, and what makes each trail work well for families.

Easy Winter Hikes in Banff for Young Kids and Toddlers

These easy Banff winter hiking trails are ideal if you’re hiking with toddlers or kids who are new to winter hiking. Distances are short, elevation gain is minimal, and most trails are well packed in winter.

1. Johnston Canyon (Lower Falls)

Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular winter hikes in Banff National Park and for good reason. The trail follows a canyon with boardwalks, railings, and frozen waterfalls that keep kids interested the entire way.

The walk to the Lower Falls is short and very manageable with kids. You can turn around here or continue to the Upper Falls if everyone still has energy.

Good to know: This trail gets icy, especially near the waterfalls. Microspikes are highly recommended. It also gets busy, even in winter, so go early if you can.

Trail details (Lower Falls):

• Distance: 2.3 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 105 m

2. Fenland Loop

Fenland Loop is a quiet, flat loop just outside the town of Banff. It’s one of our go-to winter walks when we want something easy and low-key. The trailhead is near the old location of the Banff sign.

The trail follows Forty Mile Creek through a forested area and feels very peaceful in winter. It’s short enough that kids rarely complain, and there’s often wildlife in the area.

Trail details:

• Distance: 1.8 km loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 55 m
  

3. Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake is one of the best winter hikes in Banff with kids. The loop is easy, wide, and usually packed down, which makes walking simple even after fresh snow.

Kids love two things here: the frozen lake and the old Hermit of Inglismaldie cabin hidden in the woods. If the ice is thick enough, you may also see people skating on the lake.

Good to know: The cabin is not clearly signed. Downloading the trail map ahead of time helps. 

Trail details:

• Distance: 2.9 km loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 54 m

4. Cascade Ponds

Cascade Ponds is more of a winter walk than a hike, which makes it perfect with young kids. The trail loops around a series of ponds with bridges and wide paths.

There are small hills where kids often bring sleds, and the day-use area has picnic tables and fire pits.

Trail details:

• Distance: 1.4 km loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 61 m
  

5. Bow Falls Viewpoint Trail

This trail starts near downtown Banff and follows the Bow River to Bow Falls. It’s mostly flat and has several viewpoints along the way, with benches to take breaks.

Good to know: The stairs near the falls are not maintained in winter and can be very icy. Microspikes are strongly recommended.

Trail details:

• Distance: 2.7 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy
  Elevation gain: 66 m

Moderate Winter Hikes in Banff for Older Kids

These Banff winter hiking trails are a good fit for older kids who enjoy a bit of a challenge. Distances are longer, elevation gain is higher, and traction is often needed due to packed snow and ice. They’re still very doable in winter, but they feel more like a “real hike” than a short walk.

6. Fairview Lookout

Fairview Lookout is a short but steady climb near Lake Louise. It’s a great add-on to the Lakeshore Trail if your kids still have energy.

The trail climbs through the forest and opens up to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It’s a quick effort with a nice reward at the top.

Trail details:

• Distance: 2.3 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 156 m
  

7. Two Jack Lake

Two Jack Lake is a longer winter hike that keeps kids engaged with constant views and space to explore. The trail winds through the forest with several open viewpoints along the lake.

You’ll see Mount Inglismaldie, Mount Girouard, and Mount Peechee along the way. In many sections, Mount Rundle dominates the view in the background.

Good to know: If you walk onto the lake in winter, always check ice conditions and follow Parks Canada safety guidelines.

Trail details:

• Distance: 4.8 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 87 m

8. Tunnel Mountain

Tunnel Mountain is one of the best winter hikes in Banff for kids who want to reach a summit. It’s short enough to feel achievable, but long enough to feel rewarding.

The trail climbs steadily through the forest and opens up at the top with views over the Town of Banff, the Bow Valley, the Banff Springs Hotel, and Mount Rundle.

Trail details:

• Distance: 4.3 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 262 m

9. Johnston Canyon (Upper Falls)

If your kids handled the Lower Falls easily, continuing to the Upper Falls is a great next step. The scenery changes slightly, and the crowds thin out as you go.

The Upper Falls are often fully frozen in winter and are well worth the extra distance.

Good to know: This section is icier and longer than the Lower Falls. Traction is essential.

Trail details:

• Distance: 5.3 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 270 m

Iconic Winter Walks and Scenic Viewpoints Near Banff

These winter walks are less about distance and more about scenery. They’re perfect if you want big views without committing to a long hike. Most families combine these with a short drive or another nearby stop.

10. Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail

The Lakeshore Trail at Lake Louise is one of the easiest and most scenic winter walks in the park. The wide, flat path follows the edge of the lake with constant views of the mountains and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

In winter, the lake usually freezes solid. When conditions are safe, many families walk straight across the ice or let kids play near the shoreline.

Good to know:  Check ice conditions before walking on the lake. If you can, bring ice skates. There is often a cleared skating area near the hotel.

Trail details:

• Distance: about 4 km return (flexible)
• Difficulty: Easy
  Elevation gain: Minimal

11. Peyto Lake Viewpoint

Peyto Lake Viewpoint is a short but memorable winter stop along the Icefields Parkway. It’s farther from Banff, but it’s one of the quietest winter viewpoints in the area.

You won’t see the bright turquoise colour the lake is known for in summer, but the snow-covered landscape and surrounding peaks make it well worth the stop.

Good to know: This area is colder and windier than Banff townsite. Dress warmly and expect icy sections near the viewpoint.

Trail details:

• Distance: 1.3 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 70 m

Guided Winter Walks in Banff (If You Don’t Want to Go Alone)

If you like the idea of winter hiking but prefer to go with a guide, Banff has a few great guided options. These are especially helpful if you’re visiting for the first time or want extra safety on icy trails.

12. Johnston Canyon Icewalk

The Johnston Canyon Icewalk is a guided winter experience that takes you to the frozen Lower and Upper Falls without having to worry about trail conditions or gear.

You’ll walk through the canyon with a professional guide who shares stories about the area, the geology of the canyon, and how the waterfalls freeze in winter. It’s a slower-paced experience and works well for families who want something educational and well organized.

This tour includes:

• Round-trip transportation from Banff
• Ice cleats
  Hiking poles
• A light snack
• Hot chocolate at the end of the walk
  

Good to know: This is not a private hike. You’ll be part of a group, and timing is fixed. If your kids prefer to move at their own pace, a self-guided hike may be a better fit.

Bonus Winter Hike Near Banff 

13. Marble Canyon (Kootenay National Park)

If you’re willing to drive a bit outside Banff, Marble Canyon is one of the best winter hikes for families in the region. It’s located in Kootenay National Park and is well worth the short detour.

Marble Canyon is short, easy, and full of visual interest. The trail follows a deep limestone canyon with bridges crossing over rushing water and frozen sections below. Even in winter, you can see and hear the water flowing under the ice, which kids usually find fascinating.

This hike works especially well with younger kids because there’s always something to look at. In a few sections, the trail slopes gently enough that kids often slide down on their snow pants, which adds to the fun.

Trail details:

• Distance: 1.4 km out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 246 m

Marble Canyon is one of our favourite winter hikes with kids. It’s short, engaging, and feels very different from the forested trails around Banff.

What to Know Before Winter Hiking in Banff With Kids

Winter hiking in Banff is very doable with kids, but a bit of planning makes a big difference. Trails can be icy, weather can change quickly, and daylight is shorter in winter.

Here’s what we always keep in mind before heading out.

Check Trail Conditions Before You Go

Trail conditions can change overnight. Before every hike, we check recent trail reports to see if the trail is icy, packed down, or partially closed.

Apps like AllTrails are helpful for recent reviews. It’s also a good idea to check Parks Canada trail conditions and bulletins before leaving. This is especially important for Banff winter hiking trails that follow water, like Johnston Canyon or Bow Falls.

Wear the Right Winter Hiking Gear

Good winter boots with grip are essential. Trails are often packed snow with icy sections underneath.

We always bring:

• Microspikes or crampons
• Warm layers that can be adjusted
• Gloves and a warm hat
• Extra socks for kidsHiking poles are optional but helpful, especially for adults on icy sections.

Bring Snacks and Water (Even in Winter)

Kids burn a lot of energy in the cold. We pack more snacks than we think we’ll need and keep them somewhere easy to reach.

Water bottles can freeze, so insulated bottles work best in winter.

Carry Bear Spray and Know How to Use It

Wildlife is still active in winter. Encounters are rare, but Banff and the surrounding areas are wildlife corridors.

We always carry bear spray, even on short winter hikes, and keep kids close and visible on the trail.

Pack a Small First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit is always worth bringing. Slips happen more often in winter, even on easy trails.

Bandages, blister care, and wipes are usually all we need, but having them gives peace of mind.

FAQ – Winter Hiking in Banff With Kids

Final Thoughts: Which Winter Hike in Banff Is Best for Families?

There is no single “best” winter hike in Banff for families. The right trail depends on your kids’ ages, energy level, and how much distance you want to cover.

With toddlers or younger kids, Fenland Loop, Cascade Ponds, and Johnson Lake are hard to beat. They are short, easy, and interesting without feeling overwhelming.

With older kids, Tunnel Mountain, Two Jack Lake, and Johnston Canyon to the Upper Falls add a bit more challenge while still being very manageable in winter.

If you want maximum scenery with minimal effort, Lake Louise Lakeshore and Peyto Lake Viewpoint are excellent winter stops. And if you are open to a short drive, Marble Canyon is one of the most memorable family winter hikes near Banff.

Winter hiking in Banff does not need to be intense or technical to be rewarding. With good traction, warm layers, and realistic expectations, these Banff winter hiking trails are a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the quieter side of the park with kids.