7 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary with Kids: 5 National Parks!
The Canadian Rockies have some of the most epic mountain landscapes we’ve ever seen. The beautiful mountain views, unique trails, and stunning lakes have us always dreaming of our next visit! This 7 day Canadian Rockies itinerary with kids will walk you through all the best hikes and stops in five Canadian National Parks! From Kootenay to Glacier to Revelstoke, Yoho, and of course Banff – you’ll have endless adventures ahead!
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Overview of Your 7 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary
Day 1: Golden, BC
Day 2: Glacier National Park Canada
Day 3: Revelstoke National Park
Day 4: Yoho National Park to Banff
Day 5: Canmore & Banff
Day 6: Banff National Park
Day 7: Kootenay National Park
Day 1 Canada National Parks Road Trip
Arrive in Golden, BC
Depending on where you’re coming from, you can do this itinerary in reverse. We chose to start our trip in Golden, British Columbia because it’s a cute little mountain town that is an epic home base for a Canadian National Parks adventure!
Head to the Kicking Horse PEdestrian Bridge
You can’t visit Golden, BC and not head downtown. The Kicking Horse Pedestrian bridge is an iconic Golden stop. You can walk along the river and get some fun pictures on the bridge.
Grab Dinner on a Patio Downtown
If you’re at the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, you’re already within walking distance to several great restaurants. We enjoyed our meal at Reposados, but other fun spots are Red Tomato Pies Ltd, or the Wolf’s Den. As long as you’re on a patio, you’ll love the atmosphere in downtown Golden!
Spend the Evening at the Golden Skybridge
The Golden Skybridge is a can’t miss when you visit Golden, BC. Here you can visit the highest suspension bridge in Canada, and more adventure activities if you’re up for it! They have a canyon swing, a mountain coaster, a zipline, and a fun playground if you’re visiting with littles. There is fun for all ages! and YES you can take a baby on the Skybridge, you’ll just need them to walk or be in a front pack.
If you want more about Golden, BC – here are some of our other resources to help you plan your trip!
- The Perfect Outdoorsy 3 Day Golden, BC Itinerary
- 13 Fun Things to do in Golden, BC with Kids
- Is Golden, British Columbia Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons You Need to Visit!
Day 2 Canadian Rockies Itinerary
Visit Glacier National Park Canada
Did you know there is a Glacier National Park in Canada as well? We sure didn’t! It’s a completely separate park and it’s absolutely stunning. It’s located about 1 hour from Golden, BC and it is one of our favorite Canadian Rockies itinerary stops.
Still confused? Read this article!! Glacier National Park Canada vs USA
Hike to Bear Creek Falls
The hike to Bear Creek Falls was beautiful. It’s a 0.8 mile trail that takes you through the forest and ends with a huge waterfall. This is a can’t miss family friendly trail in Glacier National Park.
Drive the Trans-Canada Highway Through the Park
The highway that runs through the park had my jaw on the floor. You can see massive mountains and glaciers. It was a stunning drive and we loved all the beautiful views!
Visit the Rogers Pass Discovery Center
The Rogers Pass Discovery Center is along the Trans-Canada Highway that runs through the park. Here you can visit the small gift shop, see some animal displays, and talk to a ranger if you have questions about the park. And if you have a National Parks passport, you can get it stamped here! We used our USA National Parks passport and just stamped the Rocky Mountain Section.
Hike the Rockgarden Trail
The Rockgarden Trail (0.4 miles) is one of our kids favorite hikes we’ve ever done. If you have little climbers in the family, this trail is for you. Your kids will get a chance to climb over boulders experience a little bit of climbing action! Look for the brochures at the beginning of the trail that give you a guide on finding the mysterious symbols along the way!
Walk the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk
The Hemlock Grove Boardwalk is the perfect short walk for kids (0.2 miles), and it’s stroller friendly! It doesn’t havae epic mountain views, but it is a fun trail to find some red chairs and see some big trees.
Day 3 in the Canadian Rockies
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park is a totally underrated Canadian Rockies itinerary stop located right near Revelstoke, British Columbia. It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Golden to Revelstoke, plus you’ll need to account driving time for driving up the Meadows in the Sky Parkway to the summit.
The drive to the summit is beautiful and has a ton of great stops along the way, so it definitely doesn’t feel like a long drive! The stops below are along the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. I would recommend grabbing a map at the entrance station so you can see where you’re at on the road on the way up.
Check out our other post you want more information on Mount Revelstoke National Park with Kids!
Nels nelsen Viewpoint
One of our favorite stops in Mount Revelstoke National Park. This is a short little trail that shows you what it’s like to literally be in the shoes of a ski jumper. I would highly recommend you lean into the pants and see what it’s like! It’s a bit scary, but a fun and unique trail in Mount Revelstoke.
Revelstoke Viewpoint
One of the amazing viewpoints along the trail that is perfect for getting out to stretch your legs or take some beautiful pictures. Lots of the viewpoints have great views and are worth a stop – so if you have extra time you can make more stops.
Mount Revelstoke Summit
The Mount Revelstoke Summit has a ton of incredible short trails that are perfect for families. There are beautiful wildflower meadows and lots of trails that have epic views of lakes and mountains beyond. Be warned, the mosquitoes can be bad up at the summit. I would highly recommend bringing bug spray and wearing long sleeves and pants.
Day 4 Canadian Rockies Itinerary
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is the perfect stop as you’re driving from Golden to Banff or Canmore. It’s only about 20 minutes from Golden and on the way to Banff National Park.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is a must visit when driving through Yoho National Park and one of the most beautiful places on this 7 day Canadian Rockies itinerary. It’s less crowded than some of the other options like Lake Louise, but it’s equally beautiful in my opinion (and you don’t need a reservation to visit). It still can get busy so if you can, visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. You can also lose the crowds by walking the trails around the lake.
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is located near Emerald Lake and makes for a very easy roadside stop. It is more of a roadside attraction than a hike, but it’s a fun accessible stop with a beautiful view. Here you can see rushing water that has carved its way through the rock.
Field, BC Visitor Center
If you like getting your National Parks passport stamped, you can stop here at the visitor center in Field, BC. They also have a small gift shop and park rangers available if you want additional information about other trails in Yoho National Park.
Yoho National Park with Kids: How to Spend a Relaxing and Beautiful Morning
Optional: Visit Lake Louise
If you’re dying to visit Lake Louise, stopping on the way from Golden to Canmore/Banff is a good idea since it’s on the way. Just keep in mind you’ll have to get a reservation. I would NOT recommend trying to take your personal vehicle to Lake Louise because there is a 99% chance you will get turned away.
You can book a reservation for the shuttle here! It is a beautiful lake, but it’s very crowded.
Head to your Accommodations in Banff or Canmore
For the next 3 days of this Canada National Parks road trip with kids, you can stay in either Canmore of Banff. Canmore is generally cheaper and a little quieter, but Banff is more of a picturesque town (although you will be fighting with crowds). We’ve stayed in both Canmore and Banff and both are great, just depends on what type of vibe you are looking for.
Since you’ll likely be arriving mid day, I would recommend staying out of downtown Banff until the next day. Obviously if you have accommodations downtown it’s not a problem, but it’s just very crowded and parking can be an issue mid day. We enjoy the town much more early in the morning and in the evening.
Day 5 Canada National Parks Road TRip
Take a Picture with the Banff Sign
If you want a picture with the iconic Banff town sign, you’ll want to go early (unless you’re okay with waiting in line). It’s a fun photo op located in town!
Explore Downtown Banff
Since you’re hopefully arriving at the Banff sign early in the day, it’s a great opportunity to explore the cute mountain town of Banff. It’s truly a fantastic little town with a ton of fun shops, great places to eat, and unique signs. Spending the morning in Banff before it gets too busy is our favorite. Grab breakfast, a souvenir, and walk around town.
Spend the Afternoon at Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake
If you’re visiting Banff in the summer, there is a good chance it’ll be hot in the afternoon. We love Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka for a hot day. You can swim in these lakes, but swim at your own risk because the water is cold.
Hike the Stewart Canyon Trail
We love hiking and wanted to do as many hikes in Banff as possible. Stewart Canyon trail leaves from Lake Minnewanka and is the perfect Banff trail if you’re already hanging out at the lake. We love to hike to the bridge and turn around. The water in the canyon is ultra clear and really beautiful. Make sure to bring bear spray on this trail, and really every trail on this itinerary!
Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs
Banff Upper Hot Springs is a great place to relax in the evening. It’s pretty close to downtown Banff and it’s first come, no advance reservations allowed. Kids under 3 soak for free! Be mindful if it’s crazy hot outside when you visit Banff, you might not want to head to the pools until later in the evening.
Day 6 Canada National Parks Road TRip
Hike Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is an iconic Banff hike. If you only have time for one hike, make it this one! Get to the trailhead early (like 7 AM) and you can hike through a canyon with beautiful waterfalls along the way. There are rails along the trail for a good portion, and feels very safe for kids! You can do the whole trail for 3.4 miles (900 ft elevation) or just go part of the way if you’re not feeling up for the whole trail.
Explore Canmore
Canmore is Banff’s big sister town. But it’s a cute mountain town itself. While it’s often overshadowed by Banff, we think Canmore is great! Eat ice cream at Old School House ice cream, stop at a brewery (Grizzly Paw Brewing or Canmore Brewing), and walk the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk.
And check out our post if you want more fun things to do in Canmore with kids!
Three Sisters Viewpoint
For a cool view of the famous “Three Sisters” mountain in Canmore, park at the dog park and walk under the highway and train tracks. Follow the path to the little river where you’ll find a beautiful view!
Banff Gondola
Another way to get epic mountain views without the long hikes (which can be tough with kids!) is to take a gondola ride. The gondola brings you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain where you can experience beautiful views with minimal effort.
Day 7 Canada National Parks Road TRip
Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park was one of our favorite Canadian National Parks we visited on this trip. The beautiful contrasting colors, and the unique trails are 100% worth a stop if you have time on your Canada Rockies itinerary. It’s only 30 minutes from Banff which makes for an easy day trip.
Marble Canyon
Marble Canyon is a really kid friendly fun hike. You get to walk along a turquoise river and over a narrow and very deep canyon! The trail has a ton of fun bridges to cross and ends with views of a waterfall. The whole trail is just under a mile and has 137 ft of elevation.
Paint Pots
The paint pots trail is just after Marble Canyon and is the most colorful trail we’ve ever hiked. The trail is actually a bright orange color and ends at views of orange and green pools that are so interesting and beautiful! The trail is 1.3 miles with 187 ft elevation. It’s partially accessible with a stroller/wheelchair.
Numa Falls
Numa Falls is less of a hike and more of a roadside stop. It’s a continuation of the bright blue Vermillion River and this view of the river highlights a waterfall and a raging river that flows through rock that has been carved out by the river. We also saw beautiful pink flowers that really contrasted against the bright blue water.
Hot Springs
Depending on where you’re ending your trip, you may or may not want to stop at the hot springs. It’s a bit farther of a drive to the end of Kootenay National Park (for Radium Hot Springs) or 25 minutes farther south to Fairmont Hot Springs. We love a good soak after a day of hiking.
And here’s a bit more information about Kootenay National Park with Kids!
We hope you have the best time on your trip and enjoy this Canadian Rockies itinerary with your kids! We had an absolute blast on this trip and can’t wait to visit more of Canada’s National Parks with our kids. Let me know in the comments which part of this itinerary was your favorite!
