The Ultimate 9 Step Guide to Family Fun in Lake Louise: Memory-Making Adventures in Banff National Park
When it comes to planning a family getaway, the best way to go is to get the buy-in from the kids. Not only does this guide give you a bunch of family-fun adventure ideas, but also includes a checklist to plan your trip. The best part is that it includes high-value hacks that will maximize your efforts and minimize stress. We want you to feel organized and ready to get the most out of your Lake Louise dream Rocky Mountain vacation! Here are a few ways to ensure it goes just right.
Step 1 - Plan Your Itinerary
Decide on key attractions and activities. Lake Louise offers options from the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake to the Lake Louise Summer Gondola ride. Our summer activities guide can help create a memorable plan.
Have you seen Lake Louise's newest festival, Kid Fest? It's sure to be a core memory generator that you don't want to miss.
Parent Travel Hack #1: Engage the kids in planning by letting them pick a few activities. Use colourful sticky notes to create a kid-friendly itinerary visual that can easily be adjusted on the go.
Step 2 - Secure Your Shuttle Service
Ensure you read ahead and book the applicable Lake Louise Summer Shuttle to visit Moraine Lake or Lake Louise since parking is unavailable at these sites.
Parent Travel Hack #2: While waiting in line or on the shuttle ride, play “Who Am I” - like 20 questions but unlimited guesses are allowed! They’ll love guessing their favourite TV show character or family member.
Step 3 - Book Your Accommodation Early
Book your accommodations well in advance. We offer a variety of rooms and suites. Reserve your stay early to ensure comfort after a day of exploration.
Parent Travel Hack #3: Choose accommodations with kitchenettes for quick meals and snacks. This is perfect for super-important late-night snacks.
Step 4 - Enjoy Complimentary Breakfast and Pack a Picnic
Start your day with FREE breakfast at Mountaineer Lodge. The buffet has tons of hearty options to fuel your day’s adventures. Consider packing a picnic lunch! There’s a grocery store in Samson Mall or the Trailhead Cafe is a fan favourite in Lake Louise - both are just a 5 minute walk from the Mountaineer Lodge. Explore dining options in Lake Louise.
Parent Travel Hack #4: Freeze waterbottles overnight to use as ice packs that double as cold drinks by lunchtime.
Step 5 - Pack Smart and Light
Traveling with kids can feel like bringing the entire house and the kitchen sink, but don’t worry, we’ve got lots of room for everyone’s stuff! PLUS we can set up a pack-and-play in your room if you let us know ahead of time!
Parent Travel Hack #5: want to prevent the inevitable "a bomb went off in our hotel room"? As soon as you arrive, designate one shelf or space for each kids' stuff in the room. If you pack everyone's clothes in packing cubes, it will be easier to keep organized in your room.
Parent Travel Hack #6: Bring a roll of green painter's tape for keeping kids entertained, making roads for hot wheels, dividing spaces, or creating bracelets for natural wildflower and leaf masterpieces on walks.
Step 6 - Early Starts and Layer Up
Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Make sure everyone has layers and protective jackets. Start your days early for a more relaxed experience.
Parent Travel Hack #7: Lay out clothes the night before and have day packs ready with essentials like water bottles, snacks, and sunscreen. How is it that everything in the morning takes 10 times longer??
Step 7 - Discover Top Family-Friendly Activities
- Hiking: Lake Louise offers numerous family-friendly hiking trails. Get a list of ideas with all the details here.
- Rafting & Canoeing: Paddle across the serene waters of Lake Louise. For details, check out Wild Water Adventures and the Family Voyager Canoe Experience.
- Wildlife Viewing: Look out for incredible wildlife that calls this area home. Remember not to feed them and keep your distance.
- Biking: The Tramline Trail connects the village of Lake Louise to the lakeshore. For rentals, visit Wilson Mountain Sports.
- Sweet Treats: Visit the candy store at Samson Mall, Old Tyme Candy Shoppe.
Parent Travel Hack #8: Download audiobooks to relax while keeping an eye on your kids playing at the beach, park, or hot tub area.
Step 8 - Capture the Moment
Take MANY photos and video clips. Ask fellow travelers to take a family photo or prop your camera up on a bench or even a couple of rocks. This way, everyone can be in the frame. You’ll thank yourself later!
Parent Travel Hack #9: Save your digital memories to a folder titled "Lake Louise Family Vacay." Edit a video afterward to remember your adventures.
Step 9 - Prioritize Morning Rituals
TOP tip: Have a morning ritual of connection, like a 10-minute cuddle sesh or a family dance party. Spend 2 minutes reviewing the day's plan to help kids know what to expect. Be sure to bring their wake up clock from home so they understand when it’s wake up time!
For more activities and tips, visit our summer activities page.
By following these tips, you can ensure a well-organized and enjoyable vacation. We look forward to welcoming you to Mountaineer Lodge and helping you create unforgettable memories. Watch our short video for a glimpse of a perfect family summer vacation in Lake Louise.
Feel free to contact us for any further information or to make your booking today. We can’t wait to see you in Lake Louise!
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Call 1-855-556-8473
