Lake Louise Family Activities
A planning guide for families ready to try something new or revisit a favourite activity. From first gondola rides to dog sled runs, glacier-blue lakes to frozen canyon walks, Lake Louise has a remarkable ability to make every age feel like an explorer.
Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teenagers, or grandparents, this is the kind of destination that creates stories worth telling. The Mountaineer Lodge helps you make the most of your family quality time together.
Start with Lake Louise - Fantastic for Families Year-Round
Every family trip to Lake Louise begins at the same place: standing at the water's edge, watching the color shift from jade to turquoise depending on the light. In summer, rent a canoe and paddle across it. In winter, lace up skates and glide across it, or check out the ice carvings. It's one of those rare experiences that creates core memories for a five-year-old and a grandparent seeing it for the first time or the second or third, even.
Summer Activities for the Family
Johnston Canyon
Johnston's Canyon pairs the wonders of nature with active adventure. Walking along a paved canyon trail with walkways bolted into the rock above a rushing river, it feels like a real adventure even though it's very walkable. Good for kids five and up: the Lower Falls at 1.1km suits younger children, the Upper Falls at 2.7km rewards families with more energy.
Lake Louise Gondola and Wildlife Centre
Ride to 2,088 metres for sweeping views of Lake Louise and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Grizzly bear sightings from the gondola are genuinely not uncommon, making this one of the best wildlife experiences in the Rockies. Suitable for all ages and fully accessible. Learn all about local wildlife at the Wildlife Interpretive Centre.
Canoeing Moraine Lake or Lake Louise
Paddle across water so blue it looks edited, at either Moraine Lake or Lake Louise. Canoe rentals are available at both locations; younger kids paddle with adults, and teens 16 and up can rent independently.
Consolation Lakes
A relatively flat 3km return trail leading to a series of glacially fed lakes with towering peaks all around. One of the easier hikes in the area that still delivers a genuine Rockies payoff. Suitable for young children and adults alike. Very accessible for all levels.
Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
A 3.4km climb from the Lake Louise shoreline to a historic tea house perched above an alpine lake. Open to all ages, though a baby carrier is recommended for little legs on the steeper sections. Reward the family with tea and baked goods at the top.
Show Me All the Summer Activities
Get all of the details on summer fun in Lake Louise
Winter Activities for the Family
Ski & Snowboarding
Western Canada's largest ski resort, with terrain for first-timers through to experts and a dedicated ski school for kids of all ages. The views from the top make it clear this is skiing in the Canadian Rockies, not just a ski hill.
Dog Sledding
Meet the dogs, learn the culture, and mush through a snow-covered forest trail on a guided tour. Operators in the Lake Louise area run sessions suited to families with young children. All ages welcome. They've even had a baby go on a sled-dog trail ride.
Tubing at Lake Louise Ski Resort
The resort's dedicated tubing park is no-skill-required and high-fun, a great option for younger kids not ready for skis yet. Slot it into a ski day or book it as a standalone afternoon. Open to kids three and up. A fan favourite with teens.
Johnston Canyon IceWalk
The same canyon trail transforms completely in winter: the waterfalls freeze into towering ice formations that you walk directly up to. A Parks Canada-maintained trail with interpretive signage throughout. Best for kids five and up. Ice cleats are recommended. If you book this through a tour guide, they will provide everything.
Ice Skating on Lake Louise
Skating on a frozen Lake Louise is a classic Canadian experience worth planning around. Ice is maintained through winter, skate rentals are available at the Fairmont Chateau or near the Mountaineer Lodge, at Wilson Sports, and the backdrop of snow-dusted peaks is completely unforgettable. All ages.
Show Me all the Winter Activities
There's more than skiing and snowboarding in Lake Louise. Find out.
The Right Base for Family Adventure in Lake Louise
Most family activities on this page are within 15 minutes of Mountaineer Lodge, which makes a real difference when you're travelling with kids. Book direct and save 10%.
- • Comfortable, family-sized rooms
- • Dog-friendly rooms available
- • Breakfast on site
- • Hot tub and steam room
Questions about Family Vacations to Lake Louise
Lake Louise is accessible and enjoyable for a wide age range. The gondola, skating, walking around the lake, and even dog sledding are suited for toddlers and up. Hiking trails like Consolation Lakes and the Lake Agnes tea house are best for age five and up. The kids are sure to love the onsite breakfast at the Mountaineer Lodge and going for a hot tub dip at the end of the day.
A car is the most flexible option, but not totally necessary. Year-round, there are many transportation options from the Calgary airport and around the Lake Louise and Banff area. During the peak summer season, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise require a Parks Canada shuttle or authorized shuttle service provider to visit. In the winter, Mountaineer Lodge guests enjoy a complimentary door-to-door ski shuttle service to the Lake Louise Ski Resort. We're happy to help with transportation recommendations.
Despite being in the rugged Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is quite accessible to people with limited mobility. The gondola, a walk around Lake Louise, and lower Johnston Canyon are manageable for guests with reduced mobility.
Lake Louise is a year-round destination. Summer offers the widest range of activities; shoulder seasons have fewer crowds and lower prices than summer; winter is ideal for skiing, dog sledding, and the ice walk. A favorite activity - the Lake Louise Ice Festival happens in February. It's definitely worth seeing the incredible ice sculptures on the shores of frozen Lake Louise.
Yes. A day pass or Discovery Pass is required to visit Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway. This allows access to all park activities such as; Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, and Consolation Lakes. Purchase at park gates, online, or at the Welcome Centre in Lake Louise Village.