“The trip exceeded all of my expectations. The guides were amazing, interesting, well-educated, and entertaining. My kids loved every minute of it.”
-Elaine B.
Pack your kids and sense of adventure for this nonstop-action family journey through the Canadian Rockies with our Banff Family Vacation Package. Join our expert guides and discover the breathtaking panoramas of snow-clad peaks, crystalline glacial lakes, and different species of wildlife in Banff and Jasper National Parks. Glacier-trek, hike, horseback ride, bike, and whitewater raft your way through the pristine wilderness of “Wild Rose Country” on this stress-free, all-inclusive Alberta vacation package featuring Austin’s best-in-class, the award-winning standard for adventure travel, and our signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service. At the end of these fun-filled days, relax in a soothing whirlpool or curl up with a book by the distinctive Rundle Rock fireplace at one of our cozy lodges before indulging in some of Western Canada’s tastiest gourmet cuisine. In the evenings, kick back with the family, recounting how many elk, bear, and eagles you spied and laughing about the endless memories you’ve created on this unforgettable family trip-of-a-lifetime.
With glacier hikes, river rafting, horseback riding, and backcountry biking, this six-day Canadian Rockies adventure through Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise brings out the kid in everyone. Our exclusive, custom itinerary Banff Family Vacation Package crafted by the experts of best-in-class travel ensures that you enjoy the perfect balance of adventure and luxury and can simply hang out with kids, focusing on creating memories to last a lifetime, while we handle the details. Trust us – this is one for the books!
Tackle the playful whitewater rapids of the Kananaskis River
Take on the “Tour de Banff” by bike as you pedal along the Vermillion Lake Trail
Strap on a pair of crampons and trek across Athabasca Glacier with a local expert
Keep your eyes peeled for wolves, elk, and bighorn sheep on a bike ride along the Bill Milne Trail
Giddy up! Explore the Canadian Rockies by horseback on a trail weaving through quiet, forested countryside
Hike from the pristine shores of Moraine Lake to Consolation Lake, soaking up the spectacular snow-capped Rocky Mountain scenery along the way
Kick back after a savory dinner listening to the gurgle of Baker Creek from the porch of your cozy mountain chalet
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
The Kananaskis River race course rapids: jump in the water part way through your rafting trip and tackle the playful rapids in your life jacket.
02
Glacier treks on the Athabasca Glacier: a trek along this beautiful glacier in Jasper National Park is sure to leave you with a memory that will last a lifetime with our Banff Family Vacation Package.
03
Sentinel Pass: this extraordinary pass in the Canadian Rockies is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
Calgary / Kananaskis Valley/ Kootenay National Park
Early morning pick-ups in Calgary. After a short welcome meeting, discover your inner cowboy on a horseback ride through a beautiful forest with breathtaking views around every corner. Picnic lunch at the ranch. This afternoon, we take a scenic walk through Marble Canyon making our way to an impressive waterfall. Dinner tonight will be served at the Baker Creek Bistro. Relax for the rest of the evening at Baker Creek Chalet, your home for the next three nights.
About Baker Creek Chalet
Nestled in a peaceful wooded setting, beside Baker Creek, this lodge and cabins blend magically into their surroundings, far from the bustle of Lake Louise.
Baker Creek is an intimate casual mountain resort consisting of log chalets, lodge suites, a Bistro restaurant, and a Heritage Executive Conference Centre. It is family-owned and operated year-round.
Baker Creek is the perfect central location to explore mountain lakes, drive, hike, bike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, downhill ski, or just relax surrounded by some of the most famous scenery in the world.
Embark on a full-day hike over Sentinel Pass, rated one of the top hikes in Banff. Ascend from turquoise Moraine Lake past larch trees and alpine meadows to a delicious lunch. Take in spectacular vistas of Paradise Valley from nearly 8,900 feet atop the pass. Enjoy an amazing meal at The Station tonight.
Wake up early today for a scenic morning drive along the Icefield Parkway past numerous ice fields and glaciers. Arrive at Athabasca Glacier on the edge of Jasper National Park, where you’re outfitted in crampons and walking sticks. Spend the day hiking the glacier alongside a mountain guide, learning about its formation and the powerful way it shapes the land. Shuttle back to the Baker Creek Chalets for some R&R before tonight’s dinner.
This morning we stop off at one of Banff’s most famous sites: Lake Louise, famous for its turquoise lakes, Victoria Glacier, soaring mountain backdrop, and palatial hotel. Once you get your fill of photos, we move on to ride our bikes along the Vermillion Lakes Trail into Banff, with a picnic lunch along the way. After your spectacular day, enjoy dinner at a local’s favorite as you explore Banff on your own this evening. Your home for the next two nights will be the beautiful Banff Royal Canadian Lodge.
About Royal Canadian Lodge
Located in the heart of the mountain town, Royal Canadian Lodge is the quintessential Canadian lodge, with a distinctive Rundle Rock fireplace and walls covered in Canadian artwork.
The rooms are elegantly appointed with custom-made Canadian furnishings and Canadian artwork. The oversized bathrooms have an Alberta granite-topped vanity and a full bathtub and shower. Considered one of Canada’s premier national parks, Banff National Park has been designated a World Heritage Site, renowned for its majestic mountain ranges, and pristine mountain lakes and forests.
The Town of Banff is a sophisticated mountain resort featuring excellent shopping opportunities, diverse dining, and fun nightlife spots.
This morning, jump back on your bike and enjoy cycling through “K Country” on a mellow bike path perfect for families. An amazing picnic made by your guides will fuel you up for an afternoon of rafting! Load into rafts and paddle the exciting class II and III whitewater of the Kananaskis River. Our farewell dinner will be served at the Evergreen Restaurant at the lodge tonight.
A short shuttle will bring us to our trailhead where we will have time for one more hike around Johnson Lake. Shuttle back to Calgary to be dropped off at the airport or your hotel for your departure home.
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8:00 or 8:20 am, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Calgary airport (1:00 pm) or your Calgary hotel (1:30 pm).
Activities
Hiking: 3 to 10 miles per hike, easy to moderate terrain. Biking: 5 to 20 miles, easy to moderate terrain. Whitewater rafting: Class I-III rapids, no experience necessary. Horseback riding: 2-hour guided horseback ride, perfect for beginners.
Cultural Discoveries
Hike with a bird’s eye view from Sentinel Pass. Expand your mind as you learn about how the mountains were carved and shaped by glaciers. Spot as many different types of wildlife as you can while riding through Kananaskis Valley; grizzly bears, elk, or wolves are just some of the animals that frequent the area. In your cozy bed at your home away from home, recognize why Baker Creek Chalet received the Banff Heritage Tourism Award for authentic mountain lodging. Take in the views of Lake Louise while your guides educate as to why the lake is really that blue. Learn the ins and outs of glacier trekking as you strap on crampons to make your way up the icy surface of Athabasca Glacier. Visit one of Canada’s oldest and largest national parks, Jasper National Park designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Come discover for yourself this place they call Wild Rose Country.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions, except one dinner on your own, are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire, and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, except one dinner on own your own, refreshments, and receptions.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets, and other necessary equipment, all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags, and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner on your own.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Canada Expert
Will Woods
Unsure if that adventure in that wild place is right for you? Austin Adventures guide Will Woods will assure you it is, but he’ll also tell you how that trip will change your life, how to prepare for it, and why you should never pass up an opportunity to see breathtaking scenery, do thrilling things, and meet new people. Born beneath the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta, Will turned his love of adventure into a profession and has spent nearly 20 years building and leading adventure trips for a variety of guests, who all seem to catch his passion for wild places.
