Any ideas of hikes suitable for a 5 and 8 year old in the Lake Louise/Banff area would be appreciated, as well as any other ideas of things to see and do...thank you

Hi sueger,

I have never camped at Lake Louise. However, a friend of mine who RVs a lot has told me that the Lake Louise campground is a bad spot because it's right next to the railway line. She says that trains go through and blow their whistles at night.

She said the Tunnel Mountain campground on the outskirts of Banff townsite is a better spot from that point of view.

Without knowing the 5-year-old in question, it's hard to know what he/she could handle. For sure he/she would be able to get up to the top of the pile of rocks at the north end of Moraine Lake. That's 9 miles from Lake Louise is even more beautiful than the better known view of Lake Louise.

Your grandkids certainly would be able to walk in Johnston Canyon.

They might like the ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle at the Columbia Icefields.

They'd probably be interested in the Spiral Railway Tunnels in Yoho National Park, just to the west of Lake Louise.

They might like riding the gondola up Sulphur Mountain, just outside of Banff townsite.

There are a number of lakes where you can rent canoes -- Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Emerald Lake for starters.

I suggest you buy "Walks and Easy Hikes in the Canadian Rockies" by Graeme Pole. It will be very helpful in selecting trails that are suitable for your travel party.

The walk from the Chateau Lake Louise to the other end of the lake would be quite easy for your children. There is not really any climbing involved (unless you want to head up to the Tea House). It is just a nice 1 hour walk.

Hi Sueger,
Definitely walk up Sulphur Mtn with the kids (very close to the Rimrock Hotel in Banff) - it has very easy switchbacks and the great thing is that you can then take the gondola down for free.

Would also suggest Johnston Canyon - you can walk as far as you like there and turn back whenever the kids get tired. Again, very easy marked trail. Boom Lake Trail is also a very gradual hike, and at the end you get beautfiul mountain vistas and a gorgeous clear lake that lies about 1900 metres above sea level.

Unless you kids are used to hiking, don't push too much, kids never complain while they're having fun, but if their little legs are used to this, they will be hurting at the end of the day. Have a great trip.

Oops - sorry for the typo. Meant to say "if their little legs aren't used to this".