Banff Family Adventure in the Canadian Rockies
Your Choice of Signature Family Experiences and 3 Nights at Ptarmigan Inn for 4
This Experience for 4 Includes:
- Your choice of one of three unforgettable family adventures:
- Private SUV & Guided Tour — Spiral Tunnels, Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake, Kicking Horse Gondola & Grizzly Bear Refuge
- Cowboy Dinner & Horseback Ride — a classic Western adventure (wagon option available for younger children)
- Evening Wildlife Safari & Banff Gondola — guided animal-spotting tour plus gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain
- 3-night stay at Ptarmigan Inn in Banff with superior split-room accommodations — perfect for families
- Winspire booking & concierge service — seamless planning from start to finish
Banff is where family memories feel larger than life. Picture waking up to snow-dusted peaks glowing pink in the sunrise, then setting out together to spot elk grazing in the meadows or paddling across the turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Kids laugh as they skip stones along the shore, parents breathe in the crisp mountain air, and every trail reveals a new wonder — from hidden waterfalls to breathtaking vistas. In Banff, adventure is gentle enough for little explorers yet grand enough to awe everyone, making it the perfect backdrop for a trip you’ll treasure for years.
Choose Your Family Adventure
Option 1: Scenic Wonders & Wildlife Encounters
Step into your private SUV with an expert guide and set off on a day that feels like flipping through the pages of a storybook filled with the wonders of the Canadian Rockies.
Your adventure begins with the Spiral Tunnels, a marvel of engineering carved into the mountains to tame the mighty railway — kids and adults alike will be amazed as trains snake dramatically through looping passages against a backdrop of sheer cliffs and alpine forests.
Next, feel the cool spray of Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls. Watch in awe as water thunders nearly 1,000 feet down the cliff face, misting the air and creating shimmering rainbows on sunny days — the perfect family photo backdrop.
Continue on to the jewel-toned brilliance of Emerald Lake, where the water glows a shade of green so vibrant it almost doesn’t seem real. Stroll along the shoreline, skip stones with the kids, or simply breathe in the mountain air as the peaks reflect off the still surface.
At Kicking Horse, ride the gondola high above the valley, where every turn reveals a new postcard-perfect view. From snow-capped peaks to endless forests, the panorama is nothing short of breathtaking. At the top, the adventure takes a wild turn as you meet “Boo,” the resident grizzly bear, safe in his refuge. Kids will be captivated hearing Boo’s story and watching this magnificent animal up close in a way that’s both educational and unforgettable.
This day blends natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and fascinating stories into one seamless journey. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s a day of awe, discovery, and family moments that will be retold long after the mountains fade from view.
Option 2: Cowboy Dinner & Horseback Ride
Saddle up for a Western adventure that captures the spirit of Banff. Your evening begins with an hour-long horseback ride through the Bow Valley, following trails that wind along the shimmering Bow River and beneath the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. As your horse climbs toward Sulphur Mountain, each turn reveals new perspectives — forested slopes, mountain vistas, and the golden light of late afternoon stretching across the valley.
For younger children, the journey is just as magical from the comfort of a covered wagon that travels alongside, evoking the spirit of frontier days while keeping them close to the heart of the adventure.
At the halfway point, you’ll arrive at a rustic riverside camp where a traditional cowboy BBQ dinner awaits. Sizzling grills, hearty flavors, and the glow of a crackling fire create a gathering that feels straight out of a Western tale. With mountains standing guard in the distance, it’s a meal you’ll savor as much for the atmosphere as for the food.
As twilight falls, you’ll ride (or wagon) back along the trails, the Bow River reflecting the fading colors of the sky and the peaks silhouetted against the setting sun. This round-trip adventure weaves together landscapes, flavors, and timeless memories — a true taste of Banff’s cowboy heritage.
Option 3: Evening Wildlife Safari & Banff Gondola
As the sun begins to set, Banff’s valleys and meadows come alive. Step into a private SUV with your expert guide and set out on an evening wildlife safari, when animals are most active. Scan the ridgelines for bighorn sheep silhouetted against the sky, watch elk grazing in open meadows, and keep your eyes peeled for the flash of a deer or even the lumbering presence of a bear. Along the way, your guide weaves in fascinating stories about the park’s delicate ecosystem, the habits of its wild inhabitants, and the conservation efforts that keep this corner of the Rockies pristine. For kids and adults alike, it’s a rare glimpse into the untamed heart of the Canadian wilderness.
The adventure continues the next day with a ride on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. As your cabin climbs higher, sweeping panoramas of the Bow Valley and snow-dusted peaks unfold around you. At the top, wooden boardwalks lead you to 360° viewpoints where the Rockies stretch endlessly in every direction — a breathtaking reminder of nature’s scale and majesty. Whether you’re capturing family photos, tracing the ridgelines with your eyes, or simply pausing to breathe in the alpine air, this experience crowns your Banff adventure with wonder and perspective.
Together, the safari and gondola ride create a perfect pairing of wild discovery and awe-inspiring views, leaving your family with memories as vast and vivid as the mountains themselves.
Your Banff Base: The Ptarmigan Inn
Set in the heart of downtown Banff, the Ptarmigan Inn is the perfect mountain retreat for families eager to experience the Canadian Rockies together. With superior-split rooms designed to give everyone both privacy and space, it’s easy to settle in and feel at home. Interiors echo the rustic charm of the mountains — natural wood accents, cozy textures, and big windows that frame glimpses of the peaks outside. In the evenings, the inn becomes a welcoming retreat, where families can relax, recharge, and share stories from the day’s adventures.
Here, you’re surrounded by Banff’s beauty from the moment you wake until the stars come out over the Rockies — a true home base for discovery, comfort, and unforgettable family memories.
Please note:
- All family members must select the same adventure option for their stay.
- Horseback riding is available for guests ages 8 and older. Children 7 and under may ride along in a covered wagon. For rider safety, there is a 230 lb. weight limit for horseback participants.
- Package pricing is based on 2 adults and 2 children (ages 14 and under).
- A Banff National Park entrance fee is required and payable directly by the traveler upon arrival. This fee is not included in the package price.
- This experience is available seasonally from May through October.
Why This Experience Captivates Donors and Closes Bids
- Choose Your Adventure: From scenic sightseeing tours and wildlife encounters to horseback rides and cowboy dinners, every family can tailor the Rockies to their own style of fun.
- Something for Everyone: Whether it’s kids spotting elk in the wild, parents sipping coffee with mountain views, or the whole family sharing stories over a fireside dinner, this experience creates moments for all ages.
- Comfort Meets Adventure: Spacious, family-friendly accommodations at the Ptarmigan Inn provide a cozy retreat after days filled with exploration.
- Stress-Free Travel: With private guides, seamless transfers, and Winspire’s trusted concierge service, all the details are handled — leaving you free to focus on the memories.
- Lasting Memories: From gondola summits to cowboy trails, each day offers experiences that spark joy, wonder, and stories your family will share for years to come.
Package Redemption
Winspire Travel packages and experiences must be booked within one year of the purchase date. The actual travel date must occur within two years of the purchase date.
Booking & Concierge Services
Winspire provides a team of seasoned travel professionals to help you redeem your experience. We will book all travel-related details and reservations for every part of your experience. Included within our services, Winspire can assist with extra hotel nights, airfare, and additional guests as a full-service travel agency.
Additional Information
Reservations are subject to availability, blackout dates, and major holidays. Reservations must be booked 60 days in advance of travel. Purchases through charity fundraisers are non-refundable.
Blackout Dates
This experience is available seasonally from May through October. The week of major holidays and major local events. Additional dates may apply.
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