Family Vacation: Banff, Canada (+ tips for traveling with a toddler)

Banff, Canada. The most picturesque place I have ever visited. Hands down. I don’t even have a top three that compares. This place has views that make you wonder if I just stood in front of a picture and made someone hold my camera for a shot.

Seeing Lake Louise in front of us while my family and I did tea time at the Fairmont was the highlight of the trip. The views that just surrounded us on the daily made it tough to leave- there is just no place that compares. Lake Minnewanka, Grassi Lakes Trail, Johnston Canyon, and even a gondola ride up to the tree tops had us in awe.

You guys, you need to go- you just do. My sister said it best, this is her #happyplace. I can totally see why.

Banff is for real people, let me count the ways:

Although traveling with a toddler was challenging, it helps to have family members that you trust that are willing to help so you can have a breather. I don’t know if I would recommend this particular trip for a 1-2 year old just because (1) they probably won’t remember it and (2) they aren’t at the age where you can do a trail or hike and have him/her walk with you.

Here are some basic tips to make it a bit easier:

• Rent equipment so you don’t have to lug it from home. We rented a stroller from One Tiny Suitcase (which also came with a booster seat for restaurants and at the hotel) which totally helped. We thought about bringing an umbrella stroller and I’m pretty sure we would’ve thrown it out the first day.
• If you can swing it, stay at a resort where there is a dining area and activities during the day. Unfortunately the place we looked at was booked for months so we stayed at a beautiful hotel that had its own kitchen. While it totally helped, room service, a dining room and activities inside the hotel would’ve made it easier.
• Pack toys and comfort items for your little one. We brought her favorite stuffed animals, books, bath toys and extra blankets (the hotel has a pack ‘n play and the padding on it is a joke.
• Bring more clothes than you need. Two outfits a day is what we did and we totally used them. Our little one was drinking so much water that she would leak through her diapers almost everyday. Wardrobe change!

She did get her passport stamped and is a world traveler now, so there’s something.

I am grateful for my parents that have built this family that is undeniably wonderful and thank them for such an incredible experience. Banff, Canada- I’ll see you soon.