There’s something magical about sharing a snowy adventure with your kid — the kind that builds memories you’ll talk about for years. This winter, my 15-year-old son Liam and I headed to Banff National Park, Canada, and it turned into one unforgettable experience after the next. From dog sledding to ice hiking through a frozen canyon, we packed five incredible activities into our trip — and here’s exactly what made each one so special.

🐾 1. Dog Sledding with the Huskies

Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, Canmore

Kick off your Rockies winter with a thrilling dog sledding adventure! We spent a morning with the energetic huskies at Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours, gliding through pristine trails outside Canmore. The scenery alone — icy forests and snow-covered peaks — is worth the drive, but the real highlight was watching Liam take the reins and help mush the sled. The guides were great with teens and made it feel both exciting and safe.

💡 Pro tip: Book early — winter tours fill up fast!

Liam with Yeti and Sphinx our favorite dogs

🎣 2. Ice Fishing with Wapiti Sports & Outfitters

Wapiti Sports & Outfitters – Ice Fishing Adventures

If you’ve never been ice fishing, Banff in winter is an incredible place to try it — and Wapiti Sports & Outfitters in Canmore made it easy and fun. Clad in warm gear, we headed out onto a frozen lake with our guide and dropped our lines into the ice. It wasn’t just about catching fish (though the lake trout were a blast) — it was the quiet, snowy landscape around us that made the day.

🐟 Tip for families: Guides provide all gear and instruction, so even first-timers like us felt confident.

❄️ 3. Ice Hike at Johnston Canyon

One of the coolest experiences of the trip — literally and figuratively — was hiking Johnston Canyon in winter. We did both the Lower and Upper Routes, following a trail of frozen waterfalls and sculpted ice walls. The real surprise was getting down on the frozen canyon floor, looking up through tunnels of ice at the towering cliffs above us — a perspective you just can’t get in summer.

🌨️ This hike is stunning but icy — microspikes or crampons are a must, and it’s perfect for adventurous teens who love nature’s drama.

⛸️ 4. Ice Skating on Lake Louise

There’s something classic about ice skating on Lake Louise, surrounded by jagged mountains and the Victoria Glacier rising in the distance. We named our makeshift snowman “Olaf” (because, of course, he “likes warm hugs” 🧡), and after carving laps around the ice, we headed over to a nearby ice bar that opens at noon — a fun treat to warm up with hot drinks and views of the frozen lake.

Pro tip: Rent skates in Banff at Bactrax before heading to Lake Louise. This will save you time and money. Plus the employees are super cool and fun to talk to — Banff's Best & Cheapest Snow & Bike Rentals – Snowtips Bactrax

Ice skating on Lake Louise - huge mountains

🎿 5. Skiing at Sunshine Village

No Rockies winter trip would be complete without hitting the slopes, and Sunshine Village delivered. The snow here is legendary — plenty of fluffy powder, runs for every level, and the coolest finish: one trail named Wawa — a fun Easter egg for us, since “Wawa” is a beloved local convenience store back East in Pennsylvania.

🚡 Why Sunshine? The mountain spans three peaks with terrain that keeps both beginners and intermediate skiers stoked all day long.

❄️ Bonus Activity: Snowshoeing to the Painted Pots in Kootenay National Park

If you thought our Banff adventures were over, think again! We headed out on a snowshoeing tour to the Painted Pots in nearby Kootenay National Park, and it was a total winter wonderland. The trails were pristine, the scenery surreal, and the colors of the mineral‑rich Pots peeked through the snow like little hidden gems.

The real fun? Hot chocolate and maple taffy at a cozy stop along the way, plus some crazy sledding downhill where you had zero control — no stopping, no steering — just pure, laugh‑out‑loud chaos with Liam. It’s exactly the kind of unexpected joy that makes a winter trip unforgettable.

📌 Book your adventure here: Snowshoeing Tour to the Painted Pots via Viator

🏨 Where We Stayed

We based ourselves at Hotel Canoe & Suites — and it was such a great home base for our Banff adventure. Right at the beginning of Banff Avenue, it’s an easy walk into town, which was super convenient for daytime exploring.

One of my favorite touches was the little burlap bags they gave us at check‑in filled with fresh local tea from Banff Tea Co — such a cozy way to unwind in our room after a day out in the cold.

The view from the hot tub was absolutely stunning — a perfect way to relax while gazing at snowy peaks and mountain sky.

Don’t even think about skipping the on‑property café, Sudden Sally — the muffins alone are worth planning your morning around. We practically became regulars, showing up bright and early before our adventures… and somehow, magically, back in time for a nightcap before bed. By the end of our stay, meeting other guests and chatting with the staff felt like stepping into our very own winter version of Cheers — you know, the place where everybody knows your name. Except here, everyone also shared snowy adventures, hot chocolate tips, and muffin recommendations. By the last day, we really did feel like part of the family. (Sudden Sally Café)

Because it’s at the very beginning of Banff Avenue, we found the walk back from restaurants and shops at night a bit chilly in the winter — but in summer, I can imagine it feels a lot shorter and more pleasant. If you’d rather skip that cold trek, they offer free ROAM bus passes for guests to use Banff’s transit system, which makes getting around town even easier.

Helpful links:
• Hotel Canoe & Suites: https://hotelcanoeandsuites.com/
• Banff Tea Co: https://banffteaco.com/

❄️ Final Thoughts

Banff in winter isn’t just beautiful — it’s transformative. From the adrenaline of dog sledding to the quiet of ice fishing and the sheer joy of skating under the mountain sky, this trip didn’t just give us stories… it gave us moments. If you’re planning a winter escape with your teen — Suns Up Travel approved — Banff should be at the top of your list.

Banff with My Teen: 5 Epic Winter Adventures in the Canadian Rockies