A Week in the Rockies: Exploring Banff Park Campgrounds and the Banff National Campground on a Family Adventure
I’m grateful for the incredible response from our community when I asked for camping stories—so many of you stepped up to share your adventures. Today, we’re featuring the Carter Family, fresh off their annual trip to the breathtaking Kananaskis Country. Michael has shared a wealth of tips and insider tricks to help make your own getaway just as unforgettable. Let’s dive in!
🚐 Introduction
Michael and Emma Carter, along with their 10‑year‑old son Noah, live in the Dalhousie neighbourhood in northwest Calgary. Nestled within a mature, well-established community of about 9,000 residents, Dalhousie known for its family-friendly atmosphere, abundant parks, and access to the Dalhousie C‑Train station, it’s an ideal home base for the Carters—combining Calgary convenience with easy connectivity to downtown and the Rockies.
With school out and summer sun beckoning, they planned a week‑long camping trip along the Bow Valley — three nights at Mount Kidd RV Park (just outside Kananaskis), followed by four nights at Lake Louise Campground in Banff National Park. They dubbed it “banff park campgrounds and banff national campground adventure,” eager to connect with mountains, lakes, and trails along the way.
Days 1–3: Mount Kidd RV Park, Kananaskis Country
About six weeks before their departure, Michael logged onto the Mount Kidd RV Park website. The online booking system was straightforward: he selected “RV site – water & power hookup”, choosing site C11 (well spaced, with views into the woods). He paid the nightly rate (~CAD 55 plus park fee), received a printable confirmation, and saw rules and COVIDera guidelines on packing bore spray and respecting wildlife.
🚘 Arrival & camp amenities
Arriving midday, the Carters checked in at the small office. They were given a paper map, WiFi password (low bandwidth), and directions to site C11 — a level graveled pad with a picnic table, fire ring, and fresh water faucet nearby. The washrooms with flush toilets and showers were within short walking distance. Every campsite had a bear locker for food storage and nearby trash bins. The setting was quiet, shaded by lodgepole pine and spruce.
🗺️ Why this is a great spot
Mount Kidd RV Park is ideal in mid June to early September for warm days, fair weather, and open facilities (though early May or late September can be cool or muddy). It’s a perfect base to explore the trails of Kananaskis Country, less crowded than Banff.
🌲 Exploring the 10 best hikes in Kananaskis Country
While based at Mount Kidd, the Carters tackled several excellent hikes. These are widely considered among the 10 best hikes in Kananaskis, including their top three.
Top 10 Highlights (in no strict order):
- Prairie Mountain Summit
- Fullerton Loop Trail
- Picklejar Lakes Trail
- Upper Highwood Trail
- Chester Lake (from Mt. Shark access)
- Rawson Lake
- Ribbon Falls + Paget Lookout
- Ptarmigan Cirque
- Yamnuska (East End)
- Heart Creek Loop
1. Prairie Mountain Summit (top pick)
The trailhead is a short drive from Mount Kidd. Noah loved the steady climb: a rocky, root staircase path winding up through lodgepole pine. The summit offers 360° views: the Rockies to the west, Calgary faint on the eastern horizon, and prairie plains unfolding. Signage is clear; hikers are reminded not to braid the trail, to keep the fragile ecosystem intact. Though the incline is moderate, hiking poles helped on the descent. Parking is in small lots just off Highway 40 (100 m west of the trailhead entrance, or another 100 m west) — roadside only if full. On sunny days, sunscreen is a must as shade is sparse. Noah spotted patches of wildflowers blinking amid the rocks.
A nearly flat 12 km circular trek with wide, wellsigned paths. When hiked counterclockwise, the group enjoyed a gradual incline followed by a steeper descent. Views exist, though more dramatic going clockwise. In summer, cows grazing on alpine pastures appeared; Emma warned Noah to step aside since cows can sometimes hold their ground unless gently urged onward. There were muddy patches, easily managed with sturdy boots. Wildflowers – especially Noah and pine meadow mixtures – brightened the ridges. The trail gets busy; on nice weekends, parking fills by around 9:30 a.m. but since it’s looped and wide, crowds aren’t intrusive.
Remote and unmaintained, this is a “hidden gem.” There’s no marked parking or facilities, and cell reception is spotty. The Carters picked up a safety advisory at a Kananaskis Visitor Centre and carried bear spray. They studiously followed offline AllTrails directions to find the small access point across the highway. The trail began through dusty forest sections and gradually shifted to loose rocks nearer the lakes. After 5 km they reached the first lake – where Noah splashed—and considered turning back, but they pushed on to successive lakes for a total of around 10 km. The exposure made sunscreen essential. At the vista lake they rested and admired the remote alpine scenery—definitely worth the effort with proper navigation and footwear.
Other notable hikes
– Upper Highwood Trail, Chester Lake, Rawson Lake, Ribbon Falls + Paget Lookout, Ptarmigan Cirque, Yamnuska East End, Heart Creek Loop offered a mix of alpine lakes, waterfalls, cirques and panoramic peaks—each a reward for a half‑to‑full‑day outing with varying challenge levels.
⛳ Golf & relaxation at Kananaskis
Michael and Noah booked a round at Kananaskis Golf Course. They played the signature 14th hole: a dramatic par‑4 dogleg with a tee shot over a glacial valley ending at a green framed by mountain peaks. The 7th hole, a par‑3, dropped over a ravine to a narrow green—requiring precise iron placement. The recent renovations (following the devastating 2011 flood) restored bunkers and fairways, improved drainage, and replanted native grasses, making the course both environmentally sensitive and breathtaking. They enjoyed lunch at the clubhouse overlooking the valley: elk‑burger with hand‑cut fries and local berry pie with mountain vistas behind. Just unforgettable.
Transition to Banff
On Day 4, they packed up Mount Kidd and drove approximately 90 minutes (~120 km) along Highway 40 and Trans‑Canada Highway to reach Banff National Park. At the park gate, the day rate for a Family or Group Entrance Pass was about CAD 20; a weekly Parks Canada Discovery Pass (valid 7 days) cost around CAD 72, which Michael got since they’d be at Banff four nights. They passed through Banff townsite (free to stroll), stopped at the Banff Visitor Centre in town (free pamphlets, Washrooms, Bear Safety info)—a worthwhile quick stop even though access to Bow River trails is generally free.
Days 4–7: Lake Louise Campground (Banff National Campground)
🏕️ Checking in
Michael arrived early at Lake Louise Campground (tented section), using his reservation receipt to check‑in at the kiosk. Staff directed them to site T35, a treed, flat tent pad with picnic bench, fire pit and food‑locker. Flush toilets, potable water taps, and a campsite amphitheater for ranger talks were nearby. The site was quieter and more shaded than the RV loop; Noah appreciated the tranquility and chance to scavenge pinecones.
Why the “banff national campground” is special
Lake Louise Campground is one of the premier banff national campground experiences—situated minutes from Lake Louise itself, yet quiet after evening lodge traffic receded. The early‑summer months (mid‑June to early September) bring mild weather, early long days, and access to most trailheads. In late May or early October, snow or muddy access may limit some trails.
🌄 The 10 best hikes in Banff National Park
While at Lake Louise, the Carters tackled hikes from the list of Banff’s 10 top hikes:
- Lake Agnes Trail
- Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls & Viewpoint
- Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots
- Plain of Six Glaciers
- Moraine Lake Rockpile & Consolation Lakes
- Sentinel Pass from Larch Valley
- Booth Glacier Trail
- Peyto Lake & Bow Summit
- Sunshine Meadows
- Mount Rundle via Sulphur Mountain (via gondola or footpath)
🥇 Lake Agnes Trail (Emma’s favourite)
From behind the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, they set off early. The wide trail with switchbacks provided early views of Lake Louise and distant Nokhu Crags. Noah paused at Mirror Lake to admire the reflection of Big Beehive above. The family continued to Lake Agnes and reached the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, built in 1901 by Canadian Pacific Railway. The cozy wooden cabin had no electricity or waste bins; everything—including food and garbage—was carried in/out by staff on foot or horseback. They enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches and herbal tea lakeside. Emma loved the peaceful turquoise water beneath steep cliffs and whispering larches. The trail is open roughly early June through October; Michael noted avalanche hazard outside those months unless equipped with ice cleats. Parking at Lake Louise fills early—by 8 a.m. is best.
🥈 Johnston Canyon to Upper Falls & Viewpoint
Chosen for Day 5, this trail started right behind Johnston Canyon Resort. The family followed catwalks narrow against canyon walls to the Lower Falls after ~1 km, accessible through a short tunnel—Noah squealed as she emerged into misty views. Despite many families turning back there, the Carters pressed on to the Upper Falls (~2.7 km), then climbed an additional 265 m to a bird’s‑eye lookout platform high above the falls. Trails and catwalks are embedded in the limestone canyon. They respected wildlife rules (no feeding, stay on path) and learned pets and drones are prohibited. They found summer conditions perfect; in winter the canyon becomes ice‑covered and needs microspikes.
🥉 Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots
Instead of turning around, the Carters continued ~3 km past Upper Falls into a subalpine forest that opened into a meadow dotted with six colored bubbling Ink Pots. The pools glowed green to deep blue. They paused for lunch on a boulder, marveling at geology and stillness. With far fewer hikers past the falls, this section felt private and immersive, richly varied: canyon walls, forest shade, open meadows, diamond‑clear pools. Noah called it her favourite hike of the entire trip.
⛳ Banff Springs Golf (Dad & kid time)
On Day 6, Michael and Noah played a round at Banff Springs Golf Club. They played the signature 5‑hole, a par‑5 with stone‑cliff backdrop and water hazards looping around the 18th green. The course’s redesigns over recent years improved drainage and restored bunkers and native grasses, following flooding that impacted the area. They lunched after on the patio with burgers and colas, overlooking Castle Mountain’s silhouette—so serene and tasty with views, they agreed it was a highlight of the Banff side of the trip.
Other campsites near Banff / Lake Louise
Close to Lake Louise Campground, a few other banff park campgrounds and banff national campground options exist:
- Lake Louise RV Loop – serviced RV sites with showers and full hookups
- Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds (loops A–E) near Banff town – reserve tent, group, or RV sites with easy town and hot springs access
- Two Jack Main & Group – smaller, cozy tent‑only beside Two Jack Lake
All are operated by Parks Canada and can be booked via the same reservation system. They vary in privacy, proximity to lakes, and facilities (some only have pit toilets, others flush).
🌟 Best time to go, tips & tricks
- Best season: mid‑June through early September offers warm temperatures, full services, open parks, and vibrant wildflowers.
- Avoid crowding: hikes and parking lots fill early—arrive before 8 a.m. at Lake Louise, before 9:30 a.m. at Kananaskis trailheads.
- Parks pass: get a weekly Discovery Pass (~CAD 72) if you’ll visit multiple days. One‑day passes (~CAD 20) work if just passing through.
- Bear safety: always carry bear spray, use food lockers, cook away from sleeping area, hike in groups on remote trails (especially Picklejar).
- Respect the trails: don’t braid or shortcut on Prairie Mountain or other sensitive zones; stay on designated paths.
- Equipment: bring sturdy hiking boots, poles (especially for steeper trails), sunscreen, layered clothing, microspikes if visiting early or late.
- Book early: campgrounds and golf tee times can sell out in summer—reserve 45–60 days ahead.
- Visit free attractions: stroll Banff Avenue, visit Bow River Falls, stop at the Banff town Visitor Centre, enjoy ranger talks at the campground amphitheatre.
✅ Summary of their week:
| Day | Base Camp | Highlights |
| 1–3 | Mount Kidd RV Park (Kananaskis) | Hiked Prairie Mountain, Fullerton Loop, Picklejar Lakes; golf at Kananaskis; peaceful pine‑forest camping |
| 4 | Drive to Banff (1.5 h) | Scenic Trans‑Canada route; acquired weekly parks pass; visited Banff town |
| 4–7 | Lake Louise Campground (tent) | Hiked Lake Agnes, Johnston Canyon (Upper Falls & Ink Pots); golf at Banff Springs; ranger talk at campground |
The Carters returned home sun‑tanned, tired (in a happy way), alive with memories of turquoise lakes, roaring waterfalls, wildflower meadows and shimmering mountain vistas. Their journey offered a seamless blend of comfortable campground experiences at two top‑notch banff park campgrounds followed by spectacular banff national campground adventures.
In Conclusion
This family’s week‑long camping road trip from Calgary perfectly illustrates how a stay at Mount Kidd RV Park plus nights in Lake Louise Campground can give you both peaceful campground stays and access to the Banff National Campground experience. With effortless online booking, well‑equipped campsites, and proximity to some of Alberta’s top hikes, golf courses, lakes and scenery — it’s a recipe for a memorable summer escape.
Photo Credits: Tripadvisor, All Trails and Lake Louise Campground
If you made it this far in the article, you may also be interested in:
