
How to Spend Family Day Weekend in Banff and Lake Louise: Skiing & Off-Slope Fun
Looking for the perfect family ski getaway this Family Day Long Weekend? Banff National Park and SkiBig3 has you covered. With three world-class ski resorts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay, you’ll have nearly 8,000 acres of skiable terrain at your fingertips, plus a cozy ski town packed with great food, winter adventures and après ski fun for all ages. Whether it’s your first family ski trip or a yearly tradition, this guide has all the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your holiday Monday (February 16, 2026) with SkiBig3.
Before Arrival
Family Day weekend is a popular one around here, so booking ahead is key. Some important things to book ahead;
- Rentals – book three or more days in advance with SkiBig3 to save up to 15% off in-store prices and guarantee your sizes will be available. After trying your rentals on in store, take advantage of our free delivery service and get your gear delivered to your hotel. Staying in Canmore? Check out our new in-room rental fitting service for added convenience to have rentals delivered, fitted, and tech in the comfort of your accommodation!
- Lessons or private guides– lessons and guides are available at all three resorts and are worth it whether you’re brand new or just want to shake off the cobwebs. Starting your trip with a lesson sets you up for confidence and fun for the rest of the weekend.
- Lift tickets – book three or more days in advance, and you’ll find your lift tickets at your hotel check-in when you arrive! Available at participating Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore accommodations.
- Accommodation – check out our family friendly accommodation guide for recommendations on the best places to stay with kiddos.
- Restaurants & activities – Banff has no shortage of great places to eat, from cozy pubs and burger joints to sushi bars and steak houses. And when the skis come off, there’s a whole menu of winter activities to keep everyone entertained.
Bundle your rentals, lessons, accommodation and lift tickets with SkiBig3 to save on time, money and decision fatigue when you arrive.
Friday Feb 13
Tubing at Mt. Norquay | Photo credit: Rueben Krabbe
After you’ve arrived and settled in, start the weekend strong with a night tubing session at Mt. Norquay. Hop on the free 10-minute shuttle and get off at P3 behind the North American Lodge. From 5pm, you can slip, spin and slide down Alberta’s longest tube lanes. Ride the magic carpet back up and do it all over again, and again, and again. Hot tip: dress like you’re skiing. Think ski gloves, goggles, and warm layers. Grippy shoes make the walk around much easier too.
Saturday Feb 14
Skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo credit: Royce Sihlis
Suit up for your first full ski day at Lake Louise Ski Resort. The free shuttle from Banff makes getting there easy. With over 4,400 acres of terrain, there’s something for everyone, from long cruisy groomers to playful glades and serious steeps. Be sure to check out their newest terrain at Richardson’s Ridge on the back side for mellow slopes and beautifully gladded terrain that’s great for families. Check out our guide for the perfect day at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
After a full day on the hill, head back to Banff and give your legs some love. A soak in a hot pool is basically mandatory around here, and we’ve got you sorted with the best hot pools in Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise. Relax at your hotel or head to Canmore to visit the newly opened Everwild Nordic Spa for a peaceful, mountain-style reset.
With your muscles relaxed and mind clear, it’s time for dinner and Banff will have you spoilt for choice. For fresh pastas, wood fired pizzas and tasty cocktails, try out Banff’s newest Italian spot, Pizzeria Sophia. If you’re after a more casual scene, try out The Eddie Burger + Bar for a retro sports bar with a big personality and a menu filled with juicy burgers and local brews.
Sunday Feb 15
Skiing Great Divide at Banff Sunshine | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato
It’s time for Banff Sunshine. Catch the free shuttle, then grab a coffee or hot chocolate from First Tracks Café before hopping on the gondola. Hot tip, stay on the gondola through the Goat’s Eye mid station and ride it all the way to the top. Banff Sunshine is known for wide-open runs, beautiful glades, and big mountain views. When midday rolls around, swing by the Goat’s Eye Garden and the G.O.A.T. Club for a lively après scene with a DJ spinning from 1–4pm. Check out our guide for the best day at Banff Sunshine.
After another big day of skiing, it’s time to head back into Banff for dinner. Share plates of sushi, bao buns and tempura vegetables with fun Asian-inspired cocktails at Hello Sunshine. If you’re after a heartier meal, head to Park Distillery for Canadian classics, including saucy ribs, grilled steaks and full salads.
Monday Feb 16 (Family Day)
Skiing at Mt. Norquay | Photo credit: Royce Sihlis
Happy Family Day! Start your morning with laps at Mt. Norquay, Banff’s local gem. It’s just a 10-minute shuttle ride and perfect for families. Warm up on beginner-friendly runs before tackling steeper terrain, moguls, and glades. Don’t miss Norquay’s newest terrain, the 100 Glades off Mystic chair, or the iconic view of Mount Rundle and the Bow Valley from the North American Chair, it’s one of the best viewpoints in town. Check out our guide for the run down on how to ski at Mt. Norquay.
After skiing and lunch at the Lone Pine Pub, the adventure continues. Spend the afternoon choosing from some classic Banff winter activities, like:
- Wild ice skating on Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, or Vermilion Lakes
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides
- Dog sledding through snowy forests
- Riding the Banff Gondola
- Ice walks at Johnston Canyon
- Fat biking or a winter hike up Tunnel Mountain
Following your morning at Mt. Norquay, you’ve completed the trifecta challenge! Congratulations! Head to the Banff or Canmore Adventure Hub to redeem your pass, grab some goodies, and then finish the weekend with dinner at the Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar. Cash in your free beverage and soak up those last Banff moments before heading home.
Plan your Family Day Long Weekend Ski Vacation
Book your Family Day Weekend with SkiBig3 and bundle lift tickets, rentals, lessons and accommodation to spend less time on the laptop, and more time on the slopes. With a SkiBig3 lift ticket, you’ll get access to all three resorts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay, all under the one ticket.
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