Blog Ratio
Blog
Accommodation
Dining
Itineraries
Family
Thu, 04 Dec 2025

Travel Like an Influencer: A Banff Winter Getaway Through the Eyes of The Walton Adventure

Planning a winter escape to the Canadian Rockies and want it to feel effortless, family-friendly, and full of those perfect SkiBig3 moments you see online? Follow along with influencer family, The Walton Adventure, as they explore Banff with their kids, blending skiing, cozy food stops, and snowy winter activities that make a Banff winter getaway feel unforgettable.

 

From beginner-friendly groomers to wide-open alpine views, the SkiBig3 resorts offer something for every level and every age. Here is how the Walton family made the most of their winter trip to Banff and how you can recreate the experience.

 

Day One: Check into Hotel Canoe & Suites

Blog Ratio (1)Hotel Canoe & Suites | Photo credit: Banff Lodging Co

 

For their home base, the family stayed at Hotel Canoe & Suites, one of Banff’s newest and most stylish accommodation options. The suites are modern, warm, and thoughtfully designed, with kitchenettes and living areas that are perfect for families needing extra space.

 

Every evening, the girls made a beeline for the hot pools, transforming into little mermaids as they swam through the steam and played among the rocks. It quickly became one of the highlights of their entire trip.

 

The hotel’s main street location also made it easy to access Banff’s restaurants, gear shops, and all three SkiBig3 resorts with convenient shuttles and buses. The family relied on the SkiBig3 shuttle system throughout their stay, which made getting to and from the mountains simple and stress free. Not having to rent a car meant one less thing to worry about, and the convenience was perfect for parents traveling with kids and ski gear.

 

 

Day Two: Family Warm-Up Day at Mt. Norquay

Blog Ratio (2)Family Friendly Mt Norquay | Photo Credit: Jill Scarpato

 

Their adventure officially kicked off at Mt. Norquay, Banff’s closest resort, and an incredible choice for families.

 

The Waltons spent the morning taking easy laps together, stopping often to soak in Cascade Mountain views and capture content along the way. After a few runs, they grabbed lunch at Lone Pine, enjoying a massive serving of loaded Norquay Nachos while watching skiers glide past the big picture windows.

 

The afternoon was all about exploring more beginner and intermediate terrain and skiing side by side as a family.

 

That evening, they headed up the Sulphur Mountain Gondola for Nightrise, an immersive and interactive light experience that completely captivated the kids. The girls spent half an hour running around pushing the lights like they had superpowers, making it one of the most memorable nights of the trip.

 

Day Three: Scenic Ski Day at Lake Louise

Blog Ratio (3)

Hot drinks and snacks at Lake Louise | Photo Credit: Royce Sihlis

 

Next up was Lake Louise Ski Resort, a favorite for families who love big mountain views and long, cruisy runs.

 

They spent the morning exploring the family-friendly zones off Glacier Chair and Grizzly Express. The kids loved the smooth groomers and wide-open terrain that let them ski comfortably at their own pace. After a few laps, they warmed up with hot chocolate and snacks in the lodge before heading back out for more skiing.

 

Day Four: Tubing, Sleigh Rides and Museum Adventures

Blog Ratio (4)Tubing at Mt. Norquay | Photo credit: Shannon Martin 

 

To switch things up, the family traded in skis for tubes and spent the morning flying down snowy lanes together at Mt. Norquay. Tubing was a huge hit with the girls and a fun way to experience the mountains in a new way.

 

Afterward, they bundled up for a cozy horse-drawn sleigh ride with Banff Trail Riders, gliding through quiet forest trails and taking in snowy mountain views. They also squeezed in a visit to the Whyte Museum to explore local art and history, adding a little balance to the day.

 

Day Five: Banff Sunshine Village Finale

Blog Ratio (5)

Family time at Banff Sunshine Village | Photo Credit: Royce Sihlis

 

The Waltons wrapped up their trip with a full day at Sunshine Village, known for soft snow, gentle terrain and its charming village at the top of the mountain.

 

They explored greens and blues as a family, taking in the expansive bowls and mountain views that Sunshine is famous for. Lunch at Chimney Corner was the perfect mid-day reset, with warm comfort dishes and panoramic winter views.

 

Final Thoughts

Blog Ratio (6)The beauty of the Canadian Rockies | Photo credit: Jill Scarpato

A SkiBig3 winter getaway is the perfect blend of adventure, cozy moments and iconic Banff scenery. Whether you are skiing big mountain terrain, tubing with the kids, enjoying a horse-drawn sleigh ride, exploring the Whyte Museum or soaking in hotel hot pools, Banff offers endless family memories.

If you want to plan your own Banff family ski trip, explore current SkiBig3 deals, packages and promotions to make your winter vacation even easier.

 

Other blog posts

Cover Pic What to Pack for Banff Photo by Mirae Campbell
Tips
SkiBig3
Tue, 13 Jan 2026

What to Pack for a Ski Trip to Banff and Lake Louise

Preparing for a ski trip to Banff and Lake Louise and not sure what to pack? This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of everything you’ll need to après in style, keep warm on the slopes and unwind after a big day up the mountain.
Cover Photo Connor Ryan Skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort 5 Photo Credit Jill Scarpato
3 Mountains 5 Se...
SkiBig3
Mon, 12 Jan 2026

Professional Skier and Indigenous Ski Activist, Connor Ryan, on Finding Belonging in the Mountains

This past December, SkiBig3 hosted Connor Ryan, also known as @sacredstoke, for a few days of early-season powder in Banff National Park. A proud Hunkpapa Lakota skier raised at the foot of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Connor brings intention, and respect for the land into every turn he makes as he explores the mountains.
01 Skijoring on Banff Avenue Nick Hase
Blog
Events
Fri, 09 Jan 2026

2026 Banff Skijoring Weekend Guide: Events, Après & Skiing

Banff’s Skijor weekend is fast upon us. This January 17-18, Banff Avenue will transform into an action packed western après festival filled with fur, fringe, flips and plenty of horse-powered tricks and stunts. This guide brings together all the best viewpoints, restaurants, bars and festivities to make the most of this Skijoring weekend.
01 Powder Skiing at Lake Louise Dec 9 Photo by Jill Scarpato
Conditions
SkiBig3
Fri, 09 Jan 2026

Snow Alert! Record-breaking Snowfall in Banff and Lake Louise

The 2025 and 2026 ski and snowboard season has kicked off with an absolute bang at SkiBig3. As of December 31, SkiBig3s three ski resorts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt. Norquay, have already shattered historic snowfall records, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable winter season.
Blog Ratio (9)
Wed, 31 Dec 2025

Why Skiing in Banff National Park Feels Different

Skiing rarely happens in a place this protected, expansive, and deeply connected to nature. In Banff, three world-class ski resorts operate entirely within a preserved Canadian National Park, the oldest park in Canada, creating an experience that feels both elevated and refreshingly grounded.