The focus of your vacation in the Canadian Rockies should be the outdoors, even with children. Mix up the places you think the children should see with places you know they will enjoy. If you’re traveling to the Canadian Rockies as a family, renting a vehicle will make your holiday more enjoyable—upgrade to a minivan for everyone’s sanity.

DAY 1
Depart Calgary for Kananaskis Country and Sundance Lodge, where your tepee accommodation awaits. Spend the evening fishing at Mount Lorette Ponds, which are stocked with rainbow trout.

DAY 2
Bypass the town of Banff and head straight for Lake Louise. Take the easy lakeside trail or, if you have older children, head for Lake Agnes Teahouse. Spend the night in the village.

DAY 3
Do your best to rouse the brood early for the spectacular drive along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. The incentive is a ride on an Ice Explorer across the Columbia Icefield. Spend the night at one of the bungalow camps near Jasper, roasting marshmallows around an open fire.

DAY 4
Take a boat tour on Maligne Lake and a walk through Maligne Canyon, then head south to Yoho National Park. Spend the afternoon paddling on Emerald Lake or walking around its perimeter.

DAY 5
Take a gondola ride at Golden and spend time visiting the grizzly bear rehabilitation center. Drive to Radium Hot Springs to take a soak in the mineral pools, play some mini golf, or saddle up for a horseback ride.

DAY 6
Drive to Banff and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Children can learn about local wildlife at the Banff Park Museum or take a break from nature at the local water-slide complex and indoor bowling lanes. Spend the evening at the Oh Canada Eh! dinner theater.

DAY 7
Drive to Calgary. Along the way you’ll pass western Canada’s largest outdoor amusement park—a fun stop if time allows.