“], “filter”: { “nextExceptions”: “img, blockquote, div”, “nextContainsExceptions”: “img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button”} }”>
Banff National Park tops the bucket list for many adventurous families—and it’s easy to understand why. From turquoise lakes to wildflower-filled meadows to postcard-worthy mountain vistas, the park is a natural treasure. But all that beauty comes with many awe-inspired visitors. That’s where Banff Sunshine Village offers something special: a quiet and accessible high-alpine escape for families to explore the park at their own pace. Ben Atherton, summer interpretive center supervisor and longtime Sunshine team member, has spent more than a decade guiding guests across powdery slopes and sunlit meadows. “Summer at Banff Sunshine Village is incredible,” he says. “Plus, visiting Sunshine Meadows is one of the few activities in Banff National Park that doesn’t require a reservation.” Whether you’re planning a day hike with your kids or a weekend stay at Banff’s only alpine lodge, Sunshine offers something for every explorer.
Outside: What makes Banff Sunshine Village special in summer?
Ben Atherton: Ski season is hard to beat, but the trails come alive in summer at Banff Sunshine Village, offering easy, crowd-free access to alpine hikes and Banff views.
Upon arrival at Sunshine’s base area, you can take a scenic gondola ride up to our island in the sky, a.k.a. the village. From there, a ride on Standish Express Chairlift and a five-minute walk take you to breathtaking views of Sunshine Meadows and the Rocky Mountains, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sunshine Meadows is technically visible in the winter, but it’s deep under powder, and you just can’t imagine the beauty that comes when the snow melts. The experience is accessible for all and offers a rare immersion into pure nature.
The resort offers ample on-site parking, along with a complimentary shuttle from the town of Banff. And with our extensive trail network, guests can spread out and enjoy solitude in the meadows.
Why is Banff Sunshine Village a good destination for families?
As a family-owned business, we take pride in being a place where families can experience the outdoors together. Our gondola and chairlift can accommodate guests of all ages, so everyone has a chance to experience a high-alpine adventure. Those requiring extra assistance can access the village via the gondola. We also have an interpretive center with interactive displays where visitors can learn about the area’s history, flora, and fauna. Younger visitors will also enjoy our self-guided scavenger hunt, featuring playful tasks like listening for the sound a Columbian ground squirrel makes.
What hikes do you recommend?
We have four main summer trails in Sunshine Meadows, and we recommend beginning all of them at the top of the Standish Chairlift.
- The Standish Viewing Deck Loop is our easiest trail—a short 15-to-30-minute loop offering awe-inspiring views of three high alpine lakes: Rock Isle Lake, Grizzly Lake, and Laryx Lake. It’s perfect for families of all ages. And the ride down on the chairlift is a scenic experience on its own.
- Rock Isle Road continues for 1.1 miles from the viewing deck toward the village, passing near Rock Isle Lake. It’s an open, scenic trail where kids can roam at their own pace.
- Twin Cairns–Meadow Park Trail is a more advanced and lesser-known option that takes about two hours to complete. It starts at the top of the chairlift and winds across alpine meadows toward the Wawa Chairlift, eventually descending through the forest with beautiful views of the village and surrounding peaks.
- The Grizzly/Laryx Loop is our most challenging trail. It also starts at the chairlift and leads to the three lakes that you can see from the Standish Viewing Deck Loop. Along the four-mile route, you’ll pass wildflower-filled meadows, flowing streams, and crystal-clear alpine lakes while enjoying spectacular views of Simpson Valley. You can often see soaring birds of prey. The second half of the hike includes 479 feet of elevation gain. We recommend being prepared with snacks, water, and other day-hiking essentials.
How can visitors learn more about the area before exploring on their own?
Our interpretive center is a great place to start. Our knowledgeable team offers one- or two-hour guided walks on select trails, so you can learn as you go. Visitors can also check out our social media pages, view live webcams on our website, or contact us for planning assistance.
How can visitors complete the eat, stay, and play trifecta at Banff Sunshine Village?
Start your day by arriving at the mountain by car or shuttle and riding the gondola to the village. Then, hop on the chairlift and hike the trail that best suits your comfort level—our staff are on the trails and happy to make recommendations. Afterward, enjoy a meal at Mad Trappers—I recommend the Trappers Burger. Finally, check in at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, the only true alpine hotel in Banff National Park. The lodge also features an outdoor hot tub, which is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the trails.
Staying overnight offers a unique experience: no traffic, no crowds—just peace and nature. At night, the village is incredibly quiet, and the dark skies offer some of the best stargazing and northern lights viewing around.
Plan your summer visit to Banff Sunshine Village and Sunshine Meadows!
Learn More
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, Banff Sunshine Meadows is one of the Canadian Rockies’ most spectacular summer destinations. Just 90 minutes from Calgary, visitors can ride the gondola and chairlift to a view above the treeline, where they’ll find breathtaking alpine trails, crystal-clear lakes, and vibrant wildflower meadows. Whether you’re here to hike along the Continental Divide, spot wildlife, or simply take in panoramic views of two provinces at once, Sunshine Meadows is your gateway to high-alpine adventure.
