Adventures & Moments with Wems

A quick road trip to Banff? Always a yes for me, especially when it’s part of an easy winter day trip from Calgary.! This time, it was a sweet winter escape with my sister, who was visiting. We wanted her to experience a little mountain magic, and what better way to do that than a scenic drive, a few classic stops, and the Banff Gondola ride all the way up to the Sulphur Mountain

If you’ve ever driven to Banff, you should know the famous castle junction stop, the one where almost every traveller pulls over to admire the stunning backdrop of Castle Mountain. We had our first stop here to stretch our legs and, of course, take some beautiful pictures.

No matter how many times we visit Banff, I always love to stop at the Banff sign whenever I can/time permitting. It's a place that gives the vibe of “Yes, we made it!”

💡 Tip: If you want the sign all to yourself, go early! Otherwise, expect to wait a few minutes for your turn.

The panoramic view of Banff, Bow Valley, and the surrounding peaks just never gets old, and it's something my husband and I always look forward to.

✔ Stamped our Bingo cards 🏔️ – my kiddos got a fun Banff Gondola Bingo where they had to find and stamp different things around the summit, which kept them engaged.

✔ Explored the Interpretive Centre – We checked out the interactive exhibits on Level 2 (perfect for curious little minds)

✔ Theatre experience 🎬 – We also stopped by the multi-sensory theatre to watch a short film showcasing the beauty of Banff National Park, which was also on Level 2. It was a nice little break indoors before heading back out into the cold.

✔ The 360° Observation Deck – We enjoyed taking pictures and exploring both the indoor and outdoor areas of the stunning 360° views of six mountain ranges on Level 4 & we got a lot of "wind-blown"/“wow, this is Canada” moments 😆

This was my picture of the day. The wind, my smile, it's just everything

✔ The scenic drive down 🚗 – After wrapping up at the summit, we made our way back down from 7,486 ft. Just before boarding, there's usually an option for a quick group photo taken by the staff, a cute little memory log if you’re into that. We opted for that since it was my sister’s first time, but no pressure, it’s totally optional. On the way down, we soaked in more of those stunning Banff views, and just like that, our winter adventure came to an end.

💡 Tip: If you're visiting in winter, dress warm! The wind at the summit is no joke, and temperatures drop even more up there.

We also love stopping at places like Johnston Canyon, which is an easy family-friendly hike in Banff and perfect when you don’t want anything too long or demanding.

If Alberta had a personality, it would be "unpredictable in winter" 😆. We had moments where the sun made it feel like a perfect spring day, and then a gust of wind reminded us that yes, it was still winter.

💡 Tip: Layers are key! One minute, you’re warm, the next, you’re zipping up your jacket again.

After a relaxing day in Banff, we made a stop at Market Bistro in Canmore for lunch before heading home. Good food + cozy atmosphere = the perfect way to end the trip.

💡 Tip: If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Banff restaurants, Canmore has great spots with fewer crowds

👉 Check out how we spent a full family day in Canmore, from Grassi Lakes to downtown, and on days when we want to keep things simple, we also love mixing trips like this with free things to do near Calgary with kids.

This trip was all about creating memories with my sister, which I totally loved... Sometimes, the best trips aren’t the ones packed with activities; they’re the ones where you enjoy the company of your loved ones and take in the beauty around you. Would I do it again? Absolutely!

If you’re looking for more ideas like this, there are plenty of family-friendly day trips from Calgary that work beautifully year-round.

That being said, that will be all from me today. Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet today. Until next time… Xoxo 💋