Kid Friendly Hikes Near Calgary

If you feel like the views of your walls are getting old, or that they are starting to close in around you, it might be time to get outside and experience Alberta's great wilderness, and if your family is new to hiking, you've found the right spot! 

Grassi Lakes

First up on our list is one of the most popular hikes and it's located in Canmore! This beautiful trail path is well maintained and heavily traversed making it easy for families of all ages to take on (stroller friendly when the snows melted) and if you've ever been on a good hike, you know one of the most rewarding feelings is getting to your destination and experiencing the views and sights to see! The Grassi Lakes trail will not disappoint! Once at the top, you'll find beautiful turquoise blue and green lakes that offer stunning pictures alongside the mountainside. 

Breakdown of Grassi Lakes Trail: Take on this generally easy trail that gradually ascends on a total of 3.8KM that brings you up just over 800 feet. For those feeling more adventurous, there's a more difficult and steeper trail that offers views of a smaller waterfall! Roughly 1-2 hours depending on how fast you go and how many pictures you take along the way. 

Click the link to get directions to Grass Lakes Trail

Forgetmenot Pond

The perfect EASY hike for parents looking to get out of town and enjoy the mountains for a nice stroll or picnic. Located in Bragg Creek, this toddler friendly hike is one of the best to break your little ones in for a great first outdoor experience. 

Breakdown of the Forgetmenot Pond Trail: Just under 2km, no elevation, stroller friendly, and is typically open around the middle of May to the end of November. This trail features outhouses, picnic tables, benches, and a great pond that is used for kayaking and fishing. 

Click the link to get directions to Forgetmenot Pond

Lake Agnes Tea House 

A little further to get to, but well worth the drive, this timeless hike for Calgarian's offers some of the best mountain views for family hikes and the reward at the end is the option to sit down for a nice relaxing tea and some biscuits (bring cash as that's all that is accepted at the tea house) We recommend you go early, during peak seasons the parking lot fills up really quick. Be prepared for gorgeous mountain views, glacier fed lakes, waterfalls, and more! 

Breakdown of Lake Agnes Tea House Hike: Just under 8km round trip, 400m of elevation. Open from early June to October - This is a more challenging hike for young children if you're not giving them assistance along the way! 

Get your sleds ready! No, not for some downhill action, but if you're looking for a nice and easy, family friendly trail, this one is a must! In the winter, bring your sled to tow your little ones on this trail located right beside Banff, just off of Mount Norquay road, this flat loop offers beautiful views along a charming little creek, partial views of the Rockies, and offers a wide and well maintained trail. 

Breakdown of the Fenland Loop Trail: Just under 2km, heavily trafficked, right beside Banff, under 100m of elevation gain! Roughly 30-60 minutes depending on your pace.

Click the link to get directions to Fenland Loop 

If you're looking for super easy + great views and you've never been to the falls, this definitely needs to be checked off the list! Although the floods did cause extensive damage in the area, construction has been ongoing to get it fixed up. Bring your camera for this one and capture the stunning views of the gorgeous falls! 

Breakdown of the Elbow Falls Trail: Just under .5km, heavily trafficked, easy steps, well maintained, be warned, you could be here for hours taking in the scenery, nature, views and serenity. 

Click the link to get directions to the Elbow Falls Trail 

Let your fur baby loose at the off leash dog park that's adjacent to this loop before you hit this trail! 

If you're in the mood for a beautiful lake, backdropped by views of some of the most famous mountains in the area (Ha Ling and the Three Sisters) this is the perfect loop for you and the family to take on! The only downside to this is that it can get quite busy in peak season, especially during the weekends, although it is said to be a secret for locals in Canmore, we think the internet may have spoiled that a while ago. You'll find a couple trails here to explore, all are relatively easy to do. 

Breakdown of the Quarry Lake Loop: Roughly an hour or so to complete unless you bring a camera, options to swim for the adventurous folks who don't mind the cold, 3KM and no real elevation gain, outhouses, picnic tables, and benches can be found here as well. 

Click the link to get directions to the Quarry Lake Loop area