6 Amazing Kid Friendly Beaches Near Banff and Canmore
Most people visiting Banff and Canmore with their kids are unaware of the picturesque beaches close by. Some of these amazing beaches near Banff and Canmore have nice sandy beaches like Quarry Lake and Johnson Lake.
6 Amazing Kid Friendly Beaches Near Banff and Canmore
All of these spots feature short trails perfect for families to explore. These trails, including directions the spots, can all be found on our hiking app for families TrailCollectiv that was founded by two moms!
WEDGE POND, KANANASKIS
Nestled in Kananaskis, Wedge Pond offers a unique spot for paddling and swimming for families near Canmore. A sandy beach perfect for kids to play sits along the trail from picnic tables, with fire pits nearby. Essential amenities include pit toilets and a water pump. Liquor is permitted in the day use sites, and non-motorized boats are welcome.
Location:
From Banff, Wedge Pond is 50 kilometers (31 miles) to the southwest. The drive from Banff to Wedge Pond typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.
From Calgary, Wedge Pond is located 90 kilometers ( 56 miles) southwest of the city.
From Canmore, it is 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of Canmore, Alberta. The drive from Canmore to Wedge Pond usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
Features:
Search Wedge Pond Loop on TrailCollectiv family hiking app for an easiest kid friendly trail
Beach partway down the trail from picnic tables
Fire Pits
Water Pump
Liquor Permitted
Non-motorized boats welcome
Barrier Lake, Kananaskis
Located in Kananaskis, Barrier Lake offers breathtaking views above the rocky shores that are perfect for exploration. The quick deepening and icy temperatures make swimming unsafe for kids. Paddlers should exercise caution, as the water is extremely cold and winds can be unpredictable. Life jackets are essential for a safe excursion into this wild landscape.
Location
From Banff, the lake is 50 kilometers (31 miles) to the southwest. The drive from Banff takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.
From Canmore, the lake is 30 kilometers (19 miles) to the southwest. The drive from Canmore typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
From Calgary, Barrier Lake is 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Calgary, Alberta. The drive from Calgary typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Features:
Search Prairie View Trail on TrailCollectiv family hiking app for a moderate kid friendly hiking trail
Stunning Views
Nice rocky beach with some sand
Great for playing on the rocks and exploring
Unsafe for swimming (deepens quickly and very cold)
Extremely cold water and unpredictable wind
Use caution paddling and wear life jackets (water it very cold)
Johnson Lake, Banff National Park
Situated just a stone's throw away from Banff, Johnson Lake boasts a swimming beach that is popular with families for good reason. The soft sandy beach is an ideal spot for kids to play. There is an amazing trail around the lake while soaking up the mountain vistas before enjoying the beach.
Location:
Johnson Lake is located 10 kilometers (6 miles) southeast of Banff, Alberta. The drive from Banff typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
From Canmore, Johnson Lake is 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) to the northwest. The drive from Canmore usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
From Calgary, the lake is 125 kilometers (78 miles) to the west. The drive from Calgary typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Features:
Search Johnson Lake on the TrailCollectiv family hiking app for a moderate kid friendly hiking trail
A stunning swimming beach near Banff
Beautiful Sandy Beach to play
Stunning Mountain Views
Close to Banff
Non-motorized boats allowed (must have a permit to use)
Picnic Tables
Quarry Lake, Canmore
Quarry Lake in Canmore is a really fun place for kids to swim and build sandcastles! Families can enjoy picnics at the nearby tables, making a day of it while soaking up the beautiful mountain backdrop. Keep in mind that there is a parking fee and that it tends to get very busy. Quarry Lake does not allow dogs but there is a dog park nearby..
Location:
Quarry Lake is located 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) east of Canmore, Alberta. The drive from Canmore typically takes around 5 minutes.
From Banff, Quarry Lake is 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) to the southeast. The drive from Banff usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
From Calgary, the lake is 105 kilometers (65 miles) to the west. The drive from Calgary typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Features:
Search Quarry Lake on the TrailCollectiv family hiking app for an easiest kid friendly hiking trail
Best for Swimming, and playing in sand.
Nice sandy beach area
Shallow area to play
Picnic Tables
Parking cost
Very Busy
No dogs allowed
Forgetmenot Pond, Kananaskis
Forgetmenot Pond in Kananaskis features a small beach area and is a perfect spot for kids to enjoy rock skipping and exploring along the beach. The water deepens quickly so caution should be taken when letting little kids go into the water. It’s the perfect spot for a short kid-friendly hike, and a relaxing day near Bragg Creek. Enjoy amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets. Non-motorized boats are welcome, just remember to practice water safety.
Location:
Forgetmenot Pond is 35 kilometers (22 miles) southwest of Calgary, Alberta. The drive from Calgary typically takes around 40 to 50 minutes.
From Canmore, Forgetmenot Pond is 105 kilometers (65 miles) to the northeast. The drive from Canmore usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Banff, Forgetmenot Pond is 130 kilometers (81 miles) to the northeast. The drive from Banff typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Features:
Search Forgetmenot Pond Trail on the TrailCollectiv family hiking app for an easiest kid friendly hiking trail
Best for throwing rocks in water, dipping feet in water
Small beach area
Located near Bragg Creed
Becomes deep quickly (use caution)
picnic tables
Fire Pits
Pit Toilets
non-motorized boats allowed
Practice Water Safety
Cascade Pond, Banff National Park
Cascade Ponds, located outside the Town of Banff, offers stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. With convenient amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets, visitors can enjoy an afternoon soaking up the views. A small rocky beach area provides easy access to the water. The unique bridge and short kid friendly hiking trail add to the charm of this spot.
Location:
From Banff: Cascade Pond is 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) northeast of Banff. The drive from Banff typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
From Canmore: Cascade Pond is 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) northeast of Canmore. The drive from Canmore usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
From Calgary: Cascade Pond is 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of Calgary. The drive from Calgary typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Features:
Search Cascade Ponds on the TrailCollectiv family hiking app for an easiest kid friendly hiking trail
Beautiful Views
picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets
Small rocky beach area to access the water
Cool bridge to cross
close to Banff
