5 THINGS TO DO IN BANFF BESIDES SKIING

I love the mountains. Summer or Winter. And I grew up under a ski hills, so I have always loved hanging out on ski hills in Winter. The snow covered trees. The bussling crowds of skiers. The warm hot chocolate in the lodge. Just one, tiny, little problem. I don't ski. Whatever. I still love me a weekend in the mountains.

Banff

Here are a few favourite things to do one of the most popular ski destinations, when you don't want to ski.

Banff Upper Hot Springs - This is a must-do on our family's list no matter what time of year we go, but it is particularly fun to soak in the hot water while surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

Banff Hot Springs

Sleigh Rides Warner Stables - You can say what you want about the expense of it, but this is an experience not to miss. Cuddle up under warm blankets and bask in the beauty of the Rockies in Winter. And maybe catch a glimse of the local wildlife!

Bowling - Yes, you read that right. Bowling. Our family likes to bowl, but what makes bowling in Banff extra special is that you do it in the castle-like Banff Springs Hotel. And they have glow bowling...and pizza. Nuff said.

Hang in the Hotel - If there is one thing that Banff has down, it is great family rooms for reasonable prices. And I don't know about your kids, but sometimes the hotel is the highlight for ours. We pick one with a kitchen, and space to move, and plan at least one evening of movie watching, board game playing and eating in. Throw in a trip to the pool and you've got it made.

Wildlife Right Out Your Window!

Skating/Sledding - Why should skiing get all the Winter sport glory? As you would expect from a town in the mountains, there are some fun sledding hills around Banff, if you choose the one behing the Banff Springs, you can combine it with skating, too. If it's too cold for comfort outside, head over to the indoor rink at The Fenlands Recreation Centre, they have skate rentals available as well.

These are KinderJet picks for having a great time in Banff while not spending a fortune. If you want to spend a little more, there are dog sled trips, bus tours and guided cross country or snow shoe trips, not to mention gondola rides, fondue restaurants, museums, spas and shopping. And if you are really stuck for things to do, you can always go skiing.