Sunshine Meadows Wildflower Hike with Babies & Kids: Sunshine Village Summer Hiking for Families

Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park is a summer dream for families and should be at the top of your summer bucketlist. It is a hikers paradise with endless fields of wildflowers, turquoise alpine lakes, and trails that feel made for little explorers.

I have been exploring sunshine meadows and visiting the wildflowers annually for four years now with my community of outdoor families and moms and babies. You can watch my Youtube video to show you a day in the life while hiking to the meadows to give you more context on what to expect when visiting Sunshine Meadows. I do host events each season so watch our events page on Kids Who Explore if you'd like to meet outdoor parent friends and explore with other littles on the trail. Our group events are a lot of fun.

Your adventure starts at the base of Sunshine Village Ski Resort. From there, you ride the gondola for about 20 minutes, followed by a short 5 minute walk to the Standish Chairlift. You can either hike from the top of the gondola or ride the chairlift for an extra 10 minutes up to the alpine. Once you’re off the lift, it’s a gentle 10 minute nature walk to the first viewing platform where the magic begins. You will need to purchase a gondola pass either online or at the koisk. I would highly recommend reserving your spots in advance.

This is just steps away from the main viewing platform

From there, you can choose your own adventure. Wander down to Rock Isle Lake, explore the Grizzly and Larix loops, or just find a spot to soak up the views. When you are ready, hike back or ride the chairlift down to the gondola.

Where to Hike to Wildflowers: Trail Options at Sunshine Meadows

Whether you're hiking with toddlers in a carrier or little explorers on foot, Sunshine Meadows offers stunning family-friendly routes through wildflower-filled alpine meadows. Here are the best trail options with direct links to AllTrails for easy planning:

🌿 Rock Isle Lake Trail

An easy and popular route with jaw-dropping views, perfect for families.

📍 Rock Isle Lake

Distance: 4.8 km out and back

Elevation gain: 179 m

Highlights: Scenic chairlift access, wildflowers, lakeside picnic spots.

🌼 Grizzly and Larix Lakes Loop

This longer route adds two more lakes and plenty of meadow views for adventurous families.

📍 Grizzly and Larix Lakes via Rock Isle Lake

Distance: 7.6 km loop

Elevation gain: 291 m

Highlights: Three alpine lakes, wildflowers, sweeping views.

🏞 Twin Cairns to Monarch Viewpoint Trail

A quieter trail with wide-open views, best for families with older kids who can handle a bit more distance.

📍 Twin Cairns to Monarch Viewpoint

Distance: 8.5 km out and back

Elevation gain: 284 m

Highlights: Big mountain views, fewer crowds, peaceful trail.

I honestly just wander with my kids and go as far as they'd like to go and then we head back. It is already a big adventure with the thrill of the chairlift ride and kids get tired rather quickly up in the alpine.

What to Pack for Sunshine Meadows Wildflower hiking with Kids

Hiking with babies in the summer in the Canadian Rockies can be unpredictable at times as the weather can get pretty wild. Here are some tips on hiking with a baby in the summer.

I created you a list to help when packing for your adventure to Sunshine Meadows.

Essentials

• Water bottles (bring extra)

• Snacks and lunch

• First aid kit

• Bear spray

• Bug spray

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Wide-brim sun hats

• Sunglasses

• Rain jacket or windbreaker

• Layers for changing weather

Kids + Baby Gear

• Baby carrier or hiking pack (allowed on lifts)

• Diapers and wipes

• Changing pad

• Extra outfit

• Sunhat and warm layers

• Toddler snacks and drinks

• Trail toy or comfort item

My son riding in the comfort of his carrier on the chairlift

Summary of tips for families to enjoy a day at Sunshine Meadows with kids

• Book your gondola tickets ahead of time or catch the shuttle from Banff

• Pack layers and good shoes for changing mountain weather

• Bring snacks, water, and bear spray

• Keep your eyes peeled for marmots and wildflowers

• Peak bloom typically runs from mid July to mid August

• Celebrate with food and bevy's at Trappers once you're back down (we always order the fries with a slushie)

My kids love the gondola most

Super important reminder to families that are enjoying the outdoors. These simple Leave No Trace practices help protect the fragile alpine environment so families can continue enjoying the wildflowers, lakes, and mountain magic of Sunshine Meadows for generations to come. Reminders:

• Pack out all garbage

• Stay on trail

• Do not pick flowers

• Respect wildlife

You will be swept away by the magic of the wildlflower meadows at Sunshine village. It is definitely a highlight for us each summer and I hope your family finds the same joy as we do. Have the best time exploring wildflowers!