What to Do in Banff with Kids and Teens: A Rock Climbing Adventure in Sunshine

Hi, I’m Ernesto Lozano, founder and director of Dare and Explore. I’ve been exploring the Canadian Rockies for over 15 years, and every time someone asks me what to do in Banff, I can’t help but recommend an outdoor adventure. Whether it's skiing in winter or hiking, mountain biking, or climbing in summer—this region has it all. But one of my greatest joys is introducing young people to these experiences. That’s why I’m sharing the story of a recent rock climbing trip in Sunshine with kids and teens—a day full of effort, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

The Day Before: Gear, Safety, and Mosquito Repellent

Preparation always begins the day before. As with every tour we run at Dare and Explore, safety is the top priority, especially when we’re working with children and teens. We checked all the ropes, carabiners, harnesses, helmets, and belay devices (grigri and ATC). We packed the necessary gear to build solid anchors at the top, brought plenty of water and snacks… and since it’s summer, one thing was essential: mosquito repellent. Trust me—no matter how well you climb, mosquitoes will challenge your patience if you forget it.

Early Departure to Sunshine

We left at 8:00 AM sharp, fully packed and buzzing with excitement. We arrived at Sunshine Village by 9:30 AM. What always fascinates me about this spot is that even in summer, you’ll see the last skiers carving turns at the summit while climbers like us are gearing up at the base. That contrast is magical—Banff truly lets you experience all seasons in one place.

Warm-up Climb: Route 5.6

We started with a 5.6 route to warm up. My good friend Shawn, who joins me on many of these adventures, led the first climb. He set up the anchors and made sure everything was perfectly safe for the kids to follow.

I climbed a parallel route to set up my camera. Once secured at the top, I hoisted the camera using a rope and got ready to document the action. One of my favorite parts of these outings is capturing that moment when a child looks down from the wall and realizes what they’ve accomplished—it’s priceless.

The First Climbers: Courage and Confidence

Joseph, who’s only around 4 or 5 years old, was the first to climb. His attitude blew me away. He didn’t reach the top—he made it halfway—but given the sketchy holds in that section, he did amazing.

Next was Hannah, who climbed the whole route with grace and focus. Watching her face light up when she reached the top was a highlight of the day.

Then came Grace, an experienced climber who used to be part of a city climbing club. She cruised up the wall without effort. Having someone like her on the team is great—it inspires the others and raises the group's energy.

Raising the Difficulty: 5.8 and the Big 5.10a Challenge

After the warm-up, we moved to slightly harder climbs—5.8 routes. The kids were eager. They wanted a challenge. That’s one of the best parts of working with young adventurers—they're brave and ready to push limits.

Everyone managed to top the 5.8s, some with more effort than others, but all with determination. It was beautiful to watch them problem-solve on the wall, support each other, and celebrate together.

To end the day, we took on a 5.10a route—a true test. We knew it would be tough, but the group was ready. Some reached the top, others got close, but all gave their best. And that, to me, is success.

Packing Up and Heading Home

We packed our gear carefully, the same way we prepared it. I always teach the kids the importance of respecting the gear and the environment—leave no trace.

During the drive back to Calgary, some of the kids fell asleep, worn out from the effort. Others were chatting about their favorite parts of the day: the hardest moves, the coolest photos, the highest point reached. I smiled. This is exactly why I do what I do.

What to Do in Banff with Kids and Teens? Live Real Adventures

If you're wondering what to do in Banff with kids or teens, my answer is simple: live real, meaningful adventures together. Activities like climbing, hiking, biking, and rafting not only build physical skills—they teach life lessons.

This day in Sunshine wasn’t just about climbing. It was about pushing limits, building confidence, and creating moments that these kids—and I—will never forget.

At Dare and Explore, our trips are designed to be safe, guided, and truly transformative. Whether you're visiting Alberta for a few days or live nearby, there’s always a mountain waiting to be climbed.

Want your kids to experience something like this? Get in touch or visit our website. There are endless adventures out there, and we’d love to explore them with you.

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