Banff Gondola Tours

Photo provided by Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff Gondola showing landscape views and mountains
Banff Gondola featuring tranquil scenes, mountains and views
Banff Gondola featuring views, mountains and landscape views
Banff Gondola which includes snow, views and landscape views


Ride the gondola from Banff to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy snowy mountain vistas.

Some of the best views in the Canadian Rockies can be enjoyed from the top of Sulphur Mountain. Take the Banff Gondola to the summit. The eight-minute ride offers spectacular views from a glass-enclosed cabin. The Summit Complex at the end of the gondola ride has restaurants, a gift shop and multiple viewing platforms. Look out over six different mountain ranges, through valleys and down onto the town of Banff.The gondola leaves from the base of the mountain about five minutes outside town. It runs throughout the year. Come in summer, when the sun shines and wildlife roams the mountain. The view is no less impressive in winter, when the landscape is covered in a blanket of pristine white snow. In winter, come prepared for sub-zero temperatures and strong winds, and it can still be cold and windy at the summit in summer.Each glass-enclosed gondola seats four people and offers 360-degree views for the whole ride. The Summit Complex is 7,486 feet (2,281 meters) above sea level.Go inside to warm up in one of two restaurants. Both have glass walls to make the most of the scenery.Take a short walk along the ridge for more photo opportunities. A half-mile (800-meter) wooden walkway runs along the summit ridge to the Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station. Norman Sanson was a local who hiked the mountain once a week for 30 years to check the weather. There’s not much to see at the station itself, but the views across the mountains are spectacular. It’s often less crowded than the gondola Summit Complex.A second trail runs south from the complex to the mountain’s true summit, but only experienced hikers should attempt the rocky climb.The gondola runs every day of the year, except during scheduled maintenance. Buses and taxis run from Banff to the base of the gondola, and there’s ample parking.

Plan a trip to see Banff Gondola

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Banff Inn
Copperstone Resort - Mountain View Suite
Bellstar Suites at Solara Resort

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Reviews of Banff Gondola

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
359
5 - Excellent 74%
4 - Good
99
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
19
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
7
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

It was closed for maintenance.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Dress very warmly on cool days and take a windbreaker and warm jacket

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We walked up and down. It took us 1 hour 45 minutes to walk up. Gondola ride is expensive ($73!!).

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

This is not cheap and be prepared to walk quite a ways from where you park if going during holiday weekends. The views were definitely fantastic, but if you're in reasonable shape, you may as well save the $70 CAD and hike to the top.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Bring a selfie stick-- as much as I hate to admit, it was a life saver for photos. Get there really early or go later in the day. and TAKE. THE. SHUTTLE. Don't drive. The shuttle and public transit is SO much more convenient and relaxing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice, but photographers be aware that the stunning panorama stretched out below you will be condensed into a distant line of tiny mountains by your wide angle lens or iphone and the resulting images left unimpressive. You need to get up close for a sense of scale, so put a 400mm tele in your bag for an epic shot of Lake Louise and the glacier above it (unlike from the lake, the glacier can be seen properly from up here).

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Buffalo Mountain Lodge

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Fairmont Banff Springs

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Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff by Accor

Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff by Accor

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Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

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Otter Hotel

Otter Hotel

4 out of 5
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Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience

Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience

4 out of 5
405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB
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Moose Hotel And Suites

Moose Hotel And Suites

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The Fox Hotel and Suites

The Fox Hotel and Suites

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Brewster Mountain Lodge

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Banff Gondola

At Banff Gondola, visitors can enjoy thrilling activities like skiing and hiking, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers. Experience breathtaking views with a gondola ride, explore the area with a Discover Banff tour, and plan your visit with convenient gondola ticket options. Whether you're looking for exhilarating outdoor activities or a scenic getaway, Banff Gondola has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

Experience the charm of Banff with its unique shops and boutiques. For a more extensive selection, if you're up for a drive, visit Canmore Mountain Market, located 10 miles away, where you can find local crafts and gifts in a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Canmore Golf and Curling Club, where you can soak in the scenic views and fresh mountain air. For relaxation, visit Sunshine Meadows to unwind amidst stunning landscapes, or check out the Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre for adaptive recreation and wellness activities.

Adventure

Experience thrilling adventures at Mount Norquay Ski Resort, located 4 miles from Banff Gondola, where you can enjoy skiing and sports vibes. For hiking enthusiasts, the Banff Legacy Trail, 2 miles away, offers stunning outdoor scenery. Don't miss the North American Ski Lift, also 4 miles away, for an exhilarating ski experience.

Nightlife

Banff Gondola's nightlife offers a charming experience with options like the Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre, located 1 mile away. Enjoy a fun evening of bowling, good food, and drinks in a stunning setting, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Banff Gondola

Explore the breathtaking beauty around Banff Gondola, where you can enjoy stunning mountains, soothing hot springs, and modern educational institutions. This area is perfect for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and outdoor experiences. Don't miss popular attractions like Banff Avenue, Banff National Park, and the Banff Sunshine Sightseeing Gondola for an unforgettable trip filled with scenic views and exhilarating activities.

  • Upper Hot Springs: Located a mere 0.1 mile from the Banff Gondola, the Upper Hot Springs offer a rejuvenating escape with naturally heated mineral waters. Enjoy the stunning mountain views while soaking in the outdoor pools, perfect for relaxation and wellness amidst nature's beauty.
  • Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: About 2 miles away, this modern arts hub fosters creativity and innovation. Visitors can enjoy diverse performances, art exhibitions, and educational programs, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Rockies, making it a vibrant cultural experience.
  • Tunnel Mountain: Just 2 miles from the Gondola, Tunnel Mountain provides an adventurous hiking experience with spectacular views of Banff and the surrounding landscape. The trails are suitable for various skill levels, making it a perfect outing for nature enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Banff Gondola

The best time to visit Banff Gondola is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostlycloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlycloudyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January13.5°F (-10.3°C)No RainmostlycloudySlightly LowModerately Low
February12.9°F (-10.6°C)No RainmostlycloudyAverageAverage
March22.3°F (-5.4°C)No RainmostlycloudyAverageAverage
April30.6°F (-0.8°C)Light RainmostlycloudySlightly LowModerately Low
May41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
July57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighModerately High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighModerately High
September46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October32.7°F (0.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November19.2°F (-7.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowModerately Low
December10.2°F (-12.1°C)No RainmostlycloudyAverageAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Banff Gondola

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Banff Gondola during the low season (January, April and November) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.