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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Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre
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 Skyline 102 Mountain View Townhouse-AC-Heated Pool; Hot tub

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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).

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Banff Gondola

Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Banff Springs

4 out of 5
405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB
Fairmont Banff Springs
Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff by Accor

Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff by Accor

4 out of 5
300 Moutain Avenue, Banff, AB
Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff by Accor
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Hotel Canoe and Suites

Hotel Canoe and Suites

4 out of 5
600 Banff Avenue, 2000, Banff, AB
Hotel Canoe and Suites
Moose Hotel And Suites

Moose Hotel And Suites

4 out of 5
345 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Moose Hotel And Suites
Otter Hotel

Otter Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 600 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Otter Hotel
The Elk & Avenue Hotel

The Elk & Avenue Hotel

3 out of 5
333 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The Elk & Avenue Hotel
Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience

Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience

4 out of 5
405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB
Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience
The Fox Hotel and Suites

The Fox Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
461 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The Fox Hotel and Suites
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 a thrilling gondola ride that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring excellent hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife tours. Don't miss the chance to create memorable sightseeing experiences while exploring this stunning area, which is perfect for skiing in the winter months and hiking in the summer.

Shopping

The Banff Gondola area offers charming shops for gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Canmore Mountain Market, located 10 miles away, where you'll find a vibrant atmosphere filled with local vendors and unique treasures perfect for family and friends.

Recreation

Explore the Canmore Golf and Curling Club for a round of golf surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, promoting both relaxation and active engagement. At Sunshine Meadows, immerse yourself in nature's tranquility, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating your spirit. The Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Centre offers inclusive outdoor activities tailored for wellness seekers.

Adventure

Experience thrilling skiing at Mount Norquay Ski Resort, located 4 miles from Banff Gondola, where you can embrace the sports vibes. For a scenic adventure, hike the Banff Legacy Trail, 2 miles away, and enjoy the stunning outdoor views. Don’t miss the North American Ski Lift, also 4 miles distant, for an exhilarating ride.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at the Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre, located 1 mile from the Banff Gondola. Experience a unique blend of classic bowling and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration in the stunning 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

Visiting Banff Gondola offers a fantastic blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Explore the stunning mountains and relax in local hot springs, while also checking out downtown Banff and the iconic Banff Springs Hotel. Don't miss the scenic sightseeing gondola for breathtaking views, and consider the top attractions to discover the best value experiences around the Banff Gondola. This destination is perfect for those seeking both adventure and scenery.

  • Upper Hot Springs: Located 0.1 miles from the Banff Gondola, the Upper Hot Springs offer a serene wellness experience. Relax in naturally heated mineral waters while enjoying stunning mountain views, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.
  • Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: Situated 2 miles away, this modern hub of artistic expression hosts workshops, performances, and exhibitions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene that embodies the spirit of Banff.
  • Tunnel Mountain: Just 2 miles from the gondola, Tunnel Mountain provides adventurous hiking trails with breathtaking scenery. Experience the great outdoors as you conquer this iconic peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Best time to go to Banff Gondola

The best time to visit Banff Gondola can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Banff Gondola falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Banff Gondola falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January13.5°F (-10.3°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
February12.9°F (-10.6°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March22.3°F (-5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April30.6°F (-0.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly 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 RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Banff Gondola

To save money on your trip to Banff Gondola, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, April, or November for lower hotel rates. Booking about a month in advance can secure the best deals, with Thursdays typically being the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to refine your options and sort prices from lowest to highest. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel reservations for additional savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Banff Gondola is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Banff Gondola are January, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Banff Gondola about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Banff Gondola is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Banff Gondola is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Banff Gondola hotel reservation with your flights and activities by purchasing an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.