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.
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Reviews of Banff Gondola
2/5 - Disappointing
It was closed for maintenance.
5/5 - Excellent
Dress very warmly on cool days and take a windbreaker and warm jacket
4/5 - Good
We walked up and down. It took us 1 hour 45 minutes to walk up. Gondola ride is expensive ($73!!).
4/5 - Good
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
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
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
Upper Hot Springs
Rejuvenate your body in the geothermal waters of these historic hot springs while admiring the exquisite views of Banff National Park.
Minnewanka Loop / Lake Johnson
Explore the great outdoors at Minnewanka Loop / Lake Johnson and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Banff. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Central Park
Enjoy the mountain views and explore Central Park, a lovely green space in Banff. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Banff Springs Golf Club
Play a round of golf in Banff at Banff Springs Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as skiing. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Discover thermal springs, panoramic views and beautiful walking trails while learning about natural wonders and the history of Parks Canada.
Sulphur Mountain
Explore the great outdoors at Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Banff. Stroll along the riverfront or seek out the ski slopes.
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