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.

Banff Gondola Travel Guide Video

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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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Things to do near Banff Gondola

At Banff Gondola, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as skiing and hiking, making it the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the thrilling gondola ride that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Consider joining a Banff adventure or a guided tour to fully explore the area, and be sure to purchase your gondola tickets in advance for a seamless experience in this breathtaking destination.

Shopping

The Canmore Mountain Market is about 10 miles away from the Banff Gondola. This vibrant market offers a mix of local crafts and artisanal foods, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, it's a delightful stop to experience the local culture.

Recreation

Experience the Canmore Golf and Curling Club for a round of golf amidst beautiful mountain scenery. For relaxation, head to the Canmore Recreation Centre, where you can unwind in a tranquil atmosphere. Sunshine Meadows offers stunning views and a peaceful setting for leisurely hikes and nature walks.

Adventure

Experience thrilling winter sports at Mount Norquay Ski Resort, located 4 miles from Banff Gondola. For outdoor enthusiasts, explore the scenic Banff Legacy Trail, 2 miles away, perfect for hiking. Additionally, enjoy skiing adventures at the Cascade Ski Lift, also 4 miles from the gondola.

Nightlife

Banff Gondola's nightlife offers a unique blend of fun and relaxation. Visit the Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre, just a mile away, for a lively evening filled with bowling and camaraderie. Enjoy the stunning mountain views as you unwind after a day of adventure.

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

Find the best attractions near Banff Gondola

During your visit to the Banff Gondola in Alberta, Canada, you can explore breathtaking mountains and rejuvenating hot springs. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and cultural experiences. Don't miss attractions like Banff Avenue, Banff Sunshine Sightseeing Gondola, and the stunning Banff National Park for a complete experience of the region's natural beauty and charm.

  • Upper Hot Springs: Located a mere 0.1 miles from the Banff Gondola, the Upper Hot Springs offer a serene wellness experience with natural thermal waters. Enjoy the soothing outdoor atmosphere while surrounded by stunning mountain views, perfect for relaxation after a day of adventure.
  • Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: Situated 2 miles away, this vibrant modern hub fosters creativity and innovation. Visitors can enjoy art exhibitions, performances, and workshops, all while soaking in the city vibes that blend culture with the picturesque mountain backdrop.
  • Tunnel Mountain: Just 2 miles from the gondola, Tunnel Mountain is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views, combining adventure with the stunning scenery that makes Banff a must-visit destination.

Best time to go to Banff Gondola

The best time to visit Banff Gondola is dependent 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 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

Tips to save on your trip to Banff Gondola

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Banff Gondola.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January, April and November) for more affordable package holidays to Banff Gondola.
  • 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.