The Banff Gondola offers a year round way for visitors to see breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the Bow Valley and the town of Banff. The views are completely different but equally spectacular in both the summer and winter seasons.
The mountain views start along the road leading up to the parking lot for the Banff Gondola.
The glass enclosed gondola cars hold four people and offer a 360 degree view during the ride. In 8 minutes you will be whisked up Sulphur Mountain to an elevation of 2281 meters (7486ft) above sea level.
As you ascend the mountain you will be treated with some incredible sight lines into the valley.
The observation decks at the summit complex and from the various boardwalk trails offer scenic mountain views in every direction.
The Banff Springs Hotel is easily recognizable. You can see the Bow River flowing behind it and along the base of Tunnel Mountain.
The Best Views From The Summit Are Along The Banff Skywalk Or Vista Trail
To get the most impressive and revealing views climb an extra kilometer along the Parks Canada Vista Trail, known as the Banff Skywalk. It’s an easy self guided interpretive walk that takes you along the summit ridge leading to Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Observatory. Allow yourself 30 to 40 minutes return trip to the observatory and back. In the early 1900’s, Norman Sanson climbed a trail up the mountain every week. For nearly 30 years he recorded the weather data at this historic stone building that is still standing. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the observatory.
Keep an eye out for squirrels or marmots while walking around the boardwalks. You might even see Big Horn Mountain Sheep.
For those wanting a more adventurous hike you can take the South East Ridge Trail that runs along the ridge of the mountain to the true Summit of Sulphur Mountain.
What’s Amenities Are Offered At The Banff Gondola
The Lower Terminal
The lower terminal where the gondola ascends from has a Starbucks cafe, washroom facilities, a gift shop and an information center.
The Upper Terminal
The upper summit terminal building has four levels that offer two full restaurants, a self serve coffee shop, washroom facilities and a souvenir shop. There is an interpretive area with a mini theater showing the history of the area as well as interactive displays and activities. The rooftop patio has a seating area and in the summer months they hold BBQ’s with live entertainment and music, weather permitting.
Banff Gondola Tips
- The gondola might not be for those with a great fear of heights. The cable cars have a glass panel in the bottom. They gain elevation quickly and can rock when the wind is blowing.
- It’s only worth going up the gondola if it’s a clear day. High cloud cover is okay, but there’s no point if low level clouds are obscuring the views of the mountains and the town of Banff. See the Banff National Park webcam for current conditions.
- Dress appropriately. The temperature at the bottom is not indicative of the conditions at the summit. It can be cold and windy even in the summer months.
- Allow up to 2 hours for the gondola experience which would include at least a half hour or more to walk around the trails and board walks at the top. See information below about set ascent and descent times in the peak tourist season.
- In off season periods outside of the summer months and early fall the gondola has a lot less crowds.
- Check the schedule in January, it’s the only time of year the gondola shuts down for up to 2 weeks for maintenance.
- Reserve ahead of time if you want to eat at the Bistro restaurant or Northern Lights cafe in the summer or you probably won’t be able to get in.
- The fourth floor of the upper terminal offers the most breathtaking views.
- The gondola and facilities are wheelchair accessible, all four levels of the summit complex have elevators. The gondola cabins can accommodate most standard-sized manual and motorized wheelchairs, walking frames, and assistance devices. The summit boardwalk is not accessible, there are 368 shallow stairs.
- Strollers are not permitted due to limited space in the gondola and facilities at the summit.
- The best times to avoid crowds are before 10 AM or after 6 PM.
- Parks Canada has designated all National Parks in Canada as “no drone zones” for recreational use. Fines apply
Discounts And Package Deals
The following are some of the deals that may be offered, most with advance purchase only.
- Early morning discounts where one child rides free with a paying adult.
- Discounted tickets for Alberta residents.
- Evening ride discounts.
- Combo tickets for a meal in one of the restaurants and the gondola are offered at a discount.
See the Banff Jasper Collection Travel Deals for the current offerings.
Changes To The Gondola Rate And Ticketing System
In an effort to help reduce crowding during high visitation periods the gondola ticketing system has been changed. For full information see Banff Gondola Hours And Rates
The ticket costs fluctuate depending on the season and time of day. In the peak summer months you’ll find mid-week day tickets cheaper than weekends. The ticket prices will always be cheaper by buying them in advance online versus at the terminal. Ticket prices will increase as the date approaches.
- An adult ticket starts at approximately $50 in the low season and can cost as much as $70 in the peak summer months.
- Youth tickets for ages 6 to 15 are $25 and up.
- Children 5 and under are free, but must have a ticket.
If you want to make a change to your date or time once you have purchased your ticket it may result in a price adjustment either up or down.
The downside to purchasing advance tickets is that there could be poor visibility during your scheduled date or time slot to ride. If the views are obscured you may be offered an opportunity to reschedule your time or date, but it would be subject to availability. No refunds are given.
In the peak tourist season you will be assigned a time to ascend and descend the mountain. It will usually be a 2 hour window. Some people may find that they want to spend longer on the mountain and others may be ready to descend sooner. You can attempt to change your descent time once you are at the summit terminal to an earlier or later time, but it will be subject to availability. There’s no guarantee of getting a new time slot.
Hiking Up Sulphur Mountain And Taking The Gondola Down
In the summer hiking season some people prefer to make their own way up Sulphur Mountain and take the gondola back down. Take note that it is not free to ride the gondola down. You need to purchase a one way ticket. If want to do the opposite and take the Banff Gondola up and hike down you will have to purchase a full price ticket. The rules for the one way ticket are subject to change. Check the gondola website or contact them to see if and when the one way ticket option is available and the current rate.
The Sulphur Mountain trail starts at the north west side of the upper gondola parking lot. It’s 5.3 km’s one way on a series of switchbacks. Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top. The majority of the trail is through the forest, but views of Banff and the valley peak through occasionally along the way. The wind can be strong on the face of the mountain. It’s a strenuous hike with an elevation change of 655 meters. (2149 feet) and the end point is 2281 meters above sea level (7486 feet).
In the spring and fall the trail can be icy and slippery and there are avalanche risks. Check the conditions ahead of time. It’s usually free to ride the Banff Gondola down in the winter, but hikers need to be aware that the trail will be covered in snow and ice. You must have appropriate hiking gear for winter conditions. It’s not recommended if you are not fully experienced in winter hiking.
After The Gondola Take A Dip In the Hot Springs
The Upper Banff Hot Springs are located right near the Banff Gondola parking area. It makes it convenient to combine the two attractions. Having a soak in the hot springs can be a nice way to relax after the gondola or great way to warm up if it’s a cold day. See the Banff Upper Hot Springs for hours and rates.
Driving Directions To The Banff Gondola
The gondola is a short 5 minute drive from downtown Banff. Head south on Banff Avenue across the Spray River bridge. Turn left onto Cave Avenue after the bridge. Shortly after the road forks take the right onto Mountain Avenue and follow the gondola signs until you reach the parking lots and gondola terminal at the base of Sulphur Mountain.
How Can I Get To The Gondola With Out A Car Or When The Parking Lot Is Full
If you do not have a vehicle you can easily get to the Banff gondola via the Roam bus. You may want to consider taking the bus to the gondola in the peak summer months when parking can become limited at the gondola.
- Banff’s Roam Transit Route #1 is a year round option that will take you right to the gondola. It runs approximately every 40 minutes and costs $2.
- Banff Taxi (403) 762-4444 or Taxi Taxi (403) 762-0000 is another option.
