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    Banff Gondola

    4.5 (257 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Banff Gondola Photos

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    Lori H.

    A must when visiting Banff! Amazing views from atop Sulphur Mountain. Parking area is pretty large but fills up fast. There are kiosks to get parking passes. You buy tickets for the gondola ride from one of the ticket windows outside, off the parking area. Once you have your tickets, you can go inside and peruse the gift shop until your boarding time listed on your ticket. The operation runs very smoothly. We didn't have to wait in line long for anything during our visit. The gondola ride was pretty smooth and very scenic. We really enjoyed it. Once you get to the observation deck on Sulphur Mountain, there are information kiosks to view, and restrooms available, before heading out to the boardwalk. The boardwalk has amazing views as well. There are plenty of benches along the way to rest. We thoroughly enjoyed this stop. One of our favorite adventures this trip. Highly recommend!

    Sarah S.

    If you go to Banff, and you can handle heights, you MUST do the Gondola! I'm afraid of heights and ngl, I was a bit scared going up the gondola. Especially because one of my friends is a toddler who thought it would be fun to scare me and her husband by shaking it a bit. Ugh! haha However, I survived the 2,292 feet glide up to the Sulphur Mountain that took about 8 minutes to get up. We rode up while the sun was out, did some exploring up top, watched the sunset from the peak of the mountain then went down after nightfall. I'd highly recommend seeing sunset there - it was just awe inspiring. Riding the gondola ain't cheap at around $70-80 depending on the time of year & date, but goodness it was so well worth it. It's absolutely a must do while in Banff!

    Welcome to the Banff Gondola
    Joel H.

    We came to the Banff Gondola as part of our Rocky Mountaineer Rail tour. Especially convenient as the was just a three minute ride from the Rimrock Hotel. We came in a motor coach and we (my wife and I) were raveling with another couple, our very good friends. We came fairly early and you could see the place getting busy quickly. Our tour guide obtained the tickets for us and we had virtually no wait to get onto the gondola for the ride up the mountain. It's a plus that there was Starbucks in the waiting area. The four of us all got into one gondola and took a wonderful ride is to the top of the mountain. It was an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride to the top and I spent most of my time taking pictures. This was a perfect place for me as I am a photographer. We made it to the top and just enjoyed the view at all spots. This was a great spot and, I hadn't even started taking pictures yet. This place had there own rest rooms, gift shop, plenty of signage of where you are and what you're looking at. The observation deck, a few floors up was amazing. You literally see for miles and miles. Nothing but incredible views from any spot. They even had a frame that you can have someone take your picture in. It helped that the weather was perfect!!! There is a walkway that take you a few hundred yards to the old weather station. We were on a tour and did not have the tine needed to take that walk which is about 45 minutes there and back. We had about one hour which was ample time to see and experience our time at the top of the mountain. KUDOs to the team at Banff Gondola

    Chris C.

    Came here for an event during a ski trip. it's an amazing place. The view is fantastic especially during sunset. They had fire places and a big bubble and also furry blankets for you to keep warm with. The panoramic views from inside the dining rooms are good too if you don't want to be outside. Apparently in winter you can also see the northern lights even in early evening although faint. Food at the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen is excellent as well, the brisket is the best I've ever had and the rosemary chicken delicious as well. Even if you don't see the northern lights on a clear night you can also see tons of stars especially on the gondola ride down over the mountains where there is no artificial light. Pretty pricy however at $75/pp (Canadian) but definitely worth it for special occasions.

    All these stairs take about 10 min total
    Andrea R.

    I heard the crowds here were insane, which seemed to be the theme of our trip in Banff. Yes, there were long times, but they moved fast. We arrived in time for our 1:40pm reservation and was on the gondola within minutes. Gorgeous views awaited us and a delicious meal (and even better view) at The Sky Bistro. We wanted to go across all the stairs to take in all the views, but I figured it would take us awhile. Fortunately, our waitress told us it looked further than it was and took about 10 minutes...and she was right. And we got some beautiful pics on the other side. We had a 4:30pm return gondola, but were ready to head down by 3:30pm. They were flexible and traded in our ticket. The line for the ride down was a little longer, but moved fast. Five minutes after getting in line we were headed down with 2 gondola staff members. They were super interesting to chat with and loved learning about their life living in Banff. The hardest part was finding our way home to the Fairmont since the direct bus wasn't scheduled to come until 4:45pm. We hopped on a bus to town and enjoyed some ice cream at Cows...and then took the town bus back to the hotel. Definitely a one and done experience, but thought it was a gorgeous way to see more of beautiful Banff!

    Pearl R.

    It was really worth it as a touristy attraction! I came to banff for the first time and it did not disappoint. It's on the colder side on the first week of October but the views on a sunny day is breathtaking. I also recommend dining at the sky view restaurant here. Their food is really good and the quality is worth the price!

    Lisa S.

    This is a must see when in Banff. The 360 degree views are stunning. Get in line no more than 10 minutes before your departure time. They will turn you away if you are early. The gondola seats 4 people so you may get paired with another couple. The best seats are facing away from the mountain, either up or down. It takes 8 minutes to get to the top. Once on top, take the boardwalk to the weather station. There are many stops along the way. My fav was the stop that listed all the mountain names. We had a 1:30pm board time and 3pm exit time and it was about right. I could have easily added another 30 minutes just to sit and enjoy the views. Definitely a must see activity.

    Doreen T.

    We purchased the combo tickets for the Banff Gondola and Hot Springs. After booking lunch at Sky Bistro, I was able to easily adjust our gondola time by calling their customer service, very helpful! We visited in early July, and it was quite busy, so I recommend arriving 30-45 minutes before your scheduled entrance and adjusting your bus shuttle plans accordingly. The gondola fits four people, so if you're a party of two like us, expect to share the 8-minute ride up Sulphur Mountain with others. The ride itself is smooth, but it might be a little nerve-wracking for those afraid of heights. At the top, the boardwalk leading to the summit viewpoint is absolutely worth the climb. Not that even if you're in decent shape, the 7,500 ft elevation can leave you a bit winded! We had a lovely lunch at Sky Bistro (highly recommend making a reservation), then tackled the boardwalk and took in the stunning panoramic views. It was truly breathtaking. We noticed lots of families picnicking on the benches along the boardwalk, which is a great idea if you're not dining at the summit. As for the Hot Springs included with our ticket, it was underwhelming. There's just one small pool and it felt more like a crowded hot tub than a relaxing thermal experience. I'd absolutely ride the Banff Gondola again for the views alone!

    Charmaine S.

    Gone to several gondolas in different state/countries. What's unique about this one? It has a walk/hike to several different destinations. It has indoor wide variety of things to do. The restaurants were still closed when we visited early. It was so cold! But there's an area where you could hang out indoors---you don't have to freeze! Table on the side had an artificial fire place. Gorgeous views!!!

    observation deck
    Scott W.

    Stopped here a part of our Rocky Mountaineer Rail tour. There were about 25 of us in this group. It was early in the morning and the place was already getting busy. Our guides got us tickets and we ended up waiting for about 30 minutes before we could go up. I took the opportunity to get a hot chocolate from the Starbucks located in the same building. The gondola ride is very nice. For those people who have height issues, it can be a little scary, but the entire structure is very sound, and the ride up is relatively smooth (with the exception of the occasional bump when the car goes over the support towers). The building on top is very nice. It has rest room, gift shop, signage and history, and an observation deck that lets you see for miles! Stunning views, all the way around. There is a well built walking deck that will take you a few hundred yards to the old weather station. It's worth the walk to go out. You'll learn about the local area, and the incredible history of the tower. You will be at the highest peak on Sulphur Mountain. I real highlight of the trip.

    This is going down!! This was well worth the ride!! Highly recommended!!
    Wellington J.

    The gondola holds 4 people, and the ride takes about 8 minutes each way to go from 4500 feet to 7486 feet in altitude. The view at the top is amazing!! We ate at the buffet, and it wasn't worth the money. Very average cuisine. From 7486 feet, there is a hike to the very top of Sulfur Mountain at 8000 feet. No one tells you that it entails climbing 368 stairs!! So be prepared, because the lack of oxygen at 8000 feet affects your breathing quite a lot, and I exercise 5-6 days a week!! It is a worthwhile effort, if you are in good shape. The view is indescribably spectacular!! Upon descending, be extra careful because it can be slippery!!

    Eddie O.

    The views are amazing at the top of the Gondola. To be able to see all the mountain peaks, the green trees, the glaciers and the various lakes is very impressive. A must if you want to be able to capture that view.

    Peter P.

    A worth while attraction in Banff. If the weather is good and you have the time, would recommend. The staff here were so helpful and welcoming. Tickets are easy to get online or at the box office on site. Getting up to it is hit or miss, if theres crowds the shuttle is best as they don't have too much parking. The gondola ride up and down are beautiful, amazing views! Once you get up top there is well established hike to the top of sulphur mountain which is also cool. At the top there are a couple restaurants and spots for drinks and food. Its a tourist spot but it was worth it imo. I enjoyed the ride and the views and would recommend if your visiting.

    The gondola

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    Review Highlights - Banff Gondola

    haha However, I survived the 2,292 feet glide up to the Sulphur Mountain that took about 8 minutes to get up.

    Mentioned in 42 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Kootenay National Park - Stanley Glacier Hike

    Kootenay National Park

    4.7(15 reviews)
    36.9 km

    We had an amazing time visiting sites in Kootenay National Park while staying in Radium Hot Springs…read morefor a week. The is such a picturesque part of British Colombia, Canada. Our first stop was Olive Lake. A gorgeous green-blue body of water. A short trail from the parking lot. Our next stop was Paint Pots. Such a cool experience. We've never seen anything like it before. The colorful, iron-rich pools were so cool to see up close. The boardwalk to the paint pots was picturesque too. There are many stops and viewpoints along highway 93. Be sure to stop at the ranger station to get your park pass ($14/day) and map of all stops along the route. Most stops have restrooms available as well. Overall a must while visiting British Colombia, Canada. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring this area and would highly recommend.

    Rumor had it that Kootenay National Park was, perhaps, the most underrated of the National Parks in…read morethe area. I'm all for supporting the underdogs (& avoiding the crowds). Compared to Banff, Kootenay was empty & there are plenty of bodies of Gatorade-like waters. We enjoyed the wide open spaces and the non-touristy vibe of the park. On our Stanley Glacier Hike, we only saw 3 other sets of people... no shoulder bumping or shuttles needed here. We opted for the annual family/group pass, a great value if you're spending a week or so in any combination of the parks &/or may come back. (& we will come back... already planning it)

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    Kootenay National Park - Stanley Glacier Hike

    Stanley Glacier Hike

    Kootenay National Park - Stanley Glacier Hike

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    Kootenay National Park - This is the Continental Divide sign starting out Kootenay NP near the Banff area.

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    This is the Continental Divide sign starting out Kootenay NP near the Banff area.

    Banff Gondola - parks - Updated May 2026

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