Banff Gondola

The Basics

The Banff Gondola is the quickest and easiest way to get to the top of a Rocky Mountain peak.

You can purchase tickets in advance, choosing between morning, midday, and evening departures. Journey up via the glass-enclosed, 4-person gondola, then explore the summit at your leisure, enjoying the lofty vantage point of the 360-degree deck, walking the 0.66-mile (1-kilometer) Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, following the South East Ridge Trail to the mountain’s true summit, and browsing the hands-on exhibits at the Above Banff interpretive center. On select winter nights, stargazing sessions are held at the summit’s station. Adventurous visitors can hike 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) of strenuous trail and switchbacks up Sulphur Mountain to the gondola’s upper terminal and take a one-way gondola ride down. You also can visit the summit as part of a broader sightseeing tour that includes other Banff National Park highlights such as Tunnel Mountain Drive, Two Jack Viewpoint, and Lake Minnewanka.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Visitors who hike one way and ride the gondola the other way still have to pay for a round-trip ticket.

• It can be cold at the summit station, even in summer, so bring extra layers.

• The Banff Gondola is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Banff Gondola lower terminal is located about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) south of Banff town center. To get there, take the Route 1 Roam bus from Banff town, which leaves around every 40 minutes. Driving from Banff via Mountain Avenue takes around 10 minutes; parking is available at the lower terminal.

When to Get There

The Banff Gondola is busiest on summer weekends, so if you’re visiting then, arrive early in the day. During the winter months, the snowy vistas are magical and the summit is generally very peaceful. Summer is prime hiking season in this part of Canada; trails can be slippery in spring and fall, and icy in winter. The gondola closes for around two weeks every January to allow for maintenance work.

What You Can See From the Top

Upon arrival at the top of Sulphur Mountain, you are treated to astonishing views encompassing six different mountain ranges. Directly below is the town of Banff itself, the Bow River, and the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Often you can spot shaggy bighorn sheep grazing on the slopes.

Ways to explore

The Banff Gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you’ll have the freedom to hike, shop, or dine (be sure to reserve your ticket in advance). If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there’s also the option to hike up or down Sulphur Mountain and take the gondola only one way (if you hike up and ride down, you’ll pay half price, but if you ride up and hike down, you’ll pay full). Plan to spend about 1.5 hours on the whole experience, or opt to dine at one of the mountaintop restaurants for a special meal out.

Accessibility

The gondola and parking area are wheelchair accessible, although the summit boardwalk is not.

Age limits

There are no age limits.

What to pack

Water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, credit card, cash

What to wear

Dress in layers to adapt to the changeable weather, and note that the gondola cabins aren’t heated.

Not allowed

Skiing, drones, sports equipment

Amenities

Interpretive center, gift shop, washrooms, restaurants

Address

The Banff Gondola terminal is a short drive from the town of Banff. As parking is limited, and the attraction is crowded in summer, you should consider taking the bus.

Driving

From central Banff, it’s 3 miles (5 kilometers) to the gondola terminal. Follow Mountain Avenue and signs for the gondola.

Public transportation

A bus departs about every 15 minutes from downtown Banff, with the trip taking around 14 minutes. Catch the 1 Gondola bus from the Downtown Caribou West. With a gondola ticket, the bus is free (be sure to keep your ticket for the return bus ride).

Best times to visit

Since all gondola trips require an advanced reservation, aim for an earlier booking to increase your chances of finding parking and enjoying a quieter overall experience.

Best days to visit

The gondola and mountain stay busy year-round, so your best option is to focus on early time slots rather than specific days.

Best months to visit

Banff is beautiful in all seasons, but avoid the peak of summer when the town is at its busiest and wildfire threats are high, and opt for the spring and fall shoulder seasons of May and October.

Special events

From mid-November through the end of March, the Gondola hosts Nightrise, an immersive, interactive display with narration, soundscapes, and light shows. In summer, the Sunset Festival offers food, live music, and drinks at the top.