Sunshine Meadows
Vermilion Lakes Rd., Banff, Canada
Sunshine Meadows is a beautiful natural area not far from Banff in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. As there’s no public road access to the site, people typically hike or take the gondola and chairlift up to the viewing area—or both. There are great views across the Banff National Park, to Mt. Assiniboine, and of flower-filled (and sometimes sunny) meadows in season.
The basics
Sunshine Meadows offers some of the best short hikes in the Banff area, as well as snowshoeing opportunities in the winter. If you’re not hiking all the way up, the summer-season gondola whisks passengers up from 5,442 feet (1,659 meters) at the base to 7,083 feet (2,159 meters) at the Sunshine Village terminal. From there, a chairlift goes even higher, to the Standish Viewing Deck at 7,825 feet (2,385 meters).
Visit Sunshine Meadows independently or take a guided hike to learn more about the geology of the area—without the risk of taking the wrong path. In the winter (November–April), guided snowshoeing adventures run from the Sunshine Village Ski Resort.
Things to know before you go
Swimming is not allowed in the lakes, and cycling is not permitted at Sunshine Meadows.
Illustrated trail maps show the various hiking options and include useful details such as elevation profile and approximate time needed.
The weather can change quickly in the Rockies, and Sunshine Meadows is at quite a high altitude. Dress appropriately and bring layers.
How to get there
Sunshine Meadows is 15 miles (24 kilometers) southwest of Banff, straddling the Alberta–British Columbia border. There’s a large parking lot at the site, but if you’d rather not drive, a free shuttle bus operates from Banff (reservations aren’t required). You can’t drive up to the Sunshine Mountain Lodge, as the road is only for service vehicles.
When to get there
Sunshine Meadows is typically covered in snow from October to mid-June. The gondola and free shuttle bus from Banff only run in the summer, and the hiking trails are also only open in the summertime. Exact dates vary each year. While the site is more of a summer destination, Sunshine Village Ski Resort offers snow sports in the winter, including snowshoeing at Sunshine Meadows.
Ride the Banff Gondola
The views from Sunshine Meadows are fantastic, but unless you visit in the summertime, you can’t take the gondola up. Check out the Banff Gondola instead, which has a longer season (April to mid-October) and is much closer to town. Enjoy views across Banff and the Bow Valley from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
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