The Banff Gondola
Banff is a bucket list destination for people across the globe, with its charming mountain town aesthetic, amazing food, and incredible scenic vistas – whether you’re there for the spa, the hiking, or the candy store you can’t go wrong!
And what better way to enjoy the whole picturesque setting than with a gondola ride (yours truly even likes it, and I’m so scared of heights an eight-foot ladder can be a challenge).
The Banff Gondola runs year-round from the base of Sulphur Mountain to its summit for views of six mountain ranges, Bow Valley, and Banff town proper itself!
No Bull Tip! Book your tickets in advance to guarantee the ride slot you want!
Start off at the Lower Terminal where you can grab a Starbucks, buy tickets on-site, and visit a gift shop. (The Starbucks has higher prices than in town, just as a heads up).
What’s Up There?
After an 8 minute journey up to 2,292 feet (the cabins are enclosed so you’re protected from the wind, but they’re not heated so dress appropriately) you’ll find a variety of attractions.
Disembark on level 1 and be welcomed with a well-stocked gift shop or the option to get a tea and snack at Castle Mountain Coffee. This is also where you’ll return for your trip down or head outside to the boardwalk.
Up on level 2 is the Above Banff interpretive centre and theatre, where you can enjoy a spread of exhibits surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. Or, duck into the theatre for a multi-sensory show, gliding above the Rockies from the perspective only eagles dare reach.
Level 3 is home to the two restaurants, the Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen. The Bistro offers high-end Canadian cuisine (prices ranging, but it’s the full restaurant, sit-down deal) and the Alpine Kitchen, which is a buffet with individual entry [cost/price] (currently $45 – adult, $22 – child)
Finally, level 4 is the rooftop observation deck. It also hosts an event area and the citizenship pavilion. From here you can really take in the views, and enjoy special season events, depending on the time of your visit! During the summer Peak Patio is also open, a bar experience that’s one for the books where you can sip cocktails and order a variety of small plates.
The Boardwalk
The Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk will show views out of a fairytale. The more adventurous can take a stab at the South East Ridge trail (only in the summer) which is a hiking route running along the ridge of the mountain to the south that takes you to the true summit of Sulphur Mountain. It doesn’t offer better views though, so it’s really more for the avid hikers only.
But for those of us in it for the sights, the boardwalk is an easy walk along an elevated boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak.
Follow in the footsteps of Norman Sanson, who walked to the top of Sulphur Mountain weekly for 30 years to check the weather until 1945, when he was 84 years old. At the peak, step back in time and experience the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station — a National Historic Site of Canada.
Who Can Ride?
The Banff Gondola features fully accessible gondola cars, each capable of taking a wheelchair and passenger up. Their size limit is 31” wide and 41” long, with a total weight limit of 320 kg/705.5 lbs.
However, the summit boardwalk is not accessible as it has 368 shallow stairs both ways.
Pets are not permitted; service dogs only with appropriate accreditation to be presented on site. Emotional support animals are not permitted.
Hours and Ticket Prices
Hours are subject to seasonal changes, with rides occurring regularly throughout the day. The last ride down from the peak typically occurs 10 minutes prior to close.
Tickets are also subject to dynamic pricing, currently (March 2024) prices are as follows:
Ages 5 and under ride for free (still require a ticket)
Children: $33-43
Adult: $52-65
Packages and group rates are also available, including a family package with one child able to ride for free for every two full-priced adults (a child charge applies to every additional child after).
You are able to modify your tickets up to 48 hours in advance . If you have to change your plans within the 48 hours of your ticket call 1-866-756-1904 and the staff will try and assist you (be polite, remember they’re just doing their jobs), and you may be subject to a small change fee.
Location
The Gondola is located off Mountain Ave at the base of Sulphur Mountain, just outside Banff. There is limited parking, so recommend using your tow vehicle and not bring your RV along. A free shuttle runs every 40 minutes from town though so you don’t have to deal with parking stress!
Here’s a link to their FAQ page for any additional questions you may have beyond what we covered.
See you up there!