Banff Gondola

Photo provided by Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Banff Gondola
Banff Gondola
Banff Gondola
Banff Gondola which includes views, mountains and snow


Enjoy a stunning 360-degree panorama of Banff and its surrounding mountains as you ride in comfort to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Survey miles of the magnificent Canadian Rockies from the top of Sulphur Mountain. The Banff Gondola takes you from the base of the mountain to the Summit Complex in just eight minutes, during which time you'll also be able to catch some spectacular vistas from your fully glazed cabin. Get a bird’s-eye view of Banff, and marvel at the snowy peaks and valleys of six of the area's mountain ranges.

Whether you come in winter or summer, you're in for a treat. In summer you'll get the chance to spot some native animals on the sunny mountain slopes. Even if it's warm in Banff however, it may be chilly at the breezy summit, which is 2,281 metres above sea level. Of course, temperatures in winter drop much lower and the winds can be fierce. But the dazzling panorama of Banff National Park, immaculate and snow-white, is well worth braving the elements for.

Explore the Summit Complex's several viewing platforms and marvel at the incredible view. From here, it's just 800 metres along a timber walkway to Sanson's Peak Meteorological Station further along the ridge. With fewer tourists it's the ideal place to take some photographs. The station was named for Norman Sanson, who attended to the weather station once a week for 30 years of course, with no gondola, he had to hike.

Only hikers with plenty of experience should tackle the climb to the true summit. The trail starts at the Summit Complex and runs south. A more relaxing option is to grab a bite to eat at one of the complex's two cosy restaurants. You won't miss out on any views though, as both have glass walls. Don't forget to stop off at the gift shop before you head back down.

It's just a five-minute drive from downtown Banff to the gondola departure point and there's plenty of parking. Or you can catch a bus or taxi from town. Four people can fit in each cabin and the gondola runs daily all year round, closing only for planned maintenance.

Popular places to visit


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Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Banff Springs

4 out of 5
405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB
Fairmont Banff Springs
Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff by Accor

Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff by Accor

4 out of 5
300 Moutain Avenue, Banff, AB
Rimrock Resort Hotel Banff by Accor
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
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Hotel Canoe and Suites

Hotel Canoe and Suites

4 out of 5
600 Banff Avenue, 2000, Banff, AB
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Buffalo Mountain Lodge

Buffalo Mountain Lodge

3.5 out of 5
700 Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, AB
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Moose Hotel And Suites

Moose Hotel And Suites

4 out of 5
345 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
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Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience

Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience

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Otter Hotel

Otter Hotel

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Brewster Mountain Lodge

Brewster Mountain Lodge

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Brewster Mountain Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Banff Gondola

At Banff Gondola, visitors can enjoy skiing and hiking, with accessible trails offering stunning views. Key attractions nearby include the breathtaking sights of Sulphur Mountain, approximately 2.5 km from the gondola. For those seeking free activities, the surrounding national park provides numerous fun places to explore. Don't miss the chance to experience the natural beauty and thrilling adventures that this iconic destination has to offer.

Shopping

Experience the charm of Banff with its unique shops and boutiques. The Canmore Mountain Market, located 16.1km away, offers a delightful mix of local crafts and gourmet treats, embodying a vibrant community atmosphere. Enjoy your shopping amidst stunning mountain views.

Recreation

The Canmore Golf and Curling Club offers a stunning outdoor setting for golfing enthusiasts, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. For relaxation, the Canmore Recreation Centre features wellness facilities that promote rejuvenation. Sunshine Meadows invites you to immerse yourself in nature, providing a peaceful retreat with scenic trails.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Mount Norquay Ski Resort, located 6.4km from the Banff Gondola, where you can enjoy exhilarating slopes. For a scenic hike, explore the Banff Legacy Trail, situated 3.2km away, offering breathtaking outdoor views and adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Banff Gondola with a visit to the Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre, located 1.6km away. Enjoy a fun evening of bowling, complemented by a lively atmosphere and delightful refreshments, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Banff Gondola

Banff Gondola offers a delightful array of attractions, including stunning mountains and soothing hot springs. Visitors can immerse themselves in outdoor adventures or indulge in cultural experiences that highlight the region's rich heritage. Whether you seek exhilarating activities or a serene escape, the local points of interest promise to create unforgettable memories during your stay in this picturesque Canadian destination.

  • Upper Hot Springs: Experience the soothing warmth of the Upper Hot Springs, located a mere 161m from the Banff Gondola. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this natural hot spring offers the perfect opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the serene outdoor atmosphere.
  • Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: Situated 3.2km away, the Banff Centre is a hub for artistic expression and cultural richness. This modern institution hosts various performances and exhibitions, providing a vibrant city vibe that celebrates creativity and innovation.
  • Tunnel Mountain: Just 3.2km from the Gondola, Tunnel Mountain beckons adventure seekers. Hike to its summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Banff, immersing yourself in the spectacular outdoor scenery that this iconic mountain offers.

Best time to go to Banff Gondola

The best time to visit Banff Gondola is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January13.5°F (-10.3°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
February12.9°F (-10.6°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March22.3°F (-5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April30.6°F (-0.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
May41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately High
July57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighModerately High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighModerately High
September46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October32.7°F (0.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November19.2°F (-7.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowModerately Low
December10.2°F (-12.1°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Banff Gondola

To save money on your trip to the Banff Gondola, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, April, or November, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Thursdays generally offer the lowest hotel prices, while Sundays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter options by budget and eco-friendly accommodations, and look for package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to check for last-minute deals for spontaneous plans.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Banff Gondola is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Banff Gondola are January, April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Banff Gondola is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Banff Gondola is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Banff Gondola is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most economical prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your Banff Gondola hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia