Some of the best views in the Canadian Rockies can be enjoyed from the top of Sulphur Mountain. Take the Banff Gondola to the summit. The eight-minute ride offers spectacular views from a glass-enclosed cabin. The Summit Complex at the end of the gondola ride has restaurants, a gift shop and multiple viewing platforms. Look out over six different mountain ranges, through valleys and down onto the town of Banff.
The gondola leaves from the base of the mountain about five minutes outside town. It runs throughout the year. Come in summer, when the sun shines and wildlife roams the mountain. The view is no less impressive in winter, when the landscape is covered in a blanket of pristine white snow. In winter, come prepared for sub-zero temperatures and strong winds, and it can still be cold and windy at the summit in summer.
Each glass-enclosed gondola seats four people and offers 360-degree views for the whole ride. The Summit Complex is 7,486 feet (2,281 meters) above sea level.
Go inside to warm up in one of two restaurants. Both have glass walls to make the most of the scenery.
Take a short walk along the ridge for more photo opportunities. A half-mile (800-meter) wooden walkway runs along the summit ridge to the Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station. Norman Sanson was a local who hiked the mountain once a week for 30 years to check the weather. There’s not much to see at the station itself, but the views across the mountains are spectacular. It’s often less crowded than the gondola Summit Complex.
A second trail runs south from the complex to the mountain’s true summit, but only experienced hikers should attempt the rocky climb.
The gondola runs every day of the year, except during scheduled maintenance. Buses and taxis run from Banff to the base of the gondola, and there’s ample parking.
Banff Gondola Tours and Activities
Visit Banff Gondola
Plan a trip to see Banff Gondola
Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience
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Wildlife & nature
See all 15 activitiesOpens in new tabCanmore: 4-Hour Banff Park Safari Drive & Nature Walk
Tours & day trips
See all 114 activitiesOpens in new tabBanff: Banff Gondola Admission Ticket
Winter activities
See all 8 activitiesOpens in new tabIntroduction to Backcountry Skiing / Riding in Banff, Canada
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tabTunnel Mountain Trail: Nature Tour with Audio Guide
Reviews of Banff Gondola
3/5 - Okay
Too pricey
4/5 - Good
Try bison tartar in sky bistro
3/5 - Okay
Get there early. We had 9:30 departure tickets but due to tour buses didn't board until after 10 a.m. View from the top is spectacular though.
5/5 - Excellent
Hiked up! Was a workout, took about 1.5hrs and got free gondola down (after 7pm I believe is the deal). Saw goats on walk so that was cool.
1/5 - Terrible
Did not go there, went to Lake Louise Gondola
2/5 - Disappointing
Parking is a shambles
Popular places to visit
Upper Hot Springs
Rejuvenate your body in the geothermal waters of these historic hot springs while admiring the exquisite views of Banff National Park.
Minnewanka Loop / Lake Johnson
Explore the great outdoors at Minnewanka Loop / Lake Johnson and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Banff. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Central Park
Enjoy the mountain views and explore Central Park, a lovely green space in Banff. Amble around the area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
Banff Springs Golf Club
Play a round of golf in Banff at Banff Springs Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as skiing. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's mountain views.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Explore the lovely green spaces of Cave and Basin National Historic Site and enjoy the ski slopes in Banff. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its hiking trails.
Sulphur Mountain
Explore the great outdoors at Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Banff. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.
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