Banff Gondola Tours and Activities

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


Ride the gondola from Banff to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy snowy mountain vistas.

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.

Plan a trip to see Banff Gondola

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Paradise Resort Club and Spa
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Falcon Crest Lodge by CLIQUE

Tours & day trips

See all 226 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 38 activities

Wildlife & nature

See all 36 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 15 activities

Winter activities

See all 6 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Banff Gondola

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
Otter Hotel

Otter Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 600 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Otter Hotel
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
The Fox Hotel and Suites

The Fox Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
461 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The Fox Hotel and Suites
Moose Hotel And Suites

Moose Hotel And Suites

4 out of 5
345 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Moose Hotel And Suites
Hotel Canoe and Suites

Hotel Canoe and Suites

4 out of 5
600 Banff Avenue, 2000, Banff, AB
Hotel Canoe and Suites
Brewster Mountain Lodge

Brewster Mountain Lodge

3 out of 5
208 Caribou Street, Banff, AB
Brewster Mountain Lodge
Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience

Fairmont Banff Springs Gold Experience

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

The Banff Gondola offers a variety of exciting activities, including skiing and hiking, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking sightseeing from the gondola, with excellent reviews highlighting the stunning views. Tickets for the gondola are available for purchase, and nearby golfing options also add to the recreational offerings in Banff. Experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies while indulging in these unforgettable activities.

Shopping

Experience the unique charm of shopping at Banff Gondola, where you can find local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Canmore Mountain Market, located 16.1km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with family-friendly vibes and a variety of local goods.

Recreation

The Canmore Golf and Curling Club, a picturesque golf course 14.5km from Banff Gondola, offers an invigorating outdoor experience. Meanwhile, the Canmore Recreation Centre provides a serene environment for wellness and relaxation, while Sunshine Meadows boasts stunning views, perfect for rejuvenating hikes and peaceful moments in nature.

Adventure

Explore Mount Norquay Ski Resort for thrilling skiing experiences set against stunning mountain backdrops. For a more leisurely adventure, the Banff Legacy Trail offers picturesque hiking through beautiful scenery. Don't miss the North American Ski Lift, providing exhilarating rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscape.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Banff Gondola offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Enjoy a fun evening at the Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre, located 1.6km away, where you can unwind with friends while bowling in a stunning setting surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies.

Find the best attractions near Banff Gondola

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Banff Gondola, where you can explore stunning mountains, relaxing hot springs, and modern colleges. This destination offers a range of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences for every traveller. Don't miss the chance to purchase Banff Gondola tickets and discover the best sights around Banff, ensuring a memorable visit filled with adventure and natural wonder.

  • Upper Hot Springs: Located a mere 161m from the Banff Gondola, the Upper Hot Springs offer a serene retreat with natural thermal waters. Enjoy relaxation and wellness while soaking in the outdoor pools, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
  • Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: Situated 3.2km away, this modern hub for artistic expression features workshops, performances, and art exhibitions, fostering a vibrant city vibe. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Tunnel Mountain: Just 3.2km from the gondola, Tunnel Mountain invites adventure seekers with its scenic hiking trails. Experience stunning views of Banff and the surrounding landscape, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Banff Gondola

Visitor numbers around Banff Gondola is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January13.5°F (-10.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
February12.9°F (-10.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
March22.3°F (-5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April30.6°F (-0.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowModerately Low
May41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November19.2°F (-7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowModerately Low
December10.2°F (-12.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Banff Gondola

To save money on your trip to the Banff Gondola, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, April, and November when hotel prices are lower. Booking a month in advance can also secure better rates, or check last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. For free activities, explore nearby attractions like Tunnel Mountain and Bow Falls. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations, with the most affordable rates typically found on Wednesdays. Additionally, look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings.

  • 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 Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Banff Gondola is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you’ll discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Banff Gondola hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.