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Explore: Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola is located at the base of Sulphur Mountain at the end of Mountain Avenue in Banff, Alberta. At the top of Sulphur Mountain, you will be standing at an elevation of 2,281metres (7,486 feet)!

We rode the Banff Gondola for the first time in the fall, and of course on the day we went, it was a foggy day, but it was still a fantastic experience!  We can’t wait to go back on a sunny day…the views are incredible..or so we’ve heard…here’s a shot of what the view is like not under cloud cover!  Either way, riding the Banff Gondola is well worth the experience!

Photo source, Brewster Canada

Here is what you need to know for your own visit to Banff Gondola:

The ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain is about 8 minutes long.  Along the way you will have beautiful views of the valley around Banff.  Make sure to have your camera ready!

Banff Gondola

Banff Gondola

Even with the fog, it was a stunning ride up and back down.  The rocky mountains never disappoint.

Banff Gondola

What to Expect:

Once you arrive to the top of Sulphur Mountain, you will be greeted by the beautiful Above Banff Interpretive Centre, where you can warm up, have a coffee and a snack, or stay for lunch or dinner in one of the cafes or on-site restaurant. You will also have the opportunity to take a self guided tour along the outdoor boardwalks to take in the views, or step out onto rooftop observation deck.  And make sure to stay for the show that plays in the Above Banff Theatre!

For the Kids:

The facility also has a really fantastic interpretive centre that kids will love!  The centre has a Junior Explorer Program, where kids can explore and participate in self guided activities.

Banff Gondola

The Sulphur Mountain boardwalk 

Experience Tip!

If you’re really into adventure, you might even consider taking the gondola up, then walking the 5.5 km trail back down Sulphur mountain!  Or hike up and ride the gondola down…it’s even a free ride in winter.

Banff Gondola

The Sky Bistro

Hungry?

The facility at the top of Sulphur Mountain has a couple of different options for dining. You can purchase snacks and refreshments the Northern Lights Cafe or the Castle Mountain Coffee Co.  Or you can stay for lunch or dinner at Sky Bistro.

Banff Gondola Details:

  • Best times to visit:  The gondola can get very busy, so consider going before 10AM or after 6PM, when it’s less busy.
  • How to get there: If you don’t want to drive to Banff, you can take the year round ROAM Transit Service, Local Route 1, for $2 a ride.  Visit the ROAM site for more details.
  • Hours & Rates:  Visit the website for the gondola hours and rates.
  • Admission Tip: Kids ride free at the Banff Gondola, if you visit before 12PM, you can receive one child admission with each regular-priced adult!
  • Dining:  Have a snack, coffee, lunch or dinner at Sky Bistro at the top of the Banff Gondola
  • Accessibility:  The gondola is wheelchair accessible.
  • Strollers:  Due to limited space, strollers are not permitted.

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