Banff Gondola To Sulphur Mountain

The Banff gondola has to be the best known of any gondola in the Canadian Rockies and it makes it on to 90% of visitors bucket list and for good reason. The views from the top of Sulphur Mountain over the town of Banff below have to be some of the best on offer anywhere in the Bow Valley and offer some fantastic photography opportunities.

So whether you take the gondola or hike to the top of Sulphur mountain I would 100% add it to your must dos for a visit to Banff.

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Getting there

The good news is that there is a large parking lot at the base of the gondola which is free to use for anyone visiting sulphur mountain. The bad news is the traffic to and from the Banff gondola and the main part of town can often be pretty horrendous especially during peak season. There is however an alternative with Pursuit offering a free pick up from town as well as the Roam bus being free if you show your gondola ticket. Route 1 will take you directly to the car park. So rather than being part of the problem I’d recommend taking the stress out of your day and leaving the car behind and jumping on one of the free bus options!

When is it open?

The Banff gondola is open year round, 7 days a week! Throughout the majority of the year the gondola starts operation at 10 am in winter and 9 am in summer and everything closes up by 9 pm most nights with the last ride down being about 1.5 hours before closing. That closing time gets extended from 8 am until 10 pm from June 20 to September 7 and during the night rise festival.

What do you get for your money?

A ticket on the Banff gondola does fluctuate a little depending on the time of year but peak season an adult ticket will set you back about $88. This will get you a return ride up and down, that’s it…

It is also possible to hike up and get a ride down for half the usual return price.

The views from the top are pretty hard to beat!

Things to do up top

There is plenty to do at the top of Sulphur Mountain from taking in the views, night rise light festival, live music and a child friendly interpretive centre. Events change depending on the time of year so if you’re luck you might catch something a little special!

Interpretive Centre

Learn about the town of Banff, the surrounding mountains and Canadian wildlife in this interactive, family friendly centre

Walk the Boardwalk

The boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak and the cosmic ray station has to be the highlight. Take in incredible views as you wind your way across the mountain ridge on a purpose made wooden boardwalk.

Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak

A perfect way to enjoy a summers evening is to walk the board walk from the summit building to the cosmic ray station. Along the way you’ll find informative signage and stunning views.

Eat and Drink

There are several dinning experiences to choose from at the Summit building whether you want a more casual experience or fine dining there is something for everyone!

Photography

The view of the town of Banff has to be one of the best sunset views anywhere in the Bow Valley. As a photographer it is 100% worth spending an evening up here taking in this iconic view.

In winter or summer this view makes a fantastic image. Stick around a little longer in to the night to see the lights come on in town!

Events

Events range from the winter nightrise festivals interactive light show as well as live music on the patio in summer.

Is it family friendly?

100% yes! There is lots to see and do and even the youngest of children will love the views and the interpretive centre. There’s also lots of inside space to keep warm and get treats if that’s what’s needed to keep the little ones happy!

The only downside is it can be a little expensive if you’re taking a large family with you. One option is to take advantage of the Family Experience ticket which is valid for the first few uploads each morning until 10:30am with this ticket one child is free with every full paying adult.

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