Sunshine Meadows Gondola Banff

When it comes to gondolas in the Canadian Rockies not all are made equal! There are a lot to choose form nowadays and it can be difficult to decide which one you’ll part with your hard earned money with to ride.

However I do think that the Sunshine Meadows summer gondola is the best value gondola in Banff and offers a little something for everyone.

Getting there

Sunshine Village run a free shuttle starting at 7:30 am from the main Banff hotels so even if you don’t have a car you’ll be able to take advantage of the sights. Alternatively there is plenty of parking at the base of the gondola if you have your own car.

When is it open?

Sunshine Meadows is open for sightseeing and hiking form the end of June until the 3rd week of September most summers (this can be a little weather dependent).

What do you get for your money?

For around $70 + gst for an adult you get access to the gondola that takes you up to the village as well as a ride on the standish express chair lift that takes you up to 2350 m both included in the price. So it does come in a little cheaper than the Banff Sulphur Mountain gondola and gets you completely different views once up top.

Standish express chairlift

Riding the standish express chairlift. If you aren’t too good with heights don’t worry, there are alternative hiking trails to get to the top if you don’t fancy the ride!

Things to do up top

Hiking

The Sunshine Meadows is probably the best place in the whole of Banff to see wildflowers. The wildflowers are normally in bloom around the start to mid summer. There are multiple easy, wide and well maintained trails all over the meadows for you to explore as well as a fantastic viewing platform over looking Rock Isle lake. On a clear day you might also be able to sneak a peak of Mount Assiniboine in the distance.

Views of Rock Isle Lake

A short walk from the standish express chairlift is the standish viewing platform giving you some of the best views to be had in banff.

Interpretive Centre

There is also an interpretive centre in Sunshine Village giving some fantastic insight in to the wildlife, flora and fauna of the area.

Eat and Drink

During the summer several of the Sunshine Village eateries are open for business allowing you to grab some lunch or a drink or two as you soak up the sun including Trappers Grill and Chimney Corner

Is it family friendly?

Yes! And this has to be one of the best gondolas for a family friendly day out. The trails are easy to walk with fantastic views so they’re perfect even for older knees and there is more than enough space for younger kids to run around and burn off some energy. On a sunny summers day it’s pretty hard to beat a day spent up on Sunshine meadows.

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