Banff Gondola's Amazing Views

Take a ride aboard the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain with amazing views of Canada's Rockies.

*Purchasing Gondola Tickets in Advance is Recommended. Book the Banff Gondola

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Book Banff National Park Adventures and Attractions. Originally set aside to preserve sulphur hot springs for public use, Banff National Park's towering peaks and beautiful meadows make it among Canada's most incredible holiday areas.

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Gondola Ride up Sulphur Mountain

Maximize views of Banff with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

*Purchasing Gondola Tickets in Advance is Recommended. Banff Gondola Ride Admission

Banff Gondola Nightrise Peak Patio Area

The Peak Patio Area during Banff Gondola Nightrise is the primary outdoor gathering space at the summit, designed to showcase the mountain environment after dark while keeping guests comfortable in winter conditions. Set against the open alpine sky, the patio feels expansive yet sheltered, with wide walkways and defined viewing zones that allow visitors to move easily between viewpoints, fires, and illuminated features. Snow-dusted railings, subtle architectural lighting, and the natural silhouette of Sulphur Mountain frame the experience, creating a calm but immersive nighttime atmosphere.

A defining feature of the Peak Patio is its panoramic outlook over the Banff townsite and Bow Valley. As darkness settles, the valley lights glow below, offering a dramatic contrast to the surrounding peaks and the night sky above. The elevated vantage point encourages lingering, with many guests pausing along the railings to take in the depth of the landscape, photograph the view, or simply absorb the quiet scale of the Rockies at night.

Warmth and comfort are central to the patio experience. Outdoor fire features are strategically placed to create natural gathering points where guests can warm their hands, roast marshmallows, and socialize. These fires add both heat and ambiance, their soft glow complementing the cool blue and amber lighting effects that define the Nightrise mood. Even in colder temperatures, the combination of heat, movement, and visual interest makes the patio inviting rather than brief.

During Nightrise, the Peak Patio also acts as a transition space between exploration and relaxation. Guests often move from the boardwalk and summit pathways back toward the patio to regroup, enjoy the light displays, or take in one last view before heading indoors. The result is a balanced experience that blends winter night scenery, sensory design, and social warmth, making the Peak Patio a focal point of the entire Nightrise event.
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Banff Gondola Ride Reviews

Truly a must, and highly recommend to visit around sunset time..

Yeyoung Chang, January 2026
It was a spectacular experience. Truly a must, and highly recommend to visit around sunset time so that you can still see the view while going up, and then see the night time view from the top to see the lights from the village. Also, the interactive experience to make music for the mountain with the other people on the top was amazing. I cried. Whoever created this, it's so good. You goated.

Amazing views from the ride up above the snow covered pines.

Tony Pruitt, January 2026
Definitely worth the ride up to the top. Amazing views from the ride up above the snow covered pines. We went up late afternoon and came back early evening. The hike out to Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site is also a must do at the top.
An absolute must if you are visiting Banff.

The Banff Gondola is absolutely worth the ride.

Vishaka, January 2026
The Banff Gondola is absolutely worth the ride. The views as you ascend Sulphur Mountain are breathtaking, and once at the top, the panorama of Banff, the Bow Valley, and surrounding peaks is unforgettable. The boardwalk along the ridge is easy and offers different vantage points-every few steps feels like a new postcard shot.
The visitor center at the summit is modern and well designed, with interactive exhibits, a rooftop observation deck, and a caf�/restaurant where you can sit and take in the scenery. It's family-friendly, and you can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day exploring, depending on how much walking you want to do.
If possible, go at sunset-the colors over the mountains are magical. The gondola is a bit pricey, but the experience and views make it worthwhile.

Views from the top were unreal-mist rolling through the peaks, everything blanketed in white.

Shane Perry, January 2026
It snowed during our visit, which made the whole experience feel straight out of a movie. I went with friends, and the views from the top were unreal-mist rolling through the peaks, everything blanketed in white. The boardwalk was still walkable, just a bit slick. Definitely dress warm and give yourself time to take it all in. Worth every minute.

The Banff Gondola is pure magic - an experience that makes you feel on top of the world.

Michelle Goes Global, January 2026
The Banff Gondola is pure magic - an experience that makes you feel on top of the world (literally).
From the moment the gondola lifts off, you're rising above the trees, watching the valleys and peaks open up below you. The ride is smooth and surprisingly quick, but the views unfold like a movie - every angle more breathtaking than the last.
At the top, you're standing at one of the highest accessible points in Canada, with panoramic views that truly make you feel small in the best way possible. Snow-capped peaks, endless forests, crisp mountain air - it's nature showing off.