Arriving to the top of the Gondola

Arriving at the top of the Banff Gondola is a memorable experience that offers stunning views and a range of activities.

The Gondola Ride to the Top

Boarding the Gondola: You begin your journey at the base station, located just a few minutes' drive from the town of Banff. After purchasing tickets or checking in, you board a fully enclosed gondola cabin. Each cabin can accommodate up to four people and offers large windows for panoramic views.

Scenic Ascent to the top of the Gondola

The gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain takes about 8 minutes. As you ascend, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Bow Valley, Banff townsite, and surrounding peaks. The ride itself is smooth and quiet, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery.

Arriving at the Summit

Stepping Off the Gondola: Once you reach the top, you step out of the gondola and into the Summit Complex. This modern facility is designed to enhance your mountain experience with a variety of amenities and attractions.

Observations and Views at the top of the Gondola

The summit offers multiple outdoor observation decks where you can take in 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies, the Bow River, and the Banff townsite far below. These decks are ideal for photography and simply soaking in the natural beauty.

Activities at the Summit

Interpretive Center: Learn about the natural and cultural history of Banff National Park through interactive exhibits.
Sanson's Peak: Take the boardwalk to Sanson's Peak, where you'll find a historic weather observatory and even more spectacular views.
Dining: Enjoy a meal or a snack at one of the summit's restaurants, which offer gourmet cuisine with a view. Sky Bistro, for instance, is a popular choice for a fine dining experience.
Above Banff Shop: Visit the gift shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and outdoor gear.

Exploring the Area at the top of the Gondola

Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk: A short walk along a boardwalk leads you to Sanson's Peak and the old Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site. The walk is easy and provides more vantage points for viewing the surrounding landscape.

Returning to the Base of the Banff Gondola

Gondola Descent: When you're ready to leave, you simply board the gondola for the return trip to the base station. The descent offers a different perspective on the scenery and is just as enjoyable as the ride up.

Arriving at the top of the Banff Gondola is a highlight of any visit to Banff National Park, offering unparalleled views and a range of activities for visitors of all ages.

More Features of Banff National Park's Gondola » Book the Banff Gondola

Banff National Park Gondola Features

Gondola Car Details | Mountain Views From the Gondola Cars | Patio Chairs and Mountain Views | Comfortable Mountain Views | Banff Gondola Car Specs | At the Top of Sulphur Mountain | Mountains You Can See | The Walking Patios | All the Patios atop the Banff Gondola | Cars Departing | Changing Views as you go Up | Epic Mountain Views | Near the Top of the Ride | Cable Lines and Towers | Peak Patio | Riding Up | Shopping | The Gazebo at the Lower Area | The View Riding Up | Welcome Explorers! | The Banff Gondola Structure | Stationary Binoculars and Viewers | Gondola Top Viewing Binoculars | The Mirror Bear | The Bear | Patio Bear Tribute to Wildlife | Sulphur Boardwalk Details | Sulphur Boardwalk History | SBoardwalk Hike Distance | SHike Altitude | Banff Gondola Sulphur Boardwalk | Summit Views | Boardwalk Walkway | Above Banff Shop | Arriving to the top of the Gondola | Main Base Level Lodge | Patio Chair Mountain Views | Close Look at a Banff Gondola Car | Getting on a Gondola Car | Hiking to the Top | Looking Out from the Lodge | Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen | Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen Views | Sky Bistro Details | Inside the Sky Bistro | Starbucks | Above Banff Shop | The 360 Degree Patio | One Way Ticket for Hikers | Base Level Gazebo | Boarding Line | The Winding Hiking Trail to the Sulphur Mountain Summit | Interpretive Areas | Large Patio Area | Base Level Banff Gondola Parking Area | Parking | Rear Patio Area of the Banff Gondola | Reception Area | Roam Transit | Top Patio Circling the Banff Gondola | Large Window Views from Inside the Summit