Riding Up on the Gondola Today

Riding up on the Banff Gondola is a thrilling and serene experience, providing visitors with breathtaking views and a peaceful ascent through the heart of Banff National Park.

Boarding the Gondola

Modern Cabins: You begin by stepping into a sleek, fully enclosed gondola cabin at the lower terminal. The cabins are spacious, with large windows that allow for 360-degree views throughout the ride. Each cabin typically holds four people.
Smooth and Quiet Ride: Once the doors close, the gondola moves smoothly and quietly along the cable, offering a comfortable ride. The movement is steady, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery without any jarring motions.

Beginning the Gondola Ascent

Immediate Views: Right from the start, you're greeted with views of the dense evergreen forests that blanket the lower slopes of Sulphur Mountain. As the gondola begins its ascent, the forest quickly starts to open up, giving you your first glimpses of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Aerial Perspective: As the cabin rises higher, you'll notice the town of Banff becoming smaller below you, and the Bow River winding its way through the valley. The sensation of being elevated above the treetops gives you a new perspective on the landscape.

Mid-Point of the Banff Gondola Ride

Expanding Scenery: As you reach higher altitudes, the forest thins out, and the expansive mountain ranges come into full view. The town of Banff appears nestled in the Bow Valley, with the river and surrounding forests creating a stunning contrast to the towering peaks.
Iconic Peaks: To your left, Mount Rundle's distinctive ridges rise majestically, while to your right, Cascade Mountain's rugged silhouette becomes more prominent. These two peaks frame the experience and add to the dramatic beauty of the ride.

Banff Gondola Ride's Ever-Changing Views

Dynamic Landscape: As the gondola continues its steady climb, the views constantly evolve. The higher you go, the more distant peaks come into view, and the landscape becomes more rugged and alpine. Whether it's summer or winter, the changing seasons offer different colors and textures, from lush green forests to snow-covered slopes.
Wildlife Spotting: Occasionally, you might spot wildlife such as deer or elk moving through the forests below, adding a sense of connection to the natural environment.

Near the Summit on the Banff Gondola Ride

Incredible Panorama: As you approach the summit of Sulphur Mountain, the panorama becomes even more spectacular. You're surrounded by 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains, with layers of peaks stretching far into the distance. Depending on the weather and time of year, the peaks may be dusted with snow, adding to the alpine magic.
Bird's-Eye View of Banff: The town of Banff, now far below, is framed by the expansive Bow Valley. From this height, you can see the full layout of the valley, the Bow River, and the vast forests, giving you a sense of just how large and untouched Banff National Park is.

Reaching the Summit on the Banff Gondola Ride

Sulphur Mountain Summit: The gondola ride culminates at the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you step out onto the summit deck. Here, you can take in the spectacular views in all directions, explore the interpretive center, dine at one of the restaurants, or walk the Summit Boardwalk to Sanson's Peak.

The Banff Gondola Ride Experience

Peaceful and Scenic: The overall experience of riding up the Banff Gondola is peaceful and serene. The steady pace allows you to truly appreciate the natural beauty around you, while the elevation gain offers continuously changing perspectives of the landscape.
Perfect for Photography: The large windows of the gondola cabins provide perfect opportunities for photos, capturing the stunning mountains, valleys, and rivers from unique angles.

The journey up the Banff Gondola is more than just a way to reach the summit—it's an unforgettable scenic adventure that offers incredible views, tranquility, and a sense of awe at the sheer beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

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