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

Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes remains one of the most serene landscapes in the Banff region. Despite being only a short distance from the townsite, the wide-open wetlands, reflective water, and sweeping mountain views create the feeling of stepping into a quiet corner of the Rockies where nature and scenery take center stage.

Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes is a peaceful series of shallow lakes located in the Bow Valley just west of the town of Banff. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, the lakes offer wide open views of Mount Rundle and the valley's forested slopes. The area is known for its calm waters, reflective scenery, and quiet atmosphere, making it one of the most accessible and scenic natural areas near the Banff townsite.
The lakes are actually a chain of three connected bodies of water that sit along the valley floor beside the Bow River wetlands. Because they are relatively shallow, the water often appears still and glassy, creating beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains and sky. On calm mornings and evenings, Mount Rundle is frequently mirrored perfectly across the surface of the lakes, producing one of the most photographed scenes in the Banff area.
A scenic road runs along the shoreline, allowing visitors to stop at various viewpoints and walk along the edge of the wetlands. Wooden boardwalks and small viewing areas provide opportunities to look across the water, observe wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The wetlands surrounding the lakes support a wide range of birds, including ducks, geese, and other waterfowl, making the area popular with wildlife watchers and photographers.
The Vermilion Lakes area changes character with the seasons. In summer, green marsh grasses and calm blue water create a tranquil landscape where canoeists and paddlers can quietly explore the lake edges. In autumn, the surrounding vegetation shifts toward golden and amber tones as the season changes. During winter, the lakes often freeze over, and the snow-covered landscape creates a quiet, frozen panorama beneath the towering mountain backdrop.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly memorable times to visit. As the light changes, the peaks around the valley glow with warm colors while the lakes reflect the sky and mountains. The stillness of the water combined with the expansive views gives the area a calm, reflective quality that contrasts with the rugged mountains rising around it.
Vermilion Lakes remains one of the most serene landscapes in the Banff region. Despite being only a short distance from the townsite, the wide-open wetlands, reflective water, and sweeping mountain views create the feeling of stepping into a quiet corner of the Rockies where nature and scenery take center stage.
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Banff Gondola Ride Reviews

Visiting the Banff Gondola was a wonderful experience..

Theresa, March 2026
Visiting the Banff Gondola was a wonderful experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip. There was a mix of excitement and adrenaline, especially going up the mountain, but the ride itself was very smooth and felt safe throughout.
I went with my two kids (ages 11 and 14), and they absolutely enjoyed it. If you're someone who is scared of heights, you may want to reconsider, but for us it was worth it because the views from the top are truly breathtaking.
We visited in winter, and I strongly recommend dressing properly. The top of the mountain was very windy and cold. I to wear my beanie so I was cold , and the outdoor deck was slippery, so proper footwear is important. The small fire pits helped a bit to keep warm, and the fur blankets provided were very useful.
I also appreciated how clean and easily accessible the washrooms were, which is important when visiting with kids. There are shops at the top where you can get coffee or hot chocolate, which was perfect for warming up while enjoying the views.
Overall, the experience was amazing. I would advise anyone who wants a true taste of Calgary and the surrounding mountain beauty to visit the Banff Gondola. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.

The Banff Gondola is an incredible experience and absolutely worth it..

Amalia Herrera, March 2026
The Banff Gondola is an incredible experience and absolutely worth it. At the top, you'll find restaurants and a souvenir shop, making it easy to spend time enjoying the place. Don't miss the terrace-having blankets and a fire pit makes it extra cozy while you take in the breathtaking views. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but 100% worth the experience. Plus, it's very convenient since you can take the shuttle directly from downtown Banff. Highly recommended!

Watching the light change over Banff as the sun set, with sweeping views toward the Cascade Mountains, was unforgettable..

Just Fab, March 2026
We did the Banff Gondola at sunset and it was absolutely worth it. It was cold heading up, but the experience was made so comfortable - staff handed out blankets in the gondola, which was a thoughtful touch. At the top, there were warm pelts available and a fire set up near an igloo, complete with marshmallows to toast, which added a lovely, cosy atmosphere.
The views were stunning. Watching the light change over Banff as the sun set, with sweeping views toward the Cascade Mountains, was unforgettable. It felt peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly relaxed despite the popularity of the attraction. The facilities at the top are well organised and encourage you to take your time rather than rush back down.
Overall, it felt like more than just a ride - it was a well-considered experience that balanced comfort, scenery, and atmosphere beautifully. Highly recommend doing it at sunset if you can. Highly recommended to buy the dinner package to the Sky Bistro, package deal is cheaper than doing it separately.

The gondola ride is amazing and scary at the same time..

Angie Wollmann, March 2026
What a wonderful experience! From first stepping into the building, to leaving, we were met by friendly and helpful staff! Very easy to find your way around. The gondola ride is amazing and scary at the same time. The time at the top was quite an experience! Just beautiful, magnificent and a wonder to behold! There's a nice coffee/hot drinks shop to enjoy and warm your hands!
I would recommend everybody to visit this place at least once in their life.
Roasting marshmallow on top of the world hits different! It's a cozy atmosphere with multiple fire pits going to keep warm and enjoy the view.

The Banff Gondola was definetly a good experience!

faith marie, March 2026
The Banff Gondola was definetly a good experience! If you hike up the mountain you only have to pay for the ride down! It is one of the most beautiful views i have ever seen! They have 2 different resturaunts (including one buffet), and a little cafe where you can get coffee and little desserts. If you are wanting to go to the buffet call in advance to make reservations as they arent always open and when they are they are usually all booked up.