Simply cross the bridge on the south end of Banff Avenue, turn left, then immediately turn right on Mountain Avenue. After traveling the world for six years, he settled down in the beautiful Bow Valley with Natasha. Includes: Banff Gondola and Lake Minnewanka. With two kids often tagging along on our adventures, you can rest assured that when we give advice on activities with kids that weve done it with our own kids. Yes, it is free to ride down the Banff Gondola, but only if you are a Bow Valley resident (with id) or you are under 5. Sky Bistrooffers a world class dining experience above the clouds, while theNorthern Lights Alpine Kitchenoffers an exceptional menu in a casual atmosphere. If you are hiking up Sulphur Mountain, youll be in the trees most of the time. 
Then, take in the timeless majesty of the Bow Valley and the Canadian Rockies in the Above Banff Theatre. On top of the Banff Gondola, youll see the Town of Banff down below and mountains like Mount Rundle and Cascade in the distance. The Sulphur Hot Springs are located directly across from the Gondola, so its popular to combine a visit to both. The restaurant operates on a farm to summit premise and, when available, sources as many local ingredients as possible. Any mountaintop experience wouldnt be complete without the chance to go outdoors and feel the exhilarating mountain air on your skin while enjoying the outstanding views of the Canadian Rockies. Upon the top of the mountain, youll find the summit building. The tickets for the Banff Gondola operate on dynamic pricing, so there is not always a set price. conference center venue banff There is a large parking lot at the base.
Now we live in Canmore and spend as much time as possible exploring and hiking around Banff. What is there to do once you are at the top of the Banff Gondola? The food just tastes better when enjoying the fresh air of Banff National Park. The best times to avoid crowds are anytime is before 12 PM or after 5 PM. Take the second exit to find the large Banff Gondola parking lot. In addition to the incredible Rocky Mountain scenery, there are lots of fun things to do atop Sulphur Mountain in winter.
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Banff National Park. Your journey embarks from a simple gondola cabin that wont contain your awe and wonder as you soar above the forest. From Banff Ave, head south towards the Bow Bridge. Turn left at Spray Avenue, followed by a right on Mountain Avenue. From this vantage point, youll enjoy views of the townsite, Tunnel Mountain (1692 m), the Banff Springs Hotel and golf course, the Bow River, Cascade Mountain (2,988 m), Mt. Banff Gondola Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2. The Banff Gondola is more of a full experience as there is a gift shop, coffee shop, restaurant, and overall tourist attraction.
Enjoy a latte, cappuccino or freshly-brewed coffee off the beaten path at Castle Mountain Coffee Co. and step onto the boardwalk for a casual 2 km stroll to Sansons Peak and the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station a National Historic Site of Canada. 100% reimagined summit experience, circa 2016. Fines apply please leave your drone at home. Our website uses cookies. If you plan to hike up, pay attention to the last gondola rides back down for the day. All the building materials and supplies had to be carried up by horseback. Just wait until you put your hand inside a paw print of a grizzly bear you wont believe the size of it! Once at the lower terminal, get whisked to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy the rest of the Mountaintop Christmas experience. How far is it to Lake Louise, the Columbia Icefield, Jasper, Calgary and Vancouver from here? 
The Banff Gondola is located 2.5 km from Banff town centre. Looking south, you can see the true summit of Sulphur Mountain, with Mt. The hike will take between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete depending on fitness and trail conditions. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. With a paved walkway wrapping all the way around the Upper Terminal, guests will love exploring the views of the Canadian Rockies from every angle. Our gondola cabins are not heated and it can get cold and windy at the top. For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide, 13 Amazing Banff Patios to Enjoy this Summer. He has a passion for all things in the Canadian Rockies and loves to spend his time snowboarding, scrambling, camping, biking, and trail running. The most notable restaurant is the Sky Bistro, but more on that later. Were still waiting to hear what will happen for winter 2021 and will update when Pursuit releases its guidelines. The Nightrise experience transforms the mountaintop experience through music and lighting, allowing guests to experience this magical winter wonderland in new and immersive ways. If you have plans to visit both attractions, it is an excellent time to plan a visit simultaneously. Be prepared! We inspire travelers and each other. A fun surprise at the the next platform up from the viewing platform are another pair of the iconic Parks Canada red chairs. I am curious now of the impact this will have on people visiting the summit. However, when finished, his dream of having tourist facilities at the top of a mountain had come true. From fine dining to a caf to fresh and tasty grab and go selections, you can save your appetite for the summit. Perhaps the view looking north is the best of all. The trail is approximately 5.5 km and is on a clear, well-marked switchback style trail, beginning in the the parking lot of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. During winter, it's particularly important to bring proper winter attire. All support is much appreciated! The Roam Transit Route 1 begins at the far end of Banff Avenue near the Dorothy Motel (one of the best inexpensive hotels in Banff). stephen mount hall venue banff document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey, we're Cameron and Natasha and have been writing about travel for the last decade. How safe it is to ride the Banff Gondola? You can also opt for the Pursuits Ultimate Explorer Combo Ticket, that gives you a ticket to the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, and Columbia Icefield Adventure which includes the Columbia Skywalk. Our kids love playing in the little tent cabin, the tunnels to crawl through and the life-sized grizzly bear and cougar video projections. Lake Louise is 57 km or an approximate 40 minute drive. Once you're at the top, begin your adventure by strolling the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson's Peak and learn about Canada's first national park. Can I reschedule, cancel or make other changes after purchasing tickets? Ascending Sulphur Mountain is doable in one hour in the summer if you are a relatively quick hiker, and you could descend in about 45 minutes. The price is more if you compare the ticket price with the three other gondolas or chairlifts operating in the park. No. The Banff Gondola (or Sulphur Mountain Gondola) offers incredible panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff all year round. As soon as we got off the gondola we were told the last gondola left at 5pm and would have to line up early to be gone by 5pm for a private function.This barely left us 1 hour. Im sorry for your experience and disappointment, but please note we are just local bloggers providing information on the area and do not run or operate the Banff Gondola.
We never stop searching for the places we're passionate about, connections we value and moments that bring us joy. The first departsjust south of the parkadeat the southern end of the Banff Springs Hotel while the other begins nearby atthis location. Theres a coffee shop up top as well, but if you are partial to Starbucks coffee, grab your Venti before going up. But know you will be paying to ride the gondola down, if that is how you choose to descend. Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain Gondola) Price, Tickets, & Information, things to know about the Banff hot springs. This includes the peace of mind to cancel anytime and receive a full refund. For most jaw-dropping views from a restaurant in Banff, you can not do better than the Sky Bistro at the top of Banff Gondola. The Banff Gondola is the perfect venue for group functions.
You must pay the total ticket price if you want to ride the gondola up but hike down. Norman Bethune Sanson was one of the early pioneers to ascend Sulphur Mountain. Book your event now. Alternatively, you can take the more adventurous hike up the South East Ridge Trail to the true summit of Sulphur Mountain. In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. The view looking east is dominated by Mount Rundle (2,949 m), one of the most beautiful of the peaks in the Canadian Rockies. Is it possible to take a one way trip down the Banff Gondola if I hike to the top? Pledge your love as your nearest and dearest watch, with the Canadian Rockies as your witness. New in 2021 is the Banff Nightrise experience, which runs from the beginning of December to the middle of April. But the highlights of this tour will be the amazing Lake Minnewanka boat cruise and, of course, the gondola ride. When does the Banff ROAM transit bus arrive at the Banff Gondola and how much does it cost? There is never any problem parking in the winter, but in the summer, the area gets congested, so it may be beneficial to use the free shuttle operated by ROAM Transit. An open parking lot is free for visitors to enjoy the Banff Gondola or hike up Sulphur Mountain. I didnt know that there were so many to choose from! The highlight of the second level is the amazing interpretive centre.
Join us for the best of summer here in the mountains! Are group rates available for the Banff Gondola? Ticket prices online are also lower than buying at the ticket window. Make a left turn after the Bow Bridge onto Mountain Ave and keep to the right lane. Youll be welcomed to the top with a chance to get a warm coffee or snack at Castle Mountain Coffee. Found this post useful? What is the name of the valleys we are in? gondola Route 1 departs from downtown Banff and costs $2 one way. Follow Mountain Ave to the very end where you will arrive at the Banff Gondola parking lot on your left. To check on the views on top of the mountain, the Banff Gondola website operates a webcam, so you can see the visibility. Changes can be made online up to 48 hours before your visit. Youll have to plan ahead and book early in the summer as it books up fast! Including hike info and off-season travel information. Dates for each experience may vary. The Banff Gondola is one of the best things to do in Banff National Park.
I am traveling to Canada in August and visiting most of the parks. It allows visitors to listen to the view, and each level of the complex is transformed, with the viewing deck allowing visitors to view Banff in a new way. Now available for the first time during summer for small intimate weddings. Every evening from early December to mid-March guests can enjoy Nightrise, an after-dark adventure atop Sulphur Mountain. The gondolas can accommodate most standard-sized manual and motorized wheelchairs, walking frames, and assistance devices with a limit size of 31" wide and 41" long and a total weight limit of 320 kg. Bourgeau (2,930 m) and the massive Mt. Everyones phone and service provider will be different, but we get a cell signal at the top and assume that most visitors will as well. I called Pursuit in November and they didnt have an update, but after chatting with them today it seems the rules that changed during covid are here to stay. The view from the Gondola is of the Bow Valley and Mount Rundle directly across the valley. If you love a good mountain hike, or are visiting Banff on a budget, learn more about the Sulphur Mountain hike to see if its right for you. How long is the ride up the Banff Gondola? Here is everything you need to know about visiting the Banff Gondola (also known as the Sulphur Mountain Gondola): Your Banff Gondola experience begins at the Lower Terminal at the far end of Mountain Avenue. The gondola shuttle makes life easy for you with convenient shuttle stops at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the Banff Park Lodge and Elk + Avenue Hotel. The track is about 1 mile long. Theres nothing like enjoying a piping hot coffee in the fresh mountain air on your walk along the ridgetop boardwalk. You can also walk from Downtown Banff, which we recommend if you want extra exercise. From the south edge of downtown, walk east along the Bow River trail to the pedestrian bridge. Fuel up on grab-and-go fare at Castle Mountain Coffee or enjoy an elegant meal at the award-winning Sky Bistro. Please note parking at the Banff Gondola is very limited. We inspire travelers and each other. Please update this blog with accurate information. If you plan to hike up and take the gondola down, the ride down will cost you $35. This is like comparing apples and oranges as the Banff Gondola, and Lake Louise Gondola are entirely different and offer different experiences. Yes, the entire gondola experience is wheelchair accessible. Perhaps this is to give visitors a feel of what a real hiking trail is like atop a mountain in the Canadian Rockies? All group bookings must be made 48 hours in advance through our reservations team to be eligible for a discount. A group consists of 15 people or more. Comfort Camping the Banff oTENTik Experience. Admission for youth 17 and under is free. Yes, children aged 5 & under may ride the Sulphur Mountain gondola for free, but they still require a ticket. Strollers are permitted but not recommended. The well-being of our guests and staff has always been our top concern. Rundle stretching all the way to Canmore on the left and the beautiful Sundance Range on the right. One of our favorite things to do in Banff at Christmas is the Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas. Yes. Vancouver is 856 km or an approximate 12 hour drive. You may wish to bring some extra layers if you are worried about the temperature. 
Summer nights are equally stellar on Sulphur. Canadas mountain parks may get the most visitors during the warm summer months, but in our opinion the Canadian Rockies are the most beautiful in winter. While there is a lot to love about the Banff Gondola up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, the price tag can be a deterrent. Check the current Banff gondola shuttle hours before you go. You can purchase tickets at the base, but we recommend ordering your tickets online for a more seamless experience. 4 Incredible Banff Gondolas Which One Should You Choose? Reservations can be made as part of the Sky Experience admission and dining package or via OpenTable (separate to your admission ticket). In a nutshell, the busier the Banff Gondola is projected to be, the higher the price will be. Whether it be buying a coffee or (even better) purchasing a unique print for your home from The Banff Print Shop all purchases help with the upkeep of this site that is updated daily. For guests wishing to make a day of their trip up the Sulphur Mountain gondola, there are many picnic tables outside a perfect place for a picnic in Banff! The views are well worth it, and its a nice leisurely walk. Its a fantastic place to warm up in the winter before heading outside. During the winter, you can show your Banff Gondola ticket to the bus driver for a free return ride. Proof of residency is required. Ive been reading all your blogs and enjoying them plus learning so much. No matter who goes to the top of Sulphur Mountain, anyone will be blown away! We understand that life happens. It finishes its route up Mountain Avenue, passing the Upper Hot Springs on its way to the Banff Gondola. If you book one of their dining experiences, its a pretty good deal if you had plans to head up the Banff Gondola anyways. Looking west, you can see all the way to the mountains of Lake Louise, including Mt. warner stables tripadvisor banff Norman used this trail over 1000 times to observe the weather. Within the Lower Terminal youll find the ticket counter, a well-stocked gift shop and a Starbucks. banff gondola tripadvisor Take a ride from downtown Banff to the lower terminal in a Christmas decorated coach while listening to stories from Santas helper. This unique Banff in winter experience was created with participation of the Stoney Nakoda Nation. We also run tests and inspections on all of our equipment daily, monthly and yearly. At nearly $70 on average per adult, its an expensive ordeal, especially if you go for Pursuits Ultimate Explorer Combo Ticket. On the ride up, the gondola reaches a maximum height above the ground below of 38 m (125 feet). See the Canadian Rockies views for yourself on the Banff Gondola Live Webcam. The Banff Gondola is not far from the town of Banff at 2.5 km. Reservations for the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen are available when you book the Northern Lights Nightrise Dinner package. The world is different from Sulphurs summit, and its not just the view. Its an enjoyable few minutes, and after doing the hike up Sulphur Mountain a few times, we can confirm the views are much better from the Banff Gondola. 20 Best Jasper Restaurants Youll Absolutely Love! Norman wasnt the only one to make the trek, as park visitors could also hike up the mountain. Banff and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun excursions and tours. Level 1 is also where youll board for your gondola ride back to the base, so its no surprise there is a large, well-stocked gift shop as well. Then, head inside for a remarkable meal at Sky Bistro. Day Passes or a yearly Discovery Pass are available to buy in-person at Parks Canada's park gates and information centres in Banff and Jasper. In any case, watch your step as the surface is uneven and it can get very crowded in this area. Its always a great photo opportunity sitting on these fun chairs. Prices are subject to change, but typical prices range from $53 to $61 per adult and $26.50 to $31.50 for children 6 and up. Yes! 
Elevate your next conference or team event with breathtaking mountain views. If you need to make changes within 48 hours of your visit, give us a call at 1.866.756.1904 and we will do our best tohelp. A unique gift idea for the Canadian Rocky Mountain lover in your life, the gift tickets offer up to a 10% discount on normal peak Banff Gondola ticket prices. Call 1.800.661.1750 or click here for more information. Discover mornings at the top of the mountain. PS we live in the Bow Valley, and have never been asked to share our ID or proof of residency to take the gondola down. My husband and I live in Calgary and have made the beautiful and absolutely worthwhile hike up and down Sulphur Mountain many, many times I would encourage any tourist who is interested and has the time to take the opportunity to hike Sulphur Mountain. In season, this is also where youll find Peak Patio, one of Banffs best outdoor patio restaurants. July and August are the best times to visit the Banff Gondola for good weather. From this elevated viewpoint, you can see all the way from Lake Minnewanka to Lake Louise. (See Parks Canada for further details). If your plans change, you can make changes to your tickets (subject to availability and price differences). We are in the Spray Valley. Yes. Its an easy walk on an elevated boardwalk that provides phenomenal views and is well worth the walk. Recently named the #1 restaurant in Banff by TripAdvisor, and the Most Romantic Restaurant in Canada by OpenTable, you simply cant miss an opportunity to dine at the Sky Bistro. So, what can you see atop the Banff gondola? Due to its national significance, the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station was named a National Historic Site of Canada. The Banff Explorer package bundles tickets for the gondola ride and the Lake Minnewanka cruise, while the Banff Ultimate Explorer package also includes the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Jasper is 227 km oran approximate 3.5 hour drive. At the top of the Banff Gondola, the temperature is several degrees lower than the bottom. In the 40s, a teahouse opened on Sulphur Mountain, built and operated by John Jaeggi, a Swiss mountain guide in Banff. The Elf Express is another fun way to enjoy the Mountaintop Christmas. Adjacent to the Banff Gondola station is the Banff Hot Springs. If youd like a close-up look at anything, there are plenty of coin-operated binoculars to enjoy. Get more details on the Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen below. Parking can be very tight at the Gondola during the summer, especially during the daytime before 5 PM. check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs.
Kids are sure to be impressed with the ride and views from the top. If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. To increase your chances of getting the best price for your Banff Gondola ride, book your tickets as early as possible and try to schedule your visit midweek. There is no charge to enjoy the summit station, so youre free to enjoy the boardwalk, have a meal, explore the interpretive center, or drink some coffee once you are at the summit. Located on Level 1 of the Upper Terminal, Castle Mountain Coffee is your home for hot drinks and quick snacks.