The Banff Gondola
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A ride up the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain is a classic Banff experience. The eight-minute journey whisks visitors away to a panoramic ridge and visitor center that affords many the luxury of standing atop a mountain in the Canadian Rockies.
We love to recommend the scenic gondola as the views from the top of the Bow Valley and surrounding ranges are exceptional. It’s a hit with almost every visitor, and nearly everyone considers it a highlight on their trip to Banff.
The Banff Gondola
It’s our favorite activity to share with visitors and our family. It’s a relaxing ordeal that allows one to take in the mountain scenery without climbing a mountain. At the top of the gondola lies a modern visitor center with multiple restaurants, a cafe, observation decks, a theatre, an interpretive center, and a gift shop.
Our favorite highlight of the Banff Gondola is the boardwalk that stretches along the ridge to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. If you want to add to the special experience, we highly recommend booking a table at the Sky Bistro, a fine dining restaurant on top of the mountain.
Banff Gondola Overview
- Location: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2 (GPS)
- Length: 2- 4 hours
- Included: Gondola Admission
- Pick-up: No, pickup
- Parking Lot: Yes. Limited during peak hours
- Public Transport: Yes, Roam Route 1
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Banff Gondola Highlights
- Eight-minute scenic ride up the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
- 360-degree views from the summit without the effort of climbing.
- Fully accessible. Gondola cabins and the visitor center can accommodate wheelchairs.
- Scenic boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station.
- A chance to see the mountains from the summit.
Banff Gondola Hours
The Banff Gondola is open almost daily, including Christmas and New Year’s Day. It closes for two weeks in November for yearly maintenance, which we will note when those dates are announced. Hours fluctuate based on the time of year, and the last ride down is 10 minutes before closing.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| April 1 – May 15 | 9 AM – 9 PM (Last ride up 7:30 PM) |
| May 16 – June 27 | 8 AM – 9 PM (Last ride up 7:30 PM) |
| June 28 – September 2 | 8 AM – 10 PM (Last ride up 8:30 PM) |
| September 3 – October 14 | 8 AM – 9 PM (Last ride up 7:30 PM) |
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The Pursuit Pass
Another option for those who plan to visit multiple attractions in the Rockies is to purchase a pass from Pursuit. The tourism operator runs the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Icefield Discover Center, Golden Skybridge, and Maligne Lake Cruise. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, it is worth purchasing the collective pass.
| Pursuit Pass | Price |
|---|---|
| Pursuit Pass Rockies Value (Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Columbia Icefield Adventure, Maligne Lake Cruise, and Golden Skybridge) | $300.00/adult and $195/child |
