ULTIMATE Banff Gondola Comparison Guide
A scenic gondola ride to the mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies is a popular holiday activity. However, with four options to choose from, many are left wondering which one to choose or whether it’s worth the price. We believe almost everyone will enjoy the activity, but we’ll let you make that decision.
The gondolas available throughout the Rockies include the Banff Gondola, Sunshine Village Gondola, Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola, Norquay Chairlift, and the Jasper SkyTram. Each offers a unique experience and incredible views, making them a great addition to your travels! Keep reading our ultimate gondola comparison guide to help you choose the best fit!
The Gondolas in the Canadian Rockies
| Gondola | Scenery | Experience | Dining | Hiking | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff Gondola | ***** | ***** | ***** | ** | *** |
| Lake Louise | **** | ** | *** | *** | ** |
| Sunshine Village | ***** | **** | ** | ***** | ** |
| Jasper Skytram | **** | ** | * | *** | * |
| Norquay Chairlift | ** | ** | ** | * | *** |
For overall experience, we recommend the Banff Gondola to most visitors. However, it is the busiest, most expensive, and commercial feeling of the gondola rides available. It also has limited hiking opportunities outside the boardwalk, which is impressive but doesn’t feel like a hike.
If you’re a hiker or want a more natural setting, it’s tough to do much better than Sunshine Village, which delivers guests to extraordinary alpine meadows. The hiking possibilities from the top of the Sunshine Village gondola feel endless, and it’s one of our favorite areas of the park. However, the dining options are underwhelming, and you need to hike to enjoy this gondola.
The Jasper Skytram is historic and offers great views over Jasper. However, its top station leaves a lot to be desired, and you’ll need to be a strong hiker to want to get the extraordinary hiking views off the Indian Ridge.
The Lake Louise Gondola offers the least in terms of sweeping views, but it is in the most grand setting in the Rockies. It has an excellent dining patio at the Whitehorn Bistro overlooking Lake Louise. Lake Louise offers the most relaxed setting, is often frequented by wildlife, and offers some hiking opportunities. During the larch season, it’s one of the most beautiful settings.
Mt Norquay is the least enticing of the rides. However, it offers excellent views of Mount Rundle, a charming cafe at the top, and it’s the cheapest. While it does not offer hiking, Mt Norquay has the only via feratta in the area. This is easily the most enticing activity for those looking for some excitement.
Comparison Chart
| Banff Gondola | Lake Louise | Sunshine Village | Jasper Skytram | Norquay Chairlift | |
| Is it super busy in the summer? | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Should you bring bear spray? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Are there hikes available from the top? | Boardwalk | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Are there dining options? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Is it open in winter for sightseeing purposes? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Should you dress in layers? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Do you need a Park Pass? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Is it costly compared to the others? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Is it dog-friendly? | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
A Summary Of The Various Banff Gondolas
The Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola is Rocky’s most popular gondola and is what we recommend to most visitors. It rises from Banff to the top of Sulphur Mountain, a historic mountain that serves as the park’s central point and the first area protected by the federal government. It is the only gondola in the Canadian Rockies that is fully accessible with gondola cabins, platform viewing decks, bathrooms, and elevators capable of handling wheelchair users.
This gondola ride goes up 2,292 ft of elevation and is 8 minutes long. Sometimes, you can enjoy a few extra minutes taking in the views from inside your gondola cabin when it stops to accommodate guests. On your journey up, you will experience breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and build anticipation for what is yet to come.
A modern facility sits at the top of the Gondola, with multiple restaurants, a cafe, a gift shop, an interactive museum, and a small theatre. It’s impressive and holds several events throughout the year. Across the various floors of the facility are viewpoints, including a rooftop panoramic deck.
An expansive boardwalk stretches from the Gondola to the historic cosmic weather station. Visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding mountain range along the elevated walking platform. The boardwalk has a series of steps that go up and down the ridge to reach the former cosmic weather station.
It ends at Sanson’s Peak, named after a man named Norman Sanson. Sanson hiked up Sulphur Mountain every day for approximately 30 years to check the weather. He did this until 1945, when he was 84 years old!
Banff Gondola Location
The Banff Gondola is at 100 Mountain Ave in Banff. It is a 10-minute drive from the town center, but the parking lot fills up quickly in the summer, so keep that in mind when planning your trip! Taking the bus is the most strategic, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option.
Route 1 on the Roam Transit Bus will take you from the town center to the Banff Gondola. The bus schedule changes depending on the season and the time of day, so be sure to plan your schedule in advance! Due to the hills on the way to the base of the Banff Gondola, we don’t recommend biking or walking unless you want a workout.
Dining at the Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola features several restaurants. Visitors to the top can choose from the Sky Bistro, Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen, Peak Patio, and Castle Mountain Coffee Co.
The Sky Bistro
For couples or those seeking a special experience, we highly recommend booking a table at the Sky Bistro. It’s an elevated restaurant with phenomenal views and a modern Canadian menu focusing on local ingredients. You can reserve a table here. The restaurant’s prices are higher than average, but we feel it is a memorable experience.
Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen
The Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen is a buffet-style restaurant that offers a range of food from hearty options to alpine cuisine. This is our favorite spot for lunch as they have quick and easy options. We believe it is the best option for families needing a quick bite. It’s also more economical as the Sky Bistro is pretty pricey.
Peak Patio
The Peak Patio is an excellent summer experience. It is a great spot to grab some light bites and enjoy a patio drink. We love this spot because you are in a super relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The patio is closed during winter but will reopen in the summer
Pricing & Hours
| Adult | Approximately $50-$70 (dynamic pricing) |
| Youth (6-17) | $25 and up |
| 5 and under | Free (must carry a ticket) |
The prices and operating hours of the Banff Gondola fluctuate throughout the year. Because ticket pricing is dynamic, tickets are more expensive during summer and on the weekends. Tickets are also more expensive when bought on-site than online in advance.
You can save a few bucks by buying the tickets in advance, but we find buying them a few days in advance is worth it. Mountain weather can be unpredictable in Banff. This is especially true in the shoulder seasons, such as May, June, September, and October.
Another option to consider is purchasing Pursuit’s Ultimate Explorer Combo Ticket, which includes tickets to the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Columbia Icefield Adventure, and the Icefields Skywalk.
Online tickets can be modified up to 48 hours before your timeslot, so if you booked your tickets and Mother Nature isn’t playing nice, we suggest calling them to modify (a fee may apply).
If you want to enjoy the amenities at the top of the Banff Gondola but don’t want to pay the ticket price, consider hiking Sulphur Mountain. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be able to enjoy all the facilities offered. The hike is 10.1 kilometers, gaining 698 m of elevation. We consider it a moderate hike in Banff.
Winter on the Banff Gondola
If you are visiting in the winter, the Banff Gondola provides the best experience out of all the gondolas. This is especially true around Christmas when they transform to their Mountaintop Christmas events.
While you can still go up the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola and Sunshine Gondola in the winter, we consider the Banff Gondola to have the best activities and attractions, including Nightrise. The Sulphur Mountain hike is also a fun winter hike, and a free option for those looking to save some money.
Lake Louise Gondola
Lake Louise offers a much more relaxed setting than Banff, and the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola is tempting for visitors already planning to visit Lake Louise. The scenic ride brings guests up to 2,102 m on Mount Whitehorn, offering stunning views along the way.
It’s a 14-minute ride, which provides ample time to snap photos, but keep the camera charged as the ride down is much more scenic. You can choose between sitting in an open chairlift or an enclosed gondola. Once at the top, most visitors choose to walk down to the viewing platform to take in the views and setting. As it sees far fewer visitors than the other gondolas on this list, it is a more relaxed setting.
Wildlife is a highlight here as it’s a frequent spot for a grizzly bear that dens on the mountain. Other animals, such as marmots, lynx, and pine martens, are also frequently spotted on the various short hikes. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and are definitely more special experiences.
Just below the top of the gondola/chairlift is the Whitehorn Bistro which has a fabulous summer patio that is open for lunch. Outside the restaurant there isn’t much else at the top of the summer gondola unlike the Banff Gondola.
Additionally, the gondola does not reach a mountain or ridge top; instead, it delivers guests on the Western side of Whitehorn Mountain. It offers views across the Bow Valley to Mount Temple, Mount Victoria, Lake Louise, and Victoria Glacier. There are a few short hiking trails, so if you want to stretch your legs, pack your hiking gear and bear spray.
The Lake Louise Gondola is open for the summer and winter seasons with a short pause in the spring and fall to transition between the two seasons. We love the ski resort in the winter and they do offer sightseeing and snowshoe ticket for those who don’t feel like tackling the 4,200 acres of skiable terrain. It’s our favorite ski resort locally, and where we buy a season pass every year.
Lake Louise Gondola Location
The Lake Louise Gondola sits above the Lake Louise village. The address is 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise, Alberta. The village and gondola is a 45-minute drive from Banff, hour from Canmore and approximately 2 hours from Calgary.
It’s just a short 5-minute drive from the village of Lake Louise. There is also the option to take the Roam Transit Bus from Banff to the Lake Louise Gondola, and the Hop On Hop Off Bus also runs here. The schedule varies, so be sure to take a look at their website to plan your trip.
Dining at the Lake Louise Gondola
There are a few food options to choose from when visiting the Lake Louise Gondola. The Whitehorn Bistro, at the top of the gondola, is known for its local and seasonal ingredients and for having one of the best restaurant views in Banff.
It is accessible in the summer with your gondola ticket or in the winter with your ski pass. However, the restaurant can only be accessed by skis or snowboarding in the winter. If you’re a sightseeing visitor during the winter, you’re largely left with the dining options at the base.
If you’re looking for more of a grab-and-go option, we recommend stopping into the Lodge of Ten Peaks Cafeteria at the base.
Accessibility at the Lake Louise Gondola
The Lake Louise Gondola mentions that its venue is suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. The large cabins make for a space that is accessible to some. The gondola cabins have an accessible loading area. That being said, mobility aids must be folded up as you enter the gondola.
This can make for a difficult experience for some and we recommend calling ahead of time to ensure that your aid will fit. It is not fully wheelchair accessible, only the Banff Gondola can accommodate visitors limited to a wheelchair in the valley.
Hikes at the Top of the Gondola
Once you’ve reached the top of the gondola, you can choose between three hikes. The hiking is fairly limited, and we would not consider it a highlight of the gondola, unlike the Banff Sunshine Gondola and Jasper Skytram, which offer much more for hikers.
As bear sightings are common on the mountain we suggest everyone who plans to hike come prepared. This means practicing good bear saefty and remaining aware of their surroundings. We have an excellent post that talks about bear safety we suggest reading for the inexperienecd.
- Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint – 1.7 km round trip
- Pika Trail – 2.5 km round trip
- Ptarmigan Valley viewpoint – 3.4 km round trip (extension to the Pika Trail)
Prices & Hours of Operation
| Adult (18-64) | $62 |
| Senior (65+) | $51 |
| Youth (13-17) | $26 |
| Child (6-12) | $14 |
| 5 and under | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 2 kids) | $140 |
The Lake Louise Gondola will be open from June 7 – October 14, 2024. The operation hours of the summer gondola vary throughout the year and we suggest you keep an eye on their website to stay up to date!
Sunshine Village Gondola
Sunshine Village Gondola is the park’s biggest and highest gondola. The gondola base starts you off at an impressive elevation of 1,659 meters and carries guests to 2,159 meters at the village terminal. Once there, you can continue up the Standish Chairlift, reaching an impressive 2,385 meters in elevation.
We highly recommend doing the extra leg, as you will be immersed in breathtaking views. From the top of the lift a series of trails spread out across the alpine meadows. Once you’ve reached the top of the Standish Chairlift, it’s time to enjoy the Standish Viewing Deck.
With its fresh mountain air, guests can enjoy views of majestic peaks, vibrant wildflowers, and surrounding alpine lakes. One of the main reasons people enjoy the Sunshine Gondola is to enjoy some lift-assisted hiking.
From the top of the lift, a vast network of hiking trails stretch out across the park. It’s a popular starting point for hikers heading to the famed Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in British Columbia. Those seeking a gondola with a gorgeous natural setting and some wonderful hiking trails will love the Sunshine Gondola.
Sunshine Village Gondola Location
The Sunshine Village Gondola is in Banff National Park at 1 Sunshine Access Rd. It is a 21-minute drive from Downtown Banff (18.3 km), 35 minutes from Canmore (40.7 km), and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Calgary (144 km).
There is ample parking available in the summer and it is a beautiful drive up to Sunshine Village. There is a free shuttle from Banff to Sunshine Village, and there is also the option of renting a car if you do not have access to your own. Rental car services are very popular in the town of Banff in the summer months. Try and book ahead when you can!
Dining At Sunshine Village
Once you reach the top of the gondola ride, there are several restaurant options with various offerings in Sunshine Village. Chimney Corner mostly serves guests at the On Mountain Lodge. So, the only enticing option for a meal is Mad Trappers Grill, a BBQ restaurant. It’s a classic stop for skiers in the mountains, but we find it less enticing than the Banff Gondola, Lake Louise Gondola, and Mt. Norquay restaurants.
| Mad Trappers Grill | Pub & BBQ classics |
| Chimney Corner Fireside Dining | Full service breakfast & dinner |
| Java Lift | Fresh fare & coffee |
| First Tracks Cafe | Quick bites & coffee |
Sunshine Meadows Hikes
The Sunshine Meadows hike is a great option for those looking to explore further by hiking. Once you’ve ridden the gondola, head up the Standish Chair lift. Once at the top, find the Standish Viewing Deck and down the stairs to the right.
There will oftentimes be Sunshine Village employees around to help answer any questions you may have. You can branch off from the Sunshine Meadows hike to enjoy the view of various other lakes. This includes Rock Isle Lake, Grizzly Lake, and Larix Lake.
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | 2-2.5h |
| Distance | 7.6 km |
| Elevation | 175 m |
Hours of Operation and Pricing
The summer 2024 prices for the Sunshine Gondola & Chairlift are listed below. The ticket prices include both the Sunshine Gondola and Standish Sightseeing Chairlift and the hours are 8:00am – 6:00pm. Tickets can be purchased online in advance from the Banff Sunshine Meadows website, or on Viator (for a more hassle free web experience), or in person at Guest Services on the second floor of the Sunshine Gondola base building.
- Gondola Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Standish Chairlift Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
| Adult (16+) | $68.00 |
| Senior (65+) | $63.00 |
| Youth/Child (13-17) | $35.00 |
| Child (6-12) | $19 |
| Toddler (0-5) | FREE |
Mt. Norquay Chairlift
The Norquay Chairlift is a chairlift and not a gondola ride, we wanted to bring it to your attention in this comparison guide as it’s often not thought about as much in the Rockies gondola world. The Mount Norquay Chairlift still has a lot to offer and at a lower price point than the other gondola options. The ride-up has some surreal views back over the Bow Valley, Tunnel Mountain, and Mount Rundle.
Once you’ve reached the top, enjoy dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro, taking photos of the “Instagram-worthy” views, or try the Via Ferrata. We enjoyed our last visit on the Norquay Chairlift. However, it is the least enticing of the rides in Banff, and even though it’s more affordable than the others, I find it’s still worth paying a bit more for the other gondolas if you can only choose a few experiences. That being said, many will have an enjoyable experience with the chairlift and its wonderful view.
It offers the best prices of all competing options, has a nice restaurant at the top, and isn’t as busy as the most popular option, the Banff Gondola. While it does not offer hiking, Mt Norquay offers the areas only via feratta if you’re seeking some adrenaline. This is easily the most enticing activity for those looking for some excitement.
Mt. Norquay Location
Mt. Norquay is the oldest ski resort in the park, and it sits right above the town of Banff. It’s close to town and takes a few minutes longer to reach than the Banff Gondola on the opposite side of the valley.
Pricing
| Adult (16+) | $46.20 |
| Youth/Child (6-15) | $28.35 |
| Toddler (0-5) | FREE |
| Family (2 Adults & 2 Youth/Children) | $131.50 |
Jasper Skytram/Gondola
If you’re looking to explore Jasper National Park, stopping at the Jasper Skytram is a must-do. The Jasper Skytram/Gondola takes you up Whistlers Mountain at an astonishing elevation of 2,277 m. What’s impressive about the Jasper Skytram is it’s the highest and longest tram in Canada!
It offers a fantastic encompassing view of the Jasper area. The Jasper Skytram is a great option for someone looking to drive the Icefields Parkway to spend time in Jasper. Once at the top, you will find a small gift shop, restaurant, and hiking trail to Whistler’s Summit.
Overall, the Jasper Skytram/Gondola is a good option for those planning to head out to the Jasper area. That said, for the price you will be paying, you will get more bang for your buck at other options, like the Banff Gondola.
Jasper Skytram Hiking
The Jasper Skytram is a great option for those looking to do some hiking. From the top of the Skytram, you can access Whistlers Peak via an easy hiking trail or continue on to a scramble of Indian Ridge. From the peak, you will get astonishing views of the glacier-clad Mt. Robson to the North, the tallest mountain in the Rockies, and Mount Edith Cavell to the South.
Pricing & Hours of Operation
| Adult (16+) | $67 |
| Youth/Child (6-15) | $38 |
| Toddler (0-5) | FREE |
| Dog Ticket | $10 |
| March 25 – May 19 | 10:00am – 5:00pm |
| May 20 – June 23 | 9:00am – 8:00pm |
| June 24 – Sept 5 | 8:00am – 9:00pm |
| Sept 6 – Oct 30 | 10:00am – 5:00pm |
Which Should You Choose?
Given the cost and time, most visitors will want to choose one or maybe two gondola experiences on the trip. Hopefully, this gave you some insight into which one to choose.
Personally, we think that, although it is the most touristy, the Banff Gondola offers the most enjoyable experience for visitors. We have brought all of our parents up there separately, and they all said it was their favorite thing to do in Banff.
That being said, if you want to hike, the Sunshine Gondola is the best choice for you, and if you want a sweeping view over Lake Louise and an open-air chairlift, you will enjoy the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendations include the Banff Gondola and a cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island in Jasper. If you want a stress-free way to get to Moraine Lake, we highly recommend looking into Moraine Lake Bus Company.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car: The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going for airfare deals and travel credit cards to earn points on purchases. Those credit card points can be redeemed for free flights and hotels! Our favorite cards is the Capital One Venture X (which has an insane welcome bonus right now) as it has no foreign transaction fees.
- Hop On, Hop Off: This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus to visit all the best attractions at your own pace!
Hello! This was an extremely helpful article and I plan on pinning it on Pinterest to help other travelers. I have one question that may help me decide between Banff and LL gondolas. Is the Gondola at LL over the lake, or as in your photo, can you really just see the lake off in the distance? We are staying a night in Banff and a night in LL so theoretically, we could do both, but it’s not really in the budget.
Thank you!
Hi Melanie,
No the Lake Louise gondola is not over Lake Louise. Lake Louise and the gondola are actually about a 10 minute drive between eachother. However you can see Lake Louise in the distance from the top of the gondola.
This article really helped me! Now my husband can make a decision on which one or two he wants to do. I’ve been making all the decisions for this trip. I have read a couple of your other articles (campgrounds in Jasper) so we can make a decision where to stay there. We will be on our way home from Alaska going through Jasper/Banff area. We live in southern Colorado. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Hope you guys have a great trip!
So thankful I found your blog. Heading to Canada for the first time in September and your info is SO helpful.
So happy to have helped! Enjoy your trip and time on the banff gondolas!
Thank you very much for the wonderful comparisons. I’m even more excited now for my road trip from the states into the area!!!
We’re so happy we’re able to help! This site is a real labor of love.