Is the Lake Louise Summer Gondola Worth It?
The Lake Louise Gondola is a top attraction in Banff National Park and one of the best things to do in Lake Louise in the summer. While mountain views are everywhere in Banff, visitors from around the world head up Whitehorn Mountain every summer to get a unique perspective of the Lake Louise area.
From the top of Whitehorn Mountain, you’ll get fantastic views of Lake Louise herself and the famous Mount Victoria behind her. From 2101m up, you can enjoy the views, start a hike, soak in the scent of sweet wildflowers and glaciers, or dine at one of the most scenic restaurants in Banff.
All About the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola
Lake Louise Ski Resort is a ski resort in Banff and one of the top Canadian Ski Resorts. The resort is known all around Western Canada for its scenic beauty. We have skied at nearly every resort in Western Canada and even the US and can confirm that Lake Louise’s views are among the best. That’s the winter, though, and in the summer, the Gondola is the main attraction at the ski resort.
Lake Louise has been home to skiing since the 1920s as the gateway to the Skoki Ski Lodge, one of the oldest backcountry lodges in North America. The first lift was constructed in 1954, and a poma was added in 1960. The history of the Lake Louise Gondola dates back to 1959, but the gondola you see nowadays dates back to the late 1980s when the resort expanded and upgraded its ski facilities.
In 1988, the Lake Louise Ski Resort installed its first 8-person Gondola, providing skiers and snowboarders with a more accessible and scenic way to access the Whitehorn Mountains upper slopes and all the other fantastic terrain.
Over the years, the gondola has been upgraded and renovated. Recently, the Lake Louise Gondola has become a sought-after summer destination, attracting tourists who want some of the best views in the area for relatively low effort!
Where is the Lake Louise Gondola?
The Lake Louise Gondola is in Banff National Park, in the Lake Louise area, at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. It is about a 45-minute drive from the Town of Banff, a 5-minute drive from Lake Louise Village, and a 10-minute drive from Lake Louise herself.
To reach the Lake Louise Gondola from Banff, take the AB-1 W ramp toward Lake Louise; the exit will be on your right-hand side. You can also drive the more scenic Bow Valley Parkway, which will take you from Banff to Lake Louise.
It’s worth noting that the Lake Louise Gondola is not at the famed Lake Louise. Instead, it is a 10-15 drive away across Trans Canada.
How Far is the Gondola from Lake Louise Lakeshore?
The Lake Louise Gondola is at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, which is separate from Lake Louise, and located on the other side of Trans Canada. The two locations are a 10-minute drive or 7km apart. There is no way to connect the Lake Louise Ski Resort to Lake Louise via a hike.
Is There a Shuttle to Lake Louise?
Lake Louise Ski Resort offers free return shuttles between Lake Louise hotels, Samson Mall, and the Ski Resort. Shuttles between Banff and Lake Louise are also available on Roam Transit (Route 8X). Lake Louise Shuttle times to the lakeshore for 2024 can be found here. The Hop On Hop Off Tour Bus also makes regularly scheduled stops at the Lake Louise Gondola.
When Are Operations?
The Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola is only open during the summer months. This year, the operations will start on June 7, 2024, until October 14th. When the Lake Louise Ski Resort opens in November, the Gondola mainly serves skiers and snowboarders riding at Lake Louise. However, there is also a Lake Louise Winter Sightseeing Gondola ticket for those who only wish to take in the views and not ski.
2024 Prices
| ONE RIDE ONLY (subject to change) | |
|---|---|
| ADULT (18-64) | $62 |
| SENIOR (65+) | $51 |
| YOUTH (13-17) | $26 |
| CHILD (6-12) | $14 |
| 5 & UNDER | FREE |
| FAMILY (2 ADULTS + 2 KIDS) | $140 |
If you are a Lake Louise Season Pass or Spring Pass Holder, the Lake Louise Gondola is free. If you are a Plus Card holder, a SkiBig3 Pass holder, or a Bow Valley Local, you can get 50% off. You will not qualify for Lake Louise Gondola discounts if you don’t have one of these passes. There are also combo tickets available that include the Lake Louise Gondola and either a shuttle to Lake Louise Lakeshore or Moraine Lake.
Do You Need to Book Tickets in Advance?
You don’t have to book tickets for the Lake Louise Gondola in advance, though it certainly doesn’t hurt if you try to stick to a schedule or visit on a weekend, holiday, or a beautiful July or August day. Or if you just want to avoid any queues at the ticketing office.
The Lake Louise Gondola doesn’t “sell out” and does not operate on a timed system like the Banff Gondola. There’s no real benefit of booking a ticket in advance unless you also book a guided hike or a ride a dining ticket.
How Long is the Gondola Ride?
The Lake Louise Gondola is a 14-minute ride, so there are almost 30 minutes of air between the up and down to take in the views. You can choose between riding a four-passenger empty chair (chairlift) or in the enclosed gondola. We recommend the chairlift for a bit of fresh and unobstructed views. Save your camera battery, though; the way down the Lake Louise chairlift is much more beautiful than going up.
Do You Need a Tour?
A guided tour is unnecessary, though you can book a guided hike at the top, which may be beneficial if you are a new hiker or new to the area.
When is the Best Time to Enjoy?
The Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola is only open during the shoulder and summer season months. For the best weather, the best time to visit is in July and August, though if you stay in late September, you will get a bit of yellow in your views as this is when the larch trees turn a bright golden color before losing their needles – and there are plenty of larch trees around Lake Louise! Visiting midweek in the early morning or late afternoon is best to avoid crowds and midday heat.
Is the Lake Louise Gondola Open in the Winter?
The Lake Louise Gondola is open in the winter to service skiers and snowboarders at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. A winter sightseeing gondola is also open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’s a great time to visit and see the peaks covered in blanket snow.
You can also book a short snowshoe tour in the winter or combine the sightseeing gondola with the tube park for a bit of a discount. Winter prices vary slightly, but not too much. You get much better value on the Lake Louise Gondola in the summer, when you can do a bit of hiking in the area.
| WINTER SIGHTSEEING GONDOLA PRICES | |
|---|---|
| ADULT (18+) | $60 |
| YOUTH (13-17) | $25 |
| CHILD (6-12) | $13 |
| SENIOR (65+) | $49 |
| TIGER (0-5) | FREE |
What Are the Hours?
The summer gondola is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Is the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola Busy?
The Lake Louise Gondola is busy during summer, particularly on weekends and holidays, though it’s nowhere near as busy as actual Lake Louise or the Banff Gondola. If the weather is beautiful, you can expect plenty of people at the Lake Louise Gondola, but you’ll still have plenty of space. The best way to avoid crowds is to arrive around opening or later in the afternoon before the Gondola closes for the day.
Is There Parking?
There is ample and free parking at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (where the Gondola is located). You do not need to reserve parking in advance.
Hikes From the Lake Louise Gondola
Unlike the Banff Sunshine Gondola, there aren’t many hiking opportunities from the top of the Lake Louise Gondola. However, there are two notable short routes from Whitehorn Lodge if you want to stretch your legs. You must hike with bear spray when hiking anywhere in Banff.
- Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint Trail: This trail is under 3km with 175 meters of elevation gain following a steep gravel road.
- Pika Trail: This trail is just under 2 km round trip with 200 meters of elevation gain. You get great views over the Valley and can continue to the Ptarmigan viewpoint. Visit in July and August, and you’ll be surrounded by colorful wildflowers.
Honestly, neither of these hikes is the most invigorating in Banff, and if you want to hike we suggest picking another trail in the area. A few of our favorites are Plain of Six Glaciers or the Beehive Circuit. It’s also worth noting the Banff Sunshine Gondola has better options for hiking trails if you want assisted hiking with a gondola.
Can You Hike to the Top for Free?
Unlike the Banff Gondola and Sulphur Mountain, there is no trail up to the top of the Lake Louise Gondola, and you may not hike through the area. This area is a protected wildlife corridor. The best thing to do is pack your hiking pack and enjoy one of the hikes at the top of the Chairlift/Gondola, or head over to Lake Louise and enjoy one of those hikes in the area, like the hike up to Lake Agnes or the Plain of Six Glaciers.
Can You See Wildlife?
The Summer Gondola at Lake Louise is renowned as one of the safest spots in the Canadian Rockies to observe various wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, lynx, moose, mountain goats, elk, deer, and many other fascinating species.
The animals are free to roam all 6000+ square Km of Banff National Park and beyond, but they naturally stay around this area due to the bountiful food sources on the slopes. Keep an eye out for them while riding the Gondola. Some things to remember:
- Do not feed the animals from the Gondola! Keep these animals wild.
- Do not drop any wrappings from the Gondola. Banff is a natural place – let’s keep it that way.
- Visit earlier or later in the day. Animals are more active during these times as they try to beat the day’s heat.
- Don’t yell at wildlife from the gondola to get their attention. Let the wildlife be in their natural habitat.
- Bring your binoculars or zoom lens for a better view!
- If you plan to do any hiking, bear spray is a must-have in the area.
Restaurants
The Whitehorn Bistro is one of the most famous and scenic restaurants in Banff National Park. You can enjoy a meal at the Whitehorn Restaurant that overlooks Lake Louise while visiting the Lake Louise Gondola. You can also grab snacks and more cafeteria-style food at the Lodge of Ten Peaks Cafeteria at the base.
If you’re visiting the Lake Louise Gondola with food in mind, we suggest you choose one of the Ride and Dine Packages. The Ride and Breakfast package combines a sightseeing ticket with a hot breakfast at the Lodge of Ten Peaks. The Ride and Lunch package combines a sightseeing ticket with a lunch at the Lodge of Ten Peaks.
Can You Bring Pets?
Due to safety concerns, pets of any kind are not allowed on the Gondola, except disability assistance pets. If you require a special needs pet aid, please inform the staff.
Is It Wheelchair Friendly?
While the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola strives to be completely wheelchair friendly, they are not. There are disabled parking spaces along the wooden fence in the main parking lot, paved pathways to the lodge, and washrooms are wheelchair accessible.
A complimentary shuttle is available for transport between the parking lot, The Lodge of the Ten Peaks, and the Gondola, and a shuttle for transportation between the sightseeing gondola (once at the top) and the Wildlife Interpretive Centre and Whitehorn Bistro.
However, to access the gondola, wheelchairs need to be folded. So if you think your wheelchair may be too big, it’s best to inform the staff or call ahead if you have questions or concerns about accessibility at the Lake Louise Gondola.
Do You Need a Parks Pass to Visit?
Lake Louise is within Banff National Park, and all visitors need a valid Parks Canada Pass. See more details about the Parks Pass here.
Where To Stay Nearby
There are currently no accommodation options at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. However, there are plenty of Lake Louise Hotels near the village and at Lake Louise itself. Of course, there is the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, the most expensive and famous spot to stay in the area. Other favorites include Paradise Lodge near Lake Louise and Baker Creek Cabins along the Bow Valley Parkway.
Where to Stay in Lake Louise in the Summer?
Is The Lake Louise Gondola Worth the Price?
If you are new to the area and haven’t enjoyed a gondola experience in Banff yet, then the Lake Louise Gondola is definitely worth the price. The views from the top are hard to beat unless you plan to do a lot of hiking around Banff! Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful areas in the world, and it’s tough to compare the beauty.
That being said, there are a few different gondolas in Banff to choose from, and due to timing and budget, you may only get to choose one. If this is you, we recommend choosing the Sunshine Gondola over Lake Louise since there are more hiking opportunities. Alternatively, the Banff Gondola, while busier, offers a more packaged and complete experience with plenty of views and things to do at the top.
It’s also easy to enjoy Lake Louise Lakeshore for a fraction of the cost of a gondola ticket (Lake Louise is free, you just have to pay for the shuttle, tour, or parking).
Gondola Shuttle
The Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola offers a free shuttle for gondola pass holders from June to October. The shuttle runs between the gondola, Samson Mall, and the Lake Louise lakeshore. These shuttle times change frequently, so we recommend calling beforehand to verify times.
What is the Best – the Banff Gondola, Lake Louise Gondola, Mt Norquay Chairlift, or Sunshine Gondola?
This is like comparing apples, oranges, and blueberries! All gondola experiences in Banff provide different views and experiences.
The Banff Gondola has the most facilities at the top, including a few restaurants and a nicely constructed boardwalk to enjoy. You get fantastic views of Cascade Mountain and the Town of Banff. However, it is possible to hike to the top to save money.
The Banff Sunshine Gondola is recommended to assist in hiking around Sunshine Meadows, one of the best places to visit during the wildflower season.
The Lake Louise Gondola provides limited hiking opportunities and things to do compared to the others. Still, the views of Lake Louise, the Victoria Glacier, and Mount Temple are incomparable and much more “wild” compared to the Banff Gondola. You have a higher chance of spotting wildlife on the Lake Louise Gondola.
The Mt Norquay Chairlift is cheaper than all the other options, but only a chairlift and is the most underwhelming of the area’s gondolas/chairlifts. However, the chairlift brings visitors to astonishing heights and gives fantastic views over Mount Rundle. It’s also much closer to Banff than the Lake Louise Gondola.
I Can Only Splurge on a Few Activities in Banff? Which One Should I Choose?
The main attractions in Banff that cost money are the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefields Explorer, Lake Louise Gondola, Banff Sunshine Gondola, Open Top Touring, and Lake Minnewanka Cruise. In Jasper, you have the Jasper Skytram, Maligne Lake Cruise, and the Jasper Skywalk.
All of these Banff attractions cost upwards of $50+ per ticket, some even $100. So it’s understandable that you cannot do all of them, nor should you – especially because there are plenty of free things to do in Banff! We suggest you pick one gondola experience and one lake experience! If you’re a first time visitor to Banff and Jasper we recommend choosing the Banff Gondola and Maligne Lake Cruise first. Keep in mind both of these experiences are popular, and booking in advance is essential.
What Things Are There To Do Nearby?
There are plenty of things to do in the Lake Louise area! Take a scenic drive down the Bow Valley Parkway, watch for trains at Morant’s Curve, hike to the Fairmont Lookout, canoe on Lake Louise, or have an afternoon tea at the Fairmont! You can see all our ideas for things to do at Lake Louise here!
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Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is the Banff Gondola – a must do experience! If you want to get active, consider snowshoeing on top of the world. Lastly, enjoy nighttime in Banff on this Sunset and Stars Tour!
- Want an all in one tour? Pursuit is running this special Winter Wonder tour on weekends!
- Transport in the winter: If you don’t want to drive to Banff in the winter, we totally get it. To avoid this book with the Banff Airporter.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- 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.
- We can help you plan your 2025 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll personally go over your itinerary, hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, or create a bespoke itinerary just for you! See our services here.
We are visiting Banff for the first time and your blog has been incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for sharing all of the valuable info!
so glad it has been helpful! Enjoy the park!
Everyone says take the summer gondola, you will see grizzlies. Not August 2024. They have major construction and all the bears have left. They provided a person in a bear costume instead. Complete rip off. It doesn’t mention anything on their website about construction and don’t visit if you want to see bears that you are normally guaranteed to see.
On top of that it is impossible to go to the gondola AND Lake Louise unless you book a Parks Canada bus 2 days in advance. We had to walk 3k uphill to LL.
I was just there two weeks ago and saw two grizzlies from the chairlift 🙂 Feel free to message me on IG and I’ll direct you to that story! It’s important to know that Banff is not a ZOO, seeing wildlife is not something you can schedule, and it’s never guaranteed. You should feel lucky to see any on your trip!
If you couldn’t get to Lake Louise Lakeshore that is just poor planning on your part. It’s well known that you have to book Parks Canada shuttles, a private operator, or get there early for parking, and has been this way for a few years.
Nevertheless, we hope you return and are able to plan your trip so that you can get to Lake Louise more seamlessly, and perhaps see a grizzly!