There are some experiences in Banff that feel almost non-negotiable, and riding the Banff Gondola is one of them. Whether it’s your first visit to the Canadian Rockies or your fifth, gliding up the side of Sulphur Mountain and stepping out into a panorama of jagged peaks and sweeping valleys feels every bit as magical as you imagine it will.
We have done the Banff Gondola twice and I can tell you that this experience isn’t just about the view (though the view alone would be enough). It’s also about history, science, food, and slowing down long enough to really take in where you are. Here’s everything you need to know before you go and maybe even a few things you might not even realize are waiting for you at the top.
Getting There and Getting Tickets
The Banff Gondola is located just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Banff, at the base of Sulphur Mountain. You can drive yourself, but parking is limited and fills quickly during peak season. Many visitors opt to take Roam Transit, which runs directly from downtown Banff to the gondola base and makes the whole experience feel more relaxed from the start.
I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance, especially if you’re visiting during summer, fall, or hoping to ride near sunset. The pricing varies by day and time, with sunset slots typically costing a bit more, but I hear they’re worth it if you can swing it. The Banff Gondola also offers a “Family Experience” where one child (ages 6-15) gets to ride free for each paying adult, at least for morning visits. This worked out great for us and our kids actually got a little swag bag with an explorer’s map with games and activities in it as part of the package.
The Ride Up Sulphur Mountain
Once you check in, you’ll board a fully enclosed gondola cabin and begin the short but stunning ride up the mountain. The gondola ride itself takes only about 8 minutes, and the town of Banff town shrinks below you as you climb. You’ll see the Bow Valley stretching outward and mountain peaks rising up in every direction for views that only get better the higher up you go.
What You’ll Find at the Top
At the summit, observation decks offer 360-degree views over six mountain ranges. On a clear day, you can see snow-dusted peaks, deep valleys, and Banff far below.
One of the highlights is the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk. It is an elevated walkway that winds along the ridgeline toward Sanson’s Peak. It’s dotted with interpretive signs that explain the landscape, wildlife, and geology surrounding you and you can bet that I stopped and read every single sign, because that’s the kind of person I am.
If you are lucky you might see some wildlife like the herd of bighorn sheep that were grazing up there both times we have been. They are so interesting and fun to watch!
A Mountain with a Story: Sulphur Mountain and Norman Sanson
Long before gondola cabins carried visitors to the summit, Norman Bethune Sanson made the climb on foot, again and again. Sanson was a meteorologist, naturalist, and curator of the Banff Park Museum in the early 1900s. As part of his work, he hiked up Sulphur Mountain more than 1,000 times to take daily weather readings at a mountaintop observatory. Rain, snow, wind, he went anyway.
Today, Sanson’s Peak honors his dedication, and the small weather observatory buildings near the summit still stand as a reminder that this mountain has long been a place of scientific discovery, not just sightseeing.
Exhibits and the Film Experience
Inside the summit complex, there are interactive exhibits that explain the natural and cultural history of Banff National Park, from Indigenous connections to early exploration and modern conservation.
One highlight for us was the Above Banff Theatre, where they regularly show a short film included with the gondola ticket. It combines sweeping aerial footage, storytelling, and immersive sound to give context to the landscapes you’ll seeing outside. In addition to always reading signs at national parks, I’m a sucker for a good film about the park and this one is no exception. Life-long learner, right here.
Dining at the Top of the Mountain
You can eat really well at the top of Sulphur Mountain. If you’re planning a meal, Sky Bistro is the showstopper. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the mountain views, and the menu leans into seasonal, locally inspired dishes. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially around sunset. We got very lucky and just got in around lunchtime, but I wouldn’t risk it in the future. The bangers & mash were particularly good.
For something more casual, Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen offers alpine-style fare in a relaxed setting, making it a good option for families or a quicker bite before heading back down.
There is also the Peak Patio where you can enjoy light bites and drinks outdoors while soaking up the sunshine and views. Even if you don’t plan to eat a full meal, grabbing a drink and soaking in the view for a few extra minutes is well worth it.
How Long to Plan for Your Visit
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours at the Banff Gondola, including 30 minutes total for the ride up and down and 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the boardwalk, decks, exhibits, and film. Plan extra time if you’re dining or visiting near sunset.
When to Go (and What to Wear)
The Banff Gondola runs year-round, and each season offers something different. In the summer there are wildflowers, fall has all the gorgeous colors, in winter it’s a snowy wonderland, and spring is shoulder-season.
No matter when you go, dress in layers. Even on warm summer days, the summit can be significantly cooler and windier than town. That was our experience and we were glad we had our jackets.
Planning a trip to Banff? Be sure to check out our guide for visiting Banff in the summer and this post about visiting Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
