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. The most notable restaurant is the Sky Bistro, but more on that later. 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. We inspire travelers and each other. **Bow Valley residents can receive a complimentary one-way ticket at the summit. Joining an organized tour is a great way to easily see the best of Banff. We gladly provide handicapped parking within 30 meters of the entrance and ramp access into the building. 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. Be prepared! There is a large parking lot at the base. Perhaps this is when you visited. Its best to voice your concern to the Banff Gondola or directly with your hotel.. Hi. How much will a taxi ride cost between downtown Banff and the Banff Gondola? Enjoy fresh brewed coffee. 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. As you near the end of the boardwalk, the panoramic views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains from the viewing platform are even better than the view from the Upper Terminal. Norquay (2,522 m) is to the right. The Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen offers a creative menu, served buffet style for both lunch and dinner. So, what can you see atop the Banff gondola? During winter, it's particularly important to bring proper winter attire. 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. The Sulphur Mountain trail isnt for everyone, but in our experience most people with a good attitude and a smile on their face can make it to the top. The cost of one-way ticket is $2 per person, however, during the summer, show your Banff Gondola ticket to the bus driver and get a free return ride*. However, Pursuit recommends pre purchasing to save money online, and because tickets can sell out during busy periods (weekends especially in July and August). Once in the Banff Gondola complex at the top of Sulphur Mountain, all four levels are accessible by elevator. Starbucks here charges more than the one in town, so we suggest getting some local coffee in Banff instead. After traveling the world for six years, he settled down in the beautiful Bow Valley with Natasha. In 1903, a trail was built from the Upper Hot Springs to the summit ridge. 4 Incredible Banff Gondolas Which One Should You Choose? Your journey embarks from a simple gondola cabin that wont contain your awe and wonder as you soar above the forest. They've been our companions hiking and snowshoeing in these mountains since they were babies. At nearly $70 on average per adult, its an expensive ordeal, especially if you go for Pursuits Ultimate Explorer Combo Ticket. Including hike info and off-season travel information. The Banff Nightrise is an interactive experience created by multimedia studio Moment Factory and is in partnership with the Stoney Nakoda Nation. We highly recommend the short, easy walk along the ridgetop boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site of Canada. Reservations are necessary. To truly get the most of your mountaintop experience, we recommend planning on spending 1-2 hours at the top, or even more if you plan to enjoy a meal. Follow Mountain Ave to the very end where you will arrive at the Banff Gondola parking lot on your left. By continuing to browse our site you are agreeing to our, Cancel up to 2 days before your trip for a full refund. By continuing to browse our site you are agreeing to our. Please note: if you would like the take the Banff Gondola up and hike down, you must purchase a full-price ticket. Jasper is 227 km oran approximate 3.5 hour drive. *Valid only on Route 1 to and from the Banff Gondola on the day of yourvisit. Youll find that mid-week tickets are cheaper than weekends during the summer months. Please note: Though our facilities are wheelchair accessible, the summit boardwalk is not as it consists of 368 shallow stairs each way. Keep your eye out for Cascade Mountain to your right (if looking up), with Tunnel Mountain right in front of it and the massive Mount Rundle behind you. I am curious now of the impact this will have on people visiting the summit. Then, head inside for a remarkable meal at Sky Bistro. Is the Banff Gondola wheelchair accessible? check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs. Discover sweeping scenes of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley and the charming town of Banff from the Sulphur Mountain summit. Safety is our number one priority. Bourgeau (2,930 m) and the massive Mt. The first departsjust south of the parkadeat the southern end of the Banff Springs Hotel while the other begins nearby atthis location. I personally love going up the Banff Gondola around Christmastime when the mountains are covered in snow, and Santa Claus is on Sulphur Mountain. What is there to do once you are at the top of the Banff Gondola? 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. Book your event now. 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 Banff Gondola is the perfect venue for group functions. In wintertime, youll also find many comfy chairs around several firepits. You get great views of the Sundance Range to the west as you walk along the boardwalk. Cory (2,802 m) poking its summit up on the left, while Mt. Except for service dogs, pets are not allowed on the Banff Gondola. At its end, youll find Sansons Peak Meteorological Observatory for the original man responsible for using the small building to record weather dates for almost 30 years in the early 1900s. During the winter season, hikers must be aware that the trail will be covered in snow/ice and need to have appropriate hiking gear suitable for winter conditions. No. During the winter, you can show your Banff Gondola ticket to the bus driver for a free return ride. The local buses arrive at the Banff Gondola every 40 minutes. Fuel up on grab-and-go fare at Castle Mountain Coffee or enjoy an elegant meal at the award-winning Sky Bistro. The Banff Gondola is located 2.5 km from Banff town centre. Our kids love playing in the little tent cabin, the tunnels to crawl through and the life-sized grizzly bear and cougar video projections. What about strollers? It is possible to walk up day of and buy tickets at the counter. What is the name of the valleys we are in? 100% reimagined summit experience, circa 2016. Pair Open Top Tourings Legendary Banff tourwith admission to the Banff Gondola and save up to 20% on both attractions. Visitors ride to the summit in gondola cabins with large windows that allow 360-degree views from the base. The trail was quickly becoming the most popular in the park. At the top, you will be at an elevation of 2,281 m (7,486 feet) above sea level. The Lake Louise Gondola and Banff Sunshine Gondola also provide exceptional views for a lower price (around $40). The tickets for the Banff Gondola operate on dynamic pricing, so there is not always a set price. The cost of a taxi ride from the Banff Gondola to downtown Banff is approximately $10 to $15. Strollers are permitted but not recommended. The variable pricing policy is in effect for Alberta residents as well, but the Banff Gondola Alberta resident discount can range between $10-12 for adults and $5-7 for children. This does help reduce crowding, and tickets are sold for specific days and time slots. In any case, watch your step as the surface is uneven and it can get very crowded in this area. This article may contain affiliate links. Spectacular vistas come into clear view, stirring the spirit. Yes. We are a local Canmore family who can't get enough of exploring our own backyard. Pets are not permitted on the gondola or in our facilities, with the exception of service dogs*, for the safety and comfort of our guests. From fine dining to a caf to fresh and tasty grab and go selections, you can save your appetite for the summit. How high is the elevation of Sulphur Mountain? The trees surrounding the ridgetop boardwalk gives visitors a good opportunity to see an endangered whitebark pine up close and learn about the challenges it faces to stay alive. From the south edge of downtown, walk east along the Bow River trail to the pedestrian bridge. Timeless Rocky Mountain views. Learn more here. Please update this blog with accurate information. The time of day for your visit, the day of the week and how far in advance you book are all variables which impact the price of your admission ticket. Take advantage of the Banff ROAM Public Transit Route 1 which departs from downtown Banff to the Banff Gondola (one way cash fare: $2 per person). If the weather is nasty, you may be offered an opportunity to reschedule your date and time this is an option (sometimes for a small fee). In this unique experience youll glide over the magnificent Canadian Rockies from the perspective of a bald eagle, then witness the raw power of Mother Nature over the rugged Bow Valley. Take your time meandering up the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk and learn about Banff National Park through the abundant interpretive signs along the way. Why didnt you advise our hotel at midday when we booked. In 2020 many rules were changed by Pursuit and they restricted things like this due to COVID. Our website uses cookies. See our complete Alberta packing list here. 
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! 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 take my skis / bike / drone / sporting equipment on the Banff Gondola? He has been featured as a travel expert with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel. Cameron is a resident of Canmore, Alberta. The well-being of our guests and staff has always been our top concern. The experience can be crowded during peak summer, but the timed tickets help with waiting times. The new Banff Gondola summit terminal has 4 levels: This is the level where guests disembark from their gondola ride. Parks Canada has designated all National Parks in Canada as no drone zones for recreational use. Its a tough call as to which season has the better views, but were partial to winter (expect cold toes). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I didnt know that there were so many to choose from! 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. Another way to get to the Banff Gondola without a car is the free gondola shuttle. For the most accurate Banff ROAM Public Transit arrival times, click here to view the Route 1 bus schedule. These great packages offer the freedom to explore and save more on the must-see attractions in Banff and Jasper. Its easily one of the best things to do in Banff when youre on holiday here. The Banff Gondola facilities are wheelchair accessible to the elderly, small children, or those who are less mobile. There are few places to enjoy the majesty of the snow capped mountain peaks of the Spray Valley than the Banff Gondola. World Nomads offers competitive rates for all travelers. Looking south, you can see the true summit of Sulphur Mountain, with Mt. During the Christmas shopping season, the Banff Gondola offers gift tickets for sale. Were still waiting to hear what will happen for winter 2021 and will update when Pursuit releases its guidelines. Sky Bistrooffers a world class dining experience above the clouds, while theNorthern Lights Alpine Kitchenoffers an exceptional menu in a casual atmosphere. Calgary is 110 km or an approximate 1 hour drive. During your eight minute journey, youll rise from an elevation of 1,583 m to 2,281 m above sea level. 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. We love the outdoor 360-degree rooftop observation deck on Level 4. Just a bit heartbreaking to see a tradition go out the window. 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. 
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! 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 take my skis / bike / drone / sporting equipment on the Banff Gondola? He has been featured as a travel expert with numerous publications worldwide and has spoken on several occasions about the power of travel. Cameron is a resident of Canmore, Alberta. The well-being of our guests and staff has always been our top concern. The experience can be crowded during peak summer, but the timed tickets help with waiting times. The new Banff Gondola summit terminal has 4 levels: This is the level where guests disembark from their gondola ride. Parks Canada has designated all National Parks in Canada as no drone zones for recreational use. Its a tough call as to which season has the better views, but were partial to winter (expect cold toes). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I didnt know that there were so many to choose from! 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. Another way to get to the Banff Gondola without a car is the free gondola shuttle. For the most accurate Banff ROAM Public Transit arrival times, click here to view the Route 1 bus schedule. These great packages offer the freedom to explore and save more on the must-see attractions in Banff and Jasper. Its easily one of the best things to do in Banff when youre on holiday here. The Banff Gondola facilities are wheelchair accessible to the elderly, small children, or those who are less mobile. There are few places to enjoy the majesty of the snow capped mountain peaks of the Spray Valley than the Banff Gondola. World Nomads offers competitive rates for all travelers. Looking south, you can see the true summit of Sulphur Mountain, with Mt. During the Christmas shopping season, the Banff Gondola offers gift tickets for sale. Were still waiting to hear what will happen for winter 2021 and will update when Pursuit releases its guidelines. Sky Bistrooffers a world class dining experience above the clouds, while theNorthern Lights Alpine Kitchenoffers an exceptional menu in a casual atmosphere. Calgary is 110 km or an approximate 1 hour drive. During your eight minute journey, youll rise from an elevation of 1,583 m to 2,281 m above sea level. 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. We love the outdoor 360-degree rooftop observation deck on Level 4. Just a bit heartbreaking to see a tradition go out the window. 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.