Banff Gondola

If you are looking to save time, energy, or for whatever reason cannot hike up Sulpher Mountain (or any other mountain for that matter) please consider the Gondola. The experience isn’t as scary as I thought it would be though I would recommend that if someone has a fear of heights not to look directly down from the gondola. To me, it was worth the price. The view was quite possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Please be prepared for the weather once you get to the top — it may be much cooler and windier than down below. Also be prepared for the change in elevation (ear aches, dizziness, etc. all my be symptoms if you are susceptible) as my ears ached traveling from one peak to the other but quickly improved once I came down the mountain.
The center wasn’t open at this time — it’s currently under construction — but it was still worth the trip. If you’re reading this after August of 2016, when the renovations will be complete, I would then HIGHLY recommend this experience.

As a local, I have done the gondola several times in my life, mostly when people are visiting from out of town, but the view from the top never fails to impress. It is quite simply, stunning.
For those who are afraid of heights — the ride to the top is quite swift, and apart from a few sections, the gondolas themselves travel parallel quite close to the mountain face itself. Once up top, the vistas are sweeping and grand. There are souvenirs galore, but also you can hike even higher up. We did this last summer — and there are a fair amount of stairs, but the extra hike to the top is quite wonderful. Be careful though, there are several spots that warn you to stay on the trail and if you were an idiot you literally could fall to your death — there is no guardrail etc…
The price to get up is quite steep — 42 dollars for adults and 21 dollars for kids — YIkes.
However, if you are on vacation, it is definitely one of those things that is worth the money– and the photo ops are pretty epic.

After taking the tramway in Jasper to see panoramic views of the glacier-​covered mountains, beautiful Jasper town, glacier-​fed lakes and tall mountains, I knew what to expect from the Banff Gondola experience, but at the same time I was pretty excited too!
It was one of those days when it wasn’t crowded, so just my husband and I had the luxury to go in one gondola car. A 7 minutes took us to the top of the Sulphur mountains and the whole way up, we were peeking through the glass windows to catch a glimpse of the beautiful views all around.
From views of Banff town, the smaller Tunnel mountain amidst the sheer, snow-​capped mountains, the peacock green color Bow River, the monarchical The Fairmont Banff Springs, the craggy Canadian Rocky mountain range, a glimpse of the electric blue Lake Minnewanka, the gondola ride was an incredible experience.
Soon we reached the Sulphur mountain peak and I immediately took out my binoculars to do — I don’t know what, but just randomly looked around everywhere.
From the observation deck, we walked for a bit to reach the Cosmic Ray Station. The views from the Cosmic Ray Station aren’t that different from the views from the observation deck, but it was a nice walk nevertheless. We even spotted a couple of mountain goats in the mountain slopes. They kind of look like sheep with big horns! I guess that’s how these animals adapt themselves to the harsh winters.
Our way down on the gondola was an equally neat experience, while we were trying to identify each and every landmark that we knew!

Looking for a gorgeous view of the mountains of Banff? Well don’t miss this opportunity. While it may seem expensive, if you hike up the mountain and time it just perfectly it may even be free on the way down. But even if it’s not, the one way trip is worth it (as is the two way trip if you don’t want to spend 2.5−3 hours hiking up Sulphur Mountain). The gondola is a quick ride up or down the mountain and the top of the mountain includes some great photo opportunities. When I went there was much construction happening on the mountain top but otherwise the trip was gorgeous. Lots of tourists of course, but on a beautiful day the trip up the mountain is well worth it.

LOVED IT! What a great view and a fun ride! You gotta do this if you are in the area!
It was great even though it was a but rainy.
Have lunch when you are at the top. You will get spectacular views.
When you come back down, be ready to LEAN IN for your picture.
I would definitely do this again!

You know, I’ve passed through and stayed in Banff numerous times over the years. Alone or with my parents, and apparently for some reason, we always skipped this. Huh. Maybe I had bad parents, I don’t know. Here I am as an adult, or at least a cheap facsimile of one, staring at this awesome gondola ride and thinking, «there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing right now.»
And to think I used to be afraid of heights. I still am in a way – I think it has something to do with stability. Give me a solid platform and a railing and I’ll look down into the bowels of hell. My girlfriend on the other hand was petrified… so this was fun. Firstly, I love the intimate nature of the gondolas. Not some colossus car packed to the gills with people, just her and me… and high altitude. The car skimmed tree canopy as the cables took us higher. Atop the ridgeline, we were greeted by an indescribable view of the countryside.
Well, I wouldn’t say indescribable – I just have a word budget on these entries and can’t delve into an unnecessarily long Neal Stephenson-​like rant to set a scene. Let me just say the view included six different mountain ranges and the entirety of the town of Banff. One of the best views this country has to offer.
Yes, I admit, I don’t have a substantial sample size to make such a judgement, and there are other fantastic views to be had, Aurora Village, Niagara Falls, Columbia Icefields, Stana Katic, but you have to admit, this would be high on the list. But that’s not where it stops. In fact, there’s an extensive trek atop a boardwalk for what I believe to be a kilometer (if not, than I’m realllly out of shape) to an old weather station atop a higher peak. Between them, there are amazing photo opportunities, like the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which looked like miniature in a train set. The gondola website claims it’s an interpretive walk… but what’s to interpret? You have a start and a destination. It’s a walkway, not art. Regardless, it’s about $ 35 a person for the entire experience, and I believe that to be a good value. You could save money and climb up the side of Sulphur Mountain… because…I don’t know… reasons.
After more than hour, we made our way back to the gondolas, where an infuriatingly joyful employee snapped photos of people as they entered the cars. Of course, I had to put my hand in the way and block my girlfriend. Closer to the sea level, and far away from the cables, my girlfriend admitted she had fun and would do it again. Just as long as I don’t rock the car like I did last time.
PS: You know, Stana Katic… from the show Castle?
PPS: Also, it was exactly a kilometer, but I still believe myself out of shape.

Review from Tripadvisor posting
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It was cloudy by the time we drove here after breakfast. Immediately after purchasing our tickets, we went inside to line up for the gondola since our ticket time was in 5 mins. The tickets are a little expensive so don’t be surprised when you see the amount. However, this was one of the 4-​things-​you-​must-​do for Brewster travels so we couldn’t just skip it having to come all the way here. The wait for the gondola was super quick, if you think you can’t survive the cold up there, there’s also a Starbucks shop right at the entrance which you can grab before you go up.
It started drizzling about halfway while we were on the gondola. You should definitely bring your camera. The view is something you don’t wanna miss. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot some hikers hiking the mountain as well.
Upon arriving at the top, there’s a restaurant, snacking area as well as a souvenir shop. The path is pretty straight forward. Just walk along the path and up the stairs you go.
You’ll be as high as a few clouds so you might even walk into one (which isn’t the best as it will rain and it blocks off all the scenery). It did get cold up there so bring a heavier jacket or be sure to layer yourself up.
The weather changes pretty drastically and quickly so test your luck with it and be prepared for sun and rain.

It’s worth the wait and fee. The view is amazing and lots to explore. A def must is you visit Banff.

Looking for an EPIC view of Banff? Well this is one not to miss.
This really is one of those must try things-​to-​do while you are in Banff. And I love taking people up here for that 365 degree mountain view.
It only takes a few minutes to take the Gondola up and then you can take the optional 1.5 hour hike down the mountain if you want the exercise. There is also a restaurant and plenty of space to look around and stretch your legs at the top. And someone is always around to take your picture for you.
Bring a jacket — it can get cool and windy up there.
Have fun!
Shane

This is a must to experience Banff. The gondola ride is 7 minutes. It’s just like a gondola ride at a ski resort. It was cool to see people work hard to hike up the mountain. There’s a neat gift shop at the top. There’s a wonderful walk that has soaring vistas of the mountains and downtown Banff. It’s not an easy walk, but the very top is worth it. There’s an old observatory there with relics of the meteorologist who would make treks weekly. Loved this activity. We had perfect summer weather. You’ll be taking lots of pics.

Way cool gondola ride!
A beautiful way to see the gorgeous area and would highly recommend to anyone going to Banff.
The views are incredible.
I’m somewhat uncomfortable with heights, but felt felt comfortable in this ride. The equipment was updated, clean and safe.
Bring some layered clothing as it gets a little chilly…
I’d have given it 5 starts except we went up in a group and had dinner. Think Sizzler quality on a bad day. Poo poo food and service. We were an inconvenience to the wait staff. Would have been more upset but «look at that view!»
Skip the meal and enjoy the view.

Amazingly gorgeous — make sure you go on a clear day so you can see all the views. Also recommend coming around 7 pm when its a tad cheaper and you get to see the sunset on the mountain. Highly recommend you come as its a don’t miss destination.
Bring a jacket — gets a bit chilly, especially if you’re there closer to 9.

This gondola! It comes out hot, and delivers a few minutes going (both ascending and descending) of fabulous views, all in a covered lift. Covering ideal for safety and sanity. I suggest doing it on your first day in Banff if you are a visitor. Even the most mountain-​romantic at heart get used to the views, and this ride provides some hella perfect views.
My one gripe with this trip up Sulphur is the price. $ 40 to go up and down a ski lift? It seems a little extreme. If you are able-​bodied and into the outdoors, I suggest doing the hike up the mountain. In the winter you can take the Gondola down for free after the hike, and in the summer it’s only $ 20. I can’t stress enough, though, this is a legit two hour hike, and isn’t one of those Alberta hikes that is really just a long walk next to nature. You gotta work, B.

Breathtakingly beautiful.
We bought a package which included our hotel, gondola ride and an excursion which I recommend doing.
The ride to the top was around 7 minutes and we stayed at the top for a couple of hours before returning down. I don’t think anyone should skip this if you are visiting Banff.
I recommend bringing layers as the temperature at the base was +2 but with the wind it was much cooler at the top.
We didn’t bring a pet but noticed it was pet friendly!

5 km climb up to summit of Sulphur mountain. Then gondola down for hot chocolate at Starbucks at the base what a treat. Free wifi. View of the Canadian Rockies.

HEIGHTS. If you’re not a fan of heights, you may have to push that out the window and pull some courage in. Going up the lift freaked me out, but looking out into the view of the mountains took my fear away. Nothing else could compare to it and the experience was all worth it.
Luckily our day was very sunny, minimal to no clouds at all and I could not get over the view. It felt so surreal and almost like I was looking into a fake backdrop. No matter where you go or walked around to, every corner and area was picture perfect. Make sure you have enough memory space in your camera to capture it all. But even then, pictures could not do enough justice at how magnificent the view was.
There is a café located at the top, the food was alright nothing stood out for me to remember or for it to be remembered. Just come here for the view and experience. I know it can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it and the price you pay will never amount to how gorgeous the mountain view is.

A bit on the pricey side, but the Banff Gondola is the best way to view Banff and the surrounding area atop Sulphur Mountain. I’d suggest hiking to the top (as hiking is free and good for you), but if that isn’t possible, the gondola is the way to go. Be sure to get here early in the day, especially in the summer/​early fall. You will be hard pressed to find a parking spot anytime after 11 am.

What a spectacular view! Riding up and down this gondola is just like assending to the heavens! It’s quick (but not too quick), the staff is so friendly and very helpful to people I saw that had never been on a gondola before. They have a café up at the top and huge gift shop at the bottom. When you get to the top there are all sorts of vantage points for different views of all the different mountains and you can see the entire town of Banff. There are maps and info about the mountains, about the history and construction of the gondola. It really, really is a special and truly amazing experience.
I have done the gondola twice now in the last 10 years, and I will make sure to do in again in another 5 or so… Maybe next time I will only take it one way! That’s right, you can either hike up or down and then just pay a one way fee to ride. Or for the super adventurous, hike up and down! But, then again, you would miss the fun of the gondola ride!

Good fun place. Kids had fun playing in snow as well. Well kept. Wasn’t very crowded when we visited. The walk up top to the top of the mountain is great fun.
There is ample parking. Dress appropriately as it could get pretty windy and cold on the top.

Amazing vista viewpoints!
The best view in Banff! You must walk up to the weather station to take a look at a different view form up high on Sulfur mountain!
I’d love to hike it up and down one day! It sure would be good exercise! Price was a bit steep but sure a good group activity!