The gondola takes visitors to the top of Sulphur Mountain and allows them to experience summit views without effort. Summer nights are equally stellar on Sulphur. They offer a few unique combo tickets one is a daytime lunch for around $89, and the other is their Sky Experience for approximately $124. A ride to the top takes eight minutes and climbs to 2281 meters (7486 ft) above sea level. Its always a great photo opportunity sitting on these fun chairs. There is no charge to enjoy the summit station, so youre free to enjoy the boardwalk, have a meal, explore the interpretive center, or drink some coffee once you are at the summit. Includes: Banff Gondola and Lake Minnewanka. We are Dan and Celine Brewer, the proud owners of Travel Banff Canada. An open parking lot is free for visitors to enjoy the Banff Gondola or hike up Sulphur Mountain. For everyone else, if you hike up the Sulphur Mountain trail, you can buy a one-way ticket down for 50% of the normal ticket price. This includes the peace of mind to cancel anytime and receive a full refund. you could spend hours at the top of the mountain. Its also great for families traveling with children. The Columbia Icefield is 180 km or an approximate2.5 hour drive. So, no matter the season, it's wise to bring clothes that you can layer and that are quick-drying. We love the outdoor 360-degree rooftop observation deck on Level 4. For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide, 13 Amazing Banff Patios to Enjoy this Summer. 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. Is the Banff Gondola wheelchair accessible? Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. This trail is not a boardwalk, and the observatory offers better views over Banff town, so we dont recommend it for most visitors. You can also walk from Downtown Banff, which we recommend if you want extra exercise. The price is more if you compare the ticket price with the three other gondolas or chairlifts operating in the park. All too soon, youll arrive at the newly transformed Upper Terminal, where you will find amazing food, a fun interpretive centre, and of course incredible views of the Canadian Rockies. What about strollers? Just wait until you put your hand inside a paw print of a grizzly bear you wont believe the size of it! In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. One of our favorite things to do in Banff at Christmas is the Banff Gondola Mountaintop Christmas. Thank you Karen, but this is simply not true, we have taken the Banff Gondola down for free many times in the winter, as recently as 2019. We are in the Spray Valley. Weve made the hike up Sulphur mountain a few times as its an easy workout for locals when the weather isnt great for other hikes. In the 40s, a teahouse opened on Sulphur Mountain, built and operated by John Jaeggi, a Swiss mountain guide in Banff. The downside to an advanced ticket purchase is that you could be scheduled during lousy weather. Unless you live in the Bow Valley (Banff/Canmore residents), the gondola is never FREE to take down. See our complete Alberta packing list here. 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. Now we live in Canmore and spend as much time as possible exploring and hiking around Banff. No. We have an extensive and exhaustive maintenance program and all of our lift safety systems are tested every morning before we open. Pursuit is a collection of inspiring and unforgettable experiences in iconic places including Alaska, Montana, the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver, Reykjavk, Las Vegas and Toronto (opening in 2024). Join us for the best of summer here in the mountains! Its a fantastic place to warm up in the winter before heading outside. Its an enjoyable few minutes, and after doing the hike up Sulphur Mountain a few times, we can confirm the views are much better from the Banff Gondola. 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. Again very disappointing for 2 Australian ladies. Take your time meandering up the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk and learn about Banff National Park through the abundant interpretive signs along the way. Reservations for the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen are available when you book the Northern Lights Nightrise Dinner package. Follow Mountain Ave to the very end where you will arrive at the Banff Gondola parking lot on your left. All that being said, the Banff Gondola is easily accessible from town, and most importantly, it is wheelchair accessible. Our gondola cars comfortably fit four adults. You climb 698 meters very quickly, with the ride taking 8 minutes. Bourgeau (2,930 m) and the massive Mt. 4 Incredible Banff Gondolas Which One Should You Choose? If the crowds are not too bad, take a moment to soak in the views they are the best views you can find up top. Recently named the #1 restaurant in Banff by TripAdvisor, and the Most Romantic Restaurant in Canada by OpenTable, you simply cant miss an opportunity to dine at the Sky Bistro. Those who wish to hike up and ride down can purchase a one-way trip at half price (5 and under free). Alberta residents enjoy a Banff Gondola discount. In the 1950s, Jaeggi made plans for an aerial lift inspired by his native homeland, and construction for the Sulphur Mountain Gondola began in 1958. Route 1 departs from downtown Banff and costs $2 one way. Make a left turn after the Bow Bridge onto Mountain Ave and keep to the right lane. Theres nothing like enjoying a piping hot coffee in the fresh mountain air on your walk along the ridgetop boardwalk. On top of the Banff Gondola, youll see the Town of Banff down below and mountains like Mount Rundle and Cascade in the distance. Dont worry, for the adults there is a lively cocktail bar. Around Christmas, the entire summit is decorated and has a cheerful Santa Claus for the Banff Mountaintop Christmas. I personally love going up the Banff Gondola around Christmastime when the mountains are covered in snow, and Santa Claus is on Sulphur Mountain. With a paved walkway wrapping all the way around the Upper Terminal, guests will love exploring the views of the Canadian Rockies from every angle. However, Pursuit recommends pre purchasing to save money online, and because tickets can sell out during busy periods (weekends especially in July and August). If your plans change, you can make changes to your tickets (subject to availability and price differences). The Banff Skywalk also continues to Sansons Peak Meteorological Observatory from the summit. Our website uses cookies. The town of Banff is in the Bow Valley. Elevate your next conference or team event with breathtaking mountain views. Parking can be very tight at the Gondola during the summer, especially during the daytime before 5 PM. Located on Level 1 of the Upper Terminal, Castle Mountain Coffee is your home for hot drinks and quick snacks. **Bow Valley residents can receive a complimentary one-way ticket at the summit. 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. Once in the Banff Gondola complex at the top of Sulphur Mountain, all four levels are accessible by elevator. The ticket combo for lunch or dinner is also a pretty good deal, especially if you catch the sunset during dinner on top of the mountain. Although, the weather in Banff changes frequently, and the weatherman never quite gets it right anyway. We highly recommend the short, easy walk along the ridgetop boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site of Canada. This is like comparing apples and oranges as the Banff Gondola, and Lake Louise Gondola are entirely different and offer different experiences. Please note: Though our facilities are wheelchair accessible, the summit boardwalk is not as it consists of 368 shallow stairs each way. Pledge your love as your nearest and dearest watch, with the Canadian Rockies as your witness. 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. Prices are subject to change, but typical prices range from $53 to $61 per adult and $26.50 to $31.50 for children 6 and up. Any mountaintop experience wouldnt be complete without the chance to go outdoors and feel the exhilarating mountain air on your skin while enjoying the outstanding views of the Canadian Rockies. For the safety of our guests and staff, and due to size constraints, sporting equipment such as mountain bikes, skis, snowboards, sleds are not permitted on the Banff Gondola. Fines apply please leave your drone at home. Walking from downtown Banff is a wonderful way to get to the Banff Gondola. In season, this is also where youll find Peak Patio, one of Banffs best outdoor patio restaurants. *Valid only on Route 1 to and from the Banff Gondola on the day of yourvisit. From the station, youll already be enamored with mountain views of Mount Rundle and the Spray Valley that only get better as you ascend up the Banff Gondola. Parks Canada requires all adult visitors to Canadas national parks to buy a permit for the duration of their stay to support visitor services and facilities. Jasper is 227 km oran approximate 3.5 hour drive. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. If the parking lot is full, theres an additional parking lot (for the Hot Springs) is located nearby. The most notable restaurant is the Sky Bistro, but more on that later. Due to the limited space in the gondola and in the mountaintop facilities, we do not recommend strollers. We are a local Canmore family who can't get enough of exploring our own backyard. Including hike info and off-season travel information. The World Pursuit LLC is not responsible for injury, loss, or damage while participating in an activity. The cost of a taxi ride from the Banff Gondola to downtown Banff is approximately $10 to $15. The Banff sightseeing gondola is an undoubtedly fun experience, but to be very honest with you, we enjoy our time at the top even more when we hike up instead. Seating can be found in all areas. The gondola and complex shifted and went through many changes through the years. Get more details on the Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen below. I am curious now of the impact this will have on people visiting the summit. 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. Its one of the best hotels in Banff, and easily one of the most luxurious. It has several floors with a coffee shop, interactive displays, observation decks, cafeteria, restaurant, and a gift shop. The local buses arrive at the Banff Gondola every 40 minutes. Keep in mind they use dynamic pricing based on demand, so you may find different price points. Another popular attraction on the Upper Terminal Level is is the new multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre. 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. Banff has many hikes offering fantastic views and fewer people if you really want to save money. For one, they are in completely different locations and provide unique views. The wooden ridgetop boardwalk ends just a few meters shy of the Cosmic Ray Station and the trail suddenly becomes natural with many protruding rocks. They have invested millions into redevelopment and renovation to bring visitors up the Banff Gondola in a beautiful fashion. There is never any problem parking in the winter, but in the summer, the area gets congested, so it may be beneficial to use the free shuttle operated by ROAM Transit. If you are unsure, please contact the Banff Gondola. As if a visit with Santa isnt enough, guests visiting the Banff Gondola during the Christmas season will enjoy sugar shack maple toffee, Christmas carolers, feature Christmas films and hot chocolate or mulled wine at the North Pole bar. Can I take my skis / bike / drone / sporting equipment on the Banff Gondola? This article may contain affiliate links. Simply cross the bridge on the south end of Banff Avenue, turn left, then immediately turn right on Mountain Avenue. In wintertime, youll also find many comfy chairs around several firepits. When is the best time to visit the Banff Gondola? Youve been very helpful, thank you. The Banff Gondola is located 2.5 km from Banff town centre. check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs. Please update this blog with accurate information. 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. The answer is, what cant you see?!? We inspire travelers and each other. We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. Within the Lower Terminal youll find the ticket counter, a well-stocked gift shop and a Starbucks. If you plan to hike up and take the gondola down, the ride down will cost you $35. The walk from Downtown Banff will take you slightly under an hour. The Roam Transit Route 1 begins at the far end of Banff Avenue near the Dorothy Motel (one of the best inexpensive hotels in Banff). Perhaps the view looking north is the best of all. Take a walk along the a little balcony around the building for an opportunity to look inside through one of the windows. Proof of residency is required. A free shuttle runs every 40 minutes from town if you dont feel like the hassle of parking or want to lose a prime spot. Now available for the first time during summer for small intimate weddings. You can purchase tickets at the base, but we recommend ordering your tickets online for a more seamless experience. Its a beautiful experience, especially since it is partnered with the Indigenous peoples that contribute music, words, and stories. This season we are taking extra measures to ensure you can travel with confidence. The weather can be very variable here in the Canadian Rockies, changing from warm summer sunshine to freezing rain and snow within an hour. Yes! The Banff Gondola facilities are wheelchair accessible and easily accessed by those who are elderly, families with children, or less mobile. The Lower Terminal is 5,194 feet (1,583 metres) above sea level, the Upper Terminal is 7,486 feet (2,281 metres) above sea level and Sanson's Peak is approximately 10 meters above the Upper Terminal's altitude. Starbucks here charges more than the one in town, so we suggest getting some local coffee in Banff instead. 22 BEAUTIFUL Stops on the Icefields Parkway: Ultimate Guide for 2022, Moraine Lake Parking: Everything You NEED to Know in 2022. Strollers are permitted but not recommended. As you look northwest towards the national historic site, youll see Mt. If you want to skip going up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola, you can easily hike up! The Banff Gondola is not far from the town of Banff at 2.5 km. Banff Gondola Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2. How long does it take to hike to the top of Sulphur Mountain? These great packages offer the freedom to explore and save more on the must-see attractions in Banff and Jasper. Its well beaten, so in the winter, you dont need much more than some microspikes and a pole. With many excellent mountaintop restaurants, picnic tables, walking trails, etc. The ride up the Banff Gondola is approximately 8-minutes long in each direction. The highlight of the second level is the amazing interpretive centre. If you'd like to support our work check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs or support us directly here. Banff Gondola Parking: There is a large parking lot found here, but it can fill up during peak times.
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