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Banff Gondola

Banff Gondola

Canada
4.7
(12,000 reviews)
65
Tours Available
$62
Adult Entry
3-4 hours
Recommended Duration
June to September
Best Time

Overview

The Banff Gondola is a scenic cable car that takes visitors to the top of Sulphur Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies. It's a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The Banff Gondola provides one of the most spectacular vistas in the Canadian Rockies, making it a key attraction in Banff National Park.

Cable Car Scenic Viewpoint Outdoor Activity

Location

Address

100 Mountain Ave., Banff, Alberta

Neighborhood: Downtown Banff

Coordinates

51.177400, -115.570000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (May-Sep), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Oct-Apr)
tuesday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (May-Sep), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Oct-Apr)
wednesday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (May-Sep), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Oct-Apr)
thursday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (May-Sep), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Oct-Apr)
friday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (May-Sep), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Oct-Apr)
saturday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (May-Sep), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Oct-Apr)
sunday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (May-Sep), 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Oct-Apr)

Admission

Adults
$62
Children
$37 (Ages 5-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

June to September

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and better chances of seeing wildlife

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1.5 hours
Recommended
3-4 hours
Full Experience
Full day with hiking

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild, variable

  • • Wildflowers
  • • Waterfalls

summer

Warm, occasionally hot

  • • Extended hours
  • • All facilities open

autumn

Cool, crisp

  • • Fall foliage
  • • Cool breezes

winter

Cold, snowy

  • • Snow-covered landscapes
  • • Holiday lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book tickets in advance
  • Dress in layers
  • Check weather conditions

What to Bring

essential

Camera Water bottle Ticket confirmation

recommended

Hiking shoes Sunscreen Binoculars

seasonal

Warm jacket (winter) Umbrella (spring/fall) Hat and sunglasses (summer)

not allowed

Drones Pets (except service animals) Large backpacks

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate, due to possible hiking at the top

  • • Altitude sickness possible, stay hydrated

Medical facilities: First aid available at the base and top

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit cards, Cash

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Typical Costs

adult ticket $62
child ticket $37
family pass $177
parking $12

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, Hiking shoes or boots, Inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

  • • At least a week in advance for peak season
  • • Official Banff Gondola website
  • • 24 hours in advance for a full refund
  • • Online tickets, timed entry

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Banff & Lake Louise

Size: 45 MB

Features: Real-time gondola wait times, Interactive maps, Ticket booking, Audio guides

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Summit building

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Summit building

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Calgary International Airport

Distance: 130 km

Travel Time: 1.5 hours

Taxi
$200-$250 1.5 hours
Shuttle
$50-$70 1.5 hours
Public transport
$20 2.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 0.5 km

Walking
$0 7 min
Bus
$2.50 5 min
Taxi
$10 3 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The Banff Gondola offers a unique perspective of the Canadian Rockies that you can't get anywhere else

Historical Significance: The gondola has been a staple of Banff tourism since 1961, providing access to Sulphur Mountain

Insider Tips

  • Visit early in the morning for the best photography and wildlife spotting
  • The summit restaurant offers great food with a view
  • Check for special events and festivals during your visit

Local Recommendations

  • • Try the BeaverTails at the summit
  • • Visit the Banff Park Museum before or after your gondola ride
  • • Take a guided hike for insider knowledge

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Bonjour/Hello
thank_you Merci/Thank you
where_is Où est / Where is
how_much Combien / How much
beautiful Beau/Belle / Beautiful
ticket Billet / Ticket

Guide Languages: English, French, Spanish, German

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Sulphur Mountain Summit

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shots

Result: Panoramic views of the Rockies

#banffgondola #banffnationalpark #canadianrockies

Banff Gondola Station

Best Time: Sunrise

Tips: Low-angle shots

Result: Beautiful morning light on the station

#banff #travelalberta #sunrise

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas, Viewpoints
prohibited areas Inside the gondola cabins
flash photography Allowed in most areas
commercial photography Permit required
drone policy Prohibited without a permit
tripod policy Allowed in designated areas
selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Banff Park Museum

Distance: 0.5 km

Walking: 7 min

Type: Museum

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Distance: 1 km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Historic Site

Banff Avenue

Distance: 0.3 km

Walking: 5 min

Type: Shopping and Dining

Cascade Gardens

Distance: 0.8 km

Walking: 12 min

Type: Park

Banff Centre

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Cultural Centre

Reviews

4.7

Based on 12,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Book tickets online in advance"
  • "Visit early for fewer crowds"
  • "Wear layers, it's colder at the summit"
  • "Don't miss the sunset views"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

65

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

12,000

Adult Entry

$62

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