Sunshine Meadows
Sunshine Meadows
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Located only a short distance, 16km/10m, from the Town of Banff, the pristine beauty of Sunshine Meadows is easily accessible for everyone, and can be best experienced and enjoyed through the relaxed comfort of our facilities. Take a ride up to the skies in Banff’s biggest gondola (8-passenger cabin capacity) with room for the whole family. Start at the base at an elevation of 1,660 m and ride the gondola 4.6km to the top gondola village terminal at 2,164 m where the Alpine Village is located. Take in all the views of the valley, mountain peaks and wildlife. Once you have reached the top – the Sunshine Village area, or just “the Village” – stop in at our new interpretive center before embarking on an exploration of the six diverse, graveled hiking trails, that wind their way through three alpine lakes, waterfalls and flower filled meadows covering more than 12 Km through the Sunshine Meadows. For a more revealing experience, join one of our hosted trail tours and enjoy learning about the wonders of the alpine world of Sunshine Meadows and more as you through some of Banff National Park’s most spectacular spots. Feel on top of the world when you summit Mt Standish via our Standish Express Sightseeing Chairlift. With an elevation of 2,400m/7,875ft, it will give you a full 360 degree view of the area. From here you can enjoy an unobstructed view the famous Mount Assiniboine – the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies at 3,618m/ 11,871ft – as well as other joys on the horizon, such as Rock Isle, Laryx and Grizzly Alpine lakes. There are three retail stores awaiting you for all your hiking essentials and Canadian Rockies souvenirs. After taking in the captivating views, indulge in one of our six licensed food outlets, including four fully serviced restaurants, including a BBQ deck of outside Mad Trapper’s Smokehouse. Come by to wind down with a drink before making your way back down the gondola.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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travellercjd
Round Rock, TX116 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Our family of 4 (2 sons in their 20's) hiked this trail. The gondola ride up was peaceful and scenic, and we had the gondola to ourselves as well. From there, we took the Standish chair lift to the top. After some photos at the top, we hiked the trail around all 3 lakes and enjoyed the beautiful wildflowers along the way. Rather than hiking back up to the top to ride the chairlift back down, we simply hiked down to the top of the gondola ride. This allows you to hike slightly downhill rather than uphill, and is an easy hike. Before taking the gondola back down, we had a burger at Trapper's, which was delicious. Highly recommend this hike and meal afterwards.
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan M
750 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I had always neglected Sunshine Meadows on my way across the Rockies for many years until last summer - don’t make the same mistake.
Sunshine Meadows is an absolutely stunning place. The views are amazing and so are the hikes. I think you could spend days hiking the area but if you’re coming a for a day, you’ll find plenty of suitable places to visit.
Be sure to bring enough water and snacks because there is no store once you leave the upper station of the gondola and it can get very hot up there.
Truly an amazing place, definitely recommend.
Sunshine Meadows is an absolutely stunning place. The views are amazing and so are the hikes. I think you could spend days hiking the area but if you’re coming a for a day, you’ll find plenty of suitable places to visit.
Be sure to bring enough water and snacks because there is no store once you leave the upper station of the gondola and it can get very hot up there.
Truly an amazing place, definitely recommend.
Written November 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walter C
Calgary, Canada80 contributions
Jul 2023
Very worth while day trip to see the vistas and hike around the lakes. Moderate exercise requires some exertion but beautiful views and not full of people due to the distance you are away from the beaten tourist path. Bring your lunch and lots of water to hydrate. There are 2 privies along the lake paths for a private pee break.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and sharing your experience with us! We are glad that you had a "wowser of a day" and look forward to seeing you again.
Kind regards,
Written July 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
calgaryjim
Calgary, Canada77 contributions
Aug 2021
Take the gondola, otherwise the longish hike up is super boring. From the top of the gondola ride, the views along the hike are simply stunning, bring sunglasses for sure. And we hiked in August, the horse flies were just dreadful, they wouldn’t leave us alone. I don’t know when they aren’t so prevalent but before I do the hike again I will definitely find out. Note: we did this hike years ago even though it says 2021, we just couldn’t go back further. Travel date relevant for hotels and restaurants, not so much for hikes. That mountain you can see, it’s probably still going to be there in a decade.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. Mid July though to end of August a great time to see the wild flowers in full bloom. Banff Sunshine Meadows is now open through to September 11, 2022.
All the best
Written June 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NSF4040
Lafayette, IN230 contributions
Aug 2023
Paid for the gondola and the ski lift but the ski lift was not open when we got there. At least none of the ski lifts were operating. Overpriced for just a gondola right. Not much up there to do. Not crowded because people know this is a disapointnent!
Written September 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy B
Fort Collins, CO9 contributions
Jun 2018
Do NOT overlook this gondola ride!
First note there two gondola rides near Banff. One is very near town and is highly advertised. This one is about a 20 minute drive from Banff to the Sunshine ski area.
The views and hikes at the top are simply AMAZING. Think of the opening song in “The Sound of Music” movie. The gondola ride is quite long, maybe 10 or 15 minutes each way from the parking lot to the base and lodge of the ski area. Then the 4 person chair lift takes you up to the hiking trails. There is a very easy 10 minute walk/hike over the alpine tundra above tree line to an overlook of the lakes and surrounding peaks.
And all of this is quite a bit less expensive than the gondola just outside of Banff.
This was just a wonderful way to spend an hour or three on a summer day! But be ready to take warm clothes, we had a windchill of just above freezing on the last day of June. And even though it was Canada Day weekend, there were almost no other people on the lifts or trails.
Just an amazing experience!
First note there two gondola rides near Banff. One is very near town and is highly advertised. This one is about a 20 minute drive from Banff to the Sunshine ski area.
The views and hikes at the top are simply AMAZING. Think of the opening song in “The Sound of Music” movie. The gondola ride is quite long, maybe 10 or 15 minutes each way from the parking lot to the base and lodge of the ski area. Then the 4 person chair lift takes you up to the hiking trails. There is a very easy 10 minute walk/hike over the alpine tundra above tree line to an overlook of the lakes and surrounding peaks.
And all of this is quite a bit less expensive than the gondola just outside of Banff.
This was just a wonderful way to spend an hour or three on a summer day! But be ready to take warm clothes, we had a windchill of just above freezing on the last day of June. And even though it was Canada Day weekend, there were almost no other people on the lifts or trails.
Just an amazing experience!
Written July 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron N
Cincinatti, OH31 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
You have to take the bus to get to the top, which does go on strange schedule and costs about 90$ for the family of four. You don't need to buy anything in advance, just walk in and buy the tickets when you arrive. We got to the parking area at 10:30 to get to 11:00 bus, but we still managed to get inside 10am bus that was about half full. Trails are well managed and worth the visit in mid-late July when all the flowers are in peak blossom. We got there in August and it seems we have missed the best time to visit, but it was still a great place for the afternoon walk and worth the price of bus ride.
Written December 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enyedy00
Seattle, WA547 contributions
Sept 2011 • Couples
Best advice: start early, take the shuttle bus up to Sunshine Meadows, hike all around beautiful scenery, then trek over to Healy Pass for more views, and finally hike back down to the parking lot on your own. This itinerary is a full day of hiking (~28 km for our route), but if you have great weather like we did, then it is a terrific and memorable experience.
Taking the shuttle bus up is good idea - yes it costs money, but it saves time and energy. Plus, once you get up to Sunshine Meadows, things are more or less level until you climb up to Healy Pass - there isn't a lot of elevation gain once you are at the Meadows. If you don't want to do Healy Pass, you could instead hike over to Citadel Pass, which seemed to be a popular option on the day that we went. Or you could skip doing either pass (don't go to Healy or Citadel) and make a shorter day of it.
Make sure you have a clear day so that you can appreciate the stunning mountain vistas - I would not go if it were overcast. There are four designated lookout points: Simpson, Standish, Rock Isle, and Monarch. I recommend them all! There is a small map that is quite valuable - it allows you to plan a route with minimum amount of double back - pick it up from the helpful information centers (I am attaching a link to the map). A couple people told us that they saw a bear on the trail to Healy Pass, but we did not see any wildlife other than ground squirrels and fine looking hawk.
Taking the shuttle bus up is good idea - yes it costs money, but it saves time and energy. Plus, once you get up to Sunshine Meadows, things are more or less level until you climb up to Healy Pass - there isn't a lot of elevation gain once you are at the Meadows. If you don't want to do Healy Pass, you could instead hike over to Citadel Pass, which seemed to be a popular option on the day that we went. Or you could skip doing either pass (don't go to Healy or Citadel) and make a shorter day of it.
Make sure you have a clear day so that you can appreciate the stunning mountain vistas - I would not go if it were overcast. There are four designated lookout points: Simpson, Standish, Rock Isle, and Monarch. I recommend them all! There is a small map that is quite valuable - it allows you to plan a route with minimum amount of double back - pick it up from the helpful information centers (I am attaching a link to the map). A couple people told us that they saw a bear on the trail to Healy Pass, but we did not see any wildlife other than ground squirrels and fine looking hawk.
Written December 17, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret151151
Cardiff, UK2,304 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
After seeing some stunning photographs, I was so looking forward to visiting Sunshine Meadows. Then the wildfires hit! The Meadows were closed, then they reopened, then they closed again. It wasn’t until the day before we were due to leave Banff that most of the Meadows reopened (Grizzly and Laryx Lakes Loop still closed though).
However, we made the most of our day in the sky – and it was (mostly) stunning, though wildfire smoke and the sound of helicopters kept reminding us of the problem that the hard-working firefighters had to deal with (and still are, according to the webcam pictures I’m seeing since returning from our holiday.)
Before you visit, check the website for details: the gondola only works Friday to Monday (otherwise it’s a bumpy ride in a school bus up a dusty road). Buy your tickets in advance and if you can, drive there – it’s only 20 mins from Banff and there is ample parking – or take the shuttle @ $12 for a return journey for both adults and children.
The gondola ride will take you 2.8 miles and 1,600 ft up to the Village area at 7,200 ft altitude. Catch the chairlift and enjoy the peace, tranquility and stunning views as you travel a further 675 ft to catch even more breathtaking scenery from the Standish viewpoint platform with 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains that surround you. Then wander at will over the 12km of trails (if they are all open!)
It’s worth popping into the Interpretive Centre before you leave the Village as there is a display of things which you might currently see in the Meadows, and the shop next door to it sells Pocket Naturals Guides of flora and fauna of the area. Take pictures of any unidentified flora and fauna and pick the brains of the guide in the Interpretive Centre on your way back!
The obvious trail to start with is the Rock Isle Loop. However, we only went as far as the Rock Isle Viewpoint and as Grizzly and Laryx were out of bounds, we returned to the Two Cairns Junction and walked across the Continental Divide (between Alberta and British Columbia) to Monarch Viewpoint (a great place for a picnic) before descending to the Village. We were almost completely on our own and enjoyed peace, stunning views and utter bliss of being away from the hustle and bustle of all the other tourists for just a short time!
The trails are in great condition and we passed through dwarf pine woods and meadows filled with fireweed as well as other beautiful flora. We were lucky enough to see marmots, both golden mantled and Colombian ground squirrels and least chipmunk and even heard a pika (under a bridge on the Cairns trail, but he was too shy to show himself). No deer, fox or bear, although I spotted the fresh tracks of a grizzly 500m from the village on our return!
A fabulous day and all for $42 and the price of a picnic!
However, we made the most of our day in the sky – and it was (mostly) stunning, though wildfire smoke and the sound of helicopters kept reminding us of the problem that the hard-working firefighters had to deal with (and still are, according to the webcam pictures I’m seeing since returning from our holiday.)
Before you visit, check the website for details: the gondola only works Friday to Monday (otherwise it’s a bumpy ride in a school bus up a dusty road). Buy your tickets in advance and if you can, drive there – it’s only 20 mins from Banff and there is ample parking – or take the shuttle @ $12 for a return journey for both adults and children.
The gondola ride will take you 2.8 miles and 1,600 ft up to the Village area at 7,200 ft altitude. Catch the chairlift and enjoy the peace, tranquility and stunning views as you travel a further 675 ft to catch even more breathtaking scenery from the Standish viewpoint platform with 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains that surround you. Then wander at will over the 12km of trails (if they are all open!)
It’s worth popping into the Interpretive Centre before you leave the Village as there is a display of things which you might currently see in the Meadows, and the shop next door to it sells Pocket Naturals Guides of flora and fauna of the area. Take pictures of any unidentified flora and fauna and pick the brains of the guide in the Interpretive Centre on your way back!
The obvious trail to start with is the Rock Isle Loop. However, we only went as far as the Rock Isle Viewpoint and as Grizzly and Laryx were out of bounds, we returned to the Two Cairns Junction and walked across the Continental Divide (between Alberta and British Columbia) to Monarch Viewpoint (a great place for a picnic) before descending to the Village. We were almost completely on our own and enjoyed peace, stunning views and utter bliss of being away from the hustle and bustle of all the other tourists for just a short time!
The trails are in great condition and we passed through dwarf pine woods and meadows filled with fireweed as well as other beautiful flora. We were lucky enough to see marmots, both golden mantled and Colombian ground squirrels and least chipmunk and even heard a pika (under a bridge on the Cairns trail, but he was too shy to show himself). No deer, fox or bear, although I spotted the fresh tracks of a grizzly 500m from the village on our return!
A fabulous day and all for $42 and the price of a picnic!
Written August 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle B
Michigan59 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Sunshine Meadows at the top of the Sunshine Village Ski Resort is not to be missed as one of the best summer hikes in the entire Banff National Park! First you take a scenic and very unique gondola ride from the base, then another chairlift from the village to arrive at a viewing platform with an expansive view of lakes and mountains unlike anything you would imagine! From the viewing platform you can take a fairly easy and very pleasant hike around the three lakes, Rock Isle, Grizzly, and Laryx. Each lake is unique and beautiful! There are beautiful wildflowers and small wildlife along the way. This hike is appropriate for all age and fitness levels. Sunshine Village Meadows is not to be missed, you will not be disappointed in the amazing view of the entire valley. Oh and I almost forgot, from one vantage point along the trail you can see the Simpson Valley which is amazing! After enjoying the hike and views, be sure to stop at the Grizzly Paw for a nice lunch on a beautiful patio! We love Sunshine Village and will continue to come back every summer!
Written August 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Due to the covid chaos,we are rescheduling our trip to Banff to early September. I know that,even then,our trip may have to be cancelled completely. But I am wondering when Sunshine Meadows typically closes for the summer season?
Written May 14, 2020
Jason T
Banff, Canada
Hello,
"typically" access to Sunshine Meadows ends the second Sunday of September. Please visit banff sunshine meadows website for forthcoming updates on summer 2020 operations
thank you
Written May 19, 2020
Hi
I want to know how far from place that I park my car to gondola? Is there a hiking between, how difficult ? And after leave gondola and walk to chairlift, how far and is there a chalenging?
I am handicapped, walk on my feet but have problem with everything but easy , relatively flat.What is doable and not possible for me?
Written August 31, 2019
Agree with the others. We used stairs to go to the second floor of the main building to buy our tickets. Didn't notice an elevator, but wasn't looking for one. I'm sure they probably have. Gondola is right there at the main building and the chairlift is only a couple hundred yards away when you ride the gondola up. Do what you can do at the top then ride down. Don't think walking down a few miles is an option based on the information you provided.
Written September 1, 2019
Wondering how far in advance you need to purchase gondola tickets? Can they be purchased day of?
Written August 13, 2019
Jason T
Banff, Canada
yes, gondola tickets can be purchased day of, no line ups and lots of parking. Summer sightseeing and hotel operated until September 8, 2019
Thank you
Written August 22, 2019
용상철
Chungju, South Korea
Is it possible to get on the trailhead by a walk from the village parking lot in september 26?
Or not? I searched the distance with trailhead and parking village is around 5km. And there’s no shuttle and lift chair in september 26. But i wanna look around here...
Written July 30, 2019
Jason T
Banff, Canada
our summer operations will be over at that time, but you can still hike from the base area parking lot to the village area. Once you arrive in the village, continue via Rock Isle Road to the Sunshine Meadows trails. -
Written July 31, 2019
First time in Canada and Banff. We would like to do the Sunshine Meadows but have a few questions.
We are both in our 60’s, not immobile in any way but not regular hikers.
First of all how long is the initial gondola to the village
Then how long is the ski lift to the summit?
I’m not great with heights unless the gondola and ski lifts are solid and steady, no shaking or bumping!!
From the summit, are there a range of different hiking lengths as we wouldn’t want to venture too far, just really a short hike
to take in the views.
I’d be very grateful for any input! Thanks!
Written July 24, 2019
The Gondola ride is 25 minutes and can be bumpy as you change tracks. The chair lift is shorter. It is a stunning 360 degree view of mountains from the top. It is well worth the ride. Even if you do not hike at all there is a platform on top a little over 100 meters from the lift that will provide breath taking views.
Written July 25, 2019
We will be in Banff May 19-26. Will this area be open yet / will the restaurants be open? Also-we are driving..Do you just park in the sunshine village and take the gondola up to Sunshine meadows? Thank you!
Written May 7, 2019
Jason T
Banff, Canada
Hello, Sunshine winter ski operations last day is May 20. Our summer operations open June 28th.
Thank you
Written May 8, 2019
Hi
Does anyone know if sunshine meadows is open mid May? (12th May).
Also is there parking on site before you go up on the hike?
Thanks :)
Written January 7, 2019
Not open for hiking unless you are cross country skiing , snowshoeing . The hill is open for downhill skiing until the May 24th long weekend.
The meadows are snow filled but a lift ticket will get you up there.
Written January 8, 2019
Hi all, I wanted to hike to sunshine meadows from the village during the thanksgiving long-weekend (October 7). I was wondering if hikers have access to the road, and if the trails are still open, thanks!
Written October 1, 2018
I really don’t know... I suggest you call the ticket office.
Written October 1, 2018
The Sunshine Village says there are 2 hosted trail walks (a 1 hour and a 2 hour). Has anyone done it? Will you please review.
Written August 26, 2018
We never went on a guided tour honestly everything is very well laid out. There is a ranger at the looked out peak that will help answer any questions and there is a map they give u before you even start.
You can’t really get lost. Make lots of noise as there are bears around. We got to see grizzly bears in the distance which was really cool.
Unless you are wanting a guide that will help give u details about the lakes and surrounding areas than I would recommend not needing a guided tour.
Written August 27, 2018
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