Banff Gondola
Banff Gondola
4.5
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Sulphur Mountain summit is easily accessible via the Banff Gondola. The ride takes just 8 minutes—you’ll get to enjoy the amazing views of six mountain ranges as you coast over the treetops. Once you’re at the 7,486-foot-high mountaintop, take a stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk before spending the afternoon at the multi-sensory theater, rooftop observation deck, restaurant and interactive exhibits.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Banff Gondola and nearby attractions

See what travellers are saying
  • MommaJ777
    Calgary, Canada1 contribution
    Not too shabby
    Not exactly what I had planned for doing as I wanted to take my kiddos to see Santa and join in on the festivities. Was under the impression the Friday I purchased our tickets included these activities, however, came to know that Santa was only for the weekend. So disappointed there but in all a great experience with my kiddos. They had fun taking part in the interactive learning and filling out their guidebooks! The men's bathroom had a horrid smell that took out half the floor, and the women's bathroom was clean. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful from the point of arrival to departure! Finally, the theatre room was clean, comfy, and a great sit down to explore the eyes of another's experience. Recommend checking things out!
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written December 17, 2022
  • tflx2022
    1 contribution
    Meh
    For the cost I would say it is honestly not worth it - buffet food was a bit dry and the way the Nightrise exhibitions were set up seemed messy. Wish thee was a Northern Lights Alberta resident package. Staff were great though and the views were beautiful.
    Hi tflx2022, First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. I'm sorry we couldn't meet your expectation for the restaurant and the Nightrise exibition. I will make sure to share your feedback with the right teams so we can continue to improve our guests experience. Have a wonderful day, Raphael
    Written January 3, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written December 29, 2022
  • Paul from Bristol!
    Bristol, United Kingdom12 contributions
    Expensive but unique
    It’s pricey, but various things make it an amazing experience. The views are breathtaking and the chance to walk to the next peak on a boardwalk is spectacular. The various nightrise light and sound digital installations are mesmerising, especially diamond dust. The Sky Bistro dining experience is high quality and soave.
    Hello, iampaulfrombristol. Thank you for the wonderful review, we always encourage our guests to buy the tickets 48 hours in advance in online to get some good deals. We are very glad to hear you had an amazing nightrise experience and dinner at the Sky Bistro. Hope to see you again soon, have a wonderful day. Kind Regards, Gandi
    Written January 5, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written December 29, 2022
  • maureen561
    1 contribution
    Exciting for families!
    We used the “kids ride free” option and went in the morning. We arrived early and they didn’t make us wait for the load time. Kids LOVED riding in the gondola and walking on the board walk. Very good experience.
    Hi maureen561, thanks for writing a review. The family experience in the morning is a great way to save money, and the mornings at the top of the mountain are stunning! I am so glad you enjoyed the boardwalk. I hope you're able to come back again. Thanks, Grace
    Written January 2, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written December 30, 2022
  • Pierre J
    Cochrane, Canada2 contributions
    Nightrise is Underwhelming
    Nightrise is not worth your time. Travel up the Gondola during the day when the real beauty of the mountains is visible. A day trip is worth 5 stars. Nightrise is a money grab to keep the Gondola busy at night and as a result we scored it 2 stars for that reason. Too many people in a small footprint. We spent only 90 minutes total including the Gondola rides. Much of that was to try to find a reason to stay longer at the Nightrise exhibit. Disappointing trip but live and learn. We will come back during the day for sure.
    Hi Pierre, Thank you for sharing your feedback about Nightrise. I'm sorry we couldn't meet your expectations. We will make sur to take your feedback into account for any further improvement. Have a great day and happy to welcome you back during the day. Raphael
    Written January 3, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 31, 2022
  • mercedeswyenberg
    Winnipeg, Canada1 contribution
    Great Gondola experience - Poor restaurant service at Ski Bistro - Great food but very poor service and unorganized
    The gondola was very sweet, and the Nightrise experience was beautiful and fun, so many options. The ski bistro service was terrible. We waited an hour after our reservation time to be seated, then over an hour for our entree. We had to book a reservation but we still has to wait an hour after our reservation time to be seated. The waiter was not super friendly or apologetic, we got our starter pretty soon after we were seated and we ordered both starter and entree at once, but it took over an hour after that to get our entree and we were getting really frustrated .
    Hi mercedeswyenberg, Thank you very much for your feedback. I'm very happy you enjoyed our Nightrise immersive experience. I'm sorry your experience at Sky Bistro wasn't meeting our standards. I will make sure to share your feedback with the team. Have a great day and hope to see you soon. Raphael
    Written January 3, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Written January 1, 2023
  • Chris B
    2 contributions
    Gondola was great. Meal was poorly done.
    The gondola experience was great. Great night show and experience. The food at the resturaunt was a poor experience for the $300 we spent. Plastic wrapper in the soup and poorly done meals. Not great for a high end charge and restaurant.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written January 2, 2023
  • lovetravell2023
    Ontario, Canada1 contribution
    Not so good Nite Rise Experience
    Expect better Light Show, what we experienced was very outdated n basic. Higher your light show standards. Take inspiration around the world, the light shows r very high standard these days. This was very disappointing.
    Hi lovetravell2023, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your feedback. I'm sorry, we couldn't meet your expectations with Nightrise. We are consistently working on improving Nightrise experience and I will make sure to share your feedback with the team in charge. Have a great day, Raphael
    Written January 20, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written January 3, 2023
  • blovstrom
    4 contributions
    Great view and more to do at the top than expected
    We knew it wouldn’t be inexpensive to ride up, but with a two year old and no carrier, we knew there was no other way up for us. The ride was relaxing, but what was a nice surprise was the amenities and things to do at the top! It wasn't busy (and a warm sunny day) and we could have spent the whole day at the summit and in the interpretive centre. Our toddler just loved the views and activities (conservation exhibition).
    Hi blovstrom, We are pleased to know that you enjoyed your warm sunny and relaxing day at the Gondola. Our interpretive centre is fantastic for all guest to immerse themselves in and learn about the animals and history of Banff. We wish to see you visit again soon. Have a gratifying day. Warmest Regards, Gandi.
    Written January 19, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written January 15, 2023
  • Evan M
    2 contributions
    Expensive for what you get
    From the start the price is quite high, and there were no options for discounts through CAA or the hotel we stayed at which would have been appreciated when purchasing tickets. When up the gondola there was not a lot of people so we were able to take our time and look around at all the exhibits. The exhibit outside allowed us to play with the lights which was fun, but we walked down the boardwalk and then it got dark but no signs on if there was anything else to see, so we kept walking a bit of a ways but couldn't seen anything so turned around. The exhibits inside about the history were to dark to see and read, and the Nightrise exhibits were not interactive. We spent time walking and listening to the stories on repeat. We were able to watch a video in the Theatre but there was no listed schedule (even though a sign said it would be on a screen), so we were unsure how long to wait and if we would get any different shows. They had a long add for Soaring over Canada, but they could have done a version for Banff and/or the national parks which could be done well. The ride down in the Gondola the audio for the narrative story did not work so we had to listen to loud static for the whole ride down. Overall each area felt disconnected from the other and there was no clear story that you could follow through the various floors and most of the exhibits were not interactive except the lights outside or the noise maker on the roof. Overall, for the price of $120 for two adult people, I would not recommend. Had a better time at the Vallea Lumina in Whistler last year for about 1/2 the price.
    Good Day, Thank you for sending us your feedback of your Banff Gondola experince. We do appreciate all feedback. For the best price for the Banff Gondola we do always recommend booking in advance on our website, as there are discounts available for booking in advance. Unfortunatley with the Nightrise experience we are only able to light the Boardwalk until the end of our lease hold. We do place signage each evening advising that the boardwalk is not lit past this point. I am sorry that you missed this signage. As for the audio in the Gondola I do apolozie for that. To try and make up for your experience, I would like welcome you back. Please reach out directly to me at lrankin@banffgondola.com I look forward to hearing from you
    Written January 30, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 20, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
12,717 reviews
Excellent
8,716
Very good
2,988
Average
673
Poor
190
Terrible
151

guitarmylife007
1 contribution
Dec. 2023
Every thing was good but paid money for the photos when getting into gondola didn’t get anything. Love to visit again but will not take any experience from the retail shops.
Written December 10, 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.

rlmptl
Lloydminster, Canada1,130 contributions
Dec. 2023 • Family
we went on a Monday in off season when it was not busy which was nice as there was no wait...there was a discount for Alberta residents. Ride was smooth and loved the scenery and observations decks. there is a hike up on the board walk you need to be in shape for this in my opinion. we bought the picture they took of us at the end in the gondola. it was 30.00 for a 5 x7 and half off for the second picture. nice gift shop at the top got a nice wood carving. the only thing we did not like was our visit to the restaurant it closes between 2 and 4 which we did not know this and we were very hungry for more than cake and coffee on main floor. It is very expensive to do this attraction it was 76.00 each and we could not properly use the restaurant on top which was a real downer...will do review for that on the restaurant site. We went at 145 before they closed and when they said we could not dine i asked for take out and they said no but i insisted on at least 4 orders of fries in a to go box at the very least so we had something hot to tide us over. Eventually they let us come in a sit and order a drink while they continued to serve delicious looking meals to everyone else who came in just before us. they provided us with a large box of the best homemade fries to split between 6 and we did not have to pay. i would try this restaurant again and be mindful of the closing time.
Written December 7, 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.
Hello rlmptl, Thanks for your kind comment, we are glad that you enjoyed your day with us at the Banff Gondola ! During winter The Alpine Kitchen is close on Monday, and last seating time for the lunch at Sky bistro is 1.30 Pm. We hope to welcome you soon, this time you will have the chance to try all the delicious dishes from Sky bistro. Have a good evening ! Nunes Teixeira Florent
Written December 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Paul M
1 contribution
Dec. 2023 • Family
The lovely human who served us, Gandi, adjusted my price ticket for me and my family as I was local and didn't know I was able to book local tickets for them all. I was very surprised and happy so Gandi has some good karma coming their way! The nightrise event is pretty basic and very family friendly but definitely enjoyable. There's sounds of the mountain microphones, an igloo style tent, a small movie theatre and 4 floors of things to do, as well as some musical apparatus on the roof so your family can be it's own band. The views are the best part, we luckily just caught them before the whiteout fog rolled in. I do recommend it if you're visiting, not so much for locals maybe.
Written December 6, 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.
Hello V4085JYpaulm, We are really glad to hear that you had an amazing time with us ! We always doing our best to please all the guests. I'll make sure to pass the message to my colleague Gandi. We hope to see you again soon ! Have a great day. Nunes Teixeira Florent
Written December 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

c0urtneyasmith
1 contribution
Dec. 2023
Had an excellent experience !
up & down the mountain was smooth & our time up the mountain was well spent
Written December 6, 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.
Hello c0urtneyasmith, Thanks for your kind comment ! We hope to welcome you soon again ! Have a great day. Nunes Teixeira Florent
Written December 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

BRADLEY W
RAYMOND6 contributions
Dec. 2023
We took the Nightrise gondola and we’re very disappointed in the whole experience.

The gondola and the views were amazing but I would recommend seeing them during the day.

The exhibits and experiences specific to the Nightrise were extremely poor, boring, and underwhelming.

We felt that we missed out by going at night and not during the day.

1-10 would not recommend the gondola at night or doing the Nightrise experience.
Written December 5, 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.

Kate C
2 contributions
Dec. 2023
An experience you won't soon forget, absolutely beautiful trip up the mountain. Great view of the stars, the lights were lovely, hot chocolate and treat available, a nice video and even things for the kids to do.
Written December 5, 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.
Hello Kate C, We are glad to read that you had an amazing team with us ! As you said there is something for all ages at the Gondola. Hope to see you again soon ! Nunes Teixeira Florent
Written December 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

palmer2023
Calgary, Canada1 contribution
Dec. 2023
Kind and friendly staff, equipment and buildings kept in good clean condition, just wish the ticket was cheaper.
Written December 3, 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.
Hello palmer2023 We are so glad to read that you had a wonderful time with us at the Gondola, our staff is always doing their best to make our guests journey unforgettable. Tips for your next visit, if you book in advance the price would be lower than on the day. Have a great day ! Nunes Teixeira Florent
Written December 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

scmarcy
Calgary, Canada1 contribution
Dec. 2023 • Family
Visited a couple times now, and every year they switch it up a little making a nice surprise. Frame making, cookie decorating, mashmallow toasting, and of course the main attraction; visit with Santa! This year the weather was very mild that we were able to spend a bit of time outside.
Written December 3, 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.
Hello scmarcy, I hope you are fine, thanks a lot for your nice comment. As you said we do have multiple activity for the kids at the top and they always love it ! We hope to see you again soon ! Have a good evening. Nunes Teixeira Florent
Written December 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ryan
Bexhill-on-Sea, UK4 contributions
Dec. 2023
We went up for a birthday surprise to the nightrise up sulfur mountain and honestly I recommend you don’t waste your money.

We were expecting alot of light shows, animations etc but it’s only a few sqft that is even lit up. We spent a total of 25 minutes up there and came back down we felt extremely robbed of our money if we’re honestx
Written December 3, 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.
Hello ryalin1995, I appreciate you taking the time to review the Banff Gondola and Nightrise. We are regretful that you did not fully enjoy your experience. Your feedback in valuable. Please feel free to reach out to me at bhumby@pursuitcollection.com to discuss your visit further. Thank you, Beverly Beverly Humby (she/her) Guest Experience Manager bhumby@banffgondola.com
Written December 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

falontoday
1 contribution
Dec. 2023
We visited last year when we got engaged and the nightrise was pushed back so we couldn’t experience it. This year as newlyweds we wanted to see it.
Written December 3, 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.
Hello falontoday We are glad to hear that you were able to experience the night rise this year, thanks for your nice comment ! We hope to welcome you again soon. Have a wonderful evening. Nunes Teixeira Florent
Written December 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-10 of 11,670
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

BANFF GONDOLA - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Banff Gondola


Restaurants near Banff Gondola: View all restaurants near Banff Gondola on Tripadvisor