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
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C$58.81
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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.
Popular mentions
4.5
13,804 reviews
Excellent
9,527
Very good
3,148
Average
732
Poor
216
Terrible
180
David P
7 contributions
Aug 2024
This was the second visit to the Banff gondola, albeit over 9 years apart and it’s still well worth the visit. Helped by great weather, the queue move pretty swiftly as it was organised by scheduled timings, didn’t have time to watch the theatre show or the information section on the second level, only downside was the restaurant and buffet were pricey, the restaurant gets booked up quickly, and the coffee shop disappointingly doesn’t serve sandwiches, just small bites snd drinks. There is an open air cafe on the top floor but it’s not signposted so that might be better! Great experience overall though.
Written August 31, 2024
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.
Hi there,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback of your recent visit to the Banff Gondola. We're happy to hear you still found the same enjoyment over 9 years later! We hope you'll visit us again in the next decade. Have a wonderful day.
Take care,
Gandi
Written September 23, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
57Lulu
Florida641 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We got to the parking lot super early (7:20am) for our 9:10am ticket as we heard parking was tight. The building opened at 7:30 and we went to Starbucks for breakfast. Note: We were also able to purchase the Banff National Park pass from the black kiosk outside in the parking lot as none of the park booths were manned when we drove through and we understood we needed one to drive in the park. The earliest we could buy a ticket for the gondola online was 9:10 but people were just walking up and getting onto one. The gondolas seat 4 but both on the ascent and descent, we were by ourselves. We approached the ticket agent and were able to switch to a 8:20 ride which was great! Regarding parking: At 8am on 9/3/2024, there were only 6 cars in the parking lot and 2 tour tour buses. When we came down after a few hours, the main parking lot was pretty full but the secondary lot still had spaces. We walked to the Sanson weather observatory but it totaled about 500 steps in altitude. There are seats to rest along the way but some people were really huffing. We found the movie to be disappointing and really not educational at all. We didn't visit any of the restaurants. Allow 2-2.5 hours to do the walk and look around, more if eating.
Written September 10, 2024
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.
Hi 57Lulu,
Thanks for leaving a review! I'm glad you enjoyed your gondola experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Kind regards,
Quinn
Written September 14, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann Z
Phoenixville, PA75 contributions
Sept 2024
Great views and the gondola experience was very well run - the boardwalk on the top is beautiful and has many overlooks to take in the views and snap pictures. We never felt crowded, although we did go up at 9 am. I would recommend going early or later in the day as it was very crowded when we were leaving.
Written October 6, 2024
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.
Hi Ann,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review of your recent visit to the Banff Gondola. We will be sure to pass off your kind words to our staff as they work hard to make our guest experience a memorable one.
Kind regards,
Gandi
Written October 14, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Disorienteer
17 contributions
Jan 2025
We did a combo deal that included gondola and buffet dinner at Northern Lights — it ran about CAN$103/person. This worked out great — we were “uploaded” about 70 minutes before our dinner reservation. This gave us enough time to walk out to Samson Peak and enjoy the boardwalk scenery before we ate. Then we could dine as the sun went down and lights of Banff came on.
We didnt spend much time in exhibits or store, but those are other ways to enhance your visit and make it worth the rather steep price.
We didnt spend much time in exhibits or store, but those are other ways to enhance your visit and make it worth the rather steep price.
Written January 4, 2025
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.
Hi there,
Thanks for leaving a review! Wow, dinner and a sunset! I'm glad you enjoyed the amazing scenery. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Kind regards,
Quinn
Written January 15, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vishwas V
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The gondola is conveniently located with easy access to public transit. The views from the top are amazing and there are plenty of educational opportunities for every age.
Our biggest gripe with the whole experience is their customer service. Once you buy tickets, you are essentially ghosted. We had heavy rain on the day we visited, we wanted to know about conditions at the top and if we should reschedule. I was on hold for more than 1.5 hrs with no one picking up the phone. We just gave up and decided to show up.
Our biggest gripe with the whole experience is their customer service. Once you buy tickets, you are essentially ghosted. We had heavy rain on the day we visited, we wanted to know about conditions at the top and if we should reschedule. I was on hold for more than 1.5 hrs with no one picking up the phone. We just gave up and decided to show up.
Written July 1, 2024
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.
Hi there,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review of your recent visit to the Banff Gondola. We are happy to hear you enjoyed the wonderful views and interpretive centre atop Sulphur Mountain.
We do sincerely apologize regarding the wait time on our phone lines, we do have a Banff Gondola live camera that our guests can view online through our website, it's a helpful tool if guests are wondering the current weather at the summit or simply interested in what today looked like one year ago!
We hope you have a wonderful day!
Gandi
Written July 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nikw0626
Stamford, CT1 contribution
Sept 2024
Staff was very helpful in changing my time since we were late to our originally scheduled time. Beautiful sights and definitely worth the trip! If you are an avid hiker there is no need to purchase the gondola ticket, but if you do not hike then I would recommend taking the gondola round trip. Trail up the mountain is steep.
Written September 11, 2024
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.
Hi nikw0626,
We are very glad that you enjoyed your experience with us and that you found our staff very helpful with your time change request!
Thank you once again for visiting us and we hope to see you again soon. Have a great day!
Warm Regards,
Gandi
Written September 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BK13906
Huntsville, AL62 contributions
Jun 2024
Visited in early June before summer crowds. Quick processing, typically four people per car, but occasionally only two (no rhyme or reason to which couples got chosen to ride solo other than length of line waiting). Great views on top, hike to the pinnacle worth the effort.
Written June 10, 2024
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.
Stuart T
Middlesbrough, UK1 contribution
Aug 2024
After trying to book with the Roam bus service, I decided to book with Moraine bus service, after a recommendation from the tourist information service in Banff. This was easy to book at a convenient time for us. Based at the park and ride at Lake Louise ski area, parking was no problem in August. The whole experience was very professionally ran. I would highly recommend them if you intend to visit Lake Louise and Morine Lake in high season.
Written August 21, 2024
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.
Hi Stuart T,
If you liked Lake Louise then you'll love the Banff Gondola, you should give us a visit while you're in town!
Kind regards,
Quinn
Written August 21, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sutters37
Hampshire, UK4 contributions
Sept 2024
We were lucky to choose a sunny day, so the views down into the Bow River Valley and across to the mountains were stunning.
Two points to note
First, make sure that you allow plenty of time to get to the Gondola as the Number 1 bus was always full. We were not able to board the first two buses and had to stand on the crowded bus when we did finally get on.
Second, if you plan to eat, we suggets making a reservation at either of the two restaurants as they are unlikely to accept wwalk-ins.
Two points to note
First, make sure that you allow plenty of time to get to the Gondola as the Number 1 bus was always full. We were not able to board the first two buses and had to stand on the crowded bus when we did finally get on.
Second, if you plan to eat, we suggets making a reservation at either of the two restaurants as they are unlikely to accept wwalk-ins.
Written September 20, 2024
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.
Hi sutters37,
Thanks for leaving a review! I'm glad you were able to enjoy the views of the gondola on such a warm sunny day. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Kind regards,
Quinn
Written September 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alimkhan17
1 contribution
Jun 2024
Beautiful location on the top of the mountain. The buffet restaurant had a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. The gondola lines were a bit long and we uploaded later than expected (20 mins later) because they don’t let you line up earlier than 10 minutes before your upload time. But the download back was relatively quick and nice. Would highly recommend taking the gondola!
Written June 24, 2024
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.
Hi alimkhan17,
Thanks for leaving a review! I'm glad you enjoyed the views and your meal at Northern Lights. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Kind regards,
Quinn
Written June 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi! I'm going to visit the Gondola at the end of April. I was thinking of taking Roam Transit there and back. The time at the restaurant is 6 pm, so I'd be getting off around 8 pm. Are there buses going to Banff at that time? Is it very dangerous in the surrounding area at that time?
Written February 28, 2025
Hello,
The last bus departs the Banff Gondola to downtown at 11:12PM. So do not worry, you will have plenty of time.
No matter where you travel in the world, I always think it's a good idea to exercise caution. Of course, Banff is a national park, and you can encounter wildlife at any time, so it’s best to research this before you arrive in order to be prepared. That said, Banff is a very safe town, with many friendly locals waiting to welcome you. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time!
If you need any additional information when you arrive, you can also head to the Banff Visitor Centre on Banff Avenue.
We look forward to your visit.
Kind Regards,
Stacey
Written March 13, 2025
Is there photographers at the top to take family photos to purchase?
Written September 20, 2024
We are coming Oct17/18. Will we be ok parking or do we need to plan on getting the shuttle? Once up there, what kind of hiking is there? Or is it just observation and a short board walk trail? Which restaurant is best for a sunset dinner? TIA!
Written September 14, 2024
I believe so, though I can't say that definitively. Each gondola has plenty of room in it. Usually four people (maybe six) sit across from each other with quite a bit of leg room between them, so I don't see why a wheelchair wouldn't fit in there.
Written February 28, 2025
If we have a 7:30pm reservation at the Sky Bistro and our dinner runs long will we still be able to ride the gondola down after the posted closing time of 9pm?
Written September 7, 2023
Hi, I am not sure. I think the last gondola is 10pm but you will have to book a time slot
Written September 8, 2023
If we go up and my child finds it too scary and wants to come down earlier, can we do so?
Written July 6, 2023
Yes, you can. All you have to do is get right back in line to go down. They are very easy going. We showed up about an hour early and since they weren't busy we went right up. Then went down whenever we wanted. Maybe it's different when it's real busy but they seemed very nice and accommodating.
Written July 7, 2023
Resort38248028202
Houston, Texas
Banff Gandola ticket has specific time on it or good for whole day anytime?
Written July 4, 2023
It is for a specific time. That helps them with crowd control.
Written July 5, 2023
Hello. We are traveling in June and trying to figure out what amount of time will allow us to enjoy the mountain, do the hike and eat lunch. It says the hike is 1.5 to 3 hours, if I add in lunch, am I right to think we could go up say at 10 and come back down around 3 or is this too long? Hard to know when to book the down time, any thoughts are appreciated.
Written May 18, 2023
Hi Tracie,
Our personal experience was such that we took the 8 min. long gondola ride up at 11am, and literally spent 5 hours up there walking the entire boardwalk, checking out the (free) little museum inside of the building that the gondola ride ends at, and having dinner.
There are 2 restaurants inside, both which are great. Make reservations.
Outside of that 5 hours, we also went in the Upper Hot Springs for another 30-40 minutes. All of that is without hiking (and we like to hike as well) so if you’re going to do that, I would keep your entire day free. When you’re at the top, you won’t want to be in a rush to go back down. Take the time to take it all in and enjoy. Pictures up there are spectacular. Happy travels!
Written May 20, 2023
Tina
Lake Country, Canada
Does anyone know the current promo code for the gondola and buffet combo? There’s a space for a promo code when booking online and I’d like to save on my ticket purchase for three of us, thank you in advance. Tina
Written March 21, 2023
If you go to the website there are a number of different options
Written March 22, 2023
Hello Joe,
I can confirm unfortunately pets are not permitted inside the gondola or Gondola buildings/terminals.
The exception to this rule is service dogs with the correct paperwork are permitted up and down on the gondola and inside our gondola buildings.
You are more then welcome to hike up the trail and bring your dog onto our boardwalk deck at the Upper Terminal, however, you just cannot bring your pet inside the building itself.
Kind regards,
Brody (Banff Gondola Supervisor)
Written August 18, 2022
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