Banff Gondola in Summer

The Banff Gondola is located 2.5 km from Banff town centre, at the end of Mountain Ave. You can drive however parking is limited. Take advantage of the Banff ROAM Public Transit Route 1 which departs from downtown Banff to the Banff Gondola (one way cash fare: $2 per person).

The ride up the Banff Gondola is approximately 8-minutes long in each direction. 

Gondola cabins comfortably fit four adults. A young child or baby may be possible to make five.

Yes. The Banff Gondola facilities are wheelchair accessible and easily accessed by those who are elderly, families with children, or less mobile.

There is handicapped parking within 30 meters of the entrance and ramp access into the building. All 4 levels within the summit complex are accessible by elevator. Seating can be found in all areas.

The gondola cabins come off the track to load and unload passengers, allowing our guests as much time as they require to board. The gondolas can accommodate most standard-sized manual and motorized wheelchairs, walking frames, and assistance devices with a limit size of 31" wide and 41" long and a total weight limit of 320 kg.

Please note: Though the facilities are wheelchair accessible, the summit boardwalk is not as it consists of 368 shallow stairs each way.

Due to the limited space in the gondola and in the mountaintop facilities, we do not recommend strollers.

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.

*Appropriate accreditation must be presented on site. Emotional support animals are not permitted.

Stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step, then warm up in the newly transformed, state-of-the-art upper terminal building. From restaurants and interactive exhibits to a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck, there are endless things to do at the Banff Gondola.

Yes, there are 3 places to eat at the top of the Banff Gondola. Peaks Patio is a place for sunset sips and delicious light bites. The Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen holds its inspiration close. Our buffet-style restaurant serves hit-the-spot favourites that beckon back to core alpine cuisine, from classic ski lodge comfort food to the hearty packed-away meals of early mountain guides. Prepared with fresh, local ingredients and served on the summit of Sulphur Mountain, a meal at Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience all its own. Sky Bistro is the Banff Gondola’s dining sanctuary in the sky-perched on the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Discover a distinctly Canadian culinary experience. (Proper attire is required at Sky Bistro) and reservations are recommended.

The best times to avoid crowds are anytime is before 12 PM or after 5 PM.

The weather can be very variable here in the Canadian Rockies, changing from warm summer sunshine to freezing rain and snow within an hour. At the top of the Banff Gondola, the temperature is several degrees lower than the bottom. So, no matter the season, it's wise to bring clothes that you can layer and that are quick-drying.

Yes! A one-way trip down on the Banff Gondola is available for half the regular price of admission (5 & under are free) during Daily Operating Hours.

Please note: if you would like the take the Banff Gondola up and hike down, you must purchase a full-price ticket.

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.

For the safety of guests and staff, and due to size constraints, sporting equipment such as mountain bikes are not permitted on the Banff Gondola. 

Parks Canada has designated all National Parks in Canada as “no drone zones” for recreational use. Fines apply — please leave your drone at home. (See Parks Canada for further details)

For the most accurate Banff ROAM Public Transit arrival times, click here to view the Route 1 bus schedule. The cost of one-way ticket is $2 per person.

There is a 72 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 72 hours outside your booked tour (up to 10 days for group bookings). No Shows and late comers will not be accommodated.