Banff Gondola Review: My Honest Experience + Is It Worth It?

If you’re planning a trip to Banff, chances are you have already heard about the Banff Gondola!

It is one of the most popular attractions in Banff, but with the ticket prices being on the higher side, you might be wondering if it’s really worth the price?

I was definitely skeptical at first as well. How could a short gondola ride be worth nearly $70 CAD per person?

But after experiencing it myself, I was surprised by how much more it offered than just a gondola ride. It ended up being one of my favorite activities we did in Banff and well worth the money to me!

In this post, I will walk through my full Banff Gondola review, including what to expect, tips for saving money and avoiding crowds, and how to get there from downtown.

Hopefully, this helps you decide if the Banff Gondola deserves a spot on your Banff itinerary!

Banff Gondola Review: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

What is the Banff Gondola?

The Banff Gondola is a scenic cable car ride that takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, conveniently located just outside of downtown Banff.

The gondola takes you up 2,292 feet (698 meters) to the summit, which is at an elevation of 7,486 feet (2,281 meters).

At the top of the Banff Gondola Summit, you are greeted with panoramic views of the mountain ranges, the Bow River Valley, and the town of Banff. The views were seriously unreal!

In addition to the spectacular views at the top, the summit area also has a visitor center, observation decks, a boardwalk to walk along, interactive exhibits, and even some dining options.

My husband and I in front of the beautiful views from the Banff Gondola summit with the snow-covered mountain range in the background.

The view from outside the Banff gondola cable car and the surrounding view of the mountain ranges and evergreen trees as you ride up to the summit.

Where is the Banff Gondola?

The Banff Gondola is located at the base of Sulphur Mountain, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Banff.

It is also conveniently located right next to the Banff Upper Hot Springs, so you could easily pair the two experiences together.

How to Get to the Banff Gondola from Downtown?

There are a few easy ways to get to the Banff Gondola from downtown Banff.

Driving

If you have a rental car, there is a free parking lot.

It can fill up during peak hours (11:00 am to 3:00 pm), so I recommend booking an early or late evening time slot if you’re planning on driving.

If you’re visiting outside of the summer, I don’t think parking would be an issue at any time of day.

Roam Transit

You can take the Roam Public Transit’s Route 1 (Sulphur Mountain) bus which runs from downtown Banff to the Gondola about every 30 minutes. This is what we did!

The ride from the Rotary Park stop near our hotel to the Banff Gondola took about 20 to 25 minutes.

It is free if you show your Banff Gondola ticket to the bus driver!

Walking or Biking

You could also walk or bike from downtown Banff if you’re wanting some physical activity.

It is about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) each way along a paved trail and sidewalk.

The view of the long range of mountains that are snow-covered and surrounded by tall dark green fir trees which you can see while walking along the gravel path near the Banff Gondola.

➡️ Check out everything I did during my trip to Banff in late May/early June in my 7-Day Banff Itinerary to help with your planning!

Looking for a Hotel?

Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!

Go to Booking.com

Need a Rental Car?

For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!

Go to Expedia

Guided Tours/Activities

When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!

Go to Get Your Guide

My Honest Banff Gondola Review & Experience

I will admit, I was close to skipping the Banff Gondola because of the high price.

But, I am so glad I didn’t. It turned out to be one of my favorite experiences in Banff!

The Views from the Banff Gondola Summit

The views from the summit were seriously jaw-dropping. It didn’t even feel real!

From the observation decks, you can see 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff. It honestly looked like something straight out of a postcard!

The views of the Canadian Rockies mountains, the Bow River, and downtown Banff which you can see from the observation decks at the Banff Gondola summit.

What Surprised Me About the Banff Gondola Experience

What surprised me most was how much there is to do at the summit.

We spent over an hour walking the boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak, taking photos, and soaking it all in.

It is not just a quick gondola ride up and down. You can stay at the top as long as you want.

When you book your ticket, it makes you select a return time, but during our visit, no one checked our ticket on the way back down.

So if you decide to leave earlier or stay longer than your ticketed return time, I don’t see that being an issue.

I made our return time for two hours after our departure.

If you plan to eat at the top, I would suggest giving yourself at least 3 hours.

With all that being said, the return time didn’t seem to be enforced at all, so I wouldn’t stress about it.

The 360 views you get from the Banff Gondola summit of the stunning mountain ranges that are snow-covered on the top.

Where to Purchase Banff Gondola Tickets?

You can buy the Banff Gondola tickets directly from Pursuit’s website (the company that operates the gondola).

You can also purchase Banff Gondola tickets on Viator or on Get Your Guide (these are sometimes at a cheaper price than on the direct website!).

Banff Gondola Ticket Tips

Book online a few days in advance for cheaper prices and guaranteed time slots
Check the weather forecast ahead of time to make sure you’re visiting on a day with a high chance of clear skies and no clouds for the best views
Prices vary by the season and time of day. We booked in late May (the day before we visited) and paid $70 CAD per person, though earlier in the week it was closer to $60 CAD.
Don’t book too far ahead since the weather and your plans might change

Best Time of Day to Ride the Banff Gondola

If you want to avoid the crowds, I would visit in the morning (before 10:00 am) or in the evening (after 7:00 pm).

I think sunset would be an absolutely beautiful time to do the Banff Gondola!

We did our Banff Gondola ride at 3:30 pm on May 30th, 2024 (Thursday), and it wasn’t too crowded.

Best Times to Visit the Banff Gondola

Morning (Before 10:00 am): Less crowded than the afternoon
Evening (After 7:00 pm): Sunset views (depending on what season it is) and less crowded

Times to Avoid Visiting the Banff Gondola

Midday (11:00 am to 3:00 pm): Busiest time with crowds

P.S. If you’re traveling internationally, I highly recommend purchasing the Airalo eSIM. It’s a great way to avoid those excessive roaming charges and eliminates the need for plastic eSIMs!

How Long Does the Banff Gondola Take?

The gondola ride itself only takes about 10 minutes each way, but I would budget at least 1.5 hours to 2 hours total for your entire visit.

That gives you enough time to explore the summit, walk the boardwalk, and enjoy the views without being rushed.

I would budget additional time if you are wanting to eat at one of the restaurants at the summit.

What to Do at Banff Gondola Summit

Once you reach the top, you will find there is actually quite a bit to do!

Here are a few things to do at the Banff Gondola summit:

Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk: A scenic and easy walk along the boardwalk which takes you to Sanson’s Peak Weather Station. This is a must in my opinion to see the best views!
Observation Decks: There are multiple viewing platforms at different angles giving you plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing.
Interpretive Center: Interactive exhibits about the geology, wildlife, and history.
Dining: A few dining options ranging from upscale to casual and even a coffee shop (more on this below).
Gift Shop: Shop for a souvenir!

The moody and dark feel of the dark green fir trees in front of the snow-covered rugged mountain peaks surrounding the Banff Gondola summit.

Dining at the Banff Gondola Summit

Surprisingly, there are actually a few places to eat on top of the Banff Gondola Summit.

I don’t think you could dine almost anywhere else and beat these views!

Here are the dining options:

Sky Bistro: Upscale restaurant with huge windows and spectacular views. It is the most expensive option so it is good for a special occasion. Reservations are strongly encouraged. They do allow walk-ins based on availability.
Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen: Buffet-style, perfect for lunch or a casual meal.
Peak Patio (Open Seasonally): Outdoor seating with snacks and drinks. Perfect during the summer when the weather is nice!
Castle Mountain Coffee: Grab-and-go drinks and pastries. Try their honey latte!

What to Wear When Visiting Banff Gondola

Even in the summer, the summit can be chilly and windy due to being at high elevation.

I recommend dressing in layers to stay warm and protect yourself from the wind.

I visited in late May and was glad I packed:

Warm Fleece or Insulated Jacket
Comfortable Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots (these are what I have and I love them!)
Wool Socks – Perfect to keep your feet warm!
Sunglasses and Sunscreen (the sun is strong at high elevations)
Beanie and Gloves (especially if you’re visiting in the morning or late evening)
Fleece-Lined Leggings or Hiking Pants (I love these hiking pants! When it is colder, I usually wear leggings underneath them.)

Layers are key!

Is Banff Gondola Suitable for Children?

Yes, the Banff Gondola is family-friendly and safe for kids.

The cable cars you will be riding in are fully enclosed and not open to the outside, so there is no need to worry there.

If someone in your group is scared of heights though, the gondola ride could be scary for them.

Keep in mind that strollers are not allowed on the boardwalk.

The stark contrast of the dark colored tall mountains with the bright white snow covering its peaks that you can see from the Banff Gondola boardwalks.

Hiking to the Banff Gondola Summit

If you’re up for a challenge and want to save money, you could hike the Sulphur Mountain Trail up to the summit instead of riding the gondola.

Sulphur Mountain Trail Info:

Distance: 3.4 miles one way (5.5 km)
Elevation Gain: 2,477 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2 to 3 hours to hike up
All Trails Route

The trail is mostly switchbacks through the forest with little variation in scenery until you reach the top. But, the payoff with the views at the Banff Gondola summit are worth the effort!

Just be aware that the trail usually remains snow-covered until mid-to-late June, so come prepared with winter hiking gear if you’re hiking earlier in the season.

I recommend checking the current status of the trail here. You can also read the All Trails reviews from recent hikers.

Tip: You can often ride the gondola down for free or at a reduced price. They didn’t check our ticket on the way down, and I have heard of people hiking up without a ticket and being able to ride the gondola down.

➡️ If you’re a hiking lover, check out my blog post about 20 of the best hikes in Banff to add to your itinerary!

Tips for Visiting the Banff Gondola

Book tickets online a couple days in advance for the best price and guaranteed time slot. Also check prices on Viator and Get Your Guide – sometimes they are cheaper!
Check the weather forecast before booking your tickets to ensure you will be going on a clear day for the best views.
Go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
Dress in layers – even in the summer, it is chilly and windy at the summit.
Combine a visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs nearby if you want to relax after.

Conclusion: Is the Banff Gondola Worth It?

In my opinion, yes, the Banff Gondola is 100% worth it.

Even though I almost skipped it because of the price, it turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of my Banff trip.

The views were absolutely stunning, and the summit experience offered way more than I expected!

If it is your first time visiting Banff, I highly recommend adding the Banff Gondola to your itinerary.

That said, if you’re on a budget and enjoy hiking, the Sulphur Mountain Trail is a great alternative to reach the summit without paying to ride the gondola.

Either way, the views from the summit are something you don’t want to miss.

I hope my Banff Gondola review has helped you decide whether it’s the right activity for your trip!

Check out my other Banff blog posts to help plan your trip!

Helpful Tips For Planning Your Trip to Banff

Recommended Activities: I highly recommend checking out the Banff Gondola, Via Ferrata, White Water Rafting, and Lake Minnewanka Cruise.
Best Hikes in Banff: Plain of Six Glaciers, Little Beehive & Big Beehive, Johnston Canyon, Peyto Lake, Tunnel Mountain – read more on my best hikes in Banff blog post!
Where to Stay in Banff: I loved our stay at the Banff Inn and would 100% recommend! The Canalta Lodge and Moose Hotel & Suites are great options too.
Rental Car: If you’re wanting to get a rental car in Banff, I recommend using Expedia or Rentalcars.com for the best deals!
Flights: Look for the best flight deals using Aviasales.
Airport Transfer: Use the Banff Airporter to get you from the Calgary Airport to your hotel in Banff if you don’t have a rental car.
No Rental Car: If you don’t have a rental car, consider using the Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus or joining a guided tour of the most popular sights.