Banff Gondola
Admission & General Information
Banff Gondola Information
Located a short 5 KM away from the Banff townsite, the Banff Gondola ride will take you to the top of Sulphur Mountain which stands at a height of 2281 metres (7,486 feet). Throughout the 8-minute ride to the top of the mountain, you will cover approximately 1 mile in distance while gaining 698 metres (2292 feet) in elevation as you marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff and the Bow Valley.
The summit building atop Sulphur Mountain boasts the Banff Interpretive Centre featuring interactive exhibits, multiple viewing platforms offering 360-degree views of six scenic mountain ranges, and two summit restaurants. The Sky Bistro offers a world-class dining experience above the clouds, and the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen offers a more basic, casual experience.
You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world whether you are standing on one of the spacious observation decks, or enjoying a leisurely hike along the interpretive boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak and the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station – a National Historic Site of Canada.
Joining Instructions:
For Guests on Tour
For most Canada Rail Vacations guests, your visit to the Banff Gondola will be included in your half-day Banff sightseeing tour. While at the Gondola, your tour guide will provide you with your tickets to the top and you’ll set off on your own to the top of Sulphur Mountain. While at the summit, you will have free time to explore. Your tour guide will communicate the time that you are to return from the Gondola to continue on with the rest of the tour, or for transportation back to your hotel.
For Banff Gondola Admission
Please have the provided ticket or voucher readily available on hand or on your mobile device to present at the ticket windows at the gondola station.
For details on getting to the Banff Gondola at the base of Sulphur Mountain see the options below: Getting Here
Banff Gondola Operating Hours
| Banff Gondola | Last Ride Up | |
| March 10 – March 31 | 10:00 AM – 22:00 PM | 20:30 PM |
| April 1 – May 15 | 09:00 AM – 21:00 PM | 19:30 PM |
| May 16 – June 27 | 08:00 AM – 21:00 PM | 19:30 PM |
| June 28 – September 2 | 08:00 AM – 22:00 PM | 20:30 PM |
| September 3 – October 14 | 08:00 AM – 21:00 PM | 19:30 PM |
Head to the top of Sulphur Mountain for an award-winning, hand-selected dining experience at Sky Bistro. The regionally sourced ingredients shine on this unique and distinctly Canadian menu.
| Sky Bistro Restaurant | Lunch Hours | Dinner Hours |
| January 6 – June 27 | 11:00 AM – 14:00 PM | 16:00 PM – 21:00 PM |
| June 28 – September 2 | 11:00 AM – 14:30 PM | 16:30 PM – 21:00 PM |
| September 3 – October 14 | 11:00 AM – 14:00 PM | 16:00 PM – 21:00 PM |
- Last seating for lunch: 30 minutes prior to close.
- Last seating for dinner: 90 minutes prior to close.
- Hours are subject to change without notice.
The Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen serves soul-warming food to match your Banff adventure. Browse the summit buffet for fish, beef, and chicken dishes alongside daily fresh soups and locally farm-sourced vegetables.
| Northern Lights Restaurant | |
| April 1 – September 2 | 11:00 AM – 20:30 PM |
- Hours are subject to change without notice.
Getting to the Banff Gondola
To reach the base of Sulphur Mountain we recommend using one of the following options:
Public Transit: The Banff Gondola is serviced year-round by Bow Valley ROAM Transit Services and costs CAD $2 per person. Buses run regularly, with stops along Banff Avenue. For more information visit: ROAM Transit, or ask your hotel staff for more details.
Taxi Services: The Banff Gondola is a short taxi ride from the Banff Townsite and should cost approximately CAD $20 to $30 depending on traffic conditions. Call Taxi Taxi at 1 403 762 0000 or for more information, visit: Banff Taxi
Driving Directions: From Banff Ave, travel south to the end, turn left after the bridge onto Spray Ave. Stay right onto Mountain Ave and follow that to the end where you will find the Banff Gondola parking lot. Please note parking at the Banff Gondola is very limited.
Should you wish to make lunch or dinner reservations at one of the restaurants at the top, you may do so in advance here: Banff Gondola Dining
Please contact us at [email protected] should you wish to include this tour during your stay with us in Banff.
