A must see. What a view. What a majestic place. Even the kids enjoyed it very much Plan on at least 2 hours. It does get cold as it gets near sunset. read more

Do it! Don't chicken out! There are some things you see in life that are unbelievable, things that have no comparison. The Canadian Rockies are impressive, and seeing them from the top here is humbling. You'll have to dodge some annoying kids and slow tourists, but it will be worth it. read more

The high views made for a great experience!! We went 'up', and it was a wonderful experience!! It's pricey, but for a one-time experience and the views, we are not complaining about the cost. And if there's no time limit on your visit -- you can go up and stay as long as you wish. And while up top, there several view spots, a restaurant, and stairs you can climb to ascent even higher, should you wish and be able to do so. The views (going up and down, and on top) were phenomenal and the rides in the gondolas very exciting (they're small, seat four, which makes the ride much more personal). Thanks to the weather, we were able to experience this attraction, and will not forget the experience read more

If you're in Banff you have to take the Gondola at least once. Sometimes it is to cold so I wouldn't recommend it but as long as the weather is bearable suck it up. It is always slammed with tourists and that's because when you take it you are provided the chance to take in some great views. You can see the bow river and the mountains as you pass over gigantic trees. You get a full view of everything everywhere in the car. It is really an experience that I can't even do the least bit of justice by writing about it. You have to check it out for yourself. read more

This wasn't cheap and I wish that we had hikes the mountain but we had two small kids on our tip so we erred on the side of caution. It is truly breathtaking. On too of the mountain is a walkway up to the too of sulfur which was a bit of a walk (maybe only because we weren't expecting it and because we were working to convince our son to walk) but it was well worth it. We happened to time our arrival well because two tourist busses arrived right after we did and another while we were leaving. So we don't wait long but I can see how we might have had to had we not been lucky. Fun times! We got some amazing pictures from the gondola itself and from the top. Really a must do in Banff read more

Sone this a few times now. Anytime we take new people to the Rockies we always take them here! It is such amazing views and the gondola itself is a great experience. They have recently done it all up on the top and wow it's fantastic!! Love love love read more

5km climb up to summit of Sulphur mountain. Then gondola down for hot chocolate at Starbucks at the base what a treat. Free wifi. View of the Canadian Rockies. read more

Banff Gondola - Bears in Starbucks - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

Great time! steep ride to some of the best views in Banff read more

Banff Gondola - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

When you book the Brewster's Ultimate experience the crown jewel of the four is the trip up and tour around Sulfur mountain. You take your chance that the weather will be fair and favorable, some times you win others not so much. Our day was a no so much one, a snow storm at the top stopped any view and in fact anything else.that could be done 10,000 feet in the sky. Well there is always the "great" restaurant top enjoy, delicious food prepared by the best chefs of the national Parks, right, well.............who the hell knows. In the foolish wisdom of what has to be the worse hospitality management in the national parks they decided the average customer menat nothing and they were happy to close "ALL: venues to a private party. No one but a lucky few can dine here this day, if you paid the 70.00 dollars times your party total (ours 6, 420.00) too damn bad for you, you got to spend hundreds of dollars for nothing. The management could care less expressing an attitude of too bad, so sad, get off the mountain because there are hundreds of others coming up here today, sure hey too will be pissed off but they like you will go back to their homes and tomorrow more will come. "We knew a year ago we sold out the venues, but you would never spend your hundreds of dollars to come up if you knew yes, we screwed you, we know it, but we have your money." Does Sulfurs Mountain's management care, no. Brewster Tour Lines they must care, not in the least. Parks Canada, no not them. To go to the top you book a time to ascend and another to descend, nothing to see, just enjoy a delicious meal before you descend, or at least get a refreshing beverage, no, nope, not today we are closed. Why has this not been stated on the web site when you are paying your hundreds of dollars, stay away, management hates your very presences. read more

You know, I've passed through and stayed in Banff numerous times over the years. Alone or with my parents, and apparently for some reason, we always skipped this. Huh. Maybe I had bad parents, I don't know. Here I am as an adult, or at least a cheap facsimile of one, staring at this awesome gondola ride and thinking, "there's nothing else I'd rather be doing right now." And to think I used to be afraid of heights. I still am in a way--I think it has something to do with stability. Give me a solid platform and a railing and I'll look down into the bowels of hell. My girlfriend on the other hand was petrified...so this was fun. Firstly, I love the intimate nature of the gondolas. Not some colossus car packed to the gills with people, just her and me...and high altitude. The car skimmed tree canopy as the cables took us higher. Atop the ridgeline, we were greeted by an indescribable view of the countryside. Well, I wouldn't say indescribable--I just have a word budget on these entries and can't delve into an unnecessarily long Neal Stephenson-like rant to set a scene. Let me just say the view included six different mountain ranges and the entirety of the town of Banff. One of the best views this country has to offer. Yes, I admit, I don't have a substantial sample size to make such a judgement, and there are other fantastic views to be had, Aurora Village, Niagara Falls, Columbia Icefields, Stana Katic, but you have to admit, this would be high on the list. But that's not where it stops. In fact, there's an extensive trek atop a boardwalk for what I believe to be a kilometer (if not, than I'm realllly out of shape) to an old weather station atop a higher peak. Between them, there are amazing photo opportunities, like the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which looked like miniature in a train set. The gondola website claims it's an interpretive walk...but what's to interpret? You have a start and a destination. It's a walkway, not art. Regardless, it's about $35 a person for the entire experience, and I believe that to be a good value. You could save money and climb up the side of Sulphur Mountain...because...I don't know...reasons. After more than hour, we made our way back to the gondolas, where an infuriatingly joyful employee snapped photos of people as they entered the cars. Of course, I had to put my hand in the way and block my girlfriend. Closer to the sea level, and far away from the cables, my girlfriend admitted she had fun and would do it again. Just as long as I don't rock the car like I did last time. PS: You know, Stana Katic...from the show Castle? PPS: Also, it was exactly a kilometer, but I still believe myself out of shape. read more

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I can't imagine visiting Banff and not going for a ride on the gondola. The views from on top of Sulpher Mountain are simply breath taking. Perfect place to take your pictures to show every one when you get back home. The trail to hike down the mountain is also very nice if you don't want to take the gondola back down read more

Banff Gondola - View from Sulpher Mountain - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

A must visit place in Banff! The view of the Canadian Rockies is spectacular and there's a short trail for bickers. I recommend visiting the Gondola and eating at the Northern Lights for lunch. You will love the food and the view read more

FREE AFTER 7PM! This isn't advertised anywhere, and actually after 7PM they were still checking tickets at the gondola. It was only when I said 'I heard this is free after 7PM' or something to that extent that they were like 'Yes indeed it is!'. It was awesome. Anyway, we did the hike up, found this surprising fact, and took it for free down. The gondola is very smooth and gives a very good view! It's awesome. There's a pretty big viewing platform at the top of the gondola, and there is a LOT of information. The information center has 4 floors: gift shop / information, exhibits about Banff, cafeteria, and viewing platforms. There's also some stairs you can walk to get a 360 degree view of the entire place; definitely do that, as it's very well worth it too! The walk's not that bad and there are benches scattered along the short path, so definitely do it. Definitely recommend; if you're in the mood for hiking, avoid that gondola fee and hike up! It's not bad at all! read more

Stunning views, great hiking--the essence of Banff. Dress appropriately as it is very windy at the top. 2200 ft elevation change on the hike. What a reward to get to the top. Construction building decks and walkways, but it does not interfere with walk to weather station. If you don't feel like hauling your own food or water, a simple cafe awaits you. For the avid hiker, the trail up to the top is well maintained. read more

This is definite must do in Banff. This is one of the most interesting things I've ever done. It's like riding up into another world. When we were at the bottom it was nice and warm and, by the time we got up to the top it was snowing and was like a winter wonderland. I think it is a great experience to walk across all of the stairs to get to the lookout point but there wasn't much over there. There were great photo opportunities. read more

OK, I thought the masses of tourists were over rating this gondola but I'm admitting now it is worth it, even amidst the crowds. Hike up and ride down is the approach I took but it isn't for the faint of heart and though I did the hike from Banff Springs to the summit in two hours I was cruising like someone was chasing me. The views? AMAXING read more

Banff Gondola - View on hike up - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

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What a wonderful experience for my first time riding the famous banff gandola and it was winderful! Up to the top of sulfur moutain and really nice walkway to see the breath taking view！love the ride and love the view ! read more

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A bit expensive but worth it to see the views from up top. There is a boardwalk walkway that is very enjoyable. We loved the music on the upper deck. read more

Great views, tough but beautiful boardwalk hike (lots of stairs!). It would probably get 5 stars if it wasn't so expensive for such a short ride. We got the package with the buffet dinner. Price was good for dinner. The food was mediocre. The service was good though in all places. read more

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the newly opened Sky Bistro on a Monday afternoon. The staff were very excited to serve us in this brand new facility! I would recommend this Bistro. I had the best fries ever with truffle oil and Parmesan cheese. read more

Banff Gondola - We enjoyed a wonderful lunch (best fries ever with truffle oil and parmesan cheese) at the newly opened Sky Bistro! Great job Brewster! - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

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Great views and a good ride with fast moving line and efficient ticket sales. I agree with Caroline P the kids are annoying as are the tourists who stand on the outside tables to take a picture - it was good to see an employee nicely ask? the tourist to step off the table which people eat from. This is the same tourist who takes no notice of "do not feed or approach the wild life" !! I dont think the view is as stunning as .the one from Aspen Mountain read more

The clear weather in early June made this a great outing. The ride up is enjoyable (just 4 people each, no crowding) and the multi-level mountaintop destination has a lot of opportunities for viewing, chilling out, learning history, souvenir shopping or hiking up to the adjacent mountaintop (we passed on that). read more

The workers were very informative. They were kind and awesome, I loved the view and gift shops.

The weather forcast was not favorable and we still decided to purchase tickets. After we puchased the tickets, there was a view of the top and all we saw was fog. The group decided to wait 1/2 hour and then go up which worked favorably. The fog/clouds would clear every so often so we could take pictures so my initial concerns evaporated. The walk to the weather station (accessible from the first floor) was worth the effort. October is a great time to travel because it was not crowded. read more

As a local, I have done the gondola several times in my life, mostly when people are visiting from out of town, but the view from the top never fails to impress. It is quite simply, stunning. For those who are afraid of heights - the ride to the top is quite swift, and apart from a few sections, the gondolas themselves travel parallel quite close to the mountain face itself. Once up top, the vistas are sweeping and grand. There are souvenirs galore, but also you can hike even higher up. We did this last summer - and there are a fair amount of stairs, but the extra hike to the top is quite wonderful. Be careful though, there are several spots that warn you to stay on the trail and if you were an idiot you literally could fall to your death - there is no guardrail etc.... The price to get up is quite steep - 42 dollars for adults and 21 dollars for kids - YIkes. However, if you are on vacation, it is definitely one of those things that is worth the money- and the photo ops are pretty epic. read more

A bit on the pricey side, but the Banff Gondola is the best way to view Banff and the surrounding area atop Sulphur Mountain. I'd suggest hiking to the top (as hiking is free and good for you), but if that isn't possible, the gondola is the way to go. Be sure to get here early in the day, especially in the summer/early fall. You will be hard pressed to find a parking spot anytime after 11 am. read more

Great experience! There's so much more than just the gondola ride! There's a top open deck with amazing views, the 3rd floor with two restaurants, the 2nd floor which was entirely interpretive area that was very interesting and the first floor also with open deck for viewing. I would do this again in a heart beat. A must do in Banff. read more

We hiked up Sulphur Mountain and decided to take the gondola down. I would have walked down but unfortunately my wife's knees weren't in the best shape to do so. First of all, it's a rip off. Sounds like there used to be a cheaper option for people who hiked up and then gondola'd down. Not anymore. Costs $17.95 to go down. A return ticket is actually more than double that at $35.95. It's five cents more for a RT ticket but five cents is five cents. Go figure. We were ready to eat the $17.95 per person which is where the nightmare began. The lineup to go down the gondola is a gong show. It gets quite long and so you have some people who already have a return ticket, and others who need to purchase a ticket all in the same lineup. When we were almost at the ticketing window to purchase our tickets, they were having some issues. No communication from the staff but they were making us wait in line while the others with a return ticket were asked to move forward so they could keep loading people onto the gondolas. After 10 minutes or so we finally found out through word of mouth from people further up in the line that the cashier charged someone for three tickets instead of two and didn't know how to refund it. Then it was said through word of mouth again that cash could be accepted. A guy behind us went to the ATM. Then it was said that they couldn't take cash either. Said guy who went to the ATM was even more pissed than before. Then there were rumours that the system was frozen. Finally someone was on their way to fix it but they didn't know how long it would be. Some people turned around and walked down which was probably the smart move. After half an hour standing in line with barely any communication from the workers, they finally decided to accept cash. However, they still were unable to refund the people in front who they overcharged. I paid them for the extra ticket in cash and purchased an additional ticket for my wife in cash. 0-stars for Brewster (operator of the Banff Gondola). Love the view that Sulphur Mountain gives, but I'm hiking up and down next time. read more

Whenever I think of Gondolas I always think of old man bond Roger Moore and his lame fight with Jaws atop one. But this is easy to forget while riding the the Banff gondola. The views are amazing and worth every penny. Just always keep an eye out for an evil henchman. read more

Amazing views from the top! Hope you're not scared of heights! We were able to hike to the top of Sulphur Mt, but it started raining at the end of our journey. We ended up spending about an hour at the top...but could have spent much longer. I went up with my two kiddos ages (6&7). Definitely would recommend this as a "must do" in this area!! read more

5 stars for the views alone in any weather. The gondola ride itself is smooth and quick. At the top, we carefully stepped through snow and ice on the boardwalk to the old weather station. Truly amazing views. read more

The gondola is a tourist must do, however it is highly overpriced and a total tourist trap. It used to be if you hiked up the mountain it was $7.50 to ride the gondola back down but now it's $30 no matter what. However, the views from the top are absolutely stunning and make the $30 ride seem worthwhile. No matter what season, it's beautiful! Take the time to walk out to the weather station, it might seem a little lame but why wouldn't you at least walk over after spending the money to get up there. The restaurant isn't half bad either. I had the poutine and was very pleased with it. Like I said, it's way over priced but a must do if you're not from there. Make sure you visit the hot springs too!!! It's right beside the gondola and definitely worth it... especially if it's snowing!! read more

The ride up was very smooth and scenic. My family of four loved it, the top area was a nice walk to a weather monitoring historic cabin. This place is very very very expensive and not handicap accessible by any means. $62 per adult and $31 per kid, then they arrange a time for you to come back down, gave us 1hr and 20 mins, we had that extended as we needed more time, was not an issue to extend, but I would be ticked if I was forced to come back down for that price! The gift shop was small and as expected very over priced, but that's Banff in general. read more

The Banff Gondola is a great experience and I have done it at least 5 times now with guests coming to visit us. They have done a lot of work to the visitor centre at the top which is fantastic. The really disappointing part of this trip was the fact that we brought our dog (paid the $47) to find out that he wasn't allowed into the visitor centre. We brought our dog a couple of years ago and it was no problem but since the renovations they are not allowed past the first floor. This has to be made more clear as my husband had to go straight back down with him as it was too cold to have him outside for too long. My husband did complain about this when he got to the bottom but nothing was done, he should have been refunded for his ticket as he did not get the enjoyment from it at all. read more

Pricey but definitely worth it! The ride up is a little scary because the gondola is all glass so you can see out from all sides. And you go up, up, up in this little box of glass. If you're afraid of heights, you might want to rethink going up because even someone like me who isn't bothered by them caught my breath a little on the way up and down. However, the views, on a clear day, are stunning. You get really awesome pictures on all sides. It's a nice alternative than hiking up if you're a little out of shape like I am. There's also a little bit more walking once you get to the top so you don't want to be completely tired out when you get up there. However, it's all worth it! Bring your camera because the views are stunning and there's so much for you to view since you can view all the way down into Banff to the other side of the mountain. Check the times for when to go up and when the last gondola comes down. Definitely worth a visit! read more

Banff Gondola - Beautiful over Banff - Parks Near Me - Banff, Alberta

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We have just went to peak 2 peak gondola ride in whistler before going to banff. In comparison,Whistler has better scenic views and going to the summit by open air lift chairs is awesome . Would not recommend Banff gondola ride if you have just travelled to Whistler. Save the money for other sightseeing. read more

This is a great experience if you are visiting the Banff area! This gives you an incredible view of the city as well as an abundance of information regarding the town of Banff and Sulphur mountain and neighboring mountain ranges. It is very informative about the wildlife within the area. There are two different observation decks that give you a breathtaking view. There are also two restaurants on top of Sulphur Mountain; you must make a reservation for both or you will not get a table. When booking be sure to get the package deal with Gondola tickets as well as dinner reservation. I made the mistake of purchasing just the gondola tickets then we weren't able to eat dinner because they were booked. read more

We loved this experience! The gondola ride is very smooth and quick.The building at the top is modern, very spacious and well decorated. The views are spectacular. There are indoor viewing areas if one wants to avoid weather. There is an outdoor deck with seats, propane heaters and a fire pit. The boardwalk to the highest views is a very easy walk; there are stairs. The cafeteria style "buffet" food was so-so. Some coffee, sodas and chips were extra. Diners can opt for soup, pizza or a snack. There are educational exhibits and a very short movie. There are souvenir shops in two locations, but prices are high. read more

Very beautiful view. Easy to moderate hiking (along the steps)! The price is a bit too pricy though. It costs about $42 each person. I would suggest you to buy a combo deal where you can go on a cruise and glacier skywalk. I went there around 6pm. The view was decent. Parts of the park is still in a building process though. You literally see everything!!! Must go if you have limited time!!!! read more

This is a must-do activity if you're in Banff. Take the gondola up the mountains (it's not as scary as it looks); then, walk the trail up to the summit in Sulphur Mountain (it doesn't take as long as it seems). The gondola takes you from 1,583 above sea level to 2,281 above sea level. It's about a five-minute ride. There is the trail that leads you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain (Sanson's Peak). Take in the stunning views of the mountains, the lakes and the sky. They also set up an informative stand where you can identify Mount Temple, Mount Cory, Mount Edith, Mount Louis, Mount Norquay, Mount Brewster, and Cascade Mountain and more, all of which you can recognize from the trail (not so sure if you go on a cloudy or rainy day). The only downsides are you may need to wait in line for a long time, and the tickets are expensive at $49 per person. read more