15 Things to know before riding the banff gondola

Ever dreamed of dining on top of a mountain at sunset? So did I, and the Banff Gondola played a crucial role in turning that dream into reality—and it can do the same for you! Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this iconic attraction promises not just a breathtaking journey to elevated heights but an unforgettable dining experience with panoramic views that will leave you in awe. BUT before you hop on that gondola there are a few key things you need to know to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. From insider tips on the best time to go to essential details about ticketing and dining options, let's dive into the 15 things you need to know before riding the Banff Gondola.

1. WHERE IS THE BANFF GONDOLA LOCATED?

The Banff Gondola is located at 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2 in Canada in a region known as Spray Valley. It can be found south of the town center (which is in Bow Valley), past The Rimrock Spa and Banff Upper Hot Springs. Once you pull into the parking lot, you'll see a one story building with a green roof and cables that go up into the mountains, and you'll know you've arrived!

2. what time is the banff gondola open?

The Banff Gondola is open 7 days a week from 10:00am to 9:00pm. The last ride down is typically about 10 minutes before close, so make sure to plan accordingly! And remember, these hours are subject to change depending on the time of year, the weather, and whether or not its a holiday so if you're unsure whether or not the gondola will be open on the day that you plan on booking a ride, simply give them a call at 1.866.756.1904.

3. where is the banff gondola parking?

Navigate to 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B2 and you will see a one-story building with a green roof. This is where the parking is! While the parking lot is pretty large, parking spots fill up super quick during peak times, so make sure to get there with plenty of time before your gondola ride. We arrived about 30 minutes before our time slot, circled the parking lot for about 15 minutes trying to find a spot, and then stopped in the gift shop to kill some time.

4. HOW MUCH IS PARKING AT THE BANFF GONDOLA ?

Parking is FREE at the Banff Gondola! However, spots fill up quickly so if there aren't any open parking slots, you may have to park in the town of Banff where there are rates for street parking and parking lots. You can also opt to take the bus to Banff Gondola through Bow Valley Roam Public Transit. This bus line makes stops along Banff Avenue, which means that you can rely on this bus line for your entire day trip. The free Banff Gondola shuttle also runs Saturdays and Sundays from May 21 to June 12 and daily from June 13 to October 9th to and from Downtown Banff.

5. how much is it to ride the banff gondola?

The price of a Banff Gondola ticket depends on what the rate is for the day that you want to go. Typically, you can expect prices to be anywhere from $55-$80. Kids under the age of 5 years old are always free, and any kid can go for free during the first 2 hours the gondola is open with the "Family Experience" package. To buy tickets, simply visit the Banff Gondola website and click on the date you are looking to visit!

6. DO YOU NEED TO BOOK BANFF GONDOLA IN ADVANCE?

Visitors planning to ride the Banff Gondola can buy tickets at the bottom of the gondola, or they can buy them in advance online. My friends and I bought our tickets about a month in advance on the Banff Gondola the website. The reason I would personally advise buying your tickets beforehand is because if you have flexibility in the date you can go and visit, then the website has a full calendar outlining the specific price for each day so that you can choose the day during your trip with the lowest price. Prices increase the day of. Banff Gondola is also subject to change their hours at any point, and tickets are refundable up to 48 hours in advance.

7. DO YOU NEED A PARK PASS TO RIDE THE BANFF GONDOLA?

Considering the fact that the town of Banff is considered a municipality of Banff National Park, you do need a Parks Pass in order to visit the Banff Gondola. For instructions on which specific pass to get, click here.

8. HOW LONG IS THE BANFF GONDOLA RIDE?

The ride up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola is about 8 minutes long, and the same goes for the way down. The track is only about a mile long which makes it a pretty short ride, but this gondola ride isn't famous because of the means of transportation- it's famous for the VIEWS. We're talking 360 degrees of absolutely breathtaking mountain views, ready to be experienced during any and every time of year.

9. HOW MANY PEOPLE FIT IN ONE GONDOLA?

Each gondola can comfortably fit four people total, with two individuals on each side. Banff Gondola states that if the fifth is a small child they may be able to put all five in one gondola. If you have more than 4, plan on taking separate gondolas! My group had 5 adults, so 3 people went in the first gondola and then my twin brother and I went in the following gondola.

10. IS THE BANFF GONDOLA WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

Yes, the Banff Gondola is wheelchair accessible. There is handicap parking in the parking lot about 30 meters away from the buildings entrance, and there is an entrance ramp. The gondola itself 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 (705 lbs). In addition, after taking the ride up in the Banff Gondola, there is also an elevator within the main building that can take visitors to all 4 levels. The only area that is not truly handicap-friendly is the observation deck, where there are 368 shallow stairs organized in multiple viewing tiers.

11. IS THE BANFF GONDOLA CHILD FRIENDLY?

Yes, the Banff Gondola is child friendly. In fact, children under 5 years old are free (but they must have a physical ticket). There is also currently a promotion for the "Family Experience" where one child is admitted free for every one full priced adult. This offer can be booked on their website and is available daily for the first two hours of the day- AND it comes with a treat for your kid!

12. IS BANFF GONDOLA PET-FRIENDLY?

Unfortunately, the Banff Gondola is not pet-friendly. This means that if you're looking to bring your furry friend up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, your only choice is to hike the 6.7 mile out-and-back trail that starts at the base of the mountain. This hike usually takes from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your level of fitness and the current trail conditions. Once you get to the top, there will be an observation deck where you and your dog can enjoy the fruits of your labor.

13. WHAT'S THE VIEW AT THE TOP OF THE BANFF GONDOLA?

When you step off the Banff Gondola, you'll notice an observation deck that splits into multiple tiers and levels, as well as a building that's four stories tall with floor-to-ceiling windows. When you look out from the observation deck, you'll be overlooking the town of Banff directly north of Sulphur Mountain, as well as the mountain range across the way, Mount Norquay. It's absolutely stunning, regardless of the time of year you visit. If you're lucky, you might even see some wildlife at the top of the mountain like my group did!

14. WHAT ANIMALS CAN I EXPECT TO SEE AT THE TOP OF THE BANFF GONDOLA?

While many different species call Sulphur Mountain their home, only a few may reveal themselves to you at the top of Sulphur Mountain. This is because the Banff Gondola and its passengers can be loud, causing animals to turn in the other direction. On our most recent trip up Banff Gondola, we saw mountain goats right next to the observation deck and we were SO. EXCITED. Some animals you may see passing by during your visit include:

15. IS BANFF GONDOLA WORTH IT?

The Banff Gondola ride is without a doubt worth it. Despite the fact that prices are pretty high for an 8-minute long ride, it really isn't the ride that you're paying for- you're paying for the view, and access to restaurants, a gift shop, and scenic viewpoints at the top of the mountain. These are the reasons why we absolutely loved the Banff Gondola experience:

ADD THE BANFF GONDOLA & SULPHUR MOUNTAIN TO YOUR MUST-SEE LIST

A trip on the Banff Gondola is sure to deliver both breathtaking views and a worthwhile experience for the whole group. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, avid hiker, or simply seeking a memorable couple hours, the Banff Gondola provides an accessible and awe-inspiring adventure for all. To learn more about the Banff Gondola or to get notified when other blogs related to Banff National Park are published, click on the subscribe button below.