There are four main sightseeing gondola and chairlift experiences around Banff, and they aren’t all the same. Some are best for a classic view over the Town of Banff, while others are better for wildlife viewing, alpine hiking or a quieter afternoon.
Our family visits these gondolas and chairlifts regularly, and we have different favourites depending on the season. Here’s how I’d choose between the Banff Gondola, Lake Louise Summer Gondola, Sunshine Gondola and Mt. Norquay chairlift.
Listen to Episode 7 of The Banff Travel Podcast
3 Key Takeaways
- Each gondola or chairlift offers a different experience. Banff is best for the classic panorama, Lake Louise for wildlife possibilities and Sunshine for alpine hikes.
- Sunshine is a favourite for hiking. The gondola and Standish chairlift provide easier access to mountain trails and viewpoints.
- Bring layers and plan around seasons. Upper stations can be chilly, and summer sightseeing schedules vary by gondola.
Banff Gondola: Best for the Classic Banff View
The Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain in an enclosed cabin. The ride is about eight minutes, and the views from the top look over the Bow Valley, the Town of Banff and surrounding mountain peaks.
At the summit, there’s a series of boardwalks leading toward the historic Cosmic Ray Station, along with a rooftop viewing area, interpretive exhibits and restaurants, including Sky Bistro. This is a convenient choice if you want a complete mountaintop experience without a long hike.
The Banff Gondola operates throughout the year, compared to the others that are summer-only options. I would book ahead for popular summer dates and special experiences.
Lake Louise Summer Gondola: Best for Wildlife Possibilities
The Lake Louise Summer Gondola is at the Lake Louise Ski Resort, near Lake Louise Village. You can choose between an open chairlift and an enclosed gondola during the summer sightseeing season.
The ride takes around 14 minutes, and the route passes above an area where you may spot wildlife, including grizzly bears. We usually choose the chairlift because it’s more fun for our family. Despite going up regularly, we still haven’t seen a grizzly from the lift, although we did have an exciting lynx sighting.
There are beautiful views back toward Lake Louise, a small wildlife interpretive area and Whitehorn Bistro near the upper station. The summer sightseeing operation generally begins in early June after the ski season.
Hiking and Wildlife Safety at the Top
The main upper-station area is protected by an electric wildlife fence. Some of the hikes leave that fenced area, so you need to be properly prepared with bear spray and it’s best to hike in groups. These trails have wildflowers in summer and golden larch trees in the fall.
The resort has also offered shuttle-and-gondola combinations for travellers visiting the lakes. See our Lake Louise Summer Gondola guide.
Sunshine Gondola: My Favourite for Easy Alpine Hiking
The Sunshine Gondola takes you from the base area up to Sunshine Village, a ride of roughly 20–25 minutes. From there, you can take the Standish chairlift higher to the Standish viewpoint.
This is one of my favourite places to visit in summer because you get easy access to alpine scenery without having to hike all the way up from the valley. The views from Standish are fantastic, and in midsummer there can be beautiful wildflowers.
What to Do at Sunshine Meadows
From Standish, you can walk down toward Rock Isle Lake and continue along the trail system, with options for different distances depending on your energy and time. We regularly return here more than once during the summer.
The season generally starts in very late June and continues through until about the third week of September. Late in the season, you may even catch the beginning of the larch colour.
You need to be comfortable taking the gondola and, for the highest viewpoint, an open chairlift. There is a hiking alternative if you don’t want to take the chairlift, but it requires more effort.
Important Tip: Pack an extra warm layer for any gondola day, even in summer.
Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift: Best for a Shorter, Quieter Outing
The Mt. Norquay sightseeing chairlift is a two-person open chairlift, with a ride of about ten minutes and great views over Banff.
At the top, the Cliffhouse Bistro is an excellent place for lunch while you enjoy the scenery. This has often been a less crowded and less expensive alternative to the Banff Gondola, making it worth considering if you want a mountain view without spending as much time or money.
Mt. Norquay also offers Via Ferrata climbing experiences for adventurous visitors. Those are a completely different activity from a relaxed chairlift ride and require advance planning.
Which Banff Gondola Should You Choose?
- For a classic Banff panorama, boardwalks and summit restaurants: Banff Gondola.
- For wildlife-viewing opportunities: Lake Louise Summer Gondola or chairlift.
- For wildflowers, alpine hiking and Standish viewpoint: Sunshine Gondola and chairlift.
- For a shorter, quieter sightseeing ride: Mt. Norquay sightseeing chairlift.
If heights make you nervous, an enclosed gondola may be more comfortable than an open chairlift. Chairlift staff can help riders get seated safely, and you don’t need to be a skier to use the summer chairlifts.
Bring a water bottle, snacks and warm layers, especially if you plan to walk or hike at the top. If your visit involves any hiking, carry bear spray and prepare for mountain conditions.
For a more detailed side-by-side comparison, see our guide to the best gondolas in Banff.
Helpful Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Best Gondolas in Banff: Four Options Compared
- Banff Gondola: Local Tips for Your Visit
- Lake Louise Gondola: Everything You Should Know
Need Help Planning Your Banff Trip?
If you are comparing the gondolas with the other activities on your Banff wish list, my Banff & Jasper Planning Hub can help you decide what fits into each day. Learn more about the Banff & Jasper Planning Hub.
