Banff Gondola in Winter

The Banff Gondola is located 2.5 km from Banff town centre, at the end of Mountain Ave. You can drive however parking is limited. Take advantage of the Banff ROAM Public Transit Route 1 which departs from downtown Banff to the Banff Gondola (one way cash fare: $2 per person).

The ride up the Banff Gondola is approximately 8-minutes long in each direction. The track is about 1 mile long.

Gondola cars comfortably fit four adults. A young child or baby may be possible to make five.

Yes. The Banff Gondola facilities are wheelchair accessible and easily accessed by those who are elderly, families with children, or less mobile.

There is handicapped parking within 30 meters of the entrance and ramp access into the building. All 4 levels within the summit complex are accessible by elevator. Seating can be found in all areas.

The gondola cabins come off the track to load and unload passengers, allowing our guests as much time as they require to board. The gondolas 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.

Please note: Though the facilities are wheelchair accessible, the summit boardwalk is not as it consists of 368 shallow stairs each way.

Due to the limited space in the gondola and in the mountaintop facilities, we do not recommend strollers.

Pets are not permitted on the gondola or in our facilities, with the exception of service dogs*, for the safety and comfort of our guests.

*Appropriate accreditation must be presented on site. Emotional support animals are not permitted.

Stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step, then warm up in the newly transformed, state-of-the-art upper terminal building. From restaurants and interactive exhibits to a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck, there are endless things to do at the Banff Gondola.

The best times to avoid crowds are anytime is before 12 PM or after 5 PM.

The weather can be very variable here in the Canadian Rockies, changing from warm summer sunshine to freezing rain and snow within an hour. At the top of the Banff Gondola, the temperature is several degrees lower than the bottom. So, no matter the season, it's wise to bring clothes that you can layer and that are quick-drying.

During winter, it's particularly important to bring proper winter attire. The gondola cabins are not heated and it can get cold and windy at the top. A winter jacket, hat, mitts, gloves and warm socks are strongly encouraged. In the event that a guest's attire is deemed unsuitable and potentially unsafe, we may need to respectfully decline their entry to the gondola.

Yes! A one-way trip down on the Banff Gondola is available for half the regular price of admission (5 & under are free) during Daily Operating Hours.

Please note: if you would like the take the Banff Gondola up and hike down, you must purchase a full-price ticket.

During the winter season, hikers must be aware that the trail will be covered in snow/ice and need to have appropriate hiking gear suitable for winter conditions.

The Lower Terminal is 5,194 feet (1,583 metres) above sea level, the Upper Terminal is 7,486 feet (2,281 metres) above sea level and Sanson's Peak is approximately 10 meters above the Upper Terminal's altitude.

No, there is no skiing on Sulphur Mountain. Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise are all popular ski resorts located inside the national park.

For the safety of guests and staff, and due to size constraints, sporting equipment such as mountain bikes, skis, snowboards, sleds are not permitted on the Banff Gondola. 

Parks Canada has designated all National Parks in Canada as “no drone zones” for recreational use. Fines apply — please leave your drone at home. (See Parks Canada for further details)

For the most accurate Banff ROAM Public Transit arrival times, click here to view the Route 1 bus schedule. The cost of one-way ticket is $2 per person. 

Nightrise will be returning to the Banff Gondola from November 18, 2023 to March 31, 2024.

Please check online for the current sunset time before your visit here Sunrise and sunset times in Banff

Nightrise features moving and coloured lights that could trigger individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. It also includes fog/smoke machines.

Yes, Sky Bistro and Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen are both open on the summit during Nightrise.

Yes, the boardwalk remains open for guests to explore, please beware winter conditions are in effect and the Nightrise experience only reaches the first portion of the boardwalk to protect the wildlife that shares the top of Sulphur Mountain with us.

You can cancel or amend your tickets up until 48 hours prior to your ride time. Once inside of 48 hours tickets are non refundable.