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.

Please see the ticket page to get the exact price for your desired visit date and time.

Banff Gondola Hours

• October 14 to Nov 16 -10am to 9pm daily (last ride up 7:30pm)
• November 20 to December 31 - 10am to 10pm daily (last ride up 8:30pm)
• January 1 to January 3: 10am to 6:30pm (last ride up is 4:50pm)
• January 4 to January 15: Closed for maintenance
• January 16th to April 30: 10am to 6:30pm (last ride up is 4:50pm)

Last ride down: 10 minutes prior to close.

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

That's a big yes. Countless visitors say the Banff Gondola is worth the price for the panoramic views of six mountain ranges and the vibrant mountaintop boardwalk experience. With access to interpretive exhibits, restaurants and breathtaking photo opportunities, it’s more than just a ride — it’s a full mountain adventure.

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.

For the safety and comfort of all our guests, pets are not allowed within the gondola cabins or building. We do, however, welcome pets on all trails and outdoor areas. Service animals are welcome in all areas of the Banff Gondola when accompanied by their owners. (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 time to avoid crowds is anytime 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.

We strongly recommend advance bookings to avoid disappointment. The Banff Gondola is an extremely popular attraction and time slots fill up quickly during peak season. Availability is not guaranteed for walk-ins.

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.

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)

The Banff Gondola is located 2.5 km from Banff town centre.

From Banff Avenue: Head south towards the Bow Bridge. Make a left turn after the Bow Bridge onto Spray Avenue. Keep to the right lane and turn onto Mountain Avenue. Follow Mountain Avenue to the end of the road, where you will find the Banff Gondola parking lot. Please note parking at the Banff Gondola is very 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).

For the most accurate Banff ROAM Public Transit arrival times, click here to view the Route 1 bus schedule. The cost of a one-way ticket is $2 per person, however, during the summer, show your Banff Gondola ticket to the bus driver and get a free return ride*.

*Valid only on Route 1 to and from the Banff Gondola on the day of your visit.

Yes, parking is available. Please note parking at the Banff Gondola is very limited. During peak times, the lot may be full. We strongly recommend using the Roam Transit from various locations in Banff. Visit the Roam Transit website for information at roamtransit.com.

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

Yes, there are several incredible dining options at the top of the Banff Gondola.

Pick up a quick snack or cafe favourite at Starbucks at the base or Castle Mountain Coffee Co. on the summit.

Visit Sky Bistro for mountaintop fine dining, featuring regionally sourced ingredients and unbeatable views. (Reservations recommended.)

For a crowd-pleasing buffet, stop by Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen. And after a day of adventure (or right in the middle of it), there’s no better place to raise a glass than Peak Patio — Canada's highest outdoor patio.

Sky Bistro Hours

Northern Lights Hours

• Last seating: one hour before close.

A gondola ticket is required to visit the restuarants.

Yes, you should buy Banff Gondola tickets in advance, especially during weekends, holidays and the busy summer season. Buying ahead guarantees your preferred time slot and allows you to skip on-site ticket lines. Since the Banff Gondola is one of the most popular attractions in the Canadian Rockies, tickets often sell out during peak times.

Yes, the Banff Gondola is open year-round, except for a short maintenance period each November. You can see availability and pricing for the dates you desire on the tickets page.

You can cancel or amend your tickets up until 72 hours prior to your ride time. Once inside of 72 hours tickets are non refundable.