The Banff Gondola at a glance
The Banff Gondola runs up Sulphur Mountain, next to the town of Banff. The base station lies at 1,583 m and the summit station at 2,281 m, which is a gain of 698 m. The ride takes about 8 minutes, and the cabins hold 4 people.
The summit station is 2,281 m high. That is the height of the station, not necessarily the highest point of the whole Sulphur Mountain massif. Do not mix this gondola up with the Lake Louise summer gondola or the gondola at Sunshine Village. This is an independent guide and is not run by the operator.
Hours and tickets
Times and rules for the autumn 2026 schedule.
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Opening hours, 13 October to 19 November | Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Last ride up | 7:30 p.m. |
| Last ride down | 10 minutes before closing |
| Ticket price | Depends on the date and how early you buy; the price of the day is the same all day |
| Tickets | Buy ahead; not refundable; GST is not included |
| Children | Up to 5 years free at any time |
Hours can change, and from late November longer hours follow. Look at the current timetable before you go.
Our picks: Banff Gondola
The gondola ticket itself and two day tours that combine the lakes with the gondola.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Combination day tour with the gondola and Lake Louise
Van or coach transport and a local guide are included, with Moraine Lake visited from 1 June to 11 October. Gondola and hot springs admission are bought separately before the tour.
Check availability →Banff Gondola admission ticket
The ride up and down, the 360-degree viewing deck, the interpretive centre and the summit trails are included. Food and the Banff National Park day pass are not.
Check availability →
Day tour: Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and the Banff Gondola
A multilingual guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, water and the national park pass are included. The gondola ticket is not and has to be reserved separately.
Check availability →Banff tours and day trips
Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, wildlife and more, with live prices and availability.
What to know before you buy
The practical rules.
Prices change by date
A ticket costs more if you buy it on the day, and less if you book early. There is one price for a day, whatever the time of the ride. There is no single fixed price for adults, children and seniors that holds for all of 2026, so look at the booking page for your date.
Children
Children up to 5 years ride free at any time. A family offer gives one free child for each paying adult in the first 2 hours of operation each day. That is not a free ride for every child, so read the conditions.
Buy ahead
The operator advises buying tickets in advance. Tickets are not refundable, and GST is added to the price.
The park pass
You are inside the national park, so the park pass rules apply. The gondola ticket does not replace the pass.
Park pass fees →Getting to the base station
The Roam bus 1 runs towards Sulphur Mountain. It is the simplest way if you stay in Banff town, and a local fare costs CAD 2 for adults. The Parks Canada parking area at Sulphur Mountain costs CAD 17.50 per day in the season. Do not assume the same price for every private lot near the gondola, and do not count on a free space.
You can also walk up the mountain. The trail is about 5.5 km to the summit station, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak, with a climb of 655 m. Allow a long outing. Do not assume that the ride down is free.
Gondola or hike up
Two ways to reach the same summit station.
| Gondola | Hike | |
|---|---|---|
| Time up | About 8 minutes | A long outing |
| Distance | 698 m of height gain by cabin | About 5.5 km to the summit station, plus 0.5 km to Sanson Peak |
| Climb | None on foot | 655 m |
| Cost | Ticket, price depends on the date | No gondola ticket needed up; park pass rules still apply |
| Getting there | Roam bus 1 or parking | Roam bus 1 or parking |
Many visitors ride up and look around. If you walk up, take water, check the weather and tell someone your plan. The hiking page lists more trails near Banff.
What you see at the top
The summit station looks over the Bow Valley and the town of Banff. A weather station stands on Sanson Peak, about 0.5 km from the station. Clear weather changes the view a great deal, so look at the forecast on the day before you pay for a ticket.
Combine the ride with other sights in Banff. The Upper Hot Springs are closed for maintenance from 13 October to early November 2026. The town guide has eleven other ideas.
Banff Gondola: frequently asked questions
How long does the Banff Gondola ride take?
About 8 minutes up, in a cabin for 4 people. The summit station is at 2,281 m.
When does the gondola run in autumn 2026?
From 13 October to 19 November it runs daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The last ride up is at 7:30 p.m. Hours can change, and longer hours follow in late November.
How much is a gondola ticket?
The price depends on the date and how early you buy, and it is higher on the day. Check the booking page for your date. Tickets are not refundable, and GST is not included.
Do children ride free?
Children up to 5 years ride free at any time. The family offer gives one free child for each paying adult in the first 2 hours of operation each day.
How do I get to the gondola from Banff town?
Take Roam bus 1, or drive to the Parks Canada parking at Sulphur Mountain, which costs CAD 17.50 per day in the season. Walking up the trail is possible and takes much longer.
Is this the operator's website?
No. This is an independent guide with no connection to the operator of the gondola.