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Discover Banff Tour with Gondola

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Starts atCA$ 198US$ 148€ 130£ 111A$ 213
Duration: 5.5 Hours
Age: All Ages
Departure: 8:30am (Banff)
Season: Year Round

Guaranteed departure. This tour runs as scheduled with no minimum group size — book with confidence, it won’t be cancelled for low numbers.

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Overview

This small group tour is the perfect introduction to Banff and includes some of Banff’s most scenic and historically significant highlights such as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, and Banff’s largest lake, Lake Minnewanka. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate or fresh water (depending on the time of year) and maple cookies at one of the scenic stops.

You’ll then be transported to the base of Sulphur Mountain and begin your Banff Gondola tour, which leads to the top of Sulphur Mountain at 7,486 feet. At the summit, marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley and a 360-degree view of six scenic mountain ranges. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck. After your download on the Banff Gondola, our guide will transport you back to your Banff hotel.

During your sightseeing and gondola tour through Banff, you’ll likely see wildlife so bring your camera! And ask as many questions as you like, our guides are Banff experts and love to share their knowledge.

Highlights

The best parts of the tour for most people include the following:

Banff Gondola
Banff Gondola
Bow Falls
Bow Falls
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Surprise Corner
Surprise Corner
Hoodoos Lookout and Bow Valley viewpoint
Hoodoos Lookout and Bow Valley viewpoint
Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka

Tour Details

Tour Duration
5.5 Hours
Departure Time
8:30am (Banff)
Age Required
All Ages
Season
Year Round

Included

  • Selected pickup: Banff
  • Water or Hot Chocolate
  • Maple cookie snack
  • Professional certified guide
  • Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
  • Banff Gondola ticket
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Hands on interpretive tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour include?+
The tour includes a guided three-hour bus tour to see some of the local highlights such as the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls and Lake Minnewanka. You’ll then be transported to the base of Sulphur Mountain where you’ll ascend the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain with around an hour of free time before descending back to the base where your guide will transport you back to your hotel. The tour includes your Banff Gondola ticket, several sightseeing stops, including a refreshment break with maple cookies and hot chocolate or fresh water (depending on the time of year), and hands on interpretive tools.
How can I join this tour if I'm not staying in Banff?+
We have fantastic news: starting in summer 2026, we will provide pick-up transfers for those staying in Calgary or Canmore. If you wish to join this tour from Calgary or Canmore, please visit our page dedicated to tours departing from these locations.
Is there a lot of walking involved?+
Only half your time is spent on the bus, and at every stop you will have the opportunity to get off the bus and stretch your legs. All of the viewpoints are a short walk, including the observation deck at the Banff Gondola. If you wish to explore further there are several scenic hiking trails lead away from the summit complex. One of the most popular is the self-guided interpretive 1km Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson’s Peak on which you can follow in the footsteps of Norman Sanson, who walked to the top of the mountain about every week for 30 years to check the weather.
Will I see wildlife?+
There is a chance of seeing wildlife on the tour and we often spot animals, however we do not guarantee seeing wildlife on any of our tours. Our guides have a lot of knowledge about the animals within the park and can fill you in about them if you see any wildlife or if you have any questions.
How long is the Banff Gondola ride?+
The gondola ride is approximately eight minutes each way. You’ll have around an hour at the Banff Gondola summit. If you wish to extend your stay at the top, you can, but you will have to arrange an alternative way of transport back.
What's at the top of the Banff Gondola?+
Step out into a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience at an elevation of 2,281 metres (7,486 feet) and stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step. Then warm up in the newly transformed, state-of-the-art summit facility with new restaurants, interactive interpretive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck.
How many people fit in a gondola cabin?+
The modern, fully-enclosed gondola cabins each comfortably fit four adults. A young child or baby may be possible to make five.
Should I tip my guide?+
Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.
What is the cancellation policy?+
There is a 72 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change, cancel, or refund your booking up to 72 hours prior to your tour (or up to 7 days prior for group bookings).
Which pickup location am I viewing?+
You are viewing the Banff pickup content.
How long is the tour?+
The tour begins at 8:30am and returns around 2:00pm, approximately 5.5 hours in total.
Where is our pick up and drop off from?+
We pick up from most hotels in Banff and at the train station, you can select your preferred pick-up location during the booking process. For drop offs, our guide will ask you on the way back where you would like to be dropped off either in town or at your hotel.

Booking Terms

  • All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
  • Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
  • By participating in a tour with Discover Banff Tours, guests are acknowledging that they understand that we may take video and photographs of them during their tour. These videos and photographs may be used in promotional materials including, but not limited to, social media.
  • Please note that this tour requires a minimum of 4 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.

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Discover Banff Tour with Gondola
From CA$ 198US$ 148€ 130£ 111A$ 213