Banff: Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ticket & Sunset Festival

Summary

Ride Banff gondola to Sulphur Mountain summit for festival views

You’ll ride Banff’s gondola high above town for an eight-minute climb to Sulphur Mountain’s summit, where crisp air and wide-open views wait. Wander boardwalks or catch live music during the Sunset Festival (included with your ticket). With nearly two hours at the top and easy access for families or strollers, it’s a simple way to feel part of these mountains—even if just for a little while.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous—gondolas aren’t usually my thing—but as soon as we started gliding up Sulphur Mountain above Banff, I just sort of forgot about it. The glass felt cool against my forehead and the pine trees below looked almost fake, like someone painted them too green. Our guide (I think her name was Marie?) pointed out a ridge where mountain goats sometimes show up, but honestly I was too busy gawking at the clouds rolling over the peaks to spot any.

The whole ride only takes about eight minutes, but it messes with your sense of time. At the top, there’s this wild sweep of air that hits you—cold and clean and a bit sharp in June. Everyone spilled out onto the deck and just stood there for a second, not really talking. Some guy next to me kept taking deep breaths like he wanted to bottle it up. I wandered off along the boardwalk (my hands stuffed in my pockets because wow, even in summer it’s chilly) and ended up at this old weather station. Didn’t know that was up here—Marie mentioned it used to be run by a single person through winters longer than I can imagine.

We lucked into visiting during the Sunset Festival, which is honestly more relaxed than “festival” makes it sound. People were just hanging out on picnic blankets, music drifting around from somewhere behind us. There was this faint smell of something sweet—maybe kettle corn? Kids running around in puffy jackets, couples sharing thermoses. I tried one of those local sodas they sell at the top; tasted kind of like spruce tips if you can imagine that. Not bad actually.

The gondola down is scheduled when you check in (they give you almost two hours at the summit), so there’s no rush unless you want there to be. I still think about that last look back before stepping into the cabin again—the sky going pink behind all those jagged ridges. It’s hard not to feel small in a good way up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Banff Gondola and Sulphur Mountain Summit

• Ride Banff Gondola to summit
• Enjoy 360-degree rooftop views
• Visit interactive exhibits
• Watch multi-sensory theatre
• Walk along ridge line
• Take photos of alpine scenery
• Attend Sunset Festival if available

Top questions

How long does the Banff Gondola ride take?

The gondola ride itself takes about 8 minutes each way between Banff and Sulphur Mountain's summit.

Is admission to Sunset Festival included with my ticket?

Yes, admission to Sunset Festival on Sulphur Mountain is included with your Banff Gondola ticket during festival dates.

How much time do I get at the top?

You’re allotted about one hour and forty minutes at Sulphur Mountain's summit before your assigned gondola down time.

Are infants or strollers allowed on the Banff Gondola?

Yes, infants are free but need a ticket; strollers and prams are allowed on board as well.

Is the Banff Gondola wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both the gondola cabins and summit facilities are wheelchair accessible.

What activities are available at Sulphur Mountain's summit?

You’ll find restaurants, interactive exhibits, a rooftop observation deck, boardwalk trails, and seasonal events like Sunset Festival.

Do I need to book a specific return time for the gondola down?

Your return ride down from Sulphur Mountain will be assigned when you check in for your trip up.

What’s included

Your day includes Banff Gondola admission with an assigned return time down from Sulphur Mountain, entry to all summit facilities including restaurants and exhibits, plus access to special events like Sunset Festival during summer dates; infants ride free but need their own ticket for entry.