Banff: Sunshine Village Gondola & Mount Standish Chairlift Views

Summary

Ride the gondola up from Banff for mountain air, lakes and wild trails

You’ll float above Banff on a gondola with 360° Rocky Mountain views, ride the Mount Standish Chairlift to reach alpine lakes and wildflower meadows, and breathe in crisp mountain air with a local guide nearby. Includes shuttle pickup so you can just relax into it all — there’s always one moment up there that lingers after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the Sunshine Village Gondola just after grabbing coffee in Banff — still half-asleep, honestly. The gondola hums quietly as it climbs out of town, and you can see the trees thinning below. I pressed my forehead to the glass (probably left a smudge, sorry) and watched the Rockies open up around us. Our guide, Jamie, pointed out a patch of lingering snow and said it sometimes sticks around till July. Didn’t expect that.

At the top, there’s this weird hush — like the wind is holding its breath. We wandered through Sunshine Meadows, where wildflowers were just starting to poke up between rocks. The air felt cold but not sharp; it smelled a bit like pine needles and sunscreen. We took the Mount Standish Chairlift even higher (I gripped the bar tighter than I’ll admit), and suddenly you’re at 2,400 meters with nothing but sky and those three lakes — Larynx, Grizzly, Rock Isle — scattered below like someone dropped blue marbles in a bowl of green.

I tried saying “Assiniboine” right when Jamie pointed out the peak — Li laughed at my attempt (I definitely butchered it). We walked along these skinny paths to a viewpoint platform; everyone got quiet for a second when we saw how far you could see. It’s not really something you can photograph properly. After that, we found Mad Trapper’s Grill for fries and beer before heading back down — legs tired in that good way. I still think about that view from the chairlift when I’m stuck in traffic now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunshine Village gondola and sightseeing

• Drive 15 minutes from Banff
• Visit gift shop and cafe
• Ride 22-minute 8-passenger gondola
• Take Mount Standish Chairlift or hike
• Enjoy views from Standish viewpoint
• Explore Sunshine Meadows hiking trails
• See three high-alpine lakes
• Relax at Mad Trapper's Grill & BBQ

Top questions

How long is the Sunshine Village Gondola ride from Banff?

The gondola ride takes about 22 minutes each way from the base to Sunshine Village.

Is shuttle pickup included for the Banff gondola tour?

Yes, free shuttle buses are available from various locations in Banff with multiple daily pickups and returns.

Can I visit Sunshine Meadows during this tour?

Yes, you can stroll through Sunshine Meadows once you arrive at Sunshine Village via gondola or chairlift.

What is the highest elevation reached on this tour?

The Mount Standish Chairlift takes you up to 2,400 meters (7,875 feet), the highest sightseeing point in Banff and Lake Louise area.

Are meals or drinks included at Mad Trapper's Grill?

No, food and drinks at Mad Trapper's Grill & BBQ are not included in your ticket price.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.

Is public transportation available near Banff Sunshine Village Gondola?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access.

Are pets allowed on the gondola or chairlift?

No pets are allowed except for service animals.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip shuttle pickup from several spots in Banff town, entry to both the 8-passenger Sunshine Village Gondola and Mount Standish Chairlift for sweeping views over alpine lakes and meadows; all at your own pace before returning whenever you’re ready on one of several afternoon shuttles back down to town.