Riding the Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain Cable Car) in October
Is the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car (Banff Gondola) Open in October?
The Banff Gondola, also known as the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car, is one of the top attractions in Canada’s Banff National Park. In just eight minutes, the Banff Gondola takes visitors to a viewpoint and hiking trail at the top of Sulphur Mountain. During a recent trip to Banff, I found myself asking if the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car (Banff Gondola) is open in October.
Thankfully, the answer was yes; the Banff Gondola is open during October. According to the Banff Gondola’s website, the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car is open year-round except November 6 through November 17. It is during this time period that the Banff Gondola is closed for annual maintenance.
After learning that the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car was open during my October visit, I quickly put riding to the top of Sulphur Mountain at the top of my list of activities. For anyone visiting Banff National Park, I highly recommend a ride on the Banff Gondola.
Riding the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car (Banff Gondola) in October - Table of Contents
- Is the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car Open in October?
- Where to Park?
- How to Purchase Tickets?
- The Ride to the Top
- The View from the Top of Sulphur Mountain
- The Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
- Video Highlights – Sulphur Mountain and the Banff Gondola
- Banff Gondola Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Where to Park for the Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain Cable Car)?
There are multiple parking lots for the Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain Cable Car). Even with more than one parking lot, the parking is very limited. I visited the Banff Gondola in October and was able to find a parking spot in the main lot. During the summer season, it may be difficult for visitors to find a parking spot. Thankfully, the town of Banff has excellent public transportation, and tourists can park in town and take the Bow Valley Roam Public Transit system to the Banff Gondola.
How to Purchase Tickets for the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car (Banff Gondola)?
During the summer season, it is absolutely necessary to purchase tickets for the Banff Gondola area of your visit. When purchasing a ticket, tourists will select their departure time. Sometimes, the time slots fill up and are not available.
During my October visit to the Banff Gondola, as a precaution, I booked my tickets ahead of time. When I arrived, they were still selling tickets at the Banff Gondola ticket office for the same time slot that I had selected.
As of November 2023, the cost of tickets for the Banff Gondola is C$76 for adults and $C49.75 for children aged 6 to 15. Children 5 and under are free.
Is the Ride on the (Banff Gondola) Sulphur Mountain Cable Car Scary?
Is the ride on the Banff Gondola scary? Thankfully, I am not afraid of heights, and I did not find the ride scary. The Sulphur Mountain Cable Car is completely enclosed and feels much safer than the typical ski lift. I did find that the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car swayed a bit in the wind, especially when it stopped for a few moments when it was at its peak height.
For those who are scared of heights, I recommend doing some additional research before taking the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The ride to the top takes just under eight minutes, and I would hate to tell someone that it is not scary and then have them be terrified the entire time.
The View from the Top of Sulphur Mountain
Upon arrival at Sulphur Mountain, I highly recommend immediately walking up the stairs to the highest observation deck. Begin by the oversized Canadian flag, and slowly walk the semi-circular shaped rails of the Sulphur Mountain observation deck.
The Sulphur Mountain observation platform provides a stunning view of the town of Banff as well as the Canadian Rockies.
Along the rail of the Sulphur Mountain viewing platform, there is an informational board that tells visitors what sights they are viewing.
One of those sights is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which is one of the fanciest hotels in all of Canada.
Be sure to walk all the way around the Sulphur Mountain observation platform. On the far side of the platform, opposite the town of Banff, are beautiful mountains covered by thousands of coniferous trees.
Is the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk Worth Hiking?
For those looking for some additional viewpoints, I highly recommend walking the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station. Along the walk, multiple platforms provide beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. I definitely believe that the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk is worth hiking.
At an elevation of 7,500 feet above sea level and spanning a distance of just over one kilometer, the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk should be manageable for even novice hikers. For those who struggle with physical fitness, take it slow and rest on one of the many benches along the way.
There are two strenuous areas along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk. At the beginning of the boardwalk, hikers must walk down a few flights of stairs. On the return trip, those stairs must be climbed. Also, towards the end of the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk, there are a few flights of steeper stairs. Those stairs may require tourists to stop and rest a few times.
About half way to the Cosmic Ray Station, there is a side trail that branches off of the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk.
Even if you are not going to hike this side trail, it is worth walking a few hundred yards to the viewing area. This viewing area provides a stunning view of the surrounding valley, which is home to thousands of pine trees.
Once back on the trail, hikers should be sure to stop at the various viewing platforms on the way to the Cosmic Ray Station.
Eventually, tourists will arrive at the base of Cosmic Ray Station.
While hikers cannot go inside the Cosmic Ray Station, the area in front of it provides the best views of the town of Banff and the Canadian Rockies.
At this point, the hiker must turn around and retrace their steps. My hike of the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk took around 90 minutes roundtrip. This time included multiple stops for photos and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Video Highlights - Sulphur Mountain and the Banff Gondola
Banff Gondola and Sulphur Mountain Tour Packages
If you have a rental car, a guide/tour is not needed to visit the Banff Gondola. The departure location is easy to find, and there are plenty of signs that display information atop Sulphur Mountain. Still, I know some people prefer to be led around by a local expert. Below are two packages that include a visit to Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a package using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 Classic Banff Day Tour: Banff, Sulphur Mountain, Johnston Canyon - $120.96 Spend a delightful day exploring the sights of Banff National Park on this full-day trip from Calgary. A great way to squeeze in visits to all the sights and natural wonders around Banff including Sulphur Mountain and Johnston Canyon without having to worry about organizing your own transport, you’ll also have a bilingual guide (Chinese and English) who can help you gain a deeper understanding about these phenomenal landscapes. |
 Banff Gondola Ride Admission - $46.55 Enjoy stunning panoramas of six different mountain ranges on the state-of-the-art Banff Gondola. Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of town and vistas of Canada's first national park. Walk along the ridge line at your leisure during your allotted time at the top, take plenty of photos, or visit a national historic site while appreciating the alpine scenery all around. |
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