Banff Gondola - The Spirit Mountain Cable Car

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.

The Sulphur Mountain Cable Car is Open in October
The Sulphur Mountain Cable Car (Banff Gondola) is Open in October

Riding the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car (Banff Gondola) in October - Table of Contents

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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.

The Entrance to the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car's (Banff Gondola) Departure Point
The Entrance to the Sulphur Mountain Cable Car's (Banff Gondola) Departure Point

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.

Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain Cable Car) Ticket Prices
Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain Cable Car) Ticket Prices

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.

Boarding the Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain Cable Car)
Boarding the Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain Cable Car)

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 Giant Canadian Flag - Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform
The Giant Canadian Flag - Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform

The Sulphur Mountain observation platform provides a stunning view of the town of Banff as well as the Canadian Rockies.

Looking Towards the Town of Banff from Sulphur Mountain
Looking Towards the Town of Banff from Sulphur Mountain

Along the rail of the Sulphur Mountain viewing platform, there is an informational board that tells visitors what sights they are viewing.

Signs Show the Key Sights - Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform
Signs Show the Key Sights - Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform
Signs Show the Key Sights - Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform
The View from the Sign

One of those sights is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which is one of the fanciest hotels in all of Canada.

Zoomed in on the Fairmont Banff Springs from the Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform
Zoomed in on the Fairmont Banff Springs from the Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform

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.

Looking Opposite of the Town of Banff from the Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform
Looking Opposite of the Town of Banff from the Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform

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.

The Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
The Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk

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.

The Beginning of the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
The Beginning of the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk

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.

The Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
The Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk

About half way to the Cosmic Ray Station, there is a side trail that branches off of the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk. 

A Side Trail - The Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
A Side Trail - 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.

Thousands of Pine Trees - Seen from the Side Trail - Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
Thousands of Pine Trees - Seen from the Side Trail - Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk

Once back on the trail, hikers should be sure to stop at the various viewing platforms on the way to the Cosmic Ray Station.

Looking Towards the Town of Banff from the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
Looking Towards the Town of Banff from the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk

Eventually, tourists will arrive at the base of  Cosmic Ray Station.

The Cosmic Ray Station at the End of the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk
The Cosmic Ray Station at the End of the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk

 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.

View from the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station
View from the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station

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.

Looking Back Towards the Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform
Looking Back Towards the Sulphur Mountain Observation Platform

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 Including Sulphur Mountain
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.
- Discover the beauty of Banff National Park on a day trip from - Calgary
- Take a trip up Sulphur Mountain on Banff Gondola (additional cost)
- See natural wonders like Bow Falls and Johnston Canyon
- Includes transportation, national park fees, and tour guide

Banff Gondola Ride Admission
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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