Coming to a town like Banff is not the same as going to a big city. You don’t have to waste much time on transport and almost everything is walkable from your hotel. The sightseeing is generally all natural. It is not about architecture and thousand year old pavements. It is about wildlife, tall trees, surrounding mountains and drinking in as much beauty as possible while breathing in the freshest air in the world. One great way to this with a difference is the Banff Gondola.
You get some of the best sights of the Rockies from the Banff Gondola.
This is a “must do” while in Banff National Park. You can walk to the top of Sulphur Mountain to see these views but the Gondola is a really fun and unique way of seeing the Rockies comfortably from a hundred different viewpoints. At the top, you can jump out and treat yourself to a coffee before going out onto the roof where there are 360 degree views and a viewing platform. You will see a bird’s eye view of Banff town, the Fairmont Banff Springs and golf course. You will see miles of trees standing to attention of the slopes of Sulphur. There are signs at the top that tell you exactly how far away most major cities in the world are from where you are standing and on a clear day you really believe you could see them!
The ride itself takes eight minutes and takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a superb, fully-enclosed four passenger gondola. As you climb the 2,292 feet, the views just keep getting better. At the very top you will be standing at 7,486ft above sea level (depending on your height!). As far as Banff activities go, this really is a “must do”. Wait for a clear day and get the camera ready, the Canadian Rockies do not disappoint.