Elevate Your Rocky Mountain Experience at Banff Gondola Summit
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Up the mountain we go! This summer, Kev and I rode the gondola at Lake Louise all the way to the mountaintop. The views of turquoise Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, along with looming Mount Temple were so beautiful that they sent shivers of excitement down my spine. Few weeks later, I was back again. Only this time the destination was the all-new Banff Gondola Summit!
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Soaring to an altitude of 7,486 feet above sea level, the new Banff Gondola Summit is said to be the Rocky Mountains’ premier mountaintop destination that will heighten all of your senses. That alone sounded pretty exciting. Plus, I had never been on the Banff Gondola before. So when Brewster Canada invited me for the grand opening, I was thrilled to go above Banff and check out what this all-new, state-of-the-art venue has to offer!
Taking the gondola
My friend and I started our adventure with an 8-min scenic gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Sitting in a fully enclosed cabin, we glided through treetops and slowly seeing the various famous landmarks came into sight. Banff Upper Hot Springs, Fairmont Banff Springs, the Town of Banff, Lake Minnewanka, just to name a few.
A stunning bird’s-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges could be seen after disembarking at the upper terminal. Too bad the fog obscured the mountain view that day and we had no luck catching the breathtaking vistas… To give you an idea of what you would normally see on a clear day, I attached the following photo 😉
Sure, it was a bummer that the weather didn’t corporate, but we didn’t let that put us off! There were enough indoor activities and ways to make the most of this Rocky Mountain experience even when it was a bit cold (or wet) outside.
Banff Gondola Summit: Canada’s Most Iconic Mountaintop Experience
After 13-month, $26 million redevelopment, the upper terminal has transformed into something quite impressive! With interactive exhibits, new restaurants, a multi-sensory theatre and a rooftop observation deck, the Banff Gondola Summit offers a richer experience and really connects visitors with the Canadian Rockies. Here are the highlights of the new facilities:
Above Banff Interpretive Centre
Want to deepen your understanding of the landscape that surrounds you? Then a walkthrough the interactive exhibits is a must. You could find anything from the history of the region’s First Nations people and the discovery of the hot springs, to the distinct flora and fauna of the vast, sensitive ecosystem! We had such a blast playing with the hands-on interactive displays, which made learning even more fun and brought us closer to nature.
Above Banff Theatre
Take a seat at the multi-sensory theatre and soar over Banff National Park. The short presentation will take you through crisp blue waters of Lake Minnewanka, the awe-inspiring Glacier Skywalk, the majestic Columbia Icefield and more!
Elevated Dining
Ever wonder what it feels like to dine 2900 ft above Banff? This is your chance to find out! Several great dining options are available, including:
- Sky Bistro: The upscale bistro features a picturesque mountain backdrop and a distinctly Canadian menu using locally sourced meats, produce and ingredients. If you plan to dine here, I suggest you look into the Sky Experience package, which includes admission to the Banff Gondola and your choice of any two-courses from the menu (starting from $65; available from 4:30 PM). Reservation can be made on their website.
360-Degree Rooftop Observation Deck
If the weather permits, head over to the rooftop and embrace the panoramic views of six spectacular mountain ranges, the Bow River Valley and the Banff town site! The views are truly mesmerizing!
Banff Gondola Summit definitely is an exciting addition to the Canadian Rockies. There is so much more to see, learn and do than ever before. You can easily spend half a day here!
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Disclaimer: I was formally invited by Brewster Canada for the media event. All expenses were paid for by Brewster Canada. As always, all opinions on For Two, Please are my own and I only recommend services that I 100% stand behind.
Wow!
This seems an amazing experience!
I love mountains and hights!
Then you must ride the gondola in Banff, Beatriz! So much to do at the summit 🙂
What stunning views – how amazing to dine and look out over that vista. Brewster have done a top notch job on this 🙂
I was really impressed as well! Such a romantic spot to have a special dinner with the loved ones 🙂
We’ve been up there but not since the opening of this new development. What spectacular views!
I’d never been to the old one, but I heard it is a complete make-over! I’ll be going back and take my hubby on a romantic date at the Sky Bistro 🙂 Hopefully the weather will hold out then!
Wow this looks amazing!!!!! I’ve never heard of this before! #WeekendWanderlust
It is a new destination. I hope you get to check it out soon. It is really phenomenal!
Oh wow! This is the way to go to the top! I love places where you can reach killer views in an easy way. Sorry the weather didn’t cooperate but at least, you got a nice attitude about it and enjoyed the experience.
Even though the weather was foggy and we didn’t see the view, we had a fabulous time exploring inside! We will be going back soon. Hopefully we will have better luck with the weather then!
Hello, from #weekendwanderlust
I love seeing photos of Banff; they always stun me! I would love to ride this gondola, amazing photos, thanks for sharing this experience.
Katie
You’re welcome, Katie! It was quite an experience and I was impressed with the redevelopment. Have you been to Banff? You should check out this new attraction when you get a chance!
Oh wow what a view! This looks absolutely incredible. Beautiful all year round too – not just in the snow-covered winter. Gorgeous! #weekendwanderlust
You’re right, Juliette! Knowing that it is open year round, I would come back each season to enjoy the view 🙂
I do love a good gondola ride and it looks like the restaurant and the visitor center at the top make it that much more interesting. And the view– wow!
All the new facilities really are built to heighten all your 5 senses!
So on my list – and the Sky Bistro and views looks fantastic!
It really is a must-see attraction in Banff!
That is awesome! We’ve been known to take the gondola up to a mountain top or two. I would definitely take this ride and enjoy those gorgeous views.
That’s fantastic, Jim! Now, you’ve got another one on your list 😉
I love the mountains in the winter and in the summer. What a great place to visit is Banff. I’d love to return after almost 20 years to see how it looks like nowadays.
It would be nice to revisit the Rockies! It always gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I’ve visited already.
I want that exact same experience! Banff has been on my radar for a few years now. Looks like an amazing visit.
It is a must-see in Canada!! So many beautiful places inside the national park. Come and visit soon!
We used to live in Banff so this is an amazing reminder of how beautiful the area is! Thanks for sharing!
What? You used to live in Banff? I am envious – I love the mountains and each week, I am thinking of going back there 😛
The view from the Sky Cafe looks incredible. I wonder what it would be like to watch a storm come in. Probably beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Hopefully they wouldn’t have to rush you down the mountain on the gondolas. On a clear day, I bet you could see forever.
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This looks absolutely amazing! I was in Banff in 2010 + 1012, but didn’t do this either time. To be honest I didn’t even hear about it. However, I know I’ll be making another journey to Banff someday and this will be part of my trip. I’m not afraid of heights, but I am afraid of cables breaking! Haha! So, I have to ask, did it feel pretty secure?
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