We thought the Banff Gondola was a bit overrated and too touristy. Good views but not great for Canadian Rockies standards and overpriced and crowded. We ended doing the Kicking Horse Gondola in Golden later in our trip and we were very impressed with it. Great views, bigger mountains, and an adventurous hike at the top. Also less people, less expensive and they had a grizzly bear refuge.
My wife & I visited Banff Gondola in 2017, and it was worth the price and visit. Now in July 2024, we are bringing our 2 adult "kids" and a daughter-in-law. Can't wait for them to see and experience the Gondola.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I went back again in the winter season and we tried their buffet restaurant they have at the top! So yum! We hope you all enjoy it again this summer!
This was very informative. My partner and I are heading to Banff later this year and your tour was quite helpful. I'm not sure about the Gondala as I don't like heights but we will see. Thanks for the vid!
Thanks for watching! I find the prices can vary depending on the date, how far in advance you purchase and if you are from Alberta (as you do get a discount there too!) Glad you enjoyed the gondola!
Before watching I'll say yes, IF it's a decently clear day. I've been to Banff 3 times and gone up twice (third time skipped as it was clouded in). The ride up / down is fun and the view is nothing short of amazing. Do yourself a favor and ensure that if you are able to, walk the boardwalk to the end. There is also educational stuff to do and a film you can watch as well. I've eaten at the Sky Bistro? And once it was very good and once not so much (good but nothing was hot...made me wonder if I would get sick, although I didn't). Yes, it's a little pricey and if you're a family even more so but I would find ways to cut expenses down (stay in hotel with a kitchen and prep your own meals, skip that coffee house and drink from a drip maker, it all adds up) cause you'll never remember the time you ate at mcds in Banff every morning but you will remember this.
Nice Video. You gave a lot of tips and info. How much time do we need at the top? is 3 hours enough to hike the sulphur peak and return back? Also you mentioned about parking in Banff train station and taking bus. Do you need to reserve the bus ride in advance? Thanks
Yes 3 hours should be enough time. It all depends on all you want to do. As far as the local bus is concerned a day pass is $5. And it includes going up to the gondola. Here is a link in how to find bus tickets. roamtransit.com/fares/
We have always enjoyed going up the gondola although it has been many years since we have done it. (I think the price has doubled since I was there last)
Thanks for this I enjoyed your video so much but was it actually worth it? Going to Banff in a week and I'm still thinking of buying tickets for Gondola.
Thanks for watching! I quiet enjoyed it. As someone who lives closer I could go at a slower time of year and save money. However if this is a once in a lifetime or so event for you then I suggest for-sure doing it.
Yes. Everyone who goes to Banff national park has to purchase a pass. I had to look myself. If your traveling through and not stopping then you don’t need a pass.
From my experience the earlier the better. When I arrived at 9am there was lots of parking left. (Lot was about half full) They do open earlier I believe at 8am. So if you could get an earlier ticket I say go for it!
Very expensive for a family though. Make a day of it summer or winter and hike up and down for free. Takes about an hour each way, plenty of free parking at the trailhead but make sure you have a Banff day pass if driving in.......
It's all uphill, except on the way back. Also, I believe, for a fee, you can ride down. Interestingly, The Gondola uses electrical energy to take you up the mountain but when you come down they recover some of that gravity generated energy and convert it to electricity to be returned to the grid for revenue. They should pay you for the ride down..lol.
We thought the Banff Gondola was a bit overrated and too touristy. Good views but not great for Canadian Rockies standards and overpriced and crowded. We ended doing the Kicking Horse Gondola in Golden later in our trip and we were very impressed with it. Great views, bigger mountains, and an adventurous hike at the top. Also less people, less expensive and they had a grizzly bear refuge.
Hey there! Thanks for the video. My husband and I are heading up to Banff in a few weeks, and this was very helpful! ☺️
Thanks for watching and have tons of fun!
The views from the top are truly breathtaking, It’s an experience that's worth every bit of the ticket price.
I totally agree!
I agree with you. We just spent 2 weeks in Banff and Jasper (camping), and the Rocky Mountains are breathtaking. You need to see them in person.
The views are indeed breathtaking!
My wife & I visited Banff Gondola in 2017, and it was worth the price and visit. Now in July 2024, we are bringing our 2 adult "kids" and a daughter-in-law. Can't wait for them to see and experience the Gondola.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I went back again in the winter season and we tried their buffet restaurant they have at the top! So yum! We hope you all enjoy it again this summer!
This was very informative. My partner and I are heading to Banff later this year and your tour was quite helpful. I'm not sure about the Gondala as I don't like heights but we will see. Thanks for the vid!
Thanks! I’m glad I was able to give some good information! It’s a lot of fun! I hope you enjoy your trip there!
It’s actually $60 a ticket, I just went up. It was fun! I’m even watching this while I am at the top of the mountain!
Thanks for watching! I find the prices can vary depending on the date, how far in advance you purchase and if you are from Alberta (as you do get a discount there too!) Glad you enjoyed the gondola!
you can always walk up to the top for free. there is a nice path and takes about an hour.
I did see the people walking up. Looks like a good work out!
Before watching I'll say yes, IF it's a decently clear day. I've been to Banff 3 times and gone up twice (third time skipped as it was clouded in).
The ride up / down is fun and the view is nothing short of amazing. Do yourself a favor and ensure that if you are able to, walk the boardwalk to the end.
There is also educational stuff to do and a film you can watch as well. I've eaten at the Sky Bistro? And once it was very good and once not so much (good but nothing was hot...made me wonder if I would get sick, although I didn't).
Yes, it's a little pricey and if you're a family even more so but I would find ways to cut expenses down (stay in hotel with a kitchen and prep your own meals, skip that coffee house and drink from a drip maker, it all adds up) cause you'll never remember the time you ate at mcds in Banff every morning but you will remember this.
I agree. For a lot of people it’s once in a lifetime and it’s worth it!
I am enjoyed with you to see gondola it is bueatifull Banff national Park. Thanks
Thanks for checking our video out! You are right, Banff is very beautiful!
@@jmventures6296 welcome i holp visit Banff national Park.
I went up on this gondola and it was so cool. Actually snowed. Yes. Its worth the cost.
I would like to go back with snow up there and eat at one of the restaurants.
I love Gondolas Can you Please Ride more Gondolas
I was thinking of doing the jasper and/or the peak to peak gondola in Whistler! Any ones you would like to see done?
Kicking Horse Gondola in Golden BC has great views if you are in the area
I rode the gondola the summer of 2017. I don't recall exactly how much it cost, but it was certainly nowhere near $80.
Prices go up that’s for sure. I find if you bc an go on the off season you can save some money.
Nice Video. You gave a lot of tips and info. How much time do we need at the top? is 3 hours enough to hike the sulphur peak and return back? Also you mentioned about parking in Banff train station and taking bus. Do you need to reserve the bus ride in advance? Thanks
Yes 3 hours should be enough time. It all depends on all you want to do. As far as the local bus is concerned a day pass is $5. And it includes going up to the gondola. Here is a link in how to find bus tickets. roamtransit.com/fares/
We have always enjoyed going up the gondola although it has been many years since we have done it. (I think the price has doubled since I was there last)
Yes the prices sure have gone up over time. I will say it’s nice to have lots of things to do once your up there!
Thanks for the video dude it was really nice and helpful ❤ but I'm sad for you cuz you didn't get a chance to meet with white Bear 🐻😂
🤣 I never get a break! Thanks for watching!
@@jmventures6296 haha 🤣 it's all right buddy maybe next year we'll meet and start searching for some Bears 🐻 take care
Thanks for this I enjoyed your video so much but was it actually worth it? Going to Banff in a week and I'm still thinking of buying tickets for Gondola.
Thanks for watching! I quiet enjoyed it. As someone who lives closer I could go at a slower time of year and save money. However if this is a once in a lifetime or so event for you then I suggest for-sure doing it.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for checking out our video! 😃
❤❤
Thanks for stopping by!
Do I have to purchase Banff National Park Pass even if I commute through Public Transit?
Yes. Everyone who goes to Banff national park has to purchase a pass. I had to look myself. If your traveling through and not stopping then you don’t need a pass.
If you are driving in yes
“You'll never remember the cost of that cool thing you wanted to do, but you will always remember the experience.”
So true!
What is the best time to go to get parking and beat the crowds?
From my experience the earlier the better. When I arrived at 9am there was lots of parking left. (Lot was about half full) They do open earlier I believe at 8am. So if you could get an earlier ticket I say go for it!
Visit Banff in June or September to avoid the ridiculous crowds.
Very expensive for a family though. Make a day of it summer or winter and hike up and down for free. Takes about an hour each way, plenty of free parking at the trailhead but make sure you have a Banff day pass if driving in.......
I think the tip about remembering your Banff day pass is great!
Wow that's pricey now and I live in Calgary.
I agree. I find going in the slow season you can save some money.
Great video Best yet. I has cheeseburger now.
Thanks! It was fun to film and edit!
Is flying drone allowed?
According the Banff National Park website they do not allow it.
parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff?wbdisable=true#:~:text=Banff%20is%20part%20of%20the,Banff%20National%20Park%20is%20prohibited.
Hello Brother can you buy tickets for walk ins? Thanks
Yes you can! Just be prepared to have to wait to go on the gondola if they are super busy. But I saw lots of people buying tickets when they arrived.
@@jmventures6296 Thank you
Once a decade is how often I go up the Banff Gondola.
Everything I go I still love it!
This is something that always feels like a ripoff but you buy it anyway😂
You know it! Every time! 🤣
The Doug DiMoro of Gondola reviewers.
🤣 Thanks!
TIL: mountains have lots of stairs on them. But why would herbivores be anticipating cheeseburgers?
These are special mountains! Now I know why it cost $80 to go up! About those goats…. Maybe they are into vegan cheeseburgers! 🤣
Those were mountain sheep, mountain goats have black horns and are white
That I did not know. Thanks! I can be bad with my animals.
Bighorn sheep. Those were ewes and lambs.
80 CAD?
Yes. $80 CAD
No that is tooooo e expensive.
It’s not for everyone that’s forsure
I used to walk up. did it many times. free
I bet it’s a great hike! I will have to do it one of these days!
It's all uphill, except on the way back. Also, I believe, for a fee, you can ride down. Interestingly, The Gondola uses electrical energy to take you up the mountain but when you come down they recover some of that gravity generated energy and convert it to electricity to be returned to the grid for revenue. They should pay you for the ride down..lol.
80 Dollar ein Weg? Nein, definitiv nicht. Man kann bei normaler Fitness auch zu Fuss raufsteigen. Kein Problem und das grössere Erlebnis.
80 $ Hin- und Rückfahrt pro Person. Ich bin jedoch sicher, dass die Wanderung allein schon ein tolles Erlebnis ist!
Can you go at night
Yes you can! They offer late night / sunset dinners and other activities.