Both Spectacular Views – But Which is Better?
While both offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, these are two very different experiences. While researching each I found the on-line info very confusing about what each experience offers. Hopefully this post will explain those differences.
The Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola was purpose built with one goal in mind. To get people to the top of Sulphur Mountain where they can soak in the expansive views of the Rockies. The Gondola ride itself takes about 8 minutes and climbs 700 meters. You arrive at a four story structure housing two restaurants, bathroom facilities, an interpretative center and viewing platforms.
Pursuit, the company behind the Banff Gondola, has constructed a board walk along the ridge from the gondola to Sanson’s peak, about 500 meters away. Take your time and enjoy the views of Banff, the Bow Valley and Lake Minnewanka. The thin air will force you to take things slowly. The structure at the top of Sanson’s Peak is a weather station (installed in 1903) and a Cosmic Ray Observatory (which was installed in 1957).
Summary for the Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola is all about the views. The Gondola and facilities are top notch as is the board walk to Sanson’s Peak. If you are looking for a unique experience at the top of the mountains, this is a good one to pick. Highly recommended.
The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola
I think the title of this experience says it all. This is primarily a ski resort, that has opened for the non-ski season. The views of Lake Louise and surrounding mountains are a sight to behold. One of the key selling points of the summer gondola is the chance to view wildlife, specifically Black and Grizzly Bears.
Image Courtesy of Lake Louise Ski Resort
You have a choice between taking a gondola, or if you are feeling adventurous, a chairlift as they have both installed on the same lift line. You arrive about half way up the mountain, with trails leading to a ski lodge with a restaurant, a small museum, and facilities. The lodge is also the starting point for a short guided hike on the outside of the fencing (which is installed to keep the bears out.) Facing the lodge is the Bow Valley, Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains. Really quite the sight to see.
So let’s talk about that wildlife experience. The Lake Louise Ski Resort is in the middle of a wildlife corridor. This means that it is heavily traversed by bears in their search for food, lodging and nests. To keep the bears away from visitors fencing surrounds the entire area you can explore. If you are an experienced hiker, there are gates allowing you to hike in the non-protected areas. There are chances to see wildlife from the gondola ride up and down, as well during your walk through the fenced in area. We arrived mid-September, and staff told us we were about one week too late. The bears had migrated to the opposite side of the mountain in their search for berries and other edibles.
Summary for the Lake Louise Ski Resort
Fantastic views of the Bow Valley and Lake Louise. I was disappointed that the lift does not reach the summit, just for views towards the East. While we did not see any animals, this is probably your best option for wildlife viewing.
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Links
Here are links to each location.
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