Sulphur Mountain
Sulphur Mountain
4.5
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Hike or ride to the top of this scenic mountain.
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136 within 3 miles
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52 within 6 miles
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- Marc WWeymouth, United Kingdom1,949 contributionsAmazing viewsThe experience from start to finish was amazing, the views from the gondola ride going both up amd down were breathtaking! We didn't book in advance, we just arrived, paid and got straight onto the gondola, and also quickly purchased some supplies from the Starbucks to enjoy at the top. The views were outstanding, it was a perfectly clear day, we did the boardwalk to the old weather station place, and even saw a tiny Pika doing its thing! Living at sea level we did notice the difference in the air at the 2000mtrs but we plodded on! And once we finished the boardwalk we treated ourselves to a nice glass of wine from the cafe and sat outside to enjoy the wonderful views.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 3, 2023
- SeniorTravelerTF1,223 contributionsmore than the gondola - and dress in layers even in summerWe went for the gondola ride, which takes about eight minutes one way. In itself that is interesting - but expensive. But pleasantly surprised that the experience is more inclusive. There is a small group of exhibits at the top about local geography, geology and culture. There is a snack shop and more formal restaurant (where you will want to make reservations, especially is you request a window table). The deck is expansive with impressive views in all directions. A wooden walkway, about 2/3 of a mile leads to the historic cosmic ray station, with interesting signs along the way. And the cosmic ray station is a unique scientific oddity. So what we thought was a gondola ride became, pleasantly, quite a bit more. Still expensive, but more justifiable. An additional plus: we reserved a time for the gondola ride but arrived early (the outstanding bus system stops here) and the staff easily accommodated us without a wait. BTW, it's windy and much cooler at the top.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 29, 2023
- Leh4 contributionsEasy hike with amazing viewsEasy trail. Steep gradual switchback inclines. The iews at the top were unbelievable. Kid friendly trail. Right along the gondola. At the top, you get 360 view of mountains and the town. Nice eatery and shop up there as well. Lots and lots of seating along the stair ways.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 10, 2024
- GregAurora, Canada18 contributionsSulphur hikeGreat place. Nice trail up. Took 1 hour and 30 mins for two 50 year olds and a 17 year old. Amazing views. Was not a difficult trail so family friendly.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 21, 2024
- robert-not-home2,384 contributionsSpectacular viewsStunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are full services at the top (restaurant, toilets, etc.). You can hike up / down or take the gondola both ways or just one direction (decide in advance as if you book a round trip on the gondola and decide to hike down no refund). The gondola boarding is based on times and they regulate it. I just showed up and was able to get on in about 40 minutes. I decided to hike down and the trail is very well marked. Cooler at the top for sure so bring a layer or two.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten August 31, 2024
- FleetRacerFleet, United Kingdom204 contributionsStunning just stunningAfter the pleasant gondola ride we managed the 370 steps that took us to the top observation point of Sulphur mountain. The views from the various platforms was breathtaking and has got our trip off to a very special start. People you meet along the way are friendly and often offer to take a photo to avoid the struggle of a selfie. Although late for our gondola to take us down they slotted us in with a smile. Fabulous experience do not be put off the boardwalk to the observation point just take it slowly and with breaks if required.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
755 reviews
Excellent
528
Very good
187
Average
29
Poor
4
Terrible
7
Mack721
United Kingdom16 contributions
Jun 2019
Took the cable car up to the top of the mountain. Very busy with other groups so had to queue both ways which we were used to doing as we were a group of about 30 ourselves. Absolutely stunning views over Banff and all around. 1 of our party did the extra walk out along the mountain while we watched her. Lovely hot chocolate to warm us up in the cafe. Even had a piano for anyone to play if they wanted to just like on the train station platforms these days.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,223 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We went for the gondola ride, which takes about eight minutes one way. In itself that is interesting - but expensive. But pleasantly surprised that the experience is more inclusive. There is a small group of exhibits at the top about local geography, geology and culture. There is a snack shop and more formal restaurant (where you will want to make reservations, especially is you request a window table). The deck is expansive with impressive views in all directions. A wooden walkway, about 2/3 of a mile leads to the historic cosmic ray station, with interesting signs along the way. And the cosmic ray station is a unique scientific oddity. So what we thought was a gondola ride became, pleasantly, quite a bit more. Still expensive, but more justifiable. An additional plus: we reserved a time for the gondola ride but arrived early (the outstanding bus system stops here) and the staff easily accommodated us without a wait. BTW, it's windy and much cooler at the top.
Written October 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chamu Mnyamani
7 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
I had my greatest experience on Suphur Mountain with great view and great Lunch.served by ever joyful and friendly Waiters and great food .My lunch was great on my specail birthday occasion on 18 April 2022.Maddie was the most kind and polite Waitress who seved mr and made my day specail .I recommend anyone visiting Banff dont miss to have lunch ot breakfast or dinner at the restaurant on Top of Mt Suphurr ,Banff Gondola .
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marc W
Weymouth, UK1,949 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The experience from start to finish was amazing, the views from the gondola ride going both up amd down were breathtaking!
We didn't book in advance, we just arrived, paid and got straight onto the gondola, and also quickly purchased some supplies from the Starbucks to enjoy at the top.
The views were outstanding, it was a perfectly clear day, we did the boardwalk to the old weather station place, and even saw a tiny Pika doing its thing!
Living at sea level we did notice the difference in the air at the 2000mtrs but we plodded on! And once we finished the boardwalk we treated ourselves to a nice glass of wine from the cafe and sat outside to enjoy the wonderful views.
We didn't book in advance, we just arrived, paid and got straight onto the gondola, and also quickly purchased some supplies from the Starbucks to enjoy at the top.
The views were outstanding, it was a perfectly clear day, we did the boardwalk to the old weather station place, and even saw a tiny Pika doing its thing!
Living at sea level we did notice the difference in the air at the 2000mtrs but we plodded on! And once we finished the boardwalk we treated ourselves to a nice glass of wine from the cafe and sat outside to enjoy the wonderful views.
Written October 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex H
Huddersfield, UK445 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Whatever you do, don’t book this ahead of time.
A 2 star review seems harsh as on a clear day I am sure that the views would be spectacular but this is too expensive a ride to have to go on it if the weather is against you as it was for us and the clouds and snow close in.
We saw absolutely nothing on this trip. Could not even see to the edge of the mountain that we were on.
But if the weather is good, then I feel sure the views would be great.
A 2 star review seems harsh as on a clear day I am sure that the views would be spectacular but this is too expensive a ride to have to go on it if the weather is against you as it was for us and the clouds and snow close in.
We saw absolutely nothing on this trip. Could not even see to the edge of the mountain that we were on.
But if the weather is good, then I feel sure the views would be great.
Written June 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick D
Calgary, Canada1,214 contributions
Jun 2020
We try to do this hike at least once each summer and sometimes in the shoulder seasons too (take hiking crampons - you'd be surprised when you might need them). It is a great workout and the rewarding view at the top never gets old. And now with the expansion of the Upper Terminal it's a great spot to read about the park, the mountain, the weather station (cosmic ray station) and the wildlife in the area.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kburns195
Ontario, Canada30 contributions
Feb 2020
If you want to get some amazing pictures of the landscape, this is the place for you! However I would recommend doing it on a sunny day!
Once up there you can grab a bite to eat. I would recommend the Sky Bistro! The Beef Stroganoff is the best pasta dish I have ever had!
You can also hike up to the Cosmic Ray Station. It will take you about 20 minutes, and can be challenging at times due to the number of steps (the boardwalk is nice to walk on), but worth it when you get to the top!
Once up there you can grab a bite to eat. I would recommend the Sky Bistro! The Beef Stroganoff is the best pasta dish I have ever had!
You can also hike up to the Cosmic Ray Station. It will take you about 20 minutes, and can be challenging at times due to the number of steps (the boardwalk is nice to walk on), but worth it when you get to the top!
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline D
26 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
I hate cable cars, but I would encourage anyone like me to face their fears as I did, because it was absolutely worth the few minutes of terror getting up and down the mountain- and even though I hated it I did recognise that it is a really well run operation.
The views from the top are totally worth it. The boardwalk takes you right across the top of the mountain which maximises your views and keeps wildlife and humans separate and safe. You easily while away a couple of hours at the top , and there is some really informative and interactive info in the centre at the top. Well worth it.
The views from the top are totally worth it. The boardwalk takes you right across the top of the mountain which maximises your views and keeps wildlife and humans separate and safe. You easily while away a couple of hours at the top , and there is some really informative and interactive info in the centre at the top. Well worth it.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drew r
Red Deer, Canada6 contributions
May 2022 • Family
The sights were beautiful as always. However they make you have a departure from the peak time. You can’t go earlier or later then your chosen time.
There was a “manager” that was being extremely confrontational with some of the guests in regards to the departure times. It was awkward to watch, but like any great train wreck you gotta keep your side eye on it.
Long and short. You don’t leave the peak at your picked time. You get to stand in line to leave. Don’t try to get in line earlier then your leaving time either. You will end up being kicked out of the line after waiting for 10min to find out…..
All that being said, we had our departure from the peak time picked for 4:30. Didn’t get loaded in the gondola until 5:10.
There was a “manager” that was being extremely confrontational with some of the guests in regards to the departure times. It was awkward to watch, but like any great train wreck you gotta keep your side eye on it.
Long and short. You don’t leave the peak at your picked time. You get to stand in line to leave. Don’t try to get in line earlier then your leaving time either. You will end up being kicked out of the line after waiting for 10min to find out…..
All that being said, we had our departure from the peak time picked for 4:30. Didn’t get loaded in the gondola until 5:10.
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gage
1 contribution
Aug 2020
I recently connected with the Banff/ Jasper Collection program team to help coordinate a surprise engagement proposal at the peak of Sulphur Mountain. The team was extremely supportive, adaptive and patient throughout the planning. They were able to provide exclusive offers for photo locations and customized orders for prepared food outdoors. We also enjoyed being able to view over the Banff golf club, the lakes, Downtown Banff and the Fairmount Hotel.
The views were fantastic and totally worth the gondola ride (or the hike) up the mountain. My family enjoyed a meal inside at Northern Lights, which also was 5-star customer service and quality.
Overall, Sulphur mountain provides stunning views, opportunities for romance, the best customer service and high quality food & drink.
The views were fantastic and totally worth the gondola ride (or the hike) up the mountain. My family enjoyed a meal inside at Northern Lights, which also was 5-star customer service and quality.
Overall, Sulphur mountain provides stunning views, opportunities for romance, the best customer service and high quality food & drink.
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long does the hike take to go down? Would the hike down be kid friendly for a 8 year old and 5 year old
Written April 9, 2024
Est-ce que le mont Sulphur est plus spectaculaire en ete où hiver
Written March 11, 2021
It’s free to hike up. There are seemingly never ending switchbacks and you need a level of fitness but it’s definitely doable and you save lots of money on the cable car. We enjoyed this hike especially as you can soak in the thermal pool after.
Written December 20, 2020
Going in mid-April and hopefully there will still be a lot of snow as our main activity will be snowboarding. We want to get a few hikes in as well, however. Do we actually need spikes or can we get by with (the much cheaper) Yaktrax?
Written February 23, 2019
All depends on the weather conditions. You will probably be just fine with Yaktrax as long as you are not planning on any really big elevation hikes. Lower elevations might be fine without yaks too. I trail run without either usually by then, all depends on mama nature. Check conditions before you go, be prepared and have fun!
Written February 25, 2019
Bonjour,
Je souhaite me rendre au Mont Sulfur prochainement, j'avais envie d'y aller en fin de journée et regarder le couche de soleil. Qu'en pensez vous? Faisable ou non? Dangereux la descente le soir à pied?
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses
Written September 5, 2018
Hi ! We are seeing a lot of gondola ride and we don't want to spend all our money on that. Which one should we do between the sunshine meadows gondola and the sulphur mountain gondola ? Thanks
Written August 17, 2018
Sulpher Mountain is the best-great views and the boardwalks to walk up are very nice! You have amazing views from many areas!
Written August 20, 2018
Is there a way to purchase a gondola ride down if we choose to hike up? Or, would we have to pay the full, round-trip price? We will be in the park early July 2017.
Written February 23, 2017
Absolutely, you can buy one way down no problem. Can't remember the cost and take about 9 minutes with an option of a picture purchase, or essential and no hassle. Enjoy
Written March 4, 2017
Is there any other way to get up to the Sulphur Mountain viewing deck while the gondola is down for maintenance? So devastated, this was what we've been looking to for our whole trip after visiting in 2015.
Written January 20, 2017
Sure, but this is a high altitude site, and you had better be vigorously fit to do so!
Written June 6, 2017
Does it cost money to hike Sulphur mountain? Is there parking available and if so do you know if there is a fee? I am taking a trip to Banff next month and everyone tells me to go on this hike. I want to make sure I have my bases covered, so if you have answers to those questions that would be great! Thanks! :)
Written April 22, 2016
Parking is free on both parkings, thr hot springs and gondola parking. 🙂
Written September 12, 2016
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