Lake Louise Gondola

Ride high above the rugged landscapes of Banff National Park, look for grizzly bears and go hiking amid pristine mountain countryside.

Admire the spectacular panoramas of Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains from the Lake Louise Gondola. Sit in an open chair or enclosed pod and be transported high over an area of breathtaking natural beauty. See grizzly bears in their natural habitat, hike along marked trails and join guided walks. Learn about the region’s plants, animals and history at an educational center.

A ride on Lake Louise Gondola lasts for 14 minutes. Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Watch as glacier-fed Lake Louise disappears into the distance. Gaze across wildflower meadows and look down on simmering hot springs.

The ride ends at a viewpoint at an elevation of 6,850 feet (2,088 meters), which offers additional magnificent panoramas of green mountain slopes, glacial valleys and towering peaks. Visit the Wildlife Interpretation Centre and discover the factors that make Banff National Park so special. Interactive exhibits provide education about explorers and wildlife such as bears, deer and wolves. Learn how to react if you meet a grizzly face-to-face.

Join guided walks, including the Trail of 7 Wonders, which highlights seven of the park’s threatened and valuable species. Follow scenic routes to mountaintop lookouts and have your camera ready to snap postcard-worthy shots. Hike the strenuous route to the top of Mt. Whitehorn. Watch for black, brown and grizzly bears in addition to cougars, elk, moose and wolverines.

The gondola starts from the base station of Lake Louise Ski Resort, about a 10-minute drive from the hamlet of Lake Louise. Pay to ride the year-round shuttle service operating from Banff, Calgary Airport, Calgary Downtown, Canmore or Jasper to Lake Louise. A free bus runs between the ski resort and Lake Louise hotels. If you drive, purchase a Parks Canada pass as you enter Banff National Park.

Lake Louise Gondola is open from May to October and again from mid-November through the ski season. Fees apply for the gondola and guided walks. Grizzly bears are frequently sighted from May through September. Bring warm clothing, even in summer, as weather conditions can change dramatically.