Sunshine Meadows
Accessible alpine paradise in Banff National Park, offering stunning mountain views via gondola and scenic hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers & fewer crowds
Sunshine Meadows
Best Time
Wildflowers & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Accessible alpine paradise in Banff National Park, offering stunning mountain views via gondola and scenic hikes.
"The gondola gives you helicopter views of the mountains in a safe and calm way."
Pack Layers & Bear Spray
Weather changes fast! Bring layers, water, food, and bear spray for safety.
Gondola is Accessible
The gondola is a smooth ride, even for those with mild height concerns.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunshine Gondola Ride
Base to Sunshine Village
Soar above the Rockies for breathtaking, helicopter-like mountain vistas. A smooth and scenic ascent.
Standish Viewing Deck
Sunshine Meadows
Panoramic alpine views and the literal Great Divide line between Alberta and BC. Unforgettable scenery.
Alpine Lake Hikes
Various trails from Sunshine Village
Explore trails leading to turquoise lakes like Grizzly, Laryx, and Rock Isle. Wildflowers abound in summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gondola Ride & Altitude
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Layers & Bear Spray
Weather changes fast! Bring layers, water, food, and bear spray for safety.
Gondola is Accessible
The gondola is a smooth ride, even for those with mild height concerns.
Consider the Chairlift
Take the chairlift higher for even more stunning views and access to more trails.
Altitude Awareness
The air is thinner at 2500m; pace yourself and don't overexert.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Layers & Bear Spray
Weather changes fast! Bring layers, water, food, and bear spray for safety.
Gondola is Accessible
The gondola is a smooth ride, even for those with mild height concerns.
Consider the Chairlift
Take the chairlift higher for even more stunning views and access to more trails.
Altitude Awareness
The air is thinner at 2500m; pace yourself and don't overexert.
Vegetarian Options Available
Mad Trapper's offers good veggie poutine and other options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery, accessible gondola and chairlift rides, and the stunning alpine lakes. Many highlight the ease of reaching incredible mountain views without strenuous effort, making it ideal for families and those seeking a less demanding hike. Some note that food can be expensive and advise being prepared for thinner air at altitude.
"Spend an entire summer day here!! A couple of hours was not nearly enough!! The gondola gives you helicopter views of the mountains in a safe and calm way. Then you can take a chair lift even higher! You can take multiple hikes and the views are stunning! It’s not too crowded and the staff are all really knowledgeable, helpful, and care deeply about the local environmental treasures. Bring bear spray, food, water, and layers. It’s an awesome way to be in, on, and with the mountains, lakes, and wildlife. Gorgeous!!"
Aubry Dodge-Fry
"Amazing scenery and staff! The gondala experience was really awesome they stopped it for us to get off and on with a chair. They gave us champagne for our anniversary which was so nice. They also accommodated us with a golf cart to get back and forth from the hotel to gondala but thank goodness we had an electric chair to help get around. Husband has mobility issues. Room was so hot the first night. No AC. Only fans. Beds were ok... No hand held shower but a beautiful tub difficult for accessibility to get in and out... due to high walls. They did provide a shower chair. The rails are to high and block view if you want to enjoy the deck unfortunately. The chimney restaurant was sub par and cost a fortune! Stick to trappers cabin the food was great and atmosphere welcoming. The experience of gondala, bellhop service and staff made this place amazing. Thank you!"
Amanda & Punky
"Rode the gondola, grabbed lunch at Mad Trapper's where I was impressed with the vegetarian options (best veggie poutine gravy I've had!), then rode the chairlift and enjoyed the beautiful trail back to the base via Rock Island Lake. I wish I had had the time to do a longer hike (like Laryx lake for obvious reasons XD XD). Still we were treated to beautiful wildflowers and scenery in some of the best hiking I've done in Banff!!
We met ground squirrels on the trail and mountain goats at the gondola midstation in a VERY close encounter, I was worried we'd hit them but they knew what they were doing!
Do be aware that the air is noticeably thinner at 2500m and that you won't be able to hike as strenuously as you might be used to! Also plan for the fact that food is just more expensive at a ski area, but it's not outrageous compared to what I've experienced elsewhere."
Larch Bocek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Sunshine Meadows is by taking the Sunshine Village gondola from the base station, located about a 20-minute drive from Banff townsite. +1 You can park at the base and then ride the gondola up to Sunshine Village. From there, you can take a chairlift to access the meadows.
Yes, parking is available at the Sunshine Village base station. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends or during peak season, is recommended for easier parking.
While there are hiking trails that start from the base, the most popular way to access the meadows is via the gondola and chairlift system. This allows access to higher alpine areas.
The drive is scenic and takes approximately 20-30 minutes from Banff. The road is well-maintained, but always check for any advisories or road conditions before you go.
The main access is via the Sunshine Village gondola. While some accommodations might offer transport to the gondola base, the gondola itself is the primary 'shuttle' to the meadows.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically cover the gondola and chairlift access. It's best to check the official Banff Sunshine Village website for current pricing and package deals.
While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance, especially for summer, is recommended to secure your spot and potentially avoid queues.
A standard ticket usually includes the gondola ride from the base to Sunshine Village and the chairlift ride to access the upper meadows.
Look for potential discounts for children, seniors, or package deals on the Banff Sunshine Village website. Sometimes, booking online in advance can offer savings.
Operating hours vary by season. It's crucial to check the Banff Sunshine Village website for the most up-to-date information on gondola and chairlift operating times.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the Sunshine Meadows Loop, trails to Grizzly Lake, Laryx Lake, and Rock Isle Lake. The Healy Pass trail is a longer option for experienced hikers. +1
Yes, Sunshine Meadows is excellent for beginners and families. The gondola and chairlift make accessing the alpine areas easy, and there are many gentle trails. +1
You might spot ground squirrels, mountain goats, and deer. Remember to keep a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
Dress in layers as mountain weather can change quickly. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential. Bring a waterproof jacket and sun protection.
Typically, pets are not allowed on the gondola or in the alpine areas to protect the fragile ecosystem and wildlife. Check the official policy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining facilities at Sunshine Village, including Mad Trapper's and the Chimney Restaurant. Food can be pricey, so consider bringing snacks.
Food at ski resort areas tends to be more expensive due to the location. While not outrageous, expect higher prices than in town.
Yes, Mad Trapper's is noted for having good vegetarian options, including vegetarian poutine.
Bringing your own food and water is a great way to save money and ensure you have what you need for your hikes.
Mad Trapper's is often recommended for its food and welcoming atmosphere, with good vegetarian choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The Standish Viewing Deck offers panoramic shots. The trails around Grizzly Lake, Laryx Lake, and Rock Isle Lake provide stunning alpine scenery. +1
Yes, the gondola ride offers incredible opportunities for photography with unobstructed views of the mountains.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots. Midday offers clear views but can be harsh.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera will allow for higher quality landscape shots.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and respect any posted signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Accessible Alpine Views
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sunshine Gondola Experience
For those seeking even higher vantage points, a chairlift operates from Sunshine Village, taking you further into the heart of the meadows. This second ascent provides a more open-air experience and brings you even closer to the hiking trails. The combination of the gondola and chairlift makes Sunshine Meadows exceptionally accessible, allowing people of all fitness levels to enjoy the stunning alpine environment.
Hiking Trails and Scenery
For more ambitious hikers, the Healy Pass trail offers a longer, more challenging out-and-back option, rewarding trekkers with expansive views and vibrant wildflower displays, especially in early August.
Wildlife and Environmental Awareness
The area is also home to a fragile alpine ecosystem. Stick to marked trails to minimize your impact on the delicate vegetation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit