Disclaimer: We didn’t actually climb this mountain as the title implies. I think my 5 year old twins would complain just a little too much for my liking and patience. Instead, we had a little {fun} help climbing this mountain!
On our family trip to Banff National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, we did what we always do when in the town of Banff – take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain! No matter how many times we have done this over the years, it’s one attraction that never gets old.
The exhilaration as you climb higher and higher. The amazing views of mountains, trees, lakes, rivers … it’s all very overwhelming. One of the most popular things to do in Banff, the Banff Gondola attracts visitors from all over the world.
Adults aside, it’s the expressions and reactions from the kids that I always enjoy most. We took the twins up the Gondola when they were babies, to toddler and now as Kindergarteners. At this age, it’s like a whole new experience each time. A little lit of ‘OMG!’ looks and a whole lot of “Weeeee”, the smiles it brings is totally worth it. Families must climb when traveling to Banff.
Once you are at the top and you get a 360° view of the entire area. It’s astounding!
The last time we stood atop Sulphur Mountain, it was very cold and windy {early May}, yet we really lucked in with the weather on this trip. One of the hottest days of the year, there was no wind and it was incredibly warm. So, while we did wear our lightest jackets preparing for some chill, they were not needed at all. It was a clear and sunny day, no obstruction with the view beyond. Incredible!
We walked all around, studying every angle and taking in the beauty. It’s something that will take your breath away and make you really appreciate life. Plus, so peaceful and serene, you feel the stress of life slip away. A much needed slow of life.
The girls made a little friend, to which they aptly named ‘Brittany’ after one of the Chipettes. It came right up to them, probably used to tourists feeding them often.
Little fun fact: what animal found in the Canadian Rocky Mountains causes the most trips to the hospital emergency room annually? Squirrels, people! Don’t feed them, they bite! So, little Brittany was sad to find that we had no food. Yet the girls liked to see her{?} up close on the top of a mountain!
Once again proving to be an incredible family trip ‘mountain climbing’. Until next time, Sulphur Mountain, take care!
** For pricing and more information on the Banff Gondola, please visit the Explore Rockies website. It’s THE site for all the great attractions and activities for this tour and for other family-friendly things to do in the Banff area.
My family received complimentary Gondola passes to facilitate this travel article. All opinions are 100% our own.
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Chandra Christine O'Connor says
08/18/2013 at 8:09 amI’d be alittle scared on that. your girls are so cute and your oldest really is a mini you.
Soozle says
08/18/2013 at 8:47 amI have been to that exact spot and it is STUNNING! It can be a little scary getting up there – but so worth it!
Glad to hear you and the fam have had a great trip! 😀
Stacie says
08/18/2013 at 8:59 amGorgeous scenery! I was in Banff about 10 years ago and it was beautiful. I’m scared of heights, but I think a ride like that would be worth it for the views.
Tiffany C. (Fabulous Mom Blog) says
08/18/2013 at 8:59 amWhat a beautiful place, the views are breathtaking.
Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens says
08/18/2013 at 9:04 amI haven’t been to Banff yet, but would really love to go! Your photos look amazing and my children would absolutely LOVE “climbing the mountain!” Plus, the squirrel is too adorable!
Victoria Ess says
08/18/2013 at 9:25 amI laughed out loud at your disclaimer, but I would have been surprised and impressed indeed to read that you ladies managed the climb without the help! They got so close to the squirrel!
Anne Taylor says
08/18/2013 at 9:57 amI love Banff! We’ve been there (driven through and had lunch) a few times; we really need to take the Gondola trip next time!
Brenda Roy says
08/18/2013 at 10:07 amwonderful post on a fantastic experience
Rebecca says
08/18/2013 at 10:58 amGorgeous views!
Judy C says
08/18/2013 at 10:58 amLooks like a great ride to take. Great pictures!
Haylie Langwald says
08/18/2013 at 11:12 amWe’ve been to Banff and the gondola up Sulphur mountain is out favorite thing to do, so beautiful!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:28 amIt is!! We can’t NOT go on a trip to Banff!
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
08/18/2013 at 11:30 amWhat a fantastic view. IT looks like it would be a tough hike for the little kiddos for sure.
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:29 amIt would have, yet someday we want to tackle it!
Michelle says
08/18/2013 at 11:43 amI have never done that ,I should change that soon…great pictures
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:29 amOh you need to Michelle!
Autumn R says
08/18/2013 at 11:45 amWow! Gorgeous veiw AND gorgeous kids!! 🙂 That’s somthing I haven’t done yet….and I am from BC! Think I shall add it to my bucket list now! Ty <3
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:30 amThank you so much!! 🙂
Add it to the top!!!
Crystal Hunter says
08/18/2013 at 11:45 amid be freaked out but what great fun for the kids
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:30 amI get a little nervous on the ride up, but it’s worth it!
Bonnie says
08/18/2013 at 12:01 pmI’ve been on one of those gondolas before and it is very scary being up so high. Not a fan of heights.
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:30 amI seem to be getting worse and worse with age when it comes to that!
kelly says
08/18/2013 at 12:05 pmLooks awesome and a lot of fun.
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:31 amIt was a fantastic time!
Melissa M says
08/18/2013 at 12:08 pmMy hubs and I are planning a trip there next spring. What a great read, awesome post!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:31 amOh, great timing then – more posts to come! Let me know if you have any questions!
Stefani says
08/18/2013 at 12:09 pmWhat great pictures you got. That looks like a pretty cool gondola too! I like that it is enclosed like it is. Looks like a great experience with some good memories!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:32 amI’m happy I took some decent pictures through the plexiglass!
Doris Calvert says
08/18/2013 at 12:12 pmI love going up there the view is so incredible, Banff and Jasper are my favorite places in the world (from where I have been)
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:32 amAhhh, agreed!!!
Melanie says
08/18/2013 at 12:46 pmAmazing shots!! Wonderful memories for all~
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:32 amThanks Melanie!!
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel says
08/18/2013 at 12:51 pmWhat stunning photos! I’ve always wanted to go to Banff. I’ve never been to Alberta and never been into the Rockies. Not too sure about the Gondola ride – looks fantastic but I am afraid of heights. I’m sure my hubby and my boys would love it though.
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:33 amI think you might be fine if you look to the distance, just don’t look up or down! lol
Jennifer Wagner says
08/18/2013 at 12:59 pmOur family trip to the Canadian Rockies was one of my favorite. We loved Banff. And even though I was petrified on the Gondola, I loved being all the way on top. I remember how cold it was up there even though it was summer and we all got hot chocolate. What a great place.
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:33 amTotally worth it right? So you know what I mean when I say that it was oddly warm up there! Usually it’s very cold!
Danielle says
08/18/2013 at 1:14 pmWhat gorgeous views! I’ve never been to Canada yet but plan on taking the family there soon.
Jenny says
08/18/2013 at 1:21 pmbeautiful pictures
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:33 amThanks Jenny!
caryn s says
08/18/2013 at 1:50 pmI love banff and going up sulphur mountain! I am determined to take my kids this year as i think they will love it!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:33 amKids are crazy for this gondola, I think you should!
Sharlene says
08/18/2013 at 1:54 pmWould love to visit – have never been anywhere west of Ontario…
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:34 amOh no – there’s some real beauty out West! Hoping you can make the trip one day!
Tara Willoughby says
08/18/2013 at 9:56 pmI so miss the rockies, these pictures make me want to go back home (grew up in Edmonton)
Enjoy every minute of it.
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:34 amNice to meet a former local!
🙂
mongupp says
08/19/2013 at 7:26 amAbsolutely beautiful! God’s creation is simply stunning! My girls would have loved Brittany too!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 7:34 amHa, their little friend!
Jaime Brown says
08/19/2013 at 8:07 amI don’t think I could do that, I am so scared of hights. You are very brave.
Very beautiful pics, and your girls are so cute. My girls are 18 and 16, time just flies by, so enjoy every minute with your girls, even the hard ones, I miss my girls being little, thank you:)
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:50 pmThank You Jaime! You might be able to, I have a slight fear of heights and I was alright!
🙂
Vicki Hill says
08/19/2013 at 9:20 amI’ve been there. A looong time ago. It is so beautiful!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:51 pmTime for another visit Vicki?
🙂
Brandice says
08/19/2013 at 9:33 amLove Banff!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:51 pmMe too Brandice, LOVE it there!!
Ann says
08/19/2013 at 9:40 amI love those kind of tram rides. Recently, I was able to ride the one in Albuquerque–it goes up over 10,000 feet; so you get some spectacular views up there. Kinda like the ones you have from your trip. I love doing things like that!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:51 pmWow, that would be quite the adventure!!
Cheryl says
08/19/2013 at 10:37 amLovely photos! Thank you for sharing!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:52 pmThank you Cheryl!!
Amy H says
08/19/2013 at 10:43 amWow what great pictures!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:52 pmThanks Amy!
Alana says
08/19/2013 at 10:43 amI love Banff and seeing these beautiful photos just entices me to go back.
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:52 pmAhhh, it’s enticing isn’t it? You’ll just have to plan a stay soon!
🙂
Ashley says
08/19/2013 at 10:46 amThat looks amazing !! I love being adventurous and would love to experience something like that !
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:53 pmI’m certain you would have a fantastic time Ashley!
MrsAntanaitis says
08/19/2013 at 11:03 amwow what a stunning view I may have to see it myself one day
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:53 pmBetter put it on the must-see list!!
Crystal Mac Donald says
08/19/2013 at 11:19 amI have taken my daughter up the gondola and she loved it .. we got some awesome pictures and it was awesome seeing her eyes get soo big as she looked out to see how high we were 🙂
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:54 pmIsn’t that the best?! Seeing their eyes light up over a new experience like this? My kids ADORE doing this when in Banff!
Roxanne Bugden says
08/19/2013 at 11:20 amLooks like an awesome spot!
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:54 pmSimply amazing. It’s a gorgeous part of the country!
Barbie Squires says
08/19/2013 at 12:28 pmBreath taking, so incredibly beautiful !
Tammi says
08/19/2013 at 12:55 pmI so agree Barbie, the beauty literally surrounds you!
Dawn says
08/19/2013 at 1:22 pmI live on the other side of the Rockies in BC, The mountains are home, and there is no place like home. love the pics of your prncessess
Harvinderks says
08/19/2013 at 1:23 pmBeen to Banff years ago. Breath taking and beautiful.
michelle gray says
08/19/2013 at 1:24 pmThis would scare me to death but it so beautiful
Kaitlin Deroo says
08/19/2013 at 2:03 pmAbsolutely gorgeous photos!! I would love to go to Banff. Sounds like you all had a great time 🙂
sarah sar says
08/19/2013 at 2:41 pmstunning scenery but I think i would faint on the gondola. I’m usually not scared of heights but for this, I don’t think I’d make it! lol
Amanda Weatherby says
08/19/2013 at 3:04 pmIt would look so beautiful going up the mountain!!!!!!!!!
Tasha says
08/19/2013 at 10:41 pmBeautiful photos! Two years ago was my first time at the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. The view was spectacular but oh my was going up and coming down SCARY! LMAO! I would love to go again though just for the experience 🙂
Deb Dorrington says
08/20/2013 at 7:24 amWe did the same trip a few years ago and too the Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. I was a bit afraid because I don’t like heights but Hubs and the kids just loved the whole experience. Never have I seen such views, absolutely stunning and you’re right the expressions on the kids’ faces was so worth the trip.
Crissy says
08/20/2013 at 7:28 amOkay, so, that looks breathtakingly beautiful but you could not have gotten me in that thing even with a narcotic involved LOL. I would have been on the floor in the middle crying and saying “is it over yet?”
Wish I wasn’t such a baby, looks awesome!!!
Julia says
08/20/2013 at 7:27 pmEvery trip I have made to Banff and up that Gondola I have wished I had hiked up. When I get home I will!
Ira says
08/21/2013 at 3:10 pmI love views like this, it’s exhilarating. And the color of the river is amazing.
Jenny says
08/26/2013 at 10:49 pmNice! I would love to visit that mountain ! It looks gorgeous there!
[email protected] says
10/03/2013 at 12:07 pmI’ve always wanted to go to Banff. Especially after these adorable photos!
Dan says
10/24/2013 at 8:50 pmI was just as excited if not more when I saw my first squirrel.Didn’t know they were so vicious so thanks for the heads up!!
Annie says
11/06/2013 at 6:29 pmWonderful pictures! I would love to ride in that
Teresa S. says
05/01/2014 at 6:18 amWhen I was young, my brothers both lived in Calgary. Mom and I went to visit them when I was about ten years old and it’s a trip I’ve never forgotten. I’d love to take my family to Banff! It looks like I walked the same path that you have and even have some of the same photos. Ah, maybe we’ll make it there one day soon.
Sara Chukoian @Green Global Travel says
05/08/2014 at 1:44 pmLooks like a great time! I love the outdoors, so I am green with envy that I have yet to do this. Great post, thank you for sharing!
-Sara
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