Get High in Banff – No Hiking or Climbing Required

You don’t have to hike up a mountain to enjoy the views from above in Banff. We found plenty of ways to make our visit active, from walking the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk to exploring the Bow River on foot, and even tackling a via ferrata. But the best part is that you can choose how much activity to add. The Banff gondola, Mount Norquay chairlift and scenic viewpoints let you get high into the Canadian Rockies without a mountain climb.

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About Banff National Park

Banff National Park is in Alberta’s Canadian Rockies, roughly 80 miles (130 kilometers) west of Calgary. Calgary International Airport is a convenient gateway. Vancouver is much farther away, approximately 530 miles (850 kilometers) by road, making it a better starting point for a longer road trip.

Established in 1885, Banff is Canada’s oldest national park and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its more than 2,500 square miles contain forests, glaciers, alpine lakes, rivers and mountain valleys. The town of Banff sits inside the park, with hotels, restaurants and shops surrounded by peaks. With mountains in nearly every direction, there are plenty of ways to get above it all.

Banff Gondola – Ride Up, Walk Higher and Eat at the Summit

The Banff Gondola carries you up Sulphur Mountain to a summit complex with observation areas, interpretive exhibits and restaurants. We didn’t head straight for lunch. First, we walked the elevated boardwalk toward Sanson’s Peak, stopping to enjoy the mountain views along the way. Then we returned to eat at Sky Bistro. It was a pretty good combination: a walk with big views followed by a nice buffet meal.

The boardwalk is not a technical mountain hike, but it includes numerous stairs. You can also enjoy views from the summit complex without walking the entire route. Allow time for both the summit and your meal, rather than treating the gondola as a quick up-and-down ride.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff.
• Getting there: Drive, take a taxi or check Roam Transit Route 1 service to the gondola.
• Walking option: The Sulphur Mountain boardwalk is optional and includes stairs.
• Dining: Sky Bistro; check reservations, menus and operating hours before visiting.
• Tickets: Gondola prices vary depending on day and season. Kids under 5 years ride for free.

Website: Banff Gondola

Surprise Corner – A Classic Banff View

Surprise Corner is an elevated viewing platform offering one of Banff’s most recognizable scenes: the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs surrounded by forested alpine slopes, with the Bow River winding through the valley below.

You can reach Surprise Corner by sightseeing tour, car, bicycle or, my favorite, on foot.

For those who enjoy walking, I’ve created a four-mile round-trip route starting at Bow Falls Parking. The walk follows the Bow River, with several opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery, including a wooden boardwalk overlooking the river near Bow Falls. The route crosses the pedestrian bridge over the Bow River, then follows the Bow River Trail toward Surprise Corner, with another viewpoint near the road before reaching the main overlook.

Get the walking details on this post: Bow Falls to Surprise Corner – A Scenic 2.9 mile Walk in Banff

Plan Your Visit

• Location: Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff
• Access: Walking, biking, driving, taxi or sightseeing tour
• Parking: Limited parking near the viewpoint; Bow Falls Parking for the longer walking route
• Cost: Free
• Good to Know: Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms, particularly near the steep slopes above Bow Falls.
• Website: Town of Banff – Surprise Corner

Prefer a guided tour? Surprise Corner is a stop on some Banff sightseeing tours. During our bus tour, we visited the overlook as part of the itinerary. While it was just as lovely as when we visited by foot, I think walking along the river to the overlook was the more enjoyable option.

Fairmont Banff Springs – A View Worth Coming Back For

The Fairmont Banff Springs is a landmark in its own right, a grand historic hotel set above the Bow River. We stayed there, but you don’t need to be an overnight guest to appreciate the setting. We met people who weren’t hotel guests, yet kept coming back in the evenings because they loved the views over the river. That tells you something about the appeal of this place.

Consider exploring the hotel’s public spaces and enjoying a drink or meal in a venue with a view. Dining locations, terrace access and hours can vary, so check the current options and make reservations when appropriate. You can pair a visit with a walk along the Bow River or the route to Surprise Corner.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: 405 Spray Avenue, Banff.
• Active option: Walk along the Bow River and explore nearby paths before or after your meal.
• Dining: Check which restaurants or lounges welcome non-guests and whether reservations are needed.
• Access: You can arrive on foot, by taxi or by car; check parking arrangements in advance.

Website: Fairmont Banff Springs – Dining

Mount Norquay – An Open-Air Ride Above the Valley

Mount Norquay offers a very different ride from the Banff Gondola. Instead of an enclosed cabin, the sightseeing chairlift takes you up the mountainside in the open air, with views across the Bow Valley. It’s a memorable way to get some elevation without hiking up the mountain.

We didn’t stop at the chairlift ride. We continued on to a guided via ferrata, using fixed climbing equipment to make our way along the mountain. That was our choice for a more adventurous day, but you absolutely do not need to climb to enjoy the chairlift and its views. If you’re interested in the via ferrata, treat it as a separate activity with its own booking, fitness and safety requirements.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: Mount Norquay ski area, above the town of Banff.
• Experience: Seasonal sightseeing chairlift; confirm operating dates before planning.
• Optional extra: Guided via ferrata, booked separately and requiring appropriate physical ability.
• Dining: Check whether upper-mountain dining is operating during your visit.
• Transportation: Drive or check current shuttle and transportation options.

Website: Mount Norquay Summer Activities

Choose Your Banff Adventure

Want more walking? Add the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk to your Banff Gondola visit, or follow my approximately 3-mile Bow Falls-to-Surprise Corner AllTrails route. The boardwalk has many stairs, and the Surprise Corner walking routes include inclines that may be difficult for some.

Prefer less walking? Enjoy the gondola summit complex, take the Norquay chairlift or visit Surprise Corner by car, taxi or sightseeing tour. The guided via ferrata at Norquay is a separate, more demanding option.

No hiking required does not mean every optional walk is easy or step-free. Choose the experience that suits your comfort with stairs, hills and uneven surfaces, and check official accessibility information if mobility is a concern.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

• Banff is a national park. Check Parks Canada for entry pass requirements and current visitor information.
• Mountain weather can change quickly, even when it feels warm in town. Bring layers.
• Gondola, chairlift, dining and via ferrata schedules can vary by season and weather. Confirm before you go.
• Parking can be limited at popular attractions. Walking and local transit can make the day easier.

Website: Parks Canada – Banff National Park

Website: Roam Transit

Where to Get High in Banff

We enjoyed two organized tours while in Banff:

• Banff Gondola and Lake Minnewanka Tour
• Mount Norquay Open-Air Chair Lift and Via Ferrata. Tickets are available Summer and Fall only.

Explore More

You don’t have to climb a mountain to appreciate the view from above. In Banff, you can choose a chairlift or gondola, add a scenic walk, settle in for a meal or turn the day into a climbing adventure. For more trails, city walks and memorable experiences, explore the adventure and travel ideas below: