Banff 
The Canadian Rockies, with its awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains and glaciers hanging on precipitous cliffs, make for a trip of a lifetime and the untouched beauty of the Rockies is best enjoyed through views from up above.
You can, of course, go on Helicopter tours, but not all of us can afford them. The next best option is a trip to the top on the gondolas/chairlifts in the Rockies to appreciate the raw beauty of shimmering lakes hugging deep valleys, and rugged landscapes. Once you are at the top, you can take as long as you like to enjoy the view.
In and around Banff Town
1. Mt Norquay
North American Chairlift & Sightseeing, Mt. Norquay
Ride up the North American chairlift (2-person open-air chair lift), to enjoy the stunning scenery and view of the mountain vistas. Once on top, stroll the viewing pathway to the lookout point, and take in the amazing view of Bow Valley, Sundance Range, Mount Rundle, Tunnel Mountain, and Banff. Watch wildlife like Mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk and grizzly bears.
For more excitement, make your way up the cliffs above the ski area assisted by a fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge. Enjoy the spectacular views and Big Horn Sheep grazing the sweet greenery en-route!
Open: Mid June to ~ Canadian Thanksgiving.
Approximate Cost:
Chairlift:
Adults (16+): $45.15
Child (6-15): $28.35
Via Ferrata: $194.25 to $388.50
2. Sunshine Meadows
Open: Early Summer to Mid Fall.
Approximate Cost: Hiking via Road- Free,
Gondola:
Adult (16+): $65
Senior (65+): $59
Family (2 Adults / 2 Youth): $159
Youth/Child (6-15): $32
3. Banff Gondola
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
Soar up an elevation of 2,281 metres to reach Sulphur Mountain and experience the views of Banff Town backdropped by six incredible mountain ranges. Stroll the short boardwalk that leads to the weather observatory (National Historic Site) on Sanson’s Peak and get rewarded with another breathtaking view.
Open: Year Round.
Approximate Cost:
Adult: $54 & up
Ages 6-15: $28 & up
Under 5: Free
Alberta locals after 5: $49
Lake Louise
4. Lake Louise Gondola
Cruise for fourteen glorious minutes in an open chair or a fully enclosed gondola to Mount Whitehorn and see Lake Louise at a distance, nestled like a jewel amongst the soaring mountain peaks. Lake Louise Gondola connects the southern slope of the Merlin Ridge of the Slate Range to Whitehorn Lodge on Mount Whitehorn through the ski lifts of Lake Louise Ski Resort.
This is one of the best spots to see Grizzly Bears in the Canadian Rockies. Take leisurely strolls around, appreciating nature or take the strenuous hike to the summit of Mount Whitehorn if you are up to it. (Unescorted hikes are permitted on the upper mountains, and take care to hike in groups of 4 or more during bear activity months.)
Open:
June to Thanksgiving
Approximate Cost:
Adult (18-64): $60
Senior: $49
Youth(13-17): $25
Child (6-12):$13
Icefields Parkway
5. Jasper Tramway
Travels to an elevation of 2,277 m on Canada’s highest and longest aerial tramway to reach Whistler Mountain. From there, Try to spot hoary marmots, the namesake of Whistler Mountain, Big Horn sheep, Ground Squirrels, Moose, Pikas, and White-tailed Ptarmigan as you explore the ~ 1.4 km treeless mountain trail to the Whistlers Summit.
Open: ~ Easter Weekend to Labour Day Weekend.
Approximate Cost:
Adults (16+ years) — $59.95
Youth (6-15 years) — $33.00
Child (Under 6 years) — FREE
Dog Ticket (per pet) — $9.00
6. Glacier SkyWalk
Photo Credit: Travel Alberta
Explore a cliff-edge walkway that leads to a glass-floored observation platform 280 m (918 ft) above the Sunwapta Valley surrounded by stunning alpine and glacial vistas in Icefields Parkway.
Open:
Mid April to Late October
Approximate Cost:
Adults (age 16+): $37 & up
Child (age 6-15): $24.50 & up
Infant (age 0-5): Free
You may like:
Free Places to Visit in Alberta
