Can I hike from the top?

Yes. Hiking is one of the main summer activities at the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola. After riding up Whitehorn Mountain, you can explore a network of hiking and interpretive trails rather than simply enjoying the views and riding straight back down.

The upper mountain has options ranging from short, relatively easy walks to longer and more demanding hikes. This makes it possible to add as little or as much hiking as you want to the gondola experience. If your main interest is sightseeing, you can take a short walk near the upper area and viewpoints. More active visitors can spend several hours exploring the mountain.

One of the advantages of hiking here is that the gondola does much of the elevation gain for you. Instead of beginning in the valley and climbing the entire mountain, you start your hike at a considerably higher elevation. You can therefore reach open mountainside viewpoints, alpine and subalpine terrain, wildflower areas, and expansive views across the Bow Valley relatively quickly.

The scenery is particularly impressive. Depending on the trail and conditions, you can look across toward Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, Mount Victoria and the surrounding peaks, while other viewpoints overlook forests and mountains stretching along the Bow Valley.

Whitehorn Mountain is also well known for wildlife viewing, particularly grizzly bears. The Lake Louise area contains important grizzly habitat, and bears occasionally travel near the sightseeing and hiking areas. Other wildlife can include black bears, marmots, ground squirrels, deer and a variety of mountain birds.

Because of the wildlife, hikers should follow all posted warnings and trail restrictions. Some trails may require hikers to travel in groups or may temporarily close because of bear activity. Never approach wildlife, even if an animal appears calm.

Mountain weather is another consideration. Conditions at the upper mountain can be significantly cooler, windier and wetter than at Lake Louise Village. Bring a jacket or additional layer even on warm summer days, along with water, sun protection and supportive footwear.

If you aren't interested in serious hiking, you can still enjoy the gondola. You don't have to hike to make the trip worthwhile. The ride, elevated viewpoints, wildlife-viewing opportunities and mountain atmosphere can make the experience enjoyable on their own.

For hikers, however, taking the gondola up and then exploring Whitehorn Mountain can turn what might otherwise be a two- or three-hour sightseeing visit into a half-day mountain adventure. Book the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish ChairliftBooking the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish Chairlift Admission includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home