Can I take photographs from the gondola?

Yes. You can take photographs from the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola, and photography is one of the highlights of the ride. You can photograph the surrounding mountains, forests, Bow Valley and, if you're fortunate, wildlife on the slopes of Whitehorn Mountain.

The enclosed gondola allows you to photograph through the cabin windows. It is comfortable and protected from wind and weather, although reflections and glare on the glass can sometimes affect photographs. Holding the camera close to the window and avoiding direct sunlight on the glass can help reduce reflections.

The open-air chairlift is especially good for photography because there is no window between you and the scenery. It provides unobstructed views of the mountainside and can be particularly useful for photographing wildlife below. However, you need to secure your camera or phone carefully because you're riding high above the ground.

For wildlife photography, a zoom or telephoto lens is useful. Bears and other animals are often some distance from the lift, and you should never expect or attempt to get close to them. Binoculars can also help you locate animals before photographing them.

Keep your camera ready during both the ride up and the ride down. Wildlife can appear unexpectedly, and the perspective changes significantly as you travel between the forested lower slopes and the more open upper mountain.

Once at the top, you'll have additional opportunities for landscape, wildlife and mountain photography from the sightseeing areas and hiking trails. On a clear day, the elevated views toward Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks can be spectacular.

For most visitors, a smartphone or regular camera is perfectly adequate. If photography is a major reason for your visit, however, the combination of a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife gives you considerably more flexibility. 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