Can you see grizzly bears?

Yes. Grizzly bears can sometimes be seen from the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola, and the possibility of seeing one is one of the distinctive features of the Whitehorn Mountain experience.

The lower slopes of Whitehorn Mountain are important grizzly bear habitat. During summer, bears may move through open ski runs, forest edges, and grassy slopes while feeding on vegetation and other seasonal foods. Because the gondola and chairlift carry visitors above this terrain, there are occasions when a bear can be observed safely from the lift.

The open-air chairlift can provide particularly unobstructed wildlife viewing, while the enclosed gondola provides greater protection from weather and may be more comfortable for families or visitors who dislike heights. In either case, look carefully at open grassy areas and along the edges of the forest.

Sightings are never guaranteed. These are completely wild bears that move throughout a large mountain habitat, not animals kept near the gondola. You could have an excellent sighting on one visit and see no bears at all on another.

If a grizzly is spotted, don't expect it necessarily to be close to the lift. Many sightings are at a distance, so binoculars can make a major difference. Wildlife staff may also be present during the summer and can provide information about recent activity.

Whitehorn Mountain's grizzly habitat is also one reason hiking access is carefully managed. Trails or areas can be temporarily restricted or closed when bears are nearby. If you're hiking after your gondola ride, always obey wildlife closures and posted instructions.

So while you shouldn't ride the gondola expecting a guaranteed grizzly sighting, the genuine possibility of watching a wild grizzly moving across Whitehorn Mountain is one of the things that makes the Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola different from many other sightseeing lifts in the Canadian Rockies. 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